By Tom Westendorp
The Ferrari FF, produced between 2011 and 2016, is Ferrari’s audacious answer to the question no one was asking: what if we built a 651-horsepower, four-wheel-drive shooting brake? On paper, it sounds ludicrous. In reality, the FF is a revelation—a supercar that can carry four adults in genuine comfort while tearing across alpine passes in a snowstorm. If you’re shopping for a used Ferrari FF, there’s plenty to love. But as with all high-performance exotics, there are pitfalls to avoid, and preparation is key.
Let’s break this down, in detail, because this is a car that deserves both reverence and scrutiny.
Key Technical Data
Here’s what you’re dealing with when you step into an FF:
Engine: 6.3-liter naturally aspirated V12 (F140 EB)
Power: 651 bhp at 8,000 rpm
Torque: 683 Nm (504 lb-ft) at 6,000 rpm
Redline: 8,000 rpm
0-62 mph (0-100 km/h): 3.7 seconds
Top Speed: 208 mph (335 km/h)
Weight: 1,880 kg (4,145 lbs)
Gearbox: 7-speed dual-clutch automated manual
Drivetrain: Ferrari 4RM (rear-biased four-wheel drive)
Fuel Economy: ~15 mpg (optimistic combined)
CO2 Emissions: 360 g/km
This is a car that combines the brutality of a mid-engined V12 hypercar with the comfort and usability of a grand tourer. But while the numbers are impressive, the devil is always in the details.
The Engine: Ferrari’s Last Naturally Aspirated V12
The FF’s 6.3-liter V12, shared with the F12 Berlinetta, is a masterpiece of engineering. This naturally aspirated motor generates a ferocious 651 bhp at a spine-tingling 8,000 rpm. Torque delivery is surprisingly linear for a high-revving engine, with 80% available from just 1,000 rpm—meaning it’s as happy pootling around town as it is screaming down an autobahn.
Key Things to Check:
Oil Consumption: It’s normal for the FF to use a bit of oil, but excessive consumption could indicate wear. Ensure the previous owner has kept up with top-offs.
Oil Changes: These should occur every 7,000 miles or annually, whichever comes first. Ferrari engines don’t tolerate neglect.
Noise: Listen for any unusual ticking or knocking sounds on cold starts, as these can indicate valve train or timing chain issues.
A well-maintained V12 will last hundreds of thousands of miles, but deferred maintenance is an absolute deal-breaker.
Drivetrain: Ferrari’s Revolutionary 4RM System
Ferrari’s patented four-wheel-drive system is unlike anything else in the automotive world. Instead of using a traditional transfer case, the FF employs a second gearbox mounted at the front of the engine to deliver power to the front wheels. It only activates when the rear wheels lose grip, meaning the FF drives like a traditional rear-wheel-drive car most of the time.
Key Things to Check:
Clunks or Jerks: Listen for clunks or delayed engagement when the AWD system activates. Repairs can cost thousands.
Front Differential Fluid Changes: These are often overlooked but critical for longevity.
Dashboard Warnings: Ensure there are no drivetrain-related fault codes. Replacing components in the 4RM system can be eye-wateringly expensive.
Transmission: Dual-Clutch Excellence
The FF features Ferrari’s 7-speed F1 dual-clutch transmission. It’s one of the best systems of its kind, offering lightning-fast shifts whether you’re cruising or tearing through mountain passes.
Known Issues:
Sensors and Actuators: These can fail over time, leading to erratic shifting or warning lights.
Smoothness: Ensure the gearbox operates smoothly in both manual and automatic modes. Any hesitation could indicate problems.
Servicing: Transmission fluid changes are critical and expensive but must be done on schedule.
Suspension and Chassis: Magnetic Mastery
The FF’s adaptive magnetorheological dampers (SCM3 system) are key to its dual personality. They deliver a compliant ride in comfort mode and superb body control in sport mode. Combined with Ferrari’s rear-biased AWD and clever electronic stability systems, the FF is surprisingly agile for a car that weighs nearly two tons.
Key Areas to Inspect:
Magnetic Dampers: Listen for clunks or squeaks. Replacement can cost £4,000 per corner.
Tires: Check for uneven wear, which could indicate alignment or suspension issues. A fresh set of high-performance tires (Michelin Pilot Sport 4S or Pirelli P Zero) is ideal.
Bushings: Worn suspension bushings can cause handling imprecision and are costly to replace.
Brakes: Carbon-Ceramic Brilliance
The FF comes standard with Ferrari’s carbon-ceramic brakes, offering exceptional stopping power and longevity under hard use. But these brakes are expensive to maintain.
What to Watch For:
Wear: Check for grooving or discoloration on the discs. Replacements can cost over £15,000 for a full set.
Pads: Replacement pads are expensive but necessary to avoid rotor damage.
Feel: A spongy pedal could indicate air in the system or a more serious issue.
Interior and Technology: Luxury with Quirks
The FF’s interior is a luxurious blend of leather, Alcantara, and carbon fiber. The seats are supremely comfortable, and the optional panoramic roof transforms the cabin. However, the tech hasn’t aged well.
Known Issues:
Infotainment System: It was outdated even in 2011. Expect poor navigation and clunky controls.
Sticky Buttons: Ferrari’s soft-touch plastics can degrade, leaving buttons with a tacky feel. Replacement or cleaning is often necessary.
Electronics: Test all systems—seats, climate control, and especially the dual digital displays. These are prone to glitches.
Pricing and Market Trends
Early Cars (2011-2013): Starting around £80,000. Beware of poorly maintained examples.
Late Cars (2014-2016): £100,000 to £120,000 for low-mileage, well-maintained examples.
Desirable Options: Panoramic roof, diamond-stitched seats, and tailored luggage sets add value.
Depreciation Outlook: The FF has largely bottomed out and represents exceptional value for a V12 Ferrari. However, expect maintenance costs to remain significant.
Running Costs
Owning an FF isn’t for the faint-hearted. Here’s a rough breakdown of annual running costs:
Annual Service: £1,500–£2,500
Tires: £1,200–£1,500 for a full set
Brakes: £15,000+ for new carbon-ceramic rotors
Insurance: £2,000–£4,000 (dependent on age and driving history)
Fuel: Around 15 mpg, so budget accordingly
Final Verdict: The Ferrari FF – A Truly Unique Proposition
The Ferrari FF is one of the most compelling and polarizing cars ever to come out of Maranello. It takes the essence of a traditional Ferrari—a screaming V12, breathtaking performance, and exclusivity—and wraps it in a shooting brake body with genuine practicality. That juxtaposition is its greatest strength and, to some, its most baffling quality. The FF defied convention when it was launched, and it still does today.
Who Is the FF For?
The FF isn’t for someone looking to make an obvious statement with their first Ferrari. It’s not a flamboyant, mid-engined toy for posing on sunny weekends. Instead, it’s for the discerning enthusiast who appreciates substance over flash. It’s a car for someone who wants to use their Ferrari every day—or at least as often as they dare. With four seats, decent luggage space, and all-wheel drive, the FF can take you, your family, and your dog on a ski trip or a grand tour across Europe without breaking a sweat.
For drivers who live in regions with unpredictable weather, the FF provides year-round usability, something unheard of in most supercars. That all-wheel-drive system, combined with the sheer genius of the V12, makes this a Ferrari you can enjoy in ways that more traditional models simply can’t match. Snow, rain, or gravel won’t stop the FF—it’s built to conquer them.
The Driving Experience: Heart and Soul
The FF’s driving experience is its pièce de résistance. Despite being heavier than a mid-engined Ferrari, it handles with surprising agility. The combination of the screaming V12, razor-sharp steering, and a chassis that feels alive under you ensures that, when you’re behind the wheel, there’s no mistaking the FF for anything but a Ferrari.
Its duality is what makes it so special. Switch it to Comfort mode, and it settles into a luxurious cruiser, eating up miles with poise. Dial it up to Sport, and it transforms into a snarling beast, eager to devour corners with precision. This ability to shift seamlessly between GT car and supercar is something few, if any, cars in its class can achieve.
The Ownership Proposition
Owning an FF is as much about mindset as it is about means. Yes, it’s one of the more affordable V12 Ferraris on the used market, but that doesn’t mean it’s “cheap.” The running costs are a constant reminder that you’re dealing with a thoroughbred. Carbon-ceramic brakes, magnetic dampers, and a high-revving V12 are all engineering marvels, but they require proper care—and deep pockets.
However, for those willing to invest in its upkeep, the FF rewards you with an experience that’s hard to rival. There’s an undeniable romance to a naturally aspirated Ferrari V12, especially in an era dominated by downsized turbocharged engines and hybrid powertrains. Add to that its practicality, all-weather capability, and timeless styling, and the FF starts to make sense as more than just a car—it’s a statement of passion and individuality.
Depreciation and Long-Term Value
The FF has already gone through the worst of its depreciation curve, which means it’s an excellent time to buy. Unlike most high-performance GTs, the FF’s appeal is unique, and its scarcity on the used market will likely bolster its value over time. Future collectors will undoubtedly look back on the FF as a bold and pivotal moment in Ferrari’s history—a naturally aspirated V12 in a four-seat body that bridged the gap between supercar and GT.
To FF or Not to FF?
If you’re considering an FF, go in with your eyes wide open. This is not an “easy” car to own—servicing costs, potential repairs, and the constant temptation to drive it the way it was meant to be driven can take a toll on your wallet and your patience. But for the right person, it’s worth every penny.
The Ferrari FF is a car that refuses to be pigeonholed. It’s practical yet extreme, refined yet feral, and capable of making your heart race while carrying your skis in the back. It’s not a car for everyone, and that’s exactly why it’s special. If you’re prepared to embrace its quirks, respect its demands, and revel in its many talents, the FF will reward you with a driving and ownership experience like no other.
In a world of increasingly homogenized performance cars, the FF is a glorious anomaly—and that alone makes it worth celebrating.