What to expect when buying a Used Ferrari FF (2011 to 2016)

The Ferrari FF is a unique car in many ways. It is the first Ferrari to have four seats and four-wheel drive, making it a versatile grand tourer that can handle different terrains and weather conditions. It is also the first Ferrari to have a shooting brake body style, which is a two-door wagon with a sloping roofline.

What is a Shooting Brake?

A shooting brake is a car body style that is a station wagon (estate) version of a coupé car, instead of being sedan-based. Its historic origin in the 1890s was as a horse-drawn wagon used to transport shooting parties with their equipment and game.

The term brake refers to a wagon chassis that was used to break in horses, while the term shooting implies the vehicle’s use for hunting trips. A shooting brake typically has two doors, a long and slender body, and a spacious rear cargo area. It is designed to combine the performance and style of a sports car with the practicality and comfort of a station wagon.

Some examples of shooting brake cars are the Volvo 1800 ES, the Aston Martin Vanquish Zagato, the BMW Z3 M Coupe, and the Mercedes-Benz CLS Shooting Brake. They are often considered rare and exclusive models, as they are not very common in the market. Some car enthusiasts and collectors admire the shooting brake for its unique and elegant appearance, as well as its versatility and functionality.

More on the FF:

The FF has a powerful 6.3-liter V12 engine that produces 650 horsepower and 683 Nm of torque. It can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.7 seconds and reach a top speed of 335 km/h. The FF also has a sophisticated four-wheel drive system that distributes power intelligently to each wheel as needed, using a second gearbox at the front of the engine.

The FF is not only a fast and agile car, but also a luxurious and comfortable one. It has a spacious interior with leather seats, a panoramic roof, and a 10.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system. It also has a large boot that can fit up to 450 liters of luggage, or 800 liters with the rear seats folded down. The FF is a car that can suit different lifestyles and preferences, whether it is a family trip, a business meeting, or a weekend getaway.

The FF is a car that combines the best of Ferrari’s heritage and innovation. It is a car that offers performance, versatility, and elegance in one package. It is a car that is interesting and impressive in every aspect.

The four wheel drive system of the Ferrari FF is called 4RM. It is a patented system that is designed to be lighter and smarter than conventional four wheel drive systems.

The 4RM system consists of two main components: a front transmission and a power transfer unit. The front transmission is a separate gearbox that is connected to the front of the engine by a conical gear. It has two forward speeds and one reverse speed, and it can handle up to 20% of the engine’s torque.

The power transfer unit is a device that controls the distribution of power to each of the four wheels. It uses two electronically-controlled, hydraulic wet multiplate clutches, one for each front wheel. The clutches can vary the amount of slip to match the speed of the rear wheels and to provide torque vectoring.

The 4RM system works in harmony with the rear transmission, which is a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox. The front transmission’s first gear covers the rear’s first and second, and its second gear covers the rear’s third and fourth. The system does not work above fourth gear, as the rear tires can handle the torque in higher gears.

The 4RM system is designed to improve the performance, stability, and versatility of the FF. It can adapt to different road conditions and driving modes, such as snow, wet, comfort, sport, and ESC off. It can also reduce the 0-100 km/h acceleration time by 0.2 - 0.3 seconds compared to a rear-wheel drive system.

The 4RM system is one of the most innovative features of the FF. It is a system that showcases Ferrari’s engineering excellence and creativity.

The FF cost US$300,000 when it was launched in 2011. It was the world’s fastest four-seat car at that time1 In India, the FF was launched at Rs 3.42 crore (ex-showroom Delhi) in October 2011. The price of the FF may vary depending on the market, taxes, and customization options.

According to the web search results, the average price of a used Ferrari FF in the US today is around $158,000. The prices range from a high of $239,990  to a low of $109,998, depending on the model year, mileage, condition, and features of the car. 

There are several factors that may contribute to the low price of a used Ferrari FF in the US today. Some of them are:

• Depreciation: The FF depreciates around 12% in the first three years, and nearly 30% in the first five years. This means that a new FF that cost $300,000 in 2011 would be worth around $210,000 in 2016, and around $171,000 in 2021. This is a significant loss of value for a luxury car.

• Supply and demand: The FF was produced from 2011 to 2016, with a total of 2,291 units made. This means that there is a limited supply of FFs in the market, which could increase their value. However, the demand for the FF may not be as high as other Ferrari models, such as the 458 or the F12berlinetta, which are more popular and have better performance. The FF may also face competition from other brands, such as Porsche, Bentley, or Aston Martin, which offer similar or better features at lower prices.

• Maintenance and insurance: Owning a Ferrari is not cheap, as it requires regular and expensive maintenance and insurance. The FF, being a four-wheel drive car with a complex and innovative system, may require more frequent and costly repairs than other Ferrari models. The insurance cost for a Ferrari is also very high, as it is considered a high-risk and high-value vehicle. These factors may deter potential buyers from purchasing a used FF, as they may not want to deal with the hassle and expense of owning one.

• Personal preference and taste: The FF is a unique and unconventional car, with a shooting brake design that may not appeal to everyone. Some Ferrari enthusiasts may prefer the traditional coupe or convertible body styles, or the more aggressive and sporty look of other models. The FF may also be seen as less exclusive or prestigious than other Ferrari models, as it is more practical and versatile, and can accommodate four people and luggage. The FF may not fit the image or expectation of a typical Ferrari buyer, who may want a more exclusive and thrilling driving experience.

The internet has mixed opinions about the overall reliability of the Ferrari FF:

•  Some sources claim that the FF is very reliable and has been the most trouble-free car they have ever owned. 

• They praise the FF for its impeccable build quality, precision-engineered performance parts, and seven years of free servicing. 

• Others report that the FF’s 4RM system is prone to failure, resulting in costly repairs and maintenance4. They also warn that the FF’s high depreciation and running costs make it a less attractive option compared to newer luxury cars. 

• The FF’s reliability may also depend on how well it is cared for and driven by its owners, as Ferraris are known to last more than 100,000 miles with proper care.

Given all of the above, I personally think, it is the best value used Ferrari that you can buy today!