F12 Berlinetta - Ownership Experience
Discussion
Hey Folks
I'm new to the Ferrari forum but long time PH in the Aston Martin forum.
I'm looking to pick up an F12 but wondered if some owners should share any general feedback on their ownership experience. Is there anything I should look out for whilst I'm shopping? Keen to understand any servicing or warranty gotcha's specifically. What kind of money should I put aside for servicing and consumables etc?
Thanks
Chris.
I'm new to the Ferrari forum but long time PH in the Aston Martin forum.
I'm looking to pick up an F12 but wondered if some owners should share any general feedback on their ownership experience. Is there anything I should look out for whilst I'm shopping? Keen to understand any servicing or warranty gotcha's specifically. What kind of money should I put aside for servicing and consumables etc?
Thanks
Chris.
Coming from Aston, you’ll be familiar with the issues of bodywork corrosion under the paint. In the case of the F12 it usually appears around the mesh vents on the rear 3/4 and is exacerbated by steel/aluminium interface. Another potential problem area is water leaking into the tailgate.
Service inclusive lasts for 7 years. The full warranty is good for 3 years and can be extended (if no break) for another two years. If the extension is not applied then you can get a New Power warranty at any time subject to an inspection. NP appears to cover the drive train but in reality there are so many exclusions that it’s not worth paying for. If you buy from a Ferrari main dealer then you’ll get 2 years NP warranty.
The engine is pretty much bullet proof and problems are minor such as leaking seals and gaskets (not covered by warranty). The combined water/oil pump can also spring a leak (also not covered by warranty). The one area where a warranty will pay out is if you have a DCT sensor failure but the cost of repair is around 7k (total rebuild required) so on a risk adjusted basis you might as well self insure.
I can’t help you on F12 running costs as I have an FF but the engine and drive train is pretty much the same (bar the FF’s PTU which the F12 doesn’t have) and the warranty and servicing regime is the same. My comments on the bodywork and tailgate are gleaned from other F12 owners.
In 3 years and 7,000 miles, (19,000 mile 2011 car) I have needed a new fuel pump (notionally covered by warranty but they claim the tank was run dry. Cost £2,750). I’m staring down the barrel of a replacement water/oil pump (cost £3,500). And I’ve just had the rear pads replaced (the stability system is more aggressive on the rear brakes - must drive with ESC off more often
Cost £1,250).
Service inclusive lasts for 7 years. The full warranty is good for 3 years and can be extended (if no break) for another two years. If the extension is not applied then you can get a New Power warranty at any time subject to an inspection. NP appears to cover the drive train but in reality there are so many exclusions that it’s not worth paying for. If you buy from a Ferrari main dealer then you’ll get 2 years NP warranty.
The engine is pretty much bullet proof and problems are minor such as leaking seals and gaskets (not covered by warranty). The combined water/oil pump can also spring a leak (also not covered by warranty). The one area where a warranty will pay out is if you have a DCT sensor failure but the cost of repair is around 7k (total rebuild required) so on a risk adjusted basis you might as well self insure.
I can’t help you on F12 running costs as I have an FF but the engine and drive train is pretty much the same (bar the FF’s PTU which the F12 doesn’t have) and the warranty and servicing regime is the same. My comments on the bodywork and tailgate are gleaned from other F12 owners.
In 3 years and 7,000 miles, (19,000 mile 2011 car) I have needed a new fuel pump (notionally covered by warranty but they claim the tank was run dry. Cost £2,750). I’m staring down the barrel of a replacement water/oil pump (cost £3,500). And I’ve just had the rear pads replaced (the stability system is more aggressive on the rear brakes - must drive with ESC off more often
Cost £1,250). Edited by ANOpax on Friday 20th November 14:56
It depends on the size of the service. Of course, the 8th year and the first you have to pay for yourself is a major and mine was 1600. This year, the 9th was a minor and that's cost 750. These are main dealer prices. I've taken the decision to leave the main dealer network next year and use my indy for servicing and repair.
26,000 miles on my F12 since new in '15, mostly round Europe.
Only problem I've had has been the stereo (JBL) playing but no sound and laboured starting if it hadn't been on it's trickle charger for a couple of days (but had been driven oddly). Turns out it was one of the cables in the wiring loom not allowing enough ampage to flow and a known issue. Fixed under extended warranty and Ferrari said it constituted a claim. I argued, as they had had other cars with the same issue it should have been a recall and they let me retain my 'no claims' discount for the warranty. No issues since.
As a car it's primarily been used for road trips with the Mrs (I use my 458 Spider for trips with my friends) and it's perfect for those trips. Loads of luggage space and a great GT. The 458 is better for trips with the guys where we go at the mountain passes with more vigour, the F12 better for luxury touring with the ability to have some fun on the good roads in my opinion, it's not as much fun to throw about.
I mention the above as it affects consumables. On my 458 (26000 miles on it) it gets new front tyres every two years and new rears every year whereas the F12 is only just on it's 2nd set of tyres. New front pads on the 458, original pads on the F12 still and loads left. Discs have loads left (somewhere in the mid 80% range on the 458 and around 90% on the F12 - they did tell me and I've forgotten the exact number).
I extend the warranty on both but the more I read (such as the post above) the more I'm thinking of not doing so as of next year.
I own a range of cars and the f12, beyond all others, is the most special. Just makes me smile to sit in it, even walk by it in the garage. It's just a crazy piece of machinery that I cant believe someone built and it's road legal.
I cant fault it. Awesome thing. I'm 50 now and I'll never sell it. I look forward to fuelling it on synthetic fuel when I'm 80. :-)
It's a sensible, practical hatchback (collecting new wheels for my track car)
It's an epic GT. Stelvio on the way back from Amalfi
What more can you ask for. Hahahaha. Buy one.
Only problem I've had has been the stereo (JBL) playing but no sound and laboured starting if it hadn't been on it's trickle charger for a couple of days (but had been driven oddly). Turns out it was one of the cables in the wiring loom not allowing enough ampage to flow and a known issue. Fixed under extended warranty and Ferrari said it constituted a claim. I argued, as they had had other cars with the same issue it should have been a recall and they let me retain my 'no claims' discount for the warranty. No issues since.
As a car it's primarily been used for road trips with the Mrs (I use my 458 Spider for trips with my friends) and it's perfect for those trips. Loads of luggage space and a great GT. The 458 is better for trips with the guys where we go at the mountain passes with more vigour, the F12 better for luxury touring with the ability to have some fun on the good roads in my opinion, it's not as much fun to throw about.
I mention the above as it affects consumables. On my 458 (26000 miles on it) it gets new front tyres every two years and new rears every year whereas the F12 is only just on it's 2nd set of tyres. New front pads on the 458, original pads on the F12 still and loads left. Discs have loads left (somewhere in the mid 80% range on the 458 and around 90% on the F12 - they did tell me and I've forgotten the exact number).
I extend the warranty on both but the more I read (such as the post above) the more I'm thinking of not doing so as of next year.
I own a range of cars and the f12, beyond all others, is the most special. Just makes me smile to sit in it, even walk by it in the garage. It's just a crazy piece of machinery that I cant believe someone built and it's road legal.
I cant fault it. Awesome thing. I'm 50 now and I'll never sell it. I look forward to fuelling it on synthetic fuel when I'm 80. :-)
It's a sensible, practical hatchback (collecting new wheels for my track car)
It's an epic GT. Stelvio on the way back from Amalfi
What more can you ask for. Hahahaha. Buy one.
If you have a V12VS coupe, you may find that the F12 is too similar in size and style to keep the V12V once you’ve got the F12...
Having driven Virage, DBS and V8V (which I owned), I find the Ferrari chassis setup of any generation to be so much better resolved than its Aston equivalent. Even my F355 was better than all of the above and pre-dated them by a decade. There is just something so right about what the Maranello magicians can do. Having said all that, the F12 does appear to be setup and tyre sensitive. The recommendation from hardened F12 users and track pilots is to switch to Michelins and use the 812’s tyre setup to reduce understeer.
Having driven Virage, DBS and V8V (which I owned), I find the Ferrari chassis setup of any generation to be so much better resolved than its Aston equivalent. Even my F355 was better than all of the above and pre-dated them by a decade. There is just something so right about what the Maranello magicians can do. Having said all that, the F12 does appear to be setup and tyre sensitive. The recommendation from hardened F12 users and track pilots is to switch to Michelins and use the 812’s tyre setup to reduce understeer.
Edited by ANOpax on Monday 23 November 12:36
Thank you. The V12V is a 6 speed manual, and I love manual cars so it’s not going anywhere. I take your point in terms of size etc, but I think they’ll still be very different experiences so that’s enough for me.
Appreciate all the insight.
What are thoughts on the Ferrari extended warranty? I’ve read some stories where people indicate it might not be worth the outlay. Any insights?
Thanks
Chris.
Appreciate all the insight.
What are thoughts on the Ferrari extended warranty? I’ve read some stories where people indicate it might not be worth the outlay. Any insights?
Thanks
Chris.
woodsypedia said:
Thank you. The V12V is a 6 speed manual, and I love manual cars so it’s not going anywhere. I take your point in terms of size etc, but I think they’ll still be very different experiences so that’s enough for me.
Appreciate all the insight.
What are thoughts on the Ferrari extended warranty? I’ve read some stories where people indicate it might not be worth the outlay. Any insights?
Thanks
Chris.
Pleased to hear this Chris. I also love the F12.Appreciate all the insight.
What are thoughts on the Ferrari extended warranty? I’ve read some stories where people indicate it might not be worth the outlay. Any insights?
Thanks
Chris.
ANOpax said:
See my comments above on the New Power warranty. You’re better off self insuring.
The money which I would’ve spent on warranty goes into a sinking fund for big maintenance items. So far, I’m ahead. And at least my own fund pays out
I think I'll be following suite from my next renewal onwards.The money which I would’ve spent on warranty goes into a sinking fund for big maintenance items. So far, I’m ahead. And at least my own fund pays out
Edited by ANOpax on Sunday 22 November 20:14
TGE on f12 warranty here, some other nice Ferraris also. I think i would also put that money aside especially if i knew my car well as no doubt Leg does.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ty-InMHp3yU
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ty-InMHp3yU
cayman-black said:
TGE on f12 warranty here, some other nice Ferraris also. I think i would also put that money aside especially if i knew my car well as no doubt Leg does.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ty-InMHp3yU
the baby should stop crying a littlehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ty-InMHp3yU
ANOpax said:
If you have a V12VS coupe, you may find that the F12 is too similar in size and style to keep the V12V once you’ve got the F12...
I've got a V12V (non S) manual and a 599, I appreciate the F12 is a big step up from the 599 but in terms of form factor they are similar. The V12V is a totally different car in terms of the way it feels, regardless of transmission. I'm just about to finish converting my 599 to manual using factory parts, but they will still be a world apart in almost every way. They go very well together in the stable along with the 993 Turbo. I yearn for a 458 though, before they go silly money.Good luck in your search OP.
Alex.
idealstandard said:
I've got a V12V (non S) manual and a 599, I appreciate the F12 is a big step up from the 599 but in terms of form factor they are similar. The V12V is a totally different car in terms of the way it feels, regardless of transmission. I'm just about to finish converting my 599 to manual using factory parts, but they will still be a world apart in almost every way. They go very well together in the stable along with the 993 Turbo. I yearn for a 458 though, before they go silly money.
Good luck in your search OP.
Alex.
Thanks Alex. Mine is also the V12V manual 6spd - not the S. Agree - I think the F12 will be an entirely different driving experience. Good luck in your search OP.
Alex.
Another vote for self insure rather than New Power warranty which is, in my experience, utterly pointless. I have had a couple of issues which were ~£2k each - a new radiator (the dealer claimed stone damage, I am not so sure) and the offside brake cooling duct stuck open and had to be replaced. Other than that an epic looking, driving and sounding car - highly recommended.
PS You will definitely need a permanently connected trickle charger - the batter drains at an alarming rate
woodsypedia said:
Thanks. The Aston has a similar problem. Can't leave it more than 4 weeks before it's spaffed its battery. Is there an official Ferrari unit (I don't even know why I'm asking this) or do folks use a third party unit that is the same but without the badge ;-)
I use a c-tek one, think the ferrari ones are just rebadged c-tek onesGassing Station | Ferrari V12 | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff