Thoughts on this FF

[Zanderman]

Hi All,

In my never ending journey to find my new car a FF is on the short list. I really like the looks, the practicality (I have 3 teenage sons) and the fact that is still a supercar. Seems to pretty much tick all the boxes for me but would be at the top end of my budget.

So in looking for one I have seen this one that is a little high on the mileage but looks really nice and is a really good price. Only thing that would bother me is the lack of warranty but in theroy it would be cheap enough that I could have a Ferarri warranty put on when I buy it.

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2016...


I dont really know these cars well so wanted some views on colour, spec etc of them and what you all think of this particular car. Also if not this one is there better options you have seen out there. Dont really want to spend any more than £150k ish.

Thanks!

[Zanderman]

I must admit it appears that the market for these has gone a little strange. Seems like thye have been increasing in price or at least havent moved. Not sure what to do now really as I could end up being stuck with an overpriced car which at these prices could be financial suicide!

Shame of it is I think I really want one now...............

[Zanderman]

MDL111 said:

Don't think it is going to cost more than a new Panamera Turbo or similar car over say 3-4 years - so don't see how it is financial suicide relatively speaking. At some point prices might even flatten - so over say 10 years and another 100k miles it might not even cost that much per year - certainly a whole lot less than the first 30k miles cost

I guess what I was getting at (and my numbers are completely hypothetical!) was that say I buy a car at £160k and that is a somewhat inflated price, let’s say I keep the car for 2 years and if they settled down to a more 'correct' price of say £130K in the mean time I would also have to deal with the depreciation on top of that and could end up with a car that was worth £100k in 2 year's time. A £60K loss plus what I have paid in the 2 years ont the finance and running costs might be a little too much to swallow.

[Zanderman]

I hear what your saying but I dont fit into many 2 seater supercars. I have a strange proportioned body and my head ends up squished against the roof in all lambos, 2 seater Ferrari's etc. McLaren is not too bad but to be honest I want something I can use every day if I want that is also exciting. The FF fits the bill perfectly but I am really starting to be put off by most of the comments. I am under no illusion that owning a car of this nature is going to be expensive (I can afford it and am prepared for that) but there has to be limits and the FF just seems off the charts.

Looks like I may have to start looking back at the Bentley V8S, just doesn't feel anywhere near as special..................

MDL111 said:

I think you have to take into account that the market for 4-seater Ferraris is - as best as I can tell - very illiquid due to the fact that (usually) people will not look at one of these as (a) a weekend car or (b) their first Ferrari. It would not surprise me if your numbers were correct in 2 years - as in, to sell you have to price it at 100k.

My point was, that if you buy a Panamera Turbo or equivalent car, you will lose the same amount of money but driving a Ferrari FF 12-cylinder instead of a relatively common Porsche with a Turbo engine. Both cars cost a lot of money to own.

I bought mine expecting that if I have to sell it within say 5 years, the numbers will not look pretty. (somebody rear ended the car at parking speeds, so now it probably truly is unsellable btw going by the fits Ferrari buyers on here have as soon as anything relating to an accident is mentioned - a low probability event that would really hurt your resale)

I think if you want a Ferrari and limit your downside in terms of financial risk, a 2-seater (probably 8-cyliner) is a better option

[Zanderman]

MDL111 said:

and to brighten up the thread

Want one even more now........... Very nice!

[Zanderman]

mattf93 said:

This...
Not to frighten you (too much) but these things can have huge warranty claims (which I presume is what they know).
Front gearbox is prone to a few issues.
Acquaitence of mine went in for warranty work (about 3 years into the 4 year manufacturer warranty) - The total bill to Ferrari for those works?
£26.8k ... so not pocket changed. This may just be an isolated case, and I haven't seen the breakdown.

These FF's are a great shout when they're within Manufacturers warranty but would scare me without one.

Maserati Granturismo MC Stradale is a better 4 seater than a V8s...
But tech in V8s far better - has more get up and go than the maser albeit 3/4tonne heavier!

I think I would only look at one if it were from a dealership with all appropriate warranties etc, not worth the risk.

The only questions left are the potential to get destroyed on depreciation, is it worth it, do I mind etc. It worries me a bit buying an older car at such a high price if the prices are being kept high at the moment. I can afford to own/run one of these but I will not enjoy the 'worry' of getting savaged when it comes time to move it on, depreciation is obviously always going to happen and I have always just accepted that and moved on. Not sure in this case though as it could be in a different league........

Is it X times better than the V8S? I have been offered some really interesting deals on V8S's recently, basically a brand new car for less than a 4 year old FF with dealer contributions that would bring the monthly payments way down as well.

Sadly the Maserati just doesn’t do it for me, test drove one a while back and it sounded great, looked great but just felt old and heavy......

[Zanderman]

I think the easiest way is going to be to test drive the FF and spend some time with it, I am sure all will become clear then! I test drove the V8S and was very impressed but to be fair it didnt 'blow my hair back' so we will see. Also test drove the 991 Turbo S which was incredible but a different proposition!

[Zanderman]

I was in a dealership looking at the FF on Saturday I am seriously considering one at the moment as it was much nicer in person thank in the pictures and the noise it makes.................. My only real concern is that there arent many around and I would like a 2014+ car so that I can run it for 2 years and it will still have some of the 7 year servicing pack left. The 2014+ ones are out of budget for me sadly and I am not sure I want to spend £160k for a 2012 car that will be out of warranty and service pack by the time I am done. The potential for serious financial ruin feels pretty high with these!

Stunning piece of kit though!

[Zanderman]

Fair enough, I just wondered if it might affect its value. That is my only sticking point with these is the value after 2 or 3 years. If they take a £50k drop and with what it will cost me per month on the finance it could be ruinously expensive to run one. I know the whole 'if you have to ask you cant afford it' etc etc but I have my limits and it will worry me too much I think.........

[Zanderman]

Cheapest dealer 2014 FF is £175k, might get a bit off that but I think £160k might be stretching things a bit!

TurboTerrific9 said:

I reckon you could pick up a 2014 for £160k. I sold my mid/late 2014 car recently - high speck/pano roof (worth if if you can) recently for decent amount less (admittedly privately) - 23k miles

[Zanderman]

ANOpax said:

Are you Zanderman with a fresh account? If so, well done on avoiding the depreciation over the last four years!
It soulds like you got a good deal as I haven't seen any 17k mile cars advertised at £100k.

Nope!

[Zanderman]

ANOpax said:

Thanks for clearing that up! Did you ever get one in the end?

Never did. Ended up with a Bentley Continental Sport in the end, loved it!