Ferrari 599
Splashing out on a used supercar is costly, and so are the potential maintenance bills, so a new Ferrari approved-used buying programme has been warmly received — as has news that all Ferrari models will in future be available with a hybrid power plant.
Used buyers now get the reassurance of a two-year warranty for any Ferrari that’s up to eight years old and bought from an approved dealer, and that makes buying a used 599 GTB rather more attractive than it was.
The 599 was launched in March 2006, and the first ones came to the UK in the autumn of that year. With a list price above £170,000, it was obviously an exclusive car, and now, four years on, there is still a waiting list of up to two years for a new one, despite the recession and a price in excess of £200,000.
At the heart of the car’s appeal is its V12 engine, derived directly from the Enzo model. The 599 used new components, though, to yield even higher revs while reducing weight and size. The result was a 6-litre V12 producing 620bhp and capable of powering the car from 0-60mph in just 3.7 seconds, and on to a top speed exceeding 200mph.
[an error occurred while processing this directive]This required powerful brakes, so to this end 599s sold in the UK were given carbon-ceramic composite brake discs, notable for their lack of brake fade and their impressive durability.
Ferrari wanted the 599 to be a luxurious touring car with no performance sacrifice, and while it is at least as quick as the F40, it’s probably not a true luxury cruiser, although its cabin is beautifully trimmed and has a real sense of occasion. The 599 is ultimately more thoroughbred sports car than luxury GT.
Reliability and servicing
Since January 2007 all new Ferraris have had a four-year, unlimited-mileage warranty, underlining the brand’s confidence in build quality. Few 599s cover high mileages, and the most travelled example located via the Ferrari approved website had only 12,000 miles.
Some 599s will have had strenuous track-day workouts, others may have been city-traffic commuters, and neither type of use is conducive to long-term mechanical health. Repairs come at a price: front tyres cost £360, rears £450; a new clutch is £1,450 and brake discs a hefty £4,850.
Servicing costs vary according to the car’s age: the four-year/50,000-mile check-up costs £1,450 and the six-year/75,000-miler is about £1,000 more.
Residuals
The Ferrari 599 doesn’t obey traditional depreciation rules; it’s simply worth what someone will pay for it, and buyers aren’t put off by £5,000 either way. Asking prices vary dramatically as sellers speculate on marketplace strength, but ultimately the best cars with the lowest mileages and popular colour combinations are always desired.
Since Ferrari started giving a two-year warranty on its approved used cars, franchised dealers hold an advantage over independent Ferrari traders.
VITAL STATISTICS
Model Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano F1
Engine 5999cc, V12
Power 620bhp
Transmission Six-speed auto
Fuel 15.8mpg (combined)
Acceleration 0-60mph: 3.7sec
Top Speed 205mph
CO2 emissions 415g/km
Road tax band M (£405)
Cost new now £207,075