Recommendations For First Ferrari - V12

There was a very similar thread here last week which might give some initial guidance then try some of the different model specific forums here to get additional info

https://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/threads/buyers-guide-question-v12-ferrari.673728/#post-149043466

 

Either old school 550 or F12…..the others are just so damn ugly, couldn’t give me one

 

Narrowing down from your options. If you want a 2 seater then F12, 4 seater FF or Lusso. Nothing practical about a Ferrari V12, but pure opulence whatever car you choose

 

I agree with something like 550 or F12. F12 might be a little tough on the budget. FF can be very good but not as classically beautiful- however more daily usable. The long wheelbase of the FF will really give you a nice highway ride. F12 more sports car. 550 really nice GT with a stick shift.

PS once you have a V12 Ferrari, you will never let it go.


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I would say F12 but that will be more expensive so if you’ve wanted the 550 I would just look that route. I wouldn’t recommend one of the hatchbacks unless you’ve already had a ferrari before and know you specifically want a hatchback. I don’t really understand cross-shopping coupes with 4 seater hatchbacks just because they both have v12. Yes they’re both v12’s but aside from that they’re quite different.

 

And nothing at all wrong with that. What I was saying is when it comes to your first Ferrari you have to seriously decide what your priority is and what your main interest in buying it is. It’s easy to get sidetracked saying “this would be nice too” or “oh I could do that also”. Remember too with the FF and Lusso you’ll have to be prepared for any PTU issues. In that regard a 550 is more likely something that could be serviced by an independent.

 

Personally I would also consider the hugely underrated 599 - for me it's a very compelling proposition, between the now aged (but classic, which is the other side of the same status) 550 and the still rather modern F12.
The 599 could be used as a modern car, but it already feels different - whereas the 550 may be too old to be as dependable, and the F12 too modern to be as special.

 

I agree with all of this, whatever you do stay away from the FF. The PTU is a $50,000 bomb waiting to go off.

 

Buy the best 612 OTO you can find.
You will not regret it!

 

I would consider the 550 if having a manual is a main criteria. It's fun but now feels like a car from that mid-90s era, for better and for worse.

FF/Lusso if you really, really need the rear seats and AWD. Which some people choose for kids or weather.

If you try an F12, you're going to want that. Just so much more power and wild feeling. I tell people with easy throttle it can tootle and be a pleasant daily, but when you push the car it is like riding a mostly-tamed dragon. Several exhaust options to get an F1 scream. Asking prices are higher - cars.com showing $229k for higher miles - but I don't know what they're really trading hands at these days.

 

If you can stretch for an F12 I would highly recommend it

 

Hope to see you posting over on the 456/550/575 forums!

 

The wait to August would drive me crazy…!

 

Garage queen alert ! Could be a fabulous 3000 mile trip to learn about your new purchase.....

 

Congratulations, but I would suggest that you drive it NOW from CA through Utah to Denver and then ship it from there to SC (you can make it Denver to the coast in two more days if you want).

I did it the other way from ATL to LV - the drive from Denver to Southern Utah in a V12 was automotive nirvana:

https://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/posts/147370757/
https://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/threads/taking-the-f12-plunge.626661/#post-147370758

 

Flying Mirror TR. If you are going to do it, do it.

Recent BaT sale for pics:
https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1986-ferrari-testarossa-25/

Edit:
Sorry, saw you purchased 550. Enjoy!

 

575 is worth a look.