[Boxer]

I will likely be in the market for either a 430 Spider or a 612 by next spring to use as a new daily driver. Would appreciate everyone's advise on what to look for when buying.

[wetpet]

Are you asking us to compare the two or give specific advice on buying each car?

[Boxer]

Originally Posted by wetpet

Are you asking us to compare the two or give specific advice on buying each car?

Each independently. Thanks

[johns930]

have a 612OTO and couple 430s, if i only can have one, i think i will go with the 430, especially in ur spider form. i dont wanna explain because my 612 might hear it.

but certainly its because the 430 is more fun to drive and cheaper to obtain than the 612.
but somehow the OTO is my favorite ferrari AFTER i drive it everytime, while others im amazed WHILE driving it, but felt not so much afterwards, maybe because the 430, 458, and even 599s let u do superman moves during its driving dynamics, while the 612 soothes u and makes u feel very very rich, materialistically and spiritually. Its sort of a feeling i get when i drive a bentley SS or in a Phantom but much more involved.
u have to own one to understand.

i wish u choose the 430, because i dont want another man feeling rich like me.

Originally Posted by Boxer

I will likely be in the market for either a 430 Spider or a 612 by next spring to use as a new daily driver. Would appreciate everyone's advise on what to look for when buying.

[champagne612]

The 612 simply satisfies ever part of my driving habits.

If you want the rocket form of Ferrari buy the 430

If you want the 12 cylinders and performance of the 430 in a sheepskin cloth than I suggest the 612.

FWIW - the 430 is a 250k car and the 612 is a 350k car originally.

For the same money today that 100k original difference didn't disappear - butfor the price.

[wetpet]

boxer, you are a 430 man.

[Granucci]

how much daily driving do you intend and in what forms of traffic and to type of final destination.

Warmup is the same, so a wash.

Paddle vs stick: Shifting is a problem for either in slow traffic, but I'd pick the 612 for parallel. Up a hill: 612 [or am I wrong on 612 not having a stick?]
carrying 'stuff' - 612. People AND other items is much easier/better.

Easier maintenance, almost a wash as the 430 seems to have about the same pace as the 12, but of course the major might be a slight bit more on the 12 in terms of fluids. Can't remember the mileage, but who checks that figure.

612 is larger in some areas to park though.

Just not truly sure where your next toy is bending...seems like you want a 12, but your last experience was...so-so.

[Boxer]

Sounds like buying both would be the best plan.

However, anything in particular I should be on the look out for when viewing 612s?

[Boxer]

Originally Posted by Granucci

how much daily driving do you intend and in what forms of traffic and to type of final destination.

.

Commute is 25 miles each way and a mix of highway and back roads. Traffic is normally not that bad.

I would try to find a stick if I did opt for the 612.

[Granucci]

Originally Posted by Boxer

Commute is 25 miles each way and a mix of highway and back roads. Traffic is normally not that bad.

I would try to find a stick if I did opt for the 612.

Like said, not sure the 612 was a stick offer, but paddle. IF latter, then there is no advantage over the 430. You are more versed in paddle than I, and know the drawbacks, or getting used to: Champaign? Seems this is more in your court.

I do know, the 12 doesn't get much of a great workout on small two lane clogged roads, and that's not much fun. Almost feel I am doing it harm keeping in the low gears/revs. Only time big horse gets to romp is on the freeway, and it hardly breaks a sweat.

Pony types might be better.

As for both at same time....knowing your stables, that doesn't seem much a problem. You certainly can fit in the 'New Ferrari Club' being bantered about.

I've always meant to ask TAZ or BRIAN how they feel, that although the 12s may be up to temps etc. for driving, that keeping in the >2-<4.5k RPM and under 60MPH for daily is in their thoughts as a 'ok' scenario

.... UNFORTUNATELY I get behind some retired folks going to Kaiser or a hay/taco/gardening truck to/fro and with NO passing lanes save two [which somehow always get blocked ] where the speed is more like 50 with a lower average, that I question my driving the 456 daily.

truly, I'm not certain if I'm doing more harm or what. I suspect gearing it correctly has caused me less harm, but it just frustrates the h#77 out of me

[johns930]

Get the OTO due to improvements like faster shift times and glass roof, so no stick. And try to find one with the handling pack and exhaust which most have.

But a fcar commuter?? I really can't buy in to that, unless ur office is at the end of a twisty road with not much traffic.
A diesel Benz or BMW makes much more sense being a daily.

Originally Posted by Boxer

However, anything in particular I should be on the look out for when viewing 612s?

[Killer58]

Originally Posted by Granucci

612 is larger in some areas to park though.

Larger?! I saw one for the first time two weeks ago. That thing is a land yacht with a footprint equal to a large SUV. It wouldn't fit in many car park slots here in SOCAL.

[Boxer]

Originally Posted by Granucci

Like said, not sure the 612 was a stick offer, but paddle.

As for both at same time....knowing your stables, that doesn't seem much a problem. You certainly can fit in the 'New Ferrari Club' being bantered about.

I have seen a few manual 612s for sale. Mostly early cars.

I would not qualify for the "New Ferrari Club". I have never owned 5 Ferraris at one time.

[tazandjan]

Boxer- The 05- early 07 cars had essentially a Maranello drivetrain and a manual shifter was available that was the same as the Maranellos'. In 2007, the Sessanta was introduced with the features that would become standard on the OTO in 2008. Primary among these mechanically was the adaptation of the 599's nearly indestructible dual plate clutch and the 599 transaxle case. A new Type F133H engine was also introduced. Because of the new drivetrain, Ferrari elected not to develop a manual shifter for the very few buyers who would want one. The poor acceptance of the 599 manual shifter was likely the final nail in the coffin.

There is a big price break between the early and Sessanta/OTO cars, but both are bargains. The interior of the 612 is much higher quality than the F430's and the 400 plus ft lbs of torque make it a breeze to drive in traffic, just like the 575M you had.

For a daily driver, a 612 works as well as my 575, which is my DD. The early 612s will depreciate slowly now, while the late models will depreciate much more. Out of the 3025 built (or was it 3125?), I would estimate less than 5% were manual shifters, probably way less.

[danny1l]

I'm a little embarrased giving you any advice as far as Ferrari's go as I am an ULTRA NEWBIE... but here it goes anyway.

I too had a 612 and 430 before me and I had to choose which one to buy. The 430 looked alot more sportier and fun to drive, but I could not see myself in the mood everyday. The 612 is more elegant IMO and still has that great prowess. It is subtle in that it doesnt scream out to everyone on the street unless they eye catch it. When they do, they'll see you on a higher level as the 612 is rare thereby exclusive.

I'll probably buy a 430 or 458 down the road but it will be my weekend car. My daily driver has to wear alot more hats and be some what practical.

[212Export]

Dear Boxer, after all is said and seen it really comes down to the 2 or 4 seat question, re: the boys

[Boxer]

Originally Posted by 212Export

Dear Boxer, after all is said and seen it really comes down to the 2 or 4 seat question, re: the boys

This is not an easy decision. Other questions is how often would we all go out in the 612? For around town, no issue but not sure their is enough luggage room for 4 people for a weeke nd away.

[212Export]

Originally Posted by Boxer

This is not an easy decision. Other questions is how often would we all go out in the 612? For around town, no issue but not sure their is enough luggage room for 4 people for a weeke nd away.

Sure there is always enough luggage room....take less luggage..

[Boxer]

Originally Posted by 212Export

Sure there is always enough luggage room....take less luggage..

Speaking of luggage room, have you done a trip in the F50 yet?

[212Export]

No, car is not with me yet....