RE: Ferrari 612: PH Used Buying Guide

[GianiCakes]

I never liked these when new, then all of sudden I did and got the burning desire to buy one. My first test drive was in a somewhat unloved example, albeit a OTO, and I was distinctly unimpressed. Steering is too light, there’s a lot of pitch into corners which has a big effect on steering angle and they tend to have a wiggle around the hips on low speed bumps that feels like there’s a lack of stiffness. Still another example in Azzuro came along and I convinced myself that the shape had the timeless classic look of a car you would have used for a weekend in Monte Carlo with Audrey Hepburn. Now I love it. The engine sounds better than almost any other car I have heard. Modern Ferrari’s have a tuned exhaust but this is mechanical and cultured in a way no V8 or contemporary car could ever be. The low speed jiggle disappears as the speed increases and it tracks arrow straight making for a great GT. Corners require a smooth approach which makes for an involved driving experience. The rear seats can accommodate adults in relative comfort although better for 3 up rather than 4.
It’s not quite true to say the suspension is completely reliable as the original tie rods and ball joints generally need replacing. Hill Engineering replacements reckoned to be better quality. Much of the engine bay plumbing is poor quality and the original fuel pumps (actually the plastic caps but they are one unit) always need replacing.
Better people than I are able to service their own car but if you can’t then it is not a cheap car to run if you wish to keep it properly serviced. On the other hand depreciation should be minimal. Few people, at least enthusiasts, regret buying one as they have genuine character.

[Dale487]

Krikkit said:

Dale487 said:

mooseracer said:

These "buying guides" are so short these days they hardly seem worth it.

I'm sure there has been a better & more in depth 612 buying guide historically on PH.

Don't think they've done the 612 before, but if you compare the "new" format buying guide for this against the one for the 550 Maranello it's a bit of a shock.

I've checked the back catalogue - you're right (599 & 550 are both available but no previous 612 guide) & I'm wrong, it must have been an EVO buyers guide.

Don't we need a Golf R & BMW 335d buyers guides - as once either has been chipped they're the answer to everything.

[cookie1600]

rtz62 said:

Quick question for Dan Trent;

Ermm , he left the building some months ago for pastures new?

[Baddie]

Like these. Think they look much better in a dark colour on the road, and understated compared to more overt and aggressive trends since.

[MDL111]

Jual Mass Flywheel said:

Dale487 said:

The comment on the carbon ceramic brakes, reads like Sicom charge £15K and that Ferrari would charge £60k! for a new set of brakes - I know their expensive but that's barmy & I'm out (even though I do like the idea of a manual in TDFB).

Exactly what I was thinking. Re the fezza it's still no looker. Get yourself a 6 speed open gate V10 Gallardo for around 70-80k and screw the rear passengers!

not greatly worded - the discs cost c 15k

[DuncB7]

GinSour said:

I don't think they have aged well.

Agreed. Looks awful now.

[Jual Mass Flywheel]

rtz62 said:

Popped in to Nick Cartwrights, just outside Matlock, before Christmas.
For those who don’t know them, they are a family-run specialist, are lovely people and are happy to chat about anything cars.
I had a look round a 246, 308 Veteoresina and others, and whilst in their workshop saw that were replacing the carbon brakes on a 612.
I can’t remember exactly but I believe it was £2.5k per corner. Bang goes my good kidney..

Quick question for Dan Trent; as an avid reader of all thing PH, what has happened to these guides?
They used to be very informative, gave points to watch for and views of owners under each section.
I, along with others, feel short-changed with the new format, so can we see a return to the old, and better, buyers guides?

Yep know them as I grew up in Matlock. I remember him having a 205gti and a 205gti convertible back when they were new and thnking he's doing ok for himself. I can even picture the house but I imagine he's moved since then. Workshop just up the road to Tansley still?

[E65Ross]

Dale487 said:

Vocht said:

Can you actually fit real humans in the rear of these or just the blow up plastic kind?

But you can fit real humans in a Golf R & they do an estate version - you can't get a 612 estate

Pity a Golf R can't do 199mph nor sound like a lovely V12

[Dale487]

E65Ross said:

Dale487 said:

Vocht said:

Can you actually fit real humans in the rear of these or just the blow up plastic kind?

But you can fit real humans in a Golf R & they do an estate version - you can't get a 612 estate

Pity a Golf R can't do 199mph nor sound like a lovely V12

What? A de-limited Golf R can't do 199mph! - I thought they were the best car in the world.

But I'm sure you could reprogram the engine synthesizer to sound like a V12.

[rtz62]

Jual Mass Flywheel said:

rtz62 said:

Popped in to Nick Cartwrights, just outside Matlock, before Christmas.
For those who don’t know them, they are a family-run specialist, are lovely people and are happy to chat about anything cars.
I had a look round a 246, 308 Veteoresina and others, and whilst in their workshop saw that were replacing the carbon brakes on a 612.
I can’t remember exactly but I believe it was £2.5k per corner. Bang goes my good kidney..

Quick question for Dan Trent; as an avid reader of all thing PH, what has happened to these guides?
They used to be very informative, gave points to watch for and views of owners under each section.
I, along with others, feel short-changed with the new format, so can we see a return to the old, and better, buyers guides?

Yep know them as I grew up in Matlock. I remember him having a 205gti and a 205gti convertible back when they were new and thnking he's doing ok for himself. I can even picture the house but I imagine he's moved since then. Workshop just up the road to Tansley still?

Yes they are, just near Paddock Land Rover.
Lovely people, really enjoyed being there and if I buy a Ferrari I’m pretty sure try would be my first port of call
Re my comment about Dan Trent, mea culpa!
Bu for that perhaps explain why the content has dropped?

[mutske]

Hi Guys, just been reading the article and it is accurate expect for the carbon disks, I was quoted 6k by sicom for a swap with a refurbished set (4) and all was going well till it was time to deliver and pick of my discs. It all got very messy, I was told they had a replacement set ready for me but before I sent mine in I double checked It and it came to light that the discs are refurbished in Hungary not Germany and my spare set was still in Hungary, I checked SICOM in google and not one good story was found, I got in touch with some guys on the Ferrari chat rooms and heard the same stories, I would not use them,,

New set cost from Ferrari 10k

Edited by mutske on Thursday 8th March 13:47

[BFleming]

mutske said:

Hi Guys, just been reading the article and it is accurate expect for the carbon disks, I was quoted 6k by sicom for a swap with a refurbished set (4) and all was going well till it was time to deliver and pick of my discs. It all got very messy, I was told they had a replacement set ready for me but before I sent mine in I double checked It and it came to light that the discs are refurbished in Hungary not Germany and my spare set was still in Hungary, I checked SICOM in google and not one good story was found, I got in touch with some guys on the Ferrari chat rooms and heard the same stories, I would not use them,,

New set cost from Ferrari 10k

There's a lot of information on Sicom on t'web, with some people saying the refurb is done in Slovenia. The common theme seems to be how awful they are to deal with, how long everything takes, and how your discs will be damaged by your courier in transit, necessitating extra expense. It doesn't make for pretty reading.
I also read the costs as a refurb set can be had for £15k, making a new set £60k from Ferrari, but I now believe it to be much less on both counts.

On the 612, I thought they looked amazing when launched, less pretty than the 456, but still jaw-dropping. There was one at the Nurburgring with Swedish plate '612 S' a few years back in Rosso Corso - a rare colour for the 612. But it worked.

[E65Ross]

Dale487 said:

E65Ross said:

Dale487 said:

Vocht said:

Can you actually fit real humans in the rear of these or just the blow up plastic kind?

But you can fit real humans in a Golf R & they do an estate version - you can't get a 612 estate

Pity a Golf R can't do 199mph nor sound like a lovely V12

What? A de-limited Golf R can't do 199mph! - I thought they were the best car in the world.

But I'm sure you could reprogram the engine synthesizer to sound like a V12.

[Dale487]

E65Ross said:

Dale487 said:

E65Ross said:

Dale487 said:

Vocht said:

Can you actually fit real humans in the rear of these or just the blow up plastic kind?

But you can fit real humans in a Golf R & they do an estate version - you can't get a 612 estate

Pity a Golf R can't do 199mph nor sound like a lovely V12

What? A de-limited Golf R can't do 199mph! - I thought they were the best car in the world.

But I'm sure you could reprogram the engine synthesizer to sound like a V12.

indeed.

[rtz62]

BFleming said:

mutske said:

Hi Guys, just been reading the article and it is accurate expect for the carbon disks, I was quoted 6k by sicom for a swap with a refurbished set (4) and all was going well till it was time to deliver and pick of my discs. It all got very messy, I was told they had a replacement set ready for me but before I sent mine in I double checked It and it came to light that the discs are refurbished in Hungary not Germany and my spare set was still in Hungary, I checked SICOM in google and not one good story was found, I got in touch with some guys on the Ferrari chat rooms and heard the same stories, I would not use them,,

New set cost from Ferrari 10k

There's a lot of information on Sicom on t'web, with some people saying the refurb is done in Slovenia. The common theme seems to be how awful they are to deal with, how long everything takes, and how your discs will be damaged by your courier in transit, necessitating extra expense. It doesn't make for pretty reading.
I also read the costs as a refurb set can be had for £15k, making a new set £60k from Ferrari, but I now believe it to be much less on both counts.

On the 612, I thought they looked amazing when launched, less pretty than the 456, but still jaw-dropping. There was one at the Nurburgring with Swedish plate '612 S' a few years back in Rosso Corso - a rare colour for the 612. But it worked.

So on that premise, if this car has carbon brakes that need replacing it could, at one point, made this car effectively worth £zilch?
Bonkers. Absolutely bonkers.
As an innocent in these matters, if a car I’d equipped from new with carbon brakes is it possible to swap to ‘normal’ discs and pads, or would it need new callipers etc etc?

[Dale487]

rtz62 said:

BFleming said:

mutske said:

Hi Guys, just been reading the article and it is accurate expect for the carbon disks, I was quoted 6k by sicom for a swap with a refurbished set (4) and all was going well till it was time to deliver and pick of my discs. It all got very messy, I was told they had a replacement set ready for me but before I sent mine in I double checked It and it came to light that the discs are refurbished in Hungary not Germany and my spare set was still in Hungary, I checked SICOM in google and not one good story was found, I got in touch with some guys on the Ferrari chat rooms and heard the same stories, I would not use them,,

New set cost from Ferrari 10k

There's a lot of information on Sicom on t'web, with some people saying the refurb is done in Slovenia. The common theme seems to be how awful they are to deal with, how long everything takes, and how your discs will be damaged by your courier in transit, necessitating extra expense. It doesn't make for pretty reading.
I also read the costs as a refurb set can be had for £15k, making a new set £60k from Ferrari, but I now believe it to be much less on both counts.

On the 612, I thought they looked amazing when launched, less pretty than the 456, but still jaw-dropping. There was one at the Nurburgring with Swedish plate '612 S' a few years back in Rosso Corso - a rare colour for the 612. But it worked.

So on that premise, if this car has carbon brakes that need replacing it could, at one point, made this car effectively worth £zilch?
Bonkers. Absolutely bonkers.
As an innocent in these matters, if a car I’d equipped from new with carbon brakes is it possible to swap to ‘normal’ discs and pads, or would it need new callipers etc etc?

Simon George, who wrote for EVO's Fast Fleet & ran a Ferrari 458 as part of his driving experience business - He swapped to steel discs from the word go, due to the replacement cost of the carbon ceramic discs. But I can't remember what was involved (other than new discs of course). I assume the same is would apply to all Ferraris running carbon ceramics.

[essayer]

Full respect to a fellow commuter at my local station who drives one of these as his station car, usually early enough to pick a decent space which won’t have cars alongside

Certainly beats a Micra

[Amanitin]

GianiCakes said:

Better people than I are able to service their own car but if you can’t then it is not a cheap car to run if you wish to keep it properly serviced. On the other hand depreciation should be minimal.

On the contrary. If you decide to service a car like this yourself, the Mother Of All Depreciations is coming to pay you a visit

apart from that, the Scaglietti is my favourite GT Ferrari, probably ever, but as a previous poster mentioned, a CL600 is the better grand tourer in basically every way save for the 'is it a Ferrari Y/N' check point.

[simon.beedham]

I owned a 2008 one to one and sold it back to Dick Lovett swindon 2 years ago and can honestly say I wished I had never sold it.
the car is an all around great car its comfortable, fast and can fit 4 people no problem as a sports car I think it was better than many porsche's I have driven and a real sense of occasion.with the magna flux exhaust on the later models its the best sounding Ferrari full stop. BUT be aware the parts are one of the reason I sold my car 15k for a new glass sunroof 7K for a new speedo 5k for a new sat nav 3k for a new windscreen and 2k for a new headlight, my car only had 6000 miles upon it but all above had some gremlins through out my short ownership and I was aware the car could cost a lot to repair even by Ferrari standards.
If you can find a bargain for 60k good but expect higher running costs!!

[E65Ross]

simon.beedham said:

I owned a 2008 one to one and sold it back to Dick Lovett swindon 2 years ago and can honestly say I wished I had never sold it.
the car is an all around great car its comfortable, fast and can fit 4 people no problem as a sports car I think it was better than many porsche's I have driven and a real sense of occasion.with the magna flux exhaust on the later models its the best sounding Ferrari full stop. BUT be aware the parts are one of the reason I sold my car 15k for a new glass sunroof 7K for a new speedo 5k for a new sat nav 3k for a new windscreen and 2k for a new headlight, my car only had 6000 miles upon it but all above had some gremlins through out my short ownership and I was aware the car could cost a lot to repair even by Ferrari standards.
If you can find a bargain for 60k good but expect higher running costs!!

Jeez, I struggled to read that! Try putting a bit more punctuation in your sentence(s)

Sounds like a great car, if a bit expensive to run!