I want a Ferrari 456GTA as an everyday car.

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I want a Ferrari 456GTA as an everyday car.

I'm 57 years old and I'm thinking of buying a Ferrari 456GTA, which I consider an 'affordable' prestige sports car (about £26,000). I would ideally like to run it as an everyday car as it has four seats and a reasonably sized boot. Apart from the obvious running costs (fuel and servicing), are there any major pitfalls or drawbacks from embarking on this adventure and fulfilling a 'boyhood' dream of owning a Ferrari?

Asked on 10 June 2012 by MB, Tadley, Hants

Answered by Honest John

The 'A' is a bit of a cop-out compared to a manual, but that's up to you. Be very careful. The 456 has a timing belt engine and the belts need to be replaced frequently. The best people I know of to consult are DK Engineering, who restore and race older Ferraris: www.dkeng.co.uk.

Be prepared to pay top money for a top condition car with a proper history, rather than try to get one cheaply then find you have to spend £20,000 on it.

Tags: running costs automatics classic cars sports cars

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