1999 Ferrari 456 M GTA from Italy - Comments

what is it with you people? how can a person, that admires cars like ferrari's even consider buying one with automatic transmission. these cars are not your grandparents suv's or something... these are cars engineered with years of experience in racing championships. it's just against their nature to drive them "automatic".

If you're stuck in traffic jams every day and tired of switching gears all the time, you simply don't need a ferrari.

It's a sports car for crying out loud.

This is the one thing I will never understand about americans.

Review makes a biased generalization about America. What about the car? Pretty cerebral uninformed review from a true enthusiast!

I have owned a 456GT for the last 18 months. Previous to this I had a 355 Spyder which I sold because I wasn't using it enough, mainly because I couldn't get the wife & kids in it. So the 456 solves this problem, and it is without doubt the prettiest Ferrari that you can, but for sensible money. On the reliability/drive-ability side, it's not a go-cart like the 355 but more a grown-up GT for the "older gentleman". It handles well enough (not quite as precise as a 355 or a 550, but the balance is good). I have had a few minor problems with window regulators and exhaust ECU's, but nothing too scary. If you want to run a Ferrari, you need to a) use it regularly, b) have it properly serviced, c) take it on long journeys every so often (they get a bit choked-up dollying around town all the time), and d) make sure you can afford it. This is key. You need to budget about £2k per year excluding insurance. Some years it may only cost you £500 or so, but there will come the year when you need cam-belts, new tyres or clutch, and the bill can be £2k. Don't whatever you do buy one if you can't afford this as you will not enjoy the experience. If you can afford it however, do it now. You definitely won't regret it.

I own a 456 GT with 40,000 miles. The car has many minor problems, which are quite common on these cars. For instance, the doors are too heavy for the checks straps. Which results in the door opening too wide and pushing a dent in the door.

The interior isn't put together too well and although the ride is quite soft you do feel any imperfections on the road surface and a lot of the trim inside does rattle. Another little quirk is, when you fold the front seats to let passengers in the back motors push the seats forward to enable the passengers ease, then return, but don't stop and unless you touch the contol in any direction continue to crush the unsuspecting passengers legs, which if it's a couple of birds you've picked up can be quite embarressing.

However when you turn the key, the wur of the starter motor sounds like no other car then it fires,a bit metallic on tick-over. give it a little blip on the throttle and try not to grin. Select first gear firmly pull away try second if not you will get third and even at 900 revs pulls like a very smooth train.

Once warm forget first gear, second needs respect 3/4 throttle pulls well from 2000 rpm get to 5000 and traction could be compromised even in the dry. third full throttle up to 7000 revs and unless you have perfect conditions you will still get wheel spin. your well into ban teritory with three more gears to go.

These cars are magnifecent!

Can anyone answer the questions posted earlier, ie can running costs be extortionate, eg gearbox 30k. I've also read in press engine 60k!!. This together with 8mpg scares me a little. Has there been a 456 owner that has had any of these stupendous bills or is it scare tactics from snobs who don't want people like me to buy these superb cars.

Also some sensible comments on whether an MGTA as opposed to an MGT is a sufficient compromise as there are so few MGT's about at sensible prices.

Please people in Ferrari dealership or experienced owners to comment as I seriously want to buy one of these most gorgeous machines ever made and am researching as much as possible before selling the wife!!!

Thank you in anticipation.

I have a 456 '96 and have owned it for a year. Unless you get a peach, then assume £3-4k to get it right. Minor services £500 through to major and cam belt hit £2.5k. Assume 15mph and look to First Alternative (UK) for insurance.

I have a 1999 456mGTA that I purchased in mid 2003. At that time the car had 4500 miles on it. The purchase price was about 40% of the new car price. It is probably depreciating, but for sure not like the 60% over the first 3.5 years! The car had been, and still is, serviced by Ferrari of Houston. I had a few problems with the car, mainly minor electronics, until recently. The problem was that a pulley that is attached to the front of the crankshaft became detached from the crankshaft. Not completely, just loose so it would slip and move slightly back and forth on the end of the crankshaft. This pulley was vulcanized to the crankshaft, if you can imagine that. This resulted in tearing up the belts that drive the fan, alternator, etc. The cost of this repair was $3,500.00. While the car was in the shop I had the timing belts replaced and the 15K service, at a cost of approx $9,500.00. I hope I am good for the next 4 years as far as belts are concerned.

Today the car has 12,000 miles on it. Mainly to and from my office and out to dinner/night club in the evenings. No long road trips. I drive the car on nice days, but occasionally get caught in the rain.

Problems: The windows do not seal real well, but no too much of a leak problem. The rubber parts on the interior, like air conditioning vents, the ashtray cover, around the steering column, are deteriorating. They are now at the point of feeling sticky and some black comes off on your finger tips when you touch them. I had the same problem with my 1989 348TS. You would think Ferrari would learn how to make a rubber part, especially after 10 years of the rubber deteriorating on earlier models. Quite an irritation so I will probably have to replace those rubber parts one of these days. Ferrari North America says "don't put Armor-all on the rubber parts". Pretty lame excuse as my car never had anything of the sort on the rubber, and when removed, the back, unexposed side of every part was just as bad as the front (exposed) side.

Rock made a crack in my windshield. I found a chip repair guy that fixed it pretty well, and is almost invisible. Of course, you can't find a replacement Ferrari windshield except from the dealer. Replacement cost, with gasket, trim, labor and glass $4,000.00.

Impressions: I get compliments all the time about what a beautiful car it is. Mine is black on black, with Tubi exhaust. It sounds pretty good. I like the way it looks. If you think Ferrari should only be stick shift, you will be disappointed to know that standard shift and clutches will be a thing of the past for new Ferraris. Paddle shift/ automatic technology makes clutches obsolete. Sure, I will miss the gated shifter. The same way I miss timing lights and distributor points. Ferrari is sort of a non-car, so don't expect it to be up to par as far as reliability and care free driving with Porsche or BMW. You can say what you like about Porsche and BMW, but when the valet puts those cars out in the parking lot, you can be sure your Ferrari will be parked beside the front door.

Thank you for the last story, I'm considering changing my 355GTS for a 456 here in the UK - as approaching 45 and want something a bit less like a go-kart and slightly more relaxing to drive (but no auto!). Appreciate your comments on the costs - however just having spent £2,800 sterling last night on a failed scavenger oil pump (they have 6 gears and are only available at £6,000 as a complete assembly - so find a good 2nd market support garage who can strip them down and refurb! I can recommend one here in London) and other sundries - any car driven hard can suffer. I do about 15,000 miles a year - the 355 has stood up to it better than I dared dream (had six 911's before doing over 100,000 miles in each so they set the benchmark), most of it across the Cotswolds and M4, so am really curious on whether the "lazy V12" can cope as well, brakes wear bad etc?

I've a Tubi exhaust on the 355 which makes the hair on ones head stand up as it snarls and wails, echoing across hills and valleys, does the exhaust on a 456 make you grin every morning at 6am? My dog recognises the sound now - so will ignore any other cars passing the house, but wakes up and barks for the Ferrari when I arrive home at night - would be a shame to waste such a cool trick for a less recognisable burble!

I accept the cost of running Ferrari's - but do expect them to start every day (I had a 348TS which was a DOG! - if you are in that market - always spend the extra on a 355 - otherwise you spend a year cursing yourself and not having any value in saving the £8k difference)

Previous comments on the wheel size are interesting - I agree the standard just look too small, and have seen one with the 550 wheels - they seem to fill out the gaps - does anyone have any other comments on price of these? Handling effects, Bearing wear issues etc?

Regards - David.

I love the simplistic shape of the 456. If you have seen older touring Ferraris, you may notice that they share more of that theme. Look at the 412, while it is more spacious interior wise, it doesn’t have the same elegance of the 456. Though, I have never seen a Ferrari that didn’t capture my attention. I figure it just is some ones preference if they like it or not. I am not biased to one type of car or another as far as what is superior. I do know that the older Vettes are not as reliable as the new ones. The new Z06 is more of a round town driver than most Ferraris. However, I know of many people who love to use their exotic touring cars and sports cars regularly. You just need to make sure you aren’t abusive to the vehicle. Not only will it cost you, but you can also find yourself in a heap of trouble as well. Read articles written on the car you want. See what the test drivers recommend as well. Experience speaks volumes. I never imagined when Ferrari started his company that he intended for them to be daily drivers. He meant for them to be powerful and reliable cars if you knew how to take care of them.

Actually, initially Enzo didn't care how the cars were used because the only reason he started making street cars was to finance his racing endeavors. Quality was secondary to image, and not every Ferrari was the best of its field, and some were quite mediocre.

While the 465 is one of the best looking and "practical" Ferraris ever, I remember reading Car and Driver when they took a NEW one through the southwest. All sorts of electrical failures popped up, including headlights that would open and close at will.

Any major difference between 456GT 1997-1999? The 97 recall records show suspension problems? can anyone confirm?

I am the very proud owner of a 2000 456 MG TA in Titanium with a Black interior with White stitching. It is clearly one of the most handsome cars on the road. It does not possess the handling ability of more agile Ferrari models, but as a touring sedan, it is unsurpassed. I have enjoyed considerable fortune with this vehicle. In the two years that I have owned it, it has required absolutely no servicing of any kind. With 14,000 miles traveled all it is in need of are new tires. The fan belts and timing were taken care of by Ferrari of Seattle just before I purchased it. I also bought the extended warranty, which I have not needed, but has provided considerable peace of mind. Like many of you, I have an "every day driver" which does most of the heavy lifting. I take the 456 out on clear sunny days here in South Florida (which are plentiful) and for the occasional dinner out with the wife. I have owned Porsche's in all sizes and colors, but nothing gets respect on the road like this 400hp sedan.

I recommend this model to all.

I have a ferrari 456GTA and have owned it since new in 1998. I have it serviced once a year by Ferrari. I also own a range rover. I have had no problems whatsoever with the Ferrari, and I will never by a Range Rover ever again even with a 95% discount!

The 456 GTA is fabulous in every respect as far as I am concerned. Sure it is not as nippy as a two seater, but, it is not two seater, and compared to porsche and aston 2+2's, it is as quick and nimble and then some.

Price wise, I think at the moment it is the bargain of the century. Where else can you get that reliability, that pedigree and that style for so little.

I will never be selling mine, and my son will end up with it when he needs a 2+2!

I am considering buying a 53 plate 456GTA M. I have seen wide ranging estimates for annual servicing costs on various websites. Can you comment on this from your experience, pls? I also understand there is substantial difference in servicing costs for franchised dealer vs independents...?

Likewise, do you have any recommendation re insurance?

Thanks.

I am thinking of buying a 456M GT. I have seen one which I like. The mileage is a bit high, but I am OK with that. The problem is that it has electric "Daytona" leather seats, which are more like racing seats and not comfy and sophisticated seats you see in most of the 456s. Does anyone know if these electric "Daytona" leather seats could have been part of the options for the original buyer or that it is more likely that the original seats have been replaced? If the latter then what could be the reason? Also, has anyone tried both types of seats – how do they compare for comfort?

Thanks.