Ferrari 599 (GTB Fiorano and GTO) buying guide

The standard car is the GTB Fiorano. Nearly every buyer ordered the F1 SuperFast automated manual, which shifts in 100 milliseconds. The alternative is a gated six-speed manual, the rarest configuration. Most sources count 30 built and 20 for the US, while one puts the world figure nearer 40. Aftermarket manual conversions exist, so treat a manual without factory paperwork as a conversion until proven otherwise. Our GTB Fiorano market page shows what is listed.

The HGTE (Handling Gran Turismo Evoluzione) package became optional in 2009 and leaves the engine and gearbox alone. The Ferrari Owners Club UK says it stiffens the suspension by 17% at the front and 15% at the rear, lowers the car by 10mm and cuts Fiorano lap times by 0.6 seconds. It also brings revised Pirelli P Zero tires, wider wheels and a thicker rear anti-roll bar. The F1 gearbox shifts in 85 milliseconds in Race mode. Targa and the owners club both describe it as a rarer car that serious drivers prefer. HGTE cars are sold by build sheet rather than badge, so ask to see the build sheet.

Targa says cars from 2009 to 2011 carry the factory's later software updates, and buyers could specify HGTE on them. If you want the newer cars, the 599 market page tracks them.

The 599 GTO of 2011 has 660 hp at 8,250 rpm and 457 lb-ft, with production held to 599 cars. It drew on the 599XX programme. The SA Aperta is the open version, limited to 80 cars, which shares the GTO's engine and gearbox and was unveiled at the 2010 Paris Motor Show. See the GTO market page or GTO listings.

The Ferrari Owners Club UK says there are few inherent issues, but the sources point to several areas that cost money.

F1 clutch wear

Clutch wear is a concern on the F1 gearbox, especially on cars driven hard. Signs are jerky low-speed behavior and worn hydraulic actuators. A new clutch costs £3000-£5000, according to the Ferrari Owners Club UK.

Magnetic damper failure

The magnetorheological dampers can leak or wear and are expensive to replace. New ones are around £1500 each, the owners club says, and can be bought only in pairs.

Motor mount failure

Fully Sorted says the motor mounts tend to fail around 30,000 miles because of engine heat.

Oil overfilling

KickTyres says the most common problem specialists see is overfilled dry-sump oil, from checking the level with the engine cold. The result is smoke and fouled plugs.

Valve guides and seals

Giallo Modena reports premature valve guide wear on early cars. Engine seals can also develop oil leaks with age.

Steering and suspension joints

Track rod ends and ball joints are the likeliest tired parts. The repairs are not especially costly, with ball joints at £500 per corner.

Interior and body faults

Sticky console buttons, switchgear coating and shrinking leather are common interior faults. The aluminum bodyshell can corrode, and the Perspex rear quarterlights can craze.

Servicing is not cheap. Giallo Modena puts annual servicing at a Ferrari specialist at €2,000 to €3,000, and a set of Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires at €1,500 or more. For the clutch, the Ferrari Owners Club UK quotes £3000 to £5000.

Fully Sorted says replacing the console buttons at a dealer costs nearly $2,000, and replacing both exhaust manifolds adds $3,800. Targa puts a full four-corner OEM carbon-ceramic brake replacement at €15,000 to €25,000. Replacement Perspex quarterlights run around £500 per side plus fitting, per the owners club. See our price guide for what cars sell at.