Used Ferrari 550 Maranello 1996 - 2002 reliability review
More a superfast tourer than a genuine sports car
- Ferrari 550 Maranello (96 - 02)
What should I look for in a used Ferrari 550?
Our reliability surveys are as comprehensive as they can be, but cars this expensive are a bit thin on the ground, so building up an accurate picture of reliability is tough due to a lack of data.
However, what we can say is that the widely held belief that Ferrari ownership is one long reliability nightmare doesn't appear to be true any more. Ferrari build quality has improved immeasurably in recent years, and according to the limited data we've seen, this seems to have carried through to the mechanical parts.
Ferrari did issue a string of recalls, though, so check that the work has been done. Early 550s needed their magnesium wheel rims changing for aluminium ones, and a very small number of cars needed work on leaking radiator pipes. Some 2001 cars experienced handbrake failure, while others of the same period experienced problems with the seat runners.
