Ferrari F12berlinetta (and F12tdf) buying guide

A used Ferrari F12berlinetta is bought on specification and paperwork more than on year, because the 2013 to 2017 cars changed little mechanically. The limited F12tdf is the exception.

It replaced the 599 GTB. Its 6,262cc V12 makes 730 bhp and drives the rear wheels through a 7-speed twin-clutch gearbox, in an aluminum two-seater styled by Pininfarina. In the view of Carcollectorinternational, it is the last naturally aspirated V12 berlinetta Ferrari built before the 812 Superfast. About 4,500 standard cars were made.

Carbuyer lists a 350-litre boot, growing to 500 litres with the rear divider removed, and over 370 miles from the 90-litre tank. On dependability, Exoticcarhacks and Motorbiscuit rate it among the most dependable V12 grand tourers while still insisting on a pre-purchase inspection, and Carbuyer found few things to go wrong.

• Confirm the brake reservoir cap recall was done, and have the recall history checked against the chassis number, especially on an imported car.
• Get underneath and look for any weep from the gearbox oil seals.
• Listen for rough shifts at parking speeds and on downshifts, which is how a failing speed sensor shows itself.
• Start the car cold, then again after a drive, and watch for slow restarts or electrical warnings that point to the starter.
• Inspect the paint around the rear wing vents and rear mesh for bubbling, the first sign of corrosion there.
• Run a paint-depth gauge over every panel to find refinished areas and accident repairs.
• Read the service book for gaps in the Ferrari dealer history and proof that Ferrari Genuine Maintenance was used.
• Have each of the three airbag campaigns confirmed separately, since they cover different build dates and years.
• Examine the dashboard and rear sunscreen leather for shrinkage and cracks.
• Specify ECU diagnostics, compression testing and underbody photos in the pre-purchase inspection, and add a long road test.

NHTSA holds five recall campaigns for 2013 to 2017 F12s. One covers the brake fluid reservoir cap (2013 to 2017, berlinetta and tdf), filed under hydraulic service brakes. The other four are airbag campaigns: 2013 cars sold or registered in certain states, 2015 berlinettas built between December 2014 and April 2015, 2015 to 2017 cars, and 2014 to 2017 cars including the tdf.

Because one campaign is tied to a build window and another to states, a given F12 can fall under some of the five and not others. Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup to see which apply, then ask for proof of each repair. NHTSA holds no owner complaints for these model years.

Buy the F12tdf if you can find one, with the 70th Anniversary cars next, as Octane Files ranks them. For a standard berlinetta, pick the car with the best paper trail and the suspension lifter fitted, and filter the used F12berlinetta for sale accordingly.

Insist on a completed brake cap recall, a full Ferrari dealer or Genuine Maintenance history, and a road test long enough to expose any rough low-speed shifting. Then look under the gearbox: a weep at the seals needs a repair quote before you agree a price.