550 V 575
Author
Discussion

Obiwonkeyblokey

Original Poster:

5,400 posts

270 months

Tuesday 6th January 2009
quotequote all
I posted this in the 550 thread however I could do with peoples views.

On the basis that 550s and 575s are getting closer together on price, is it worth spending the extra on the 575 or do people think that the 550 will be viewd as more of the future classic.

I have been looking at 550s for some time now and recently thought that the extra 5-10k on a 575 may be worth it. I am looking for one with the FHP and am undecided between the manual and the F1 as the F1 box hasnt had great reviews and seems to eat clutches. In fact there is an 02 575 F1 with 19k privately on Autotrader at present which seems good value at 46k

I am however interested in the views from the PH Ferrari contingent.
Many Thanks

Edited by Obiwonkeyblokey on Tuesday 6th January 12:23


Edited by Obiwonkeyblokey on Tuesday 6th January 12:24

Davey S2

13,394 posts

284 months

Tuesday 6th January 2009
quotequote all
FHP is essential on the 575 from what I have heard.

Lambojim

691 posts

269 months

Tuesday 6th January 2009
quotequote all
I have a 2005 575 with the Handling Pack and F1 transmission.
I drove a number of 550's and other 575s before buying mine and in truth, I don't think you'll be disappointed with either car or transmission choice.All I can say is that I've taken the mileage on mine from 3000 when buying it last February to 7000 and enjoyed every mile. The F1 is handy as I live in Central London and so far, it has been a pleasure to use. I have a 328 with the traditional click clack gearshift and if I am honest, I like the F1 better for my circumstances (ducks for cover).

I paid top money for mine (£80k) but it was the perfect spec (for me), black/black, yellow calipers, shields and FHP with 19'' classic wheels and a nice mileage. I did think that the 550 felt a little bit older in all respects, but liked the more classic cabin. The 575 goes harder and although I'm in the monority, like the reshaped grill (mine has the 250 slats) more.

I guess I'm saying that you'll be over the moon with either car.

Obiwonkeyblokey

Original Poster:

5,400 posts

270 months

Tuesday 6th January 2009
quotequote all
Thanks Jim and Davey.

Its good to hear the viewpoints from an owners point of view. I dont think I would be dissapointed with either, but its a lot of money and its good to hear your thoughts.

Regards

O

F355GTS

3,873 posts

285 months

Tuesday 6th January 2009
quotequote all
I think the extra for the 575 (with FHP) is worth it, F1 is great, takes a few Months to really appreciate it, When mine sold it had done 19k miles and 37% clutch wear so I reckon the wear rate is very reasonable smile

Obiwonkeyblokey

Original Poster:

5,400 posts

270 months

Tuesday 6th January 2009
quotequote all
Thanks Mark

I appreciate you taking the time to post. Its good to hear the opinion of someone who has owned both.

Anjum

1,606 posts

314 months

Tuesday 6th January 2009
quotequote all
I've owned several 550's (and still own a 550 WSR) - they just work for me.

If you can find a 575 with the HGTC pack - then just buy it. Never mind the FHP - the HGTC pack transforms the car - it's awesome.

Anjum

Obiwonkeyblokey

Original Poster:

5,400 posts

270 months

Wednesday 7th January 2009
quotequote all
Thanks Anjum

I was talking to someone last night with a low mileage early F1 with no FHP OR Handling pack. however we may have agreed on a very good price. Before I jump into the deal I just wanted to ensure that I wasnt making a mistake on the spec.

Obiwonkeyblokey

Original Poster:

5,400 posts

270 months

Wednesday 7th January 2009
quotequote all
I was also looking through Fchat where they mention that the FHP can be retro added. Has anyone had this done and at what cost?

thanks

Anjum

1,606 posts

314 months

Wednesday 7th January 2009
quotequote all
Obiwonkeyblokey said:
I was also looking through Fchat where they mention that the FHP can be retro added. Has anyone had this done and at what cost?

thanks
I'm not able to help about the retro fitting of FHP - however, I think the key point is what do you intend to use your car for. If you intend to track it - then the FHP is strobgly recommended - read the early reviews of the 575 without the FHP. If you intend to use the car for GT road work - then you probably won't need the FHP.

It's a personal choice - but I would recommend driving both versions (i.e. with and without FHP) and then you decide!

Anjum

cgt2

7,443 posts

218 months

Wednesday 7th January 2009
quotequote all
In my experience the 575 without FHP feels very 'squishy' and does not have the body control that a real Ferrari should have. It leans excessively into corners and the damping is too soft and spongy, which would bother me not just on a track, but in any situation, even on a motorway.

It can also be a real issue selling a car without FHP when you come to resell. Usually the first question any potential purchaser will ask is if it has the pack. As Anjum suggested, try both but I would recommend buying the cheap car without FHP even cheaper to allow you the budget to fit the pack.

Obiwonkeyblokey

Original Poster:

5,400 posts

270 months

Wednesday 7th January 2009
quotequote all
Thanks CHaps, any ideas what the retrofit cost is? I will call a dealer now to also check.

Godzilla

2,035 posts

279 months

Wednesday 7th January 2009
quotequote all
One of my writers, did retro-fit the GTC handling pack components, but it took a long time and cost quite a few grand.
He posted the full story here: http://fcars.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?t=3256

I certainly wouldn't bother and has been said, pay a bit more to get the HGTC kit with the CCM brakes.
Supposed to be one of the best handling Ferraris ever.

Obiwonkeyblokey

Original Poster:

5,400 posts

270 months

Thursday 8th January 2009
quotequote all
Thanks for the advice Guys. I am now the owner ( or will be on Saturday) of an 02 575 F1. It doesnt have either pack, but I dont plan on tracking it very much anyway ( I have other cars for that) so it seems to fit the bill and the price was right.

....cant quite believe it myself. biggrin

( by the way - David - you interviewed me for a job about 10 years ago! - small world)

Edited by Obiwonkeyblokey on Thursday 8th January 08:34

burriana

16,556 posts

284 months

Thursday 8th January 2009
quotequote all
Nice one ... pictures as soon as available please smile

Godzilla

2,035 posts

279 months

Thursday 8th January 2009
quotequote all
Congrats! You obviously did ok for yourself whatever career you ended up in!

Look forward to seeing the pics (and an Auto-Journal?) in due course.

bertie

8,569 posts

314 months

Thursday 8th January 2009
quotequote all
I have a really dangerous hankering for a 575 at the moment.

The economic climate is throwing up some great opportunities and I really fancy a big V12 front engined GT.

Hmmmmm

Oh and Congrats, Let's have some pics of the new beasty!

baguaman

335 posts

239 months

Thursday 8th January 2009
quotequote all
well done... enjoy the beast... i have a 550 and would love to meet and compare....

what price did u get it for

dazren

22,612 posts

291 months

Thursday 8th January 2009
quotequote all
Obiwonkeyblokey said:
Thanks for the advice Guys. I am now the owner ( or will be on Saturday) of an 02 575 F1.
Fantastic news. Look forward to a demo.

DAZ

paul0843

2,006 posts

237 months

Friday 9th January 2009
quotequote all
had both...my 575 feels more modern and also looks more modern...maybe because of 19" modular wheels...bearing in mind the 575s tend to be 3-4 years newer ,the extra 10-15k is worth spending imo...
5 years on the sense of occasion has not diminished...