Ferrari 599

[Tonsils]

Having run Maserati Gran Turismo's for nigh on 6 years ( cooking and MC shift) I took the plunge and bought a Ferrari 599. Only massive praise for the Maserati's and suspect will get another however I always wanted a V12 Ferrari and am glad I did. Reason for writing is that if anyone out there is contemplating a similar change, then do it! The 599 is simply on another planet performance wise and whilst understandably a lot less "comfy" you soon get used to the experience and the trade off on handling etc makes it worth while. Also very useable as a daily driver which, whilst not entirely surprising, was a real bonus. As I said anyone out there contemplating such a move, then you should. Both are great cars and it's a privilege to have owned, driven and above all, enjoyed both.

[GusB]

Glad you are enjoying her... I love mine and find the combination of being fairly nippy, big boot, a Ferrari V12 engine and good looking works for me...

Also only Ferrari to win Evo Car of the Year..

GusB

[phib]

Interesting, been thinking about adding either ( another mc shift had cooking and MC) or a 599, my use is probably a bit different as I am going to keep my 355 anyway and I am really looking for a tourer.

Was the MC a better tourer ?

Thanks

Phib

[GusB]

I have done over 6000 miles in 2 trips around Europe and they make great tourers. Even able to fit in wine on way through Barolo and Burgundy...

GusB

[Mike82]

aaw i think i will soon follow in your footsteps! Had the GT S, now have the QP GTS but the last week or so the 599 has grabbed me! not too many around and I'd have to go GTB as much as I'd love the GTO... Its just a shame theres no room for a child seat. unless I put the missus on the train?

I'll follow with interest. Next stop - Buying guides

[Tonsils]

Spooky, had a 355 as well whilst running the Maserati's and would say that's a great combination. I actually ended selling both the Maserati and the 355 as wasn't really getting the use (I'm out of the country for plus 100 days year). Miss the 355 though, it was my fourth and I can see it happening a fifth time at some point!!!!

The Maseratis' (cooking or full fat) are brilliant tourers, they really are a "GT". As yet I haven't taken the 599 anywhere (except to the office) but have no reason to suspect it won't be brilliant. It's comfortable (great seats and in this respect much better than the Maserati), "barking" when required, decent boot plus mega grin factor.

I'm sure this is a shared view/experience, two/three brilliant cars and not enough time!!!

[jackal]

whats the mpg like ?

i'm guessing 7, 8 or so combined ?

[GusB]

Town it's not great nor when really pressing on... however mine is a 2010 model and therefore much more efficient (as far as I can tell the hole maybe fractionally smaller at the bottom of the tank)... I can get almost 20mpg on the motorway...

GusB

[F355GTS]

jackal said:

whats the mpg like ?

i'm guessing 7, 8 or so combined ?

Track 6
town 10
very light foot cruise 18ish
average normal road driving 12-15

[slippery]

Thanks to the 599 owners for posting their thoughts and experiences. A running report from a PHer on one of these would make a great read.

[GrahamPM]

Search Chris Harris's running reports here on PH..... his makes interesting reading.
Graham

[slippery]

GrahamPM said:

Search Chris Harris's running reports here on PH..... his makes interesting reading.
Graham

Thanks Graham, I've alreadyhad a look at those, but am always hungry for more!

[jackal]

F355GTS said:

jackal said:

whats the mpg like ?

i'm guessing 7, 8 or so combined ?

Track 6
town 10
very light foot cruise 18ish
average normal road driving 12-15

Not too bad mark, not too bad at all, esp. for the pedigree and sheer grunt of whats under your right foot. Only a wee bit worse than my old Cayenne by the sounds of it.

[lambo_xx]

slippery said:

Thanks to the 599 owners for posting their thoughts and experiences. A running report from a PHer on one of these would make a great read.

I used mine as a daily when I had it. I did about 4k miles in the year I had it as I've got a few cars. Never had a single problem with it except a flat battery, which to be fair I've had in every Ferrari I've owned. Absolutely loved it and even let my mother drive it a few times who said she found it incredibly easy to drive. She even managed to drift it out a junction causing me to nearly have a heart attack...anyway I digress...

Fuel consumption was pretty bad but then so is everything nice and it was worth it in my opinion. Couldn't give you an exact figure I'm afraid as I never work those things out. It worked out the same as my Bentley GT.

The only thing I didn't like was the noise. It is WAY to quiet as standard. I had the valves jammed open on the exhaust which made a huge difference. I've spoken to a few people who went down the aftermarket exhaust route but I never thought the car needed it as it sounded spectacular with the valves open permanently. Rear tyres were something like £475 each but that's all I had to do to the car. Really loved it and would definitely have another one! Good value I think given the cost of other new cars (911, F-type etc)

Any other specific questions feel free to ask

[slippery]

lambo_xx said:

Absolutely loved it and even let my mother drive it a few times who said she found it incredibly easy to drive. She even managed to drift it out a junction causing me to nearly have a heart attack...anyway I digress...

So not riddled with niggling faults like the Top Gear road test episode would have you believe then?
I looked at a 12C during the week and was hugely impressed. Totally different cars I know, but I'd only be allowed one such toy!