Considering the ‘entry-level’ 2021 Roma starts at $220k, buying a Ferrari is understandably a pipe dream for many people. However, even brand-new Ferraris eventually become depreciated used cars. And sometimes, they become underappreciated affordably-priced used cars. The 308 GT4 is this for the Italian brand’s classic models, for example. And if you’re after a more modern and more luxurious experience, you should consider a used Ferrari 612 Scaglietti.  

The 2004-2011 Ferrari 612 Scaglietti is a genuine four-seater GT car

Although Ferrari is famed for its mid-engine supercars, the Italian automaker offers other types of cars, too. It also has front-engine models better suited to grand touring, i.e., driving long distances over straight or swooping roads. And in 2004, to replace its outgoing GT, the 456, Ferrari introduced the 612 Scaglietti, Road & Track reports.

Initially, the Ferrari 612 Scaglietti was criticized over its styling, particularly its roofline. However, the 612 looks that way because it has “four usable seats,” R&T reports. And underneath the body is an all-aluminum chassis. The 612 Scaglietti is the second Ferrari built with such a chassis; the 360 Modena was the first.

Admittedly, as Doug DeMuro demonstrates in the video above, the rear seats are somewhat small. However, considering the 612 Scaglietti is a coupe, they’re more than reasonable, CarThrottle reports. Plus, DeMuro is rather tall; Autoweek found four adults could sit comfortably without feeling cramped. Also, the rear seats offer a fold-down armrest, a dedicated rear climate vent, and even built-in child-seat anchors. Yes, this is a used Ferrari that can accommodate a child seat.

Being a GT, the Ferrari 612 Scaglietti also offers plenty of other luxury features. Besides the leather upholstery, the 2004 612 featured a gauge-cluster-mounted digital display, heated seats, Bose audio, and adaptive suspension, MotorTrend and Car and Driver report. It also has parking sensors and a rearview camera, Classic & Sports Car reports.

The 612 Scaglietti was also the first Ferrari with standard electronic stability control. And in 2009 Ferrari added an upgraded Bose infotainment system with navigation, a dimmable glass roof, and the steering-wheel-mounted driving-mode switch, Automobile and R&T report. Plus, the HGTC package added carbon-ceramic brakes and a sports exhaust, Classic Trader reports.

But these features pale somewhat in comparison to what’s under the hood.

The Ferrari 612 Scaglietti is fast, fun to drive, and the brand’s last V12 GT with a stick

The Ferrari 612 Scaglietti has a 5.7-liter V12 rated at 532 hp and 434 lb-ft. That’s enough power to let the two-ton GT go 0-60 mph in 4.3 seconds, Car and Driver reports. And it topped out at 199 mph. Plus, while the V12 is suitably subdued around town, it’s always ready to shriek when you put your foot down, MT reports.

The Ferrari 612 Scaglietti isn’t just quick in a straight line, though. In a comparison test with the then-new Bentley Continental GT, Car and Driver found that the 612 drove like a car half the size and weight of the GT. Reviewers said the Ferrari “always feels light on its feet, dancing from one apex to the next.” And its hydraulic steering is accurate, quick, and provides plenty of feedback.

That’s also why the Ferrari 612 Scaglietti beat the Aston Martin DB9 in that same comparison. And while the used Ferrari isn’t as sharp as the outgoing BMW M4, it has significantly better steering, Autocar reports. Plus, the 612 rides more comfortably. In short, it’s a sports car with seating for four that you can genuinely drive through traffic, WhatCar reports.

But the Ferrari 612 Scaglietti also has another claim to fame. It was one of the last Ferrari V12 cars with a manual. Although the standard transmission was a six-speed ‘F1-style’ automated manual, a small number of 612s have six-speed manuals, R&T reports.

This luxury GT isn’t necessarily unreliable

With most early-2000s supercars, such as the Aston Martin V8 Vantage, the usual recommendation is to skip the semi-automatic transmission. That’s noticeably more difficult with a used Ferrari 612 Scaglietti since almost all use the ‘F1’ transmission. And it’s worth noting that Ferrari recalled 2007-and-earlier examples over transmission sensor issues, Autoblog reports.

However, overall, the Ferrari 612 Scaglietti has a fairly robust transmission, Ferraris Online reports. The transmission also received some software updates for the 2009 MY that further improved its performance and reliability, PistonHeads reports. You can install these software updates into earlier 612s, though.

Apart from some transmission glitches, the biggest headache with a used Ferrari 612 Scaglietti is its cambelt service. You have to replace the cambelt every five years or 30,000 miles, PH reports. That’s not a flaw–that’s just the maintenance schedule. But, while the service itself is pricey, it’s not ruinously expensive.

That being said, as long as it’s driven and serviced regularly, a used 612 Scaglietti can be reliable, The Sunday Times reports. As always, though, we recommend getting a pre-purchase inspection by a qualified expert before putting any money down.

A used Ferrari 612 Scaglietti might be cheaper than you think

Speaking of money, when it was new, the 612 Scaglietti was an expensive GT. In 2004 it started at roughly $250k; by 2011, that rose to $320k, Hagerty reports. But, while used 612s aren’t dirt-cheap, they are significantly more affordable.

A “really nice” used Ferrari 612 Scaglietti typically costs around $100k, Hagerty reports. And you can find good-condition examples on Bring a Trailer for as little as $80k. That’s not cheap, but it’s also only slightly more expensive than the new BMW M4 Competition. But if you want a manual, you’ll have to scour the globe. Ferrari only made 199 manual-equipped 612s, and they command a premium.

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