Discussion
I'm thinking of swapping my 996TT for a 550, seems I can do that deal for pretty much no money changing hands but I had a few questions about the 550s practicality vs the Turbo which I wondered if any previous / current 550 owners could give mae a bit of guidance on:
-How is the 550 as a daily driver? I live in London and drive to work every day, how does it cope with being stationary in traffic and with the all pervading speed hump?
-Are there any common faults on a 550 that I should look out for, I heard there were problems with the gearbox which show up as stiffness changing from 2nd to 3rd, and some oil leak problems, has anyone had first hand knowledge of these or any others such as rust?
-Are there any "problem" cars out there which anyone is aware of, which have been thrashed, clocked etc (like the Gumball GT2!)
-Any other general issues which I should be aware of?
I've done a search which highlights a few things, but would appreciate any input regarding the whole ownership experience, I've had a Ferrari (355 spider) before and not had any major problems. But would like some first hand info. Many thanks in advance guys.
-How is the 550 as a daily driver? I live in London and drive to work every day, how does it cope with being stationary in traffic and with the all pervading speed hump?
-Are there any common faults on a 550 that I should look out for, I heard there were problems with the gearbox which show up as stiffness changing from 2nd to 3rd, and some oil leak problems, has anyone had first hand knowledge of these or any others such as rust?
-Are there any "problem" cars out there which anyone is aware of, which have been thrashed, clocked etc (like the Gumball GT2!)
-Any other general issues which I should be aware of?
I've done a search which highlights a few things, but would appreciate any input regarding the whole ownership experience, I've had a Ferrari (355 spider) before and not had any major problems. But would like some first hand info. Many thanks in advance guys.
I've had a 550 now for a year, and it gets used a lot. It is by far and away the best car i have ever owned. Still makes me smile every time i drive it.
It has just come this week from it's annual service and apart from a loose hose, and a fuse for the cigarette lighter nothing else needed touching.
I would recommend a tubi and the X pipes for a bit more sound as naturally they are very quiet. Even then the noise is nothing like my tubi'd 355!
I had the wheel alignment checked as felt a little unstable at higher speeds and this cured that issue.
Had no issues with overheating when stuck in traffic jams, and gearbox is fine although like the 355 needs the oil to warm up to be at its best
Stereo quality is not fantastic - but ok when windows are up.
I've had nothing but positive comments and no boy racers trying their luck which you tend to get more of with the 355.
All in all so far it's been a superb car and in my eyes it's going to become somewhat of a classic. As such like the 355 i never plan to sell it.
As an aside i'm just starting to look for a 996 turbo now as they seem to get nothing but positive reviews...just got to convince the wife!
Anything else I can do to help please say.
It has just come this week from it's annual service and apart from a loose hose, and a fuse for the cigarette lighter nothing else needed touching.
I would recommend a tubi and the X pipes for a bit more sound as naturally they are very quiet. Even then the noise is nothing like my tubi'd 355!
I had the wheel alignment checked as felt a little unstable at higher speeds and this cured that issue.
Had no issues with overheating when stuck in traffic jams, and gearbox is fine although like the 355 needs the oil to warm up to be at its best
Stereo quality is not fantastic - but ok when windows are up.
I've had nothing but positive comments and no boy racers trying their luck which you tend to get more of with the 355.
All in all so far it's been a superb car and in my eyes it's going to become somewhat of a classic. As such like the 355 i never plan to sell it.
As an aside i'm just starting to look for a 996 turbo now as they seem to get nothing but positive reviews...just got to convince the wife!
Anything else I can do to help please say.
www.pistonheads.co.uk/gassing/topic.asp?t=364691&f=63&h=0
As with most cars, there is a long list niggles, but nothing that would ever put you off owning one. My advice is go for it. See my link above.
nioks
As with most cars, there is a long list niggles, but nothing that would ever put you off owning one. My advice is go for it. See my link above.
nioks
There were only 5 questions there 
Regarding speed bumps, I know a chap in Belfast who has some large speed bumps in his street and had no problems with getting his 550 over them. Unfortunately the same cannot be said for his F40 which he had to get rid of (the proceeds of which went into a 360CS and 355 Spyder)
Regarding speed bumps, I know a chap in Belfast who has some large speed bumps in his street and had no problems with getting his 550 over them. Unfortunately the same cannot be said for his F40 which he had to get rid of (the proceeds of which went into a 360CS and 355 Spyder)
Test driving a 2000 550 in TDF Blue tomorrow at the Ferrari Centre in Maidstone. Anyone dealt with them before?
[url]www.theferraricentre.com/enter_frameset.htm[/url]
[url]www.theferraricentre.com/enter_frameset.htm[/url]
tifosi said:
-Any other general issues which I should be aware of?
Not an owner, but somebody with an open mind and a foot in both camps, who went along by invitation to test drive the (then) new 550M. Could have been persuaded to buy into this car following the reviews, but found the performance disappointing. That wouldn't change with years of ownership. No sale. I realise that will identify me as a heretic but such is individual preference
Blow Dog said:
Can't remember much else!
Maybe your year can help with questions arising from my mere 45 minutes, possibly of interest to the OP as well. Like most Ferraris the car itself, exterior and interior, is more of an event to get in and drive. How well do these advantages hold over time if the car is actually used more than transported? Does it age well? On straights the 550 I drove felt skittish, and it wasn't as planted as a 911T or 911TT in corners, particular exits. Was I suffering from premature adjudication? Braking felt secure but the weight was evident, do owners live with this or e.g. look for alternative pads? Thanks in advance.
turbobloke said:
Blow Dog said:
Can't remember much else!
Maybe your year can help with questions arising from my mere 45 minutes, possibly of interest to the OP as well. Like most Ferraris the car itself, exterior and interior, is more of an event to get in and drive. How well do these advantages hold over time if the car is actually used more than transported? Does it age well? On straights the 550 I drove felt skittish, and it wasn't as planted as a 911T or 911TT in corners, particular exits. Was I suffering from premature adjudication? Braking felt secure but the weight was evident, do owners live with this or e.g. look for alternative pads? Thanks in advance.
I might be able to help here. Have a '97 which is used as a daily commuter in a hot climate (30C in winter, currently hovering close to 40C). So far no overheating issues, although I do tend to worry when my car sits idling in heavy traffic (temp needle tends to creep unlike my 911).
So far had it about 7 months, lots of interior trim niggles (switches are made of lego, dashboard leather is shrinking in the heat, and bits of trim keep peeling), but mechanically no issues. At least not yet.
Fourth to fifth gear tends to graunch when started from cold, but no issues if shift action is slow and precise in the first few minutes. Ferrari may advise you to completely replace the gearbox if this happens (they would, wouldn't they), but I have a good Ferrari tech who solves all my problems with thoughtful analysis. I would recommend you find the same, especially with an older car. I know some owners have solved graunching issues with minor gearbox overhauls for a fraction of the cost of replacement.
I have a GT3 as a track car, and they are chalk and cheese. I took the 550 to a Porsche Club drive in convoy with a gaggle of GT3s and turbos, and it certainly held its own. The 550 should feel very stable at high speed in a straight line (though my GT3 is on Cups and geo is set up for track work, so that probably explains it), and kept up in the corners as well, though I am a 911 bore, and in my book, nothing comes close. That said, the 550 has a fantastic turn-in for something so big, and handles sharp and repetitive direction changes better than anything with the engine in the back for obvious reasons.
If the car you drove felt skittish, I can only assume the alignment was out. Also, it's best to squeeze the power down after the exit, unlike your typical 911 which has much greater traction post apex (as well as more throttle adjustability - hence their reputation for sublime trail braking and rear-enders in equal measure).
You must change the standard exhaust - mine is Tubi'd and whilst this doesn't have a very charismatic top end (more of a monotone bellow than a banshee scream), the low to medium (idle to 5000) is a lovely burble followed by amplified mechanical gnashing. It crackles on a trailing throttle as well. The net effect of all this is that every drive is an occasion, even if you're only travelling at 50mph, a key consideration for UK roads.
Standard brakes are fine for the road - if I tracked it (which I wouldn't), I would definitely change these.
Good luck with your decision!
Harris
I have owned a 2001 550 for 16 months now. A few minor issues (window seals changed , water ingreess due to poorly aligned window) but really nothing else serious so far.
THe basic non essentail compalints were crap stereo (easily remedied) tubi striaght pipes for better sound and new wheels which make ride a bit stiffer (along with fiorano springsand riding a little lwoer than standard to improve looks IMHO)) but grip is immense now with 355x25x19's on the back and 255 on the front ...turn in superb, car really shrinks around you on a country road ...not as nimble as a 355/360 but all that grunt means you dont have to drive with your teeth in the steering wheel .... whoever said they were disappointeed by the performance must have been in some really rapid stuff as when you belt it with traction control off its frightening to be honest ....it jsut keeps going and going and going like a train...
Mechancially and this is the important thing I have done over 12k miles in 16 months and it hasnt missed a beat ... inlcuding commuting Le Mans and a trip to Cornwall in 30 degree heat...no problems at all apart from the fuel bill !
THe basic non essentail compalints were crap stereo (easily remedied) tubi striaght pipes for better sound and new wheels which make ride a bit stiffer (along with fiorano springsand riding a little lwoer than standard to improve looks IMHO)) but grip is immense now with 355x25x19's on the back and 255 on the front ...turn in superb, car really shrinks around you on a country road ...not as nimble as a 355/360 but all that grunt means you dont have to drive with your teeth in the steering wheel .... whoever said they were disappointeed by the performance must have been in some really rapid stuff as when you belt it with traction control off its frightening to be honest ....it jsut keeps going and going and going like a train...
Mechancially and this is the important thing I have done over 12k miles in 16 months and it hasnt missed a beat ... inlcuding commuting Le Mans and a trip to Cornwall in 30 degree heat...no problems at all apart from the fuel bill !
Mmmm. nice car. Black would be my preference.
Anyone know this car: www.pistonheads.co.uk/sales/132226.htm
Anyone know this car: www.pistonheads.co.uk/sales/132226.htm
basher said:
whoever said they were disappointeed by the performance...
I guess that was me. It's not one car 'better' than another at this level. Perception of performance is indeed relative to experience I guess. The 550 will do quarter miles at 13s (112mph) and just under four and a half seconds to 60 is quick, but it's not really an overwhelming set of figures and with expectations high the feel from a normally aspirated car with fairly constant acceleration just didn't do it. The 911T as modified is appreciably faster (low 12 and sub 4) while the pick up is more violent due to the higher order accelerations at work. But then there are faster cars than that. Although the 550 has 80 bhp more, with the extra 350 kg and normal aspiration it was never really likely to feel as quick, and the subjective comparison wasn't helped by rave reviews. If anyone was giving a 550 away though I wouldn't say no
It's a great Ferrari, what more can be said? turbobloke said:
Blow Dog said:
Can't remember much else!
Maybe your year can help with questions arising from my mere 45 minutes, possibly of interest to the OP as well. Like most Ferraris the car itself, exterior and interior, is more of an event to get in and drive. How well do these advantages hold over time if the car is actually used more than transported? Does it age well? On straights the 550 I drove felt skittish, and it wasn't as planted as a 911T or 911TT in corners, particular exits. Was I suffering from premature adjudication? Braking felt secure but the weight was evident, do owners live with this or e.g. look for alternative pads? Thanks in advance.
It's a good point as the whole 'magic' does disintegrate over time - it's a natural outcome for a marque who's main purpose is image. Having said that, my car was rock solid - it geniunely was a fantastic example - I bought the car from Graypaul and it was pretty solid. The drive was always consistent and quality was there. BUT - I could never take it to Europe as I do with all my cars in fear of it dying on route! There's always going to be that nagging doubt
I think the great thing about the 550 is that (unlike the porsche to me ) it never loses its excitement level - to get that in the porsche you just have to keep driving it like you stole it and it makes you chuckle and get that buzz from all the grunt but once you slow down it jsut doenst feel 'special' - in the 550 though i get that before I ahve turned the key...it IS big it is heavy but it has huge presence on the road , has an interior that is swathed in luxury and 'feels' more special than the porker - well to me anyway nad if its 1 second slower to 100 - well I think i will get over that to be honest....I msut be getting old !!!! Ha ha
I sold my 550 9 months ago and I have to say I enjoyed it far more than my 360 Spider or 430 Coupe. Apart from one rather inconvenient breakdown up a mountain in France, it was bulletproof over 7k miles and 15 months.
In fact I miss it so much, I am selling the 430, probably to go back into a very late Fiorano equipped or possibly HGTC 575.
In fact I miss it so much, I am selling the 430, probably to go back into a very late Fiorano equipped or possibly HGTC 575.
Blow Dog said:
Smell of fuel seeping into car cabin from faulty fuel valve in tank.
Window rubber seals deteriorate.
Mine ( 1999 V ) had those problems too, plus these common problems:
Leather coming unstuck from the passenger airbag.
Rust under leading edge of bonnet.
Oh, and it drank fuel like it owned an oil field.
Unlike RogerB (above) I much preferred my 360 Spider to my 550, which seemed lumbering in comparison, even with a Fiorano handling pack.
Edited by GT2man-2 on Tuesday 24th April 12:36
So this weekend I test drove a 550. I liked it..a lot.
First impression was it's size and beautiful lines, 550/575s always seem to look a bit, well, boring in pictures but in the flesh you can appreciate the subtlety of the design and the understated purposefulness and the sensuous curves. Then open the door and you're immersed in leather, everything in a logical place, the seats giving superb support, a real feeling of luxury. It's got nothing more(in fact it's got less) than my 996tt, it's just got so much more sense of occasion. This one had a leather covered fire extinguisher on the passenger side, which sort of summed up the idea behind this car, a real wolf in sheep's clothing.
I start up the engine, fires straight away no need to touch anything, leave it for a couple of minutes to warm up and off we go. I was concerned about the manual gearbox, having only ever driven F1 Ferraris before, but what a joy, short, precise, smooth...lovely. The clutch felt heavy when first depressed but I soon got used to it, and what would you expect this is a Ferrari ! The engine sound is quiet at low revs but builds up as the revs rise towards 4k and above, and sounds great, not in your face (or ears) like 8 cylinder cars. Not that I don't love the V8 howl but this is something you'd like to live with every day, not just when in "pants on fire" mode.
We drive along several miles of fast B-roads with a smattering of traffic so tough to give it much right foot, so time to try some overtaking. What a differnce to my Porsche. The power surges from very low revs and never stops, no turbo lag like my TT, no varioram power band like an N/A. It really makes you confident to go for 1, 2, 3.. cars even on the shortest straight. On the way back I almost miss the dealer and after a quick look in themirror, slam on the brakes and it just stops, no fuss, no snaking and in a very short distance, wonderful.
All in all I think the 550 is a truly great car, better I think than even a 575M, the manual gearbox gets you so involved. Oh-oh, I can feel a deal coming on !
BTW thanks for all your feedback, first-hand advice really helps you focus on what you're looking for, when buying used cars.
First impression was it's size and beautiful lines, 550/575s always seem to look a bit, well, boring in pictures but in the flesh you can appreciate the subtlety of the design and the understated purposefulness and the sensuous curves. Then open the door and you're immersed in leather, everything in a logical place, the seats giving superb support, a real feeling of luxury. It's got nothing more(in fact it's got less) than my 996tt, it's just got so much more sense of occasion. This one had a leather covered fire extinguisher on the passenger side, which sort of summed up the idea behind this car, a real wolf in sheep's clothing.
I start up the engine, fires straight away no need to touch anything, leave it for a couple of minutes to warm up and off we go. I was concerned about the manual gearbox, having only ever driven F1 Ferraris before, but what a joy, short, precise, smooth...lovely. The clutch felt heavy when first depressed but I soon got used to it, and what would you expect this is a Ferrari ! The engine sound is quiet at low revs but builds up as the revs rise towards 4k and above, and sounds great, not in your face (or ears) like 8 cylinder cars. Not that I don't love the V8 howl but this is something you'd like to live with every day, not just when in "pants on fire" mode.
We drive along several miles of fast B-roads with a smattering of traffic so tough to give it much right foot, so time to try some overtaking. What a differnce to my Porsche. The power surges from very low revs and never stops, no turbo lag like my TT, no varioram power band like an N/A. It really makes you confident to go for 1, 2, 3.. cars even on the shortest straight. On the way back I almost miss the dealer and after a quick look in themirror, slam on the brakes and it just stops, no fuss, no snaking and in a very short distance, wonderful.
All in all I think the 550 is a truly great car, better I think than even a 575M, the manual gearbox gets you so involved. Oh-oh, I can feel a deal coming on !
BTW thanks for all your feedback, first-hand advice really helps you focus on what you're looking for, when buying used cars.
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