F12 over 458

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RogGT-R

Original Poster:

43 posts

49 months

Saturday 4th July 2020
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Afternoon all,

Ok, so, I have used the search button extensively, watched many YouTube videos (my god there is some shouty dross out there is there not?) and put the current car up for sale.

I am a long time GT-R owner (had an original MY10, I still own the only UK Spec V and currently also have a Stealth Grey Nismo) and have adored the family feel of the community but it’s time to indulge the deep seated craving I have had since I could utter those indomitable three syllables Fe rar ri.

A coupe of my peers have 458s and love the mid engine howl but (and it’s a big but) I want something that I can use a bit more (it’s not going to be a garage queen) and put bags in for a long weekend/tight week and is going to make me look back every time you park her.

I am, therefore, torn. A 458 makes sense as last N/A, beautiful, sounds great etc etc etc but I keep being drawn to an F12 now the pricing appears to have come to a level which is comparable.

I get all the arguments - a V12 is a real Ferrari, a V8 is more nimble and more presence and on and on but that noise, that engine and that drive train along with a sensible (I am early 40s so only halfway to dead - unless I do buttertubs, in winter in an F12 of course) turns my head and ears.

I am, of course, posting in the biased coroner but a few thoughts and input to make sure I am not barking.

The Rosa Corsa, Crema with decent Carbon currently up for £159,999 (was £175k) at JCT Leeds looks a very very good ‘bargain’? What am I missing?
Don’t want to dash ‘straight’ to an exhaust (see what I did there?) so assume permanent valve bypass is way to go initially?
Love the Carbon seats (have Recaro in both Spec V and Nismo) but for driving ‘normally’ but enjoying it are they vital? I am 6’2” and longer in leg.
Resale - this is a 5 year+ keeper but always worth having in back of mind - is that a decent combo in the view of the wider community. if so, why hasn’t it sold....? Yes I understand dark colours/subtle F12 is the way forward. But I want a red one - because, I do. ;-)
If above is incorrect - what’s absolutely vital, what’s nice to have and what are the most important thing to look for? Rear paint intake peeling etc aside.
What’s the range (I know it’s a lot to fill and Nismo does 18-20MPG but stopping every 250 miles is a pain when planning 99-102 RON). Yes it will do 3 MPG when you let loose but I will be cruising, touring and enjoying Scottish/French/Austrian sweepers as opposed to Hanger Straight.

Notice I am not mentioning the D word - I fully appreciate I am going to lose some money on depreciation but I measure it it joy per mile and, really, are they going to half again in 15000 miles and five years? I am not in the situation where it’s going to kill me but, then again, no one gets to buy one of these by throwing money away unnecessarily.

I am very happy to wait for the ‘right’ car so not in a rush so anyone knows of anything under the counter please PM me. Obviously FFSH and Dealer Warranty are a big backstop for a newbie.

Thanks and look forward to many conflicting opinions!

Rog.

RogGT-R

Original Poster:

43 posts

49 months

Sunday 5th July 2020
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Thanks all - appreciate the responses. I can have one only - live in Central London and rent parking spots and it’s a nightmare at best with the two cars dotted round London let alone three!

Plus I simply cannot justify two cars like that - have only done 3,500 miles in Nismo this year and Zenos E10R (I should probably have said I have that up my sleeve for track/fun/summer days out has been off the road for a year. It’s been rebuilt with lightweight fly, updated turbo has and Intercooler so now runs 370 BHP and 800KG. Get her back this week!

So, the choice is which one, and only one. I want it to be special and versatile and therefore the F12 seemed the most obvious choice and while I fully appreciate the first response my Missus will want it at 8,500 RPM all the time and encourages 180+ Autobahn blasts but also has shoes.

I suspect I am answering my own question but the ‘being a wonderful place to be’ seems to be a common thread for F12. I shall take all advice and pop and do both B2B when am ready to make the bank transfer.

Other thing is smart move seems to be to wait for Furlough to end and watch the possible carnage ensue with prices coming off.

Any comments on that JCT car? Final query - battery conditioner - underground garage, not mine, no solar and no plug....? Portable battery charger/conditioner to keep topped up and charge every couple of weeks?

Edited by RogGT-R on Sunday 5th July 17:17


Edited by RogGT-R on Sunday 5th July 17:34

RogGT-R

Original Poster:

43 posts

49 months

Sunday 5th July 2020
quotequote all
ANOpax said:
I won’t comment on the 458 vs F12 question beyond echoing what others have said - go drive them and you’ll know. I think that given the other cars you have, the F12 will be more of a contrast than the 458.

Regarding the JCT car in Rosso/Crema, you answered your own question on why it might not be selling. V12s look/sell better in darker colours. If you want red, take a look at the triple layer Rosso Berlinetta car they have. It was the launch colour. If that’s to rich and you don’t like the idea of a triple layer (can be a bh to repair) then there are metallic reds which look so much better on the F12 than Rosso corsa.

The other thing which might be depressing the price is the interior... Crema over Rosso carpets looks great in a F355 or 512TR but it’s a bit dated for a modern Ferrari.

Having given you all the above reasons for the attractive price, if you like it, buy it. Don’t worry about the next guy (or gal). Tastes change, fashions change and a Ferrari is an emotive purchase. Buy the one you want, not the one you’re worried that other people will want.

Jack-flash on the ‘Just got an F12’ thread has just traded in what looks like a Rosso Berlinetta or darker metallic in to Leeds. You might want to enquire about that one.

Edited by ANOpax on Sunday 5th July 19:40
I actually love it - perhaps I am just dreaming of the Testarossa I had on my boyhood wall (F40 is a little out of reach currently!). Agree fully on buying what you like - if I was smart I wouldn’t have bought an £150K Nissan right....

I am very relaxed about waiting for the right car - there is no rush and will go and have a proper drive when the current financial situation starts to show some form of stability as no point in diving in.

Wouldn’t obviously do that until fully ready to do a deal as a touch rude to waste the dealer time otherwise. I am looking forward to it greatly already.

I will be very curious to see about this steering and whether it’s as ‘bad’ in real life as purported. No one drives at 9/10ths all the time and as long as it’s ok for an occasional spirited road drive in Race without dying on a B road or NC500 etc (Pass of the cattle might be fun) that’s ok for me.

Just a touch concerned it (the Internet is a funny echo chamber) it sounds like it’s trying to murder you from the moment you turn the key haha. I suspect the reality is slightly different.




RogGT-R

Original Poster:

43 posts

49 months

Monday 6th July 2020
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Thank god it’s not just me as a shoe victim.

I suspect, taking all comments above into consideration, the F12 is going to be more special more of the time for my usage.

that m I get change completely when i drive them and it’s always going to be a trade off between the two but unless the steering really is as interesting as some suggest then that’s the way forward. Who can not love that noise.

Really appreciate the comments and will update when I go drive them! Is till want a red one ;-)

Edited by RogGT-R on Monday 6th July 21:28

RogGT-R

Original Poster:

43 posts

49 months

Tuesday 7th July 2020
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sparta6 said:
Let's put it this way.....you will not be disappointed biggrin
Second time waster fell through on Nismo today so not getting excited.....yet.

RogGT-R

Original Poster:

43 posts

49 months

Thursday 9th July 2020
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_Leg_ said:
My Mrs thinks a 3* hotel is camping. She looks at me like I'm mental if I lower the roof in anything less than 30c and then complains it's too windy. She needs 1372 dress options for 2 weeks away and buys 10 whilst we're away.

If you can sell her on the idea of anything less than a full sized suitcase you're a better man than I.

I've toured extensively in the 458 Spider with a mate along for the ride with bags of camera/drone gear, cool box, softbags and a 'suit' carrier as you say. It does work. It's the wife that doesn't work*. ;-)

.*I looked at a trade in but the costs were prohibitive and the finance options non existent.
This made me laugh a lot. I have the issue of two sets of shoes per day and then emergency shoes in case weather/phases of the moon/other unintelligible reasons kick in and all the current shoes are unacceptable.

Heaven help us if new dresses are acquired as then many, many pounds are spent on things to coordinate with the dress. And then handbags, dear god the handbags.

Oddly the car at JCT I was looking at appears to have gone up £10k today....?





RogGT-R

Original Poster:

43 posts

49 months

Thursday 9th July 2020
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willy wombat said:
I sympathise with some of this particularly “I’ve just had my hair done” when I go to lower the roof but in fairness to Mrs W, she’s pretty good with a road book and navigated us on the Mille Miglia Tribute no problem. These discussions make me realise how much I’m missing touring this year. Hopefully 2021 will see some return to normality.
I think we all do. We have a trip booked for last two weeks in September from NYC to Buffalo, Toronto then New Hampshire and New England.

Few of us going and got amazing rates on a fleet of BMW 740i s (£850 for two weeks with no mileage limit!).

Anyway I suspect I may be getting more £thousands back from BA again instead.

RogGT-R

Original Poster:

43 posts

49 months

Sunday 12th July 2020
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DeejRC said:
Don’t forget the immense importance of the memory seat package and the “heaty
Bottom button”. I made the mistake of buying us a Cayenne. It takes everything and the dogs.

The current “discussion” over F12s, 599s and 911 TTS involves lots of raised eyebrows.
I am leaning toward the Rosso/Crema at JCT Leeds currently. Although it appears to be £10K more than it was last week and more expensive than the Fuoco with Carbon seats which has less miles.

Anyway - big news is the Nismo sold (2.5 weeks which is decent) and didn’t take as mind battering a kick in the nuts as I feared. After jigging money around the cash should hit bank Wednesday...

I do get the feeling it’s a terrible time to buy and get the best deal however so am thinking of watching until November ish.

RogGT-R

Original Poster:

43 posts

49 months

Sunday 12th July 2020
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Purso said:
good news on the sale, if you are thinking of waiting what ever you do dont go and see one in the nean time smile
Haha those are probably wise words.

I must stop watching Chris Harris and MrJWW doing videos on F12s...

Just trying to do some research on this steering which keeps coming up. Evo seemed to suggest that it was fine on a long Motorway cruise and wouldn’t kill you once you got used to the car.

RogGT-R

Original Poster:

43 posts

49 months

Friday 17th July 2020
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Interesting to see how prices go over next few weeks after post lockdown pent up demand dies off.

RogGT-R

Original Poster:

43 posts

49 months

Monday 3rd August 2020
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speedbird1000 said:
Driving F12...it is the Ferrari heavyweight... just gets so much positive attention these days as it's sooo good looking in rosso. It seems probably on half of all trips someone films away. I think the quick steering is safer, you can adjust your line quicker and I don't think it feels nervous at all once your used to it. Just wish it had another 150 bhp really..clarkson's review really showed him up as just an old fa**.
Thanks - deposit paid and going to look at car and test drive (and sign off all things being equal) at the weekend so will keep all posted. Only major concern is battery now and how long it lasts between needing a charge, how long to charge for. I don’t have any access to power in parking.....

Dealer going to fit an Odyssey battery as part of handover - how does that stack up to the best does anyone know?

RogGT-R

Original Poster:

43 posts

49 months

Tuesday 4th August 2020
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rosino said:
I had a 458 Speciale which i used on track, b-roads, UK and Europe Mountain passes. I found it surprisingly comfortable with the bumpy road button on, I was coming from a GT3 which is much less forgiving.

I hardly did any motorway miles unless strictly necessary so wouldn't know if it would be too loud cruising in Europe at decent speeds for hours on end, but I found it eminently usable with lots go luggage space for 2. The car is epic, absolutely epic. It reads your mind and is so fun and engaging it's hard to describe, I loved everything about it. Everything. And people seemed to love it too in red with the NART stripe. It was gloriously OTT and magnificent.

I have an F12 now in Daytona Black. Much much more elegant, it is more refined for sure. The interior for me is more or less the same, same old tech but I don't mind, I probably prefer it than a million screens like the Roma which for me has no place in a Ferrari. I am quite focused when I drive those cars, it's a special moment and I don't mind having very few distractions.

Chassis-wise of course it's a different beast, you are very aware of that long bonnet but after a while things start to feel more natural, and of course everything is dominated by the engine. Oh my god the engine. It has to be experienced to be believed, and not in England, in Europe, on a good road up a mountain pass, with good visibility, good width and where you can open up a bit without the worry that 2 cars won't fit if somebody is coming the other way like in the UK in most places.

For me the F12 is mostly about the engine, but there's a balance and a friendliness to the chassis once the tyres are warm that is inviting, you can drive it in TC-off in the dry when tyres are up to 50c and not taking too many liberties you can have fun.

The Speciale on the other hand would oversteer the moment you were remotely thinking about it, it would already be sideways. Incredible feeling. And fantastic if you want to be on it.

I love both. I really do. If I had the money I would probably get back into a Speciale though as that is the car that got the most under my skin than any other car I have ever driven. But if you go F12 you won't go wrong, they are incredible value at the moment and that sound is something else, it's like F1 of the good old days out of the factory, and for me the Pininfarina design will remain a classic whilst the 812 is way too fussy and trying too hard.

It's difficult, but the reality is that you would need to spend time in both for more than the 20' test drive on some rubbish roads that the Dealers can offer you (if you can get that...). But whatever you do I beg you to take the car, drive or transport it to Italy and drive it on decent roads surrounded by people giving you the thumbs up and immediately allowing you to overtake and smiling at you. Completely different experience than driving these cars in England I have to say.



Edited by rosino on Tuesday 4th August 09:18
Love a post that makes me smile - appreciated.

I can’t wait for Saturday - should be dry and sunny and deposit is already paid on the car and Finance house are in touch for invoice so dealer knows it’s to seal the deal/sign as opposed to speculative.

We already have a road trip booked in place for exactly this mid September - Puligny-Montrachet first two nights then some fun roads to Annecy for two nights. Then down to Chamonix for five nights so doing up to Swiss Alps, Pass Bourg Saint Maurice (what a road) and round through Albertville and then Evian for a few nights before Reims, tour of some of my favourite Champagne houses and home. Corona allowing of course! 1,750 miles to get to know her properly.

RogGT-R

Original Poster:

43 posts

49 months

Tuesday 4th August 2020
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Fuoco said:
I just bought the Fuoco Rosso F12 from JCT Leeds and they delivered in a covered transporter, I noticed their other F12 has just been reserved, assuming that is you is it? Congrats
That is indeed! I had looked at the one you had and was flipping a coin but am actually glad you made the decision for me as the Rosso with Crema was where my heart was. Hope they did you a decent deal and many congrats. Your first Ferrari or old hand?

On Valve bypass comment I had looked at that, JCT said they couldn’t/wouldn’t do it. What’s best option (Forza I assume) and anyone advise where to get fitted - couple of hours I guess) in Central London? Makes that much difference on stock pipes but open all the way through rev range?

Edited by RogGT-R on Tuesday 4th August 21:38

RogGT-R

Original Poster:

43 posts

49 months

Tuesday 4th August 2020
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Fuoco said:
I'm Pleased you're not upset!!
No its my 3rd Ferrari as I'm Currently on my 3rd Lambo and 3rd Porsche had to balance the books, in fact my second Fuoco Rosso Fezza so it was pre ordained. I was negotiating hard and walked away but my wife commented that I would be a grumpy sod for weeks if I lost it hence I gave them what they asked for so long as they would deliver by last Thursday, I know I paid too much but couldn't be happier.
Valve by pass 20 mins, you're not too far from us in Surrey come over once you collect and we'll do it one Saturday/Sunday morning
Now there’s an offer one can’t refuse, much appreciated. 20 mins? I thought it was bumper off job to fit the Forza unit? For did you just mean lock them open? Either way, you’re on.

I argued hard too and mine been for sale a while longer (I guess the Rosso/Crema isn’t to everyone tastes) and was pre Covid bought in by them so I suspect they did take a kicking on margin. Was reduced on AutoTrader to get rid I guess and they wouldn’t move more than a token, tank of fuel and battery swap but frankly I am more than happy also as life is way too short.

Will keep you posted Saturday and will PM details. Really glad you are keeping your garage balanced though - oddly (I kid you not) my missus also said just do it otherwise I would be grumpy!



Edited by RogGT-R on Wednesday 5th August 00:00

RogGT-R

Original Poster:

43 posts

49 months

Wednesday 5th August 2020
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ANOpax said:
Just to note on the valve controller: Forza is favoured by the US owners as it’s made/supplied there and easy to get hold of. As you’re in the U.K., Capristo is what you want. German made and totally reliable. My official Ferrari dealer fits them and has never had any problems with them. The Forza has slightly more flexibility (it will allow you to set valves closed at all times) but there’s a school of thought which says that this is bad for the engine as it will restrict breathing at higher revs.

Edited to add - don’t forget to upgrade the stock Ferrari branded battery charger to a high capacity CTEK if it hasn’t been upgraded already.

Edited by ANOpax on Wednesday 5th August 08:58
Thanks - am looking at CTEK 25Amp Showroom version!

RogGT-R

Original Poster:

43 posts

49 months

Wednesday 5th August 2020
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jakesmith said:
Lots of these types of jobs take much longer on 'book times' than real life. Friend of a friend did one by popping the gap in the bumper open using a set of carpenters chisels and a heat gun to soften the mounting points to pry open and create a workable gap, then he used double sided tape to hold it all closed again after - you'd honestly never know & saved him a fortune
Crumbs - it’s probably best I don’t attempt that! Spoken to Fuoco and it’s perm open which sounds like the way forward probably.....

Starting to get a bit excited about Saturday.

RogGT-R

Original Poster:

43 posts

49 months

Wednesday 5th August 2020
quotequote all
ANOpax said:
Just to note on the valve controller: Forza is favoured by the US owners as it’s made/supplied there and easy to get hold of. As you’re in the U.K., Capristo is what you want. German made and totally reliable. My official Ferrari dealer fits them and has never had any problems with them. The Forza has slightly more flexibility (it will allow you to set valves closed at all times) but there’s a school of thought which says that this is bad for the engine as it will restrict breathing at higher revs.

Edited to add - don’t forget to upgrade the stock Ferrari branded battery charger to a high capacity CTEK if it hasn’t been upgraded already.

Edited by ANOpax on Wednesday 5th August 08:58
Interesting - JCT confirmed they wouldn’t fit one when I asked?

RogGT-R

Original Poster:

43 posts

49 months

Thursday 6th August 2020
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Ray_MV said:
just unplug the vacuum hoses and have the valves permanently open. I had the forza controller but did this first as fitting the controller was going to be a bit more involved. I never found a scenario where I would want them closed again so kept them permanently open. I heard a friend’s 812 with Novitech exhaust and sports cats recently and that was just next level. Very tempting!
I suspect that's what I shall do, thanks!

RogGT-R

Original Poster:

43 posts

49 months

Saturday 8th August 2020
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Fuoco said:
Indeed, its valves perm open and you'll never want them shut again except when going to an early car meet on a Sunday morning, but hey ho the neighbours are already pissed anyway!!
Having now driven, and bought it, I agree! Trying to persuade dealer to do it pre delivery for next Saturday but they don’t appear to be budging.

Head office dictation apparently.

She is amazing - very happy! Wasn’t nearly as fast or twitchy/busy harsh steering as led to believe so that’s positive too. I mean it’s fast but step up from tuned GT-R isn’t huge. Above 100 it really pulls more though to be fair and you can feel the less weight and extra BHP.

RogGT-R

Original Poster:

43 posts

49 months

Friday 14th August 2020
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speedbird1000 said:
Yes full ppf is best if for triple layer red.

Finally dove a 812 SF last week and..

- Steering/handling just a touch better the F12, but I felt the gap is v small.
- Does not feel any faster to my big surprise, but then sports exhaust on F12 so prob 770 hp v 800, so makes sense..
- SF no way as good looking as F12 smile, sorry but is a big gap.
- Interior of SF just a bit nicer than F12 to be fair.
- coming depreciation on SF v F12, a big turn off, maybe £90k over next 3 years? v like none on F12, am quiet jealous of those who buy f12 now, what a bargain.
- F12 feels a bit overall more raw and madder.
- suspension noticeably bit harder on SF
- stock exhaust on SF misses chance to really show off amazing engine note, just too quiet for £250k when it could sound soooo good.
Really interesting insight. I am sure the 812 is a significantly better car but I saw one next to F12 and I just can’t get the looks. Would I if I was in the market? Not sure.

Anyway - she is all prepped, paid for, MOT, serviced and polished ready for the big day tomorrow. Early train from Kings X and then heading out to Yorkshire dales before run back to London Sunday.

Jolly excited I have to say!!