Was I Wrong About the Ferrari FF? My Favourite Four Seater, Revisited

[@RedC220]

I wanted an FF for 5 years. I bought one in August this year - a 2014 with pano roof in Grigio Titanio over Sabbia. It is outstanding. Last week I drove it from Norfolk to Kent in a blizzard in ice/snow mode with PS4S tyres on. It was tense, but I was passing regular cars that were stuck and had given up. I've covered 4000 miles since August and it is my daily driver. There is nothing I can think of that I'd replace it with. I prefer the FF to the Lusso. Personally I think it's very underated and one of the most useable cars that has ever been built by Ferrari. These hustle down the road in a way that a 2000kg car the size of a Mercedes E class Estate has no right to. The fuel cosumption varies from pretty bad to absolutely horrendous. I managed a little over 300 miles on the last tank of fuel and I was mildly excited about it until I worked out that was 18mpg. So far so good. I changed the head unit (which is appalling) for a Kenwood unit with Android Auto. That was a game changer. My car has the lift system and I do use it. It also makes the suspension a little softer. I have the rear wiper which I rarley use. Unlike any other estate car I've ever owned, the aero on an FF is such that no road dirt is sucked back up onto the rear end. I've just drive 130 miles today in filthly weather and the rear screen is as clear as it was when I set off. I had it inspected by Joe Macari and bought a Power15 warranty after it passed with a clean sheet. I paid £125K for a car with 3 owners and 21,000 miles. Bad things - I wouldn't vountarily drive into the centre of London again in creeping traffic. DCT gearboxes just don't lend themselves to that. That wonderful V12 tone that James likes so much on the open road - that gets a little wearing in a 45 minute stop start queue at the Dartford tunnel. So I'm investigating fitting Lusso back boxes to my car to make it quieter when the valves are shut. I've also had Dynamat fitted to much of the boot floor to give a bit more soundproffing - it helped a lot. This is really only an issue if like me, you genuinely daily drive this car. If it's a garage queen or you drive something else in town it won't be an issue. If you can stomach the potential bills and the fuel consumption, there is genuinely nothng like it. I adore mine.

[@GoldenCroc]

Congrats. Without having driven one, I think it might be one of the few cars I would considering trading my current one for. Of course, that assumes a lot deeper pockets than what I realistically will ever have. But good for you!

[@livinagoodlife]

18mpg isnt bad at all

[@cobra1010]

Dear James, thank you for another review of the Ferrari FF. This is just a fantastic car. Two years ago, I was consindering either an F12 or an FF. I chose the FF. The design, the concept, the 4 seats, the combination of talents just convinced me completely. Actually I like it so much, I bought a second one in another colour. I have since been driving happyly without any problems. Just pure pleasure. The best car in my eyes. I have no more automotive wishes - the FF covers them all. I can only recommend it - every new owner will be surprised and impressed - with a big smile on the face. Cheers, Boris

[@subbidooo]

I couldn't agree more, I've had mine a year and I fall in love with it a little bit more every time I drive it. 100% best Ferrari. I won't for nothing now. Plus mine has appropriated this year, which is great, although she is a keeper.

[@silviosarunic3234]

awesome 🎉

[@tastypymp1287]

You would say that. Infact you've an invested interest in promoting the model. Conflict of interest. Wtf would you buy two? Sounds like you bought a donor....

[@slowspecv69]

I love the car, but why 2? Why not something more purpose built for fun while also having the practical one?

[@subbidooo]

I bought mine a year ago and I can honestly say its the best car ever. I actually did exactly what you recommended in this review. I bought from a dealer with a 2 year warranty, new discs fitted and the major service done. I've covered 3000 miles in 6 months, 10 times more than my previous Ferrari's. Immense power, speed, looks, practicality and style. Purosangue looks great but it started with the FF. As more realise that a v12 4 seater Ferrari is the way forward they will keep appreciating. Remember there's only 2200 FF in the whole world. Merry Christmas.

[@Gorbyrev]

"...run away like a little girl to the F12!" That made me laugh out loud. Thanks for all the petrolhead, man maths absurdity that we enjoy so much.

[@JayEmmOnCars]

My pleasure Mark

[@sputumtube]

I thought the glowing compliment that the car has a 'slightly less rubbish sat-nav' than the last model. Ferrari must be overjoyed.....

[@tastypymp1287]

Who's this 'we' you speak of? You certainly don't speak for me.

[@Gorbyrev]

@@tastypymp1287 Sorry to make the assumption, were you looking for a cooking channel?

[@JayEmmOnCars]

@@Gorbyrev I have one of those also

[@primuspilusfellatus6501]

Love your content jayemm, you have grown to be my most favorite car youtuber of them all. You never gloss over flaws of a car or use vague metaphors to describe handling, and you always give your true opinion even if some wont like to hear it. Keep up the great work, you've got yourself a big time fan!

[@JayEmmOnCars]

That's very much, I appreciate the kind words!

[@stuchly1]

@@JayEmmOnCars same impression! I love your videos!

[@trogdortheburninator8149]

Agree, he is excellent, really look forward to the new video drops!

[@C6v1999]

I really admire your voicing the downsides such as reliability and costs to repair; so many other reviewers ignore these important facts.

[@Mike-rk8px]

Now if only I could order an FF with a 5 or 6 speed stick shift, it’s something I can’t live without in sports cars. I’ve owned a 365gtb/4, a 328gts, and a 246gts, and shifting all of those cars with the traditional gated chrome lever is one of lives great joys.

[@louislestner]

Finally someone said this

[@alexbooth1982]

Loving the content James. Took delivery of my FF last week and absolutely loving it - bought it for the reasons you highlighted! Got a fully loaded one and I can already see me having it for a long time.

[@JayEmmOnCars]

There won't be anything like it again

[@Will_M600]

Still my favorite v12 ferrari, I really want one This and a 458 is hands down the best 2 car garage I could think of

[@Tential1]

Yup, definitely an amazing garage.

[@Will_M600]

​@@lund435 if that is how you view cars you will live a very sad life

[@shivhappens9200]

That’s exactly what I have :). A 2011 458 and a 2014 FF. Other cars come and go but those two have remained.

[@conner.9262]

Without doubt THE BEST four seater car in the world with total excitement….. nothing comes close …. Great content….

[@dp_NYC]

E63s Wagon

[@conner.9262]

@@dp_NYC looks like a funeral Hurst ? Compatriot g a Merc with a Ferrari … cannot be serious …

[@dp_NYC]

@@conner.9262 I have a 63… love it but do lust a Lusso…. So as “all arounders” what else would you put in that category?

[@conner.9262]

@@dp_NYC Ferrari 612 …. Great car plus a V12 ?

[@ian_987]

@@conner.9262 Hearse!

[@danieldickson4656]

Watched your FF video so many times. Actually preferred your review of the FF to the one you did of the GTC4 and was recently looking forward to seeing this review after this car was shown in one of your recent videos.

[@carlmaissan4340]

I'd be curious to get your thoughts on the LussoT. Loses the NA V12 (yes, a big loss) but lighter, simplifies away the PTU issues & weight by being RWD, and there's a bunch of them out there for half-decent money (indeed cheaper than a Portofino). Maybe because here in Australia everyone seemed to order one they didn't actually want just to get the loyalty points for a Pista. I've yet to drive one but seems a compelling proposition on paper

[@andyhunt457]

Who knew having 2 ferraris would be an issue...Good to know price knows no bounds.As usual super film James

[@jamesclery9809]

I have had my FF 2011 for over a year now and have had no issues at all. I have had the full race exhaust with switched valves from novitec and is even more amazing sounding. And the ECU remapped by them which is now 770whp and 800nm torque! And they speeded up the gear change as well. I can agree is amazing to drive, and clearly going to be more dynamic than a electric steering rack in the GTC4 Lusso, and the new 4x4 due to lower weight. Is hard to beat as a usable decent car. I had a warranty when I bought it and never claimed on it so have not bothered to retain it. Brakes are expensive (like 25K a full set of discs and pads), but again there are companies that can refinish the original discs for a lot cheaper and the pads are 1K each for front and rear, which is fine for a high performance Ferrari. Or some change to steel discs for track use but I wouldn't.

[@sid12345678910]

Where did you get the tune done?

[@minatormyth]

Hey probably been your best year yet for content Jay, particularly the ferrari stuff. Fantastic 🤗 Happy Christmas and to an even better 2023😎

[@bento100]

Hello, it’s a perfect car and the PTU’s fix solution change the approach. The sun roof add a better experience for the passenger seat for children. A little problem: The white stitching reflected on the windscreen and some times it’s annoying. Best regards !

[@ozeskiman]

Well that's 2022 almost over.. but thanks to Jay for his tremendous content and variety of cars he reviews its been a good year. 👍 Always enjoy his commentary. Without doubt he's one of the best reviewers and this video is excellent. Always loved the FF. Great shirt too, Jay. Merry Xmas to everyone.

[@larryhand5892]

Hey Jay, love your channel. I’d like you to consider driving an Aston Martin Rapide. I recall your video where you looked one over but you didn’t give it you usually complete test. I know you like Astons and I really think you’ll enjoy it. I have one and, for me, I think it is the best all around vehicle ever built. Cheers, Larry I considered the FF but decided I could live without the sneers 😊

[@TheMrFishnDucks]

Awesome video. That panoramic roof is a must. Keep up the good work.

[@er98ah]

Man I love this car channel and jay is awesome!! I have a 997 tt coming in next week can’t wait!!

[@resnonverba137]

TT?

[@er98ah]

@@resnonverba137997 twin turbo

[@resnonverba137]

@@er98ah Ah

[@tastypymp1287]

Such cars are intended to be great for the first 3-5 years. Owners don't buy them, they finance the depreciation. After that, they don't care. They get palmed off onto the grasping aspirational ambitious classes.

[@rv9990]

Still remember whee Shmee150 had his blue/purple FF. Those videos definitely made me fall in love with the car.

[@rupertmiller4718]

some interesting observations, my days of owning exotics are long gone and in truth I only had 2 and they were roughly the same vintage, although one was approaching cl;assic status when i had it and one was a classic. The first a BMW 3.0CSI, which I loved and never should have parted with, the second a 1970 Maserati Ghibli which although beautiful was a monumental pile of excrement. Lesson learned, the Germand make better cars than the Italians every day of the week and twice on Fridays! The Ghibli had a higher top speed but whether you wanted to go there was another matter, in real world driving the BMW was faster, more sure footed and more comfortable and it never broke down once in my ownership. The Ghibli broke down if you looked at it! The FF seems to be in the Ghibli mould, the Panamera and perhaps an M6 are slower but in comparison they can do galactic mileage probably aren't much slower in the real world and won't muller your bank account every couple of months or every 2000 miles! As for the cool parent bit you haven't got there yet but kids often find such cars a bit embarrassing and one friend's offspring repeatedly asked to be collected from school in his rather humdrum RS6 rather than his 430 or Bentley Continental. One parent at my kid's school was a certain Tiff Needell, who often appeared in something exotic which sometimes caused us dads a pang of jealousy, the kids verdict was a more damning "bit of a knob" but the mums' verdict; not on the cars, was a much more concerning cause for a pang of jealousy!

[@dmitka8324]

Throw away the PTU, reprogram ECU to RWD mode and forget about this issue. It doesn't need AWD at all.

[@JayEmmOnCars]

Easier said than done

[@Carrera-gp9od]

I absolutely love the FF beautiful car , that one sounds magnificent too Gorgeous machine .❤

[@Stevieboy130664]

Thank you JayEmm (and Number 27 too) for perhaps unintentionally persuading me to stay clear of any Ferrari. I'll stick with my nice, sensible Porsche.

[@darrellsimpson6966]

How boring

[@comeberza]

I've always lusted for an f12 but I'd definitely go for these first. I don't like driving at more than 7/10ths, good looking and I've found myself enjoying practical cars I can enjoy with many friends much more

[@KSL12]

Great car for the money but I do prefer the look of the Lusso it looks more sleek and love the more up to date interior and technology.

[@jonathancrawley8916]

Excellent review. Coincidence but i saw an identical one the Deal in Kent at the weekend - haven’t seen one for years…

[@Seths_w0rld]

Must’ve been in a mood today, you’re always funny and clever, but it was up two notches today, the one liners kept coming.

[@JayEmmOnCars]

Sometimes the words just arrive :)

[@chrismcfarlane8996]

What a channel. Pure entertainment and teaches us also. Win, win.

[@jo05dk]

I've liked these since they launched. Opinions on the looks are very polarized, but i'm firmly in the yes please camp (and compared to the 458, i prefer the FF). To me, this is the last of the Ferraris i love the most; the elegant and sophisticated GT. A line that, besides this, ended wih the 550/575 for me. Sadly i can't afford one, and it's way too big for many of the road i drive, but a great Ferrari? Absolutely! Great seeing one on this channel again, and since i've only known FFs that actually work (non-issue tiny problems aside), i also appreciate hearing that there are problems with them. Good job, as always :)

[@lrs3]

To be honest, I’ve always preferred the GTC4 Lusso. The FF looks a bit like if an F12 and a 5 Series had a baby.

[@danarami6378]

Jay, as always, great informative video, sadly there are lots of IFs in it, so my suggestion to anyone is that if you want to have less IFs and sleep like a baby at night not worrying about the next day is to buy a Lexus, KAUPOOT done you'll be forever free of headache lol Jay is the best

[@sidelnie]

You gotta review Aston Martin Rapide S 8spd! I have one and I am honestly not lusting over FF/GTC4 Lusso.

[@reallynotpc]

Damn! You have just sold it to me all over again. And that sound track is simply mad!

[@adeltalebpour4955]

Hit the nail on the head as they say in the states. I agree it is criminally underrated…good for me 😉

[@allareasindex7984]

Howdy from San Antonio Texas. We appreciate y’all. The car hobby is strong here including exotics and stretching back all the way to classics (like 1920’s). Except for the coastal cities like Houston there is very little rust. And ice or snow happens occasionally but not often enough to justify salting the roads. Imagine an original MGB with zero rust. By the way, are you concerned about the “little girls” who you say run away when scared? Well bless your heart Jay we know you don’t mean any offense.

[@brianiswrong]

Shmee 150 spec for me please, dark blue with magnolia interior.

[@Harpreet06]

I wonder when this video was shot. Right now on Autotrader, there are no FF's on sale for more than £125k. 4 of the 13 are under £100k.

[@TJ-zq3hl]

Thank you so very much for this video. I drive a 911 C4S and was considering a FF. Now I think I’ll stick with Porsche 😅

[@drivelogic3841]

Very accurate assessment. My next Chris Harris without the over steer

[@Spenny909]

Thanks for introducing me to a wonderful car and simultaneously putting me off buying it. I can enjoy it through your videos instead.

[@67FORDTRUCKF250]

I just saw one on the interstate loaded down with a roof rack....so cool to see on cruising along and not parked in a garage.

[@andrewholt3849]

Bentley Flying Spur W12 is another option or the Continental GT Speed W12 as they were designed in conjunction with Porsche Panemera engineers. The Porsche Panemera Turbo S Sport Turismo is the Estate/ Station Wagon version and has 650is BHP with new pistons/ connecting rods/ crank/ fuel injectors/ timing chain and the steering and suspension will be up to Porsche’s standards. Could get used through Bentley (Continental GT/ GTC and Flying Spur) or Porsche dealerships (Panemara Turbo S Sport Turismo.)

[@JamesCairney]

Ive just noticed that the front lights look like an old polaroid tower of flash bulbs. Still a nice car tho

[@R-Tap]

If I could only even own one Ferrari, this would be tight up there. Beautiful van!

[@kevinvanneste2500]

FF is my first car I buy when I'm not poor anymore 😪 my 2boys would love it for sure...

[@nimedave]

My Scud was in at DL and I had the customary look around the workshop. There was an FF in for work and the gearbox was out for a failure. It wasn’t an old car but scared me away from the FF as a daily.

[@dadcars]

A modern Ferrari that ticks nearly every box for me 😍

[@nickb3968]

Seems like rather than fixing the PTU it would be better to just do a delete and run it RWD....

[@TomWxm]

Very timely Quality Street esque shirt

[@steffydog]

Always loved these, thanks guys

[@NigelDeForrest-Pearce-cv6ek]

Always Brilliant!!!! Food For Those of Us Who Dream!!!!

[@ThePhilGrimm]

So what is now the best daily drivable sort of supercar (or less) that will carry 4 people for under £100K?

[@dansutherland70]

Totally agree. Still miss mine!

[@wizardssleeve6049]

Well said James, you remind me of the old Top Gear before it was transformed into a poorly attempted comedy show, who cares if a car gets somewhere faster than a train ? Info for dummies I want a car programme to be about cars, not 3 middle-aged rich guys spouting BS at a rapid rete. Can't suffer Top Gear now.

[@alexmiller315]

After your last video, i went and got one. It was a lemon and cost me a fortune after shoddy dealer (GVE) failed in every way possible. And then a gearbox rebuild which was the final straw. It was a great machine, but its put me off every getting another suoercar.

[@stevey-nwas1230]

Never buy a car from GVE.... Crooks

[@alexmiller315]

@@stevey-nwas1230 what happened?

[@stevey-nwas1230]

@@alexmiller315 this business/owner and its staff are not to be trusted on any level !! Keep well away !!!!!

[@Fester_]

7th December 2022 Belfast, Northern Ireland. Assembly Speaker Alex Maskey (Sinn Fein/ira) has written to Members of the Local Assembly to warn them about their behaviour in Wednesday’s recall debate. "A remark by Ulster Unionist leader Doug Beattie accusing rivals of screaming and whining “like a girl” fell well short of the standards expected in the Assembly, Stormont’s Speaker has said. 'Ran away in terror like a little girl'. God bless KZbin for the freedoms we have.

[@Sabre_Wulf1]

Great analysis, could hear the struggle in your mind. Its great, it's bad, love, hate I think.

[@thecrazymd]

The FF is the BEST Ferrari I’ve ever had because I can drive it everyday

[@eze8970]

Thanks J, very capable, great looking & sounding car! 🙏🙏

[@tradingcardboss]

Not car related but Have a great Christmas and Fab New Year. May your channel continue to grow 🎉

[@gordtulk]

“… for keeping thermics out” well done.

[@charlesmoss8119]

I’m amazed not just that the cars seem to have so many issues but also the terrifying cost of maintenance. And not just Ferrari - mclaren and Bentley are hardly world leaders - yet residuals would surely benefit from having achievable maintenance prices - it would allow a greater number of people to run the cars supporting residuals and the first customers finances surely. While faults may occur on low volume cars and we might forgive that, the cost of fixing these faults makes these cars a none starter for many! I can’t afford - so I’m moaning 😂

[@TheJustaviewman]

Another great summer video.

[@zzzyxwv]

Did you mention how many miles it had when you bought it? Also how many owners and complete set of bills/service records?😮

[@TheKylix]

Jay, great FF videos. Always informative and fun to watch. I am looking to buy an FF after much research (including watching all your FF videos). Question on your "proper warranty" comment. What do you recommend i search for here in the USA in regards to warranty? All i seem to be able to find is a warranty backed by Ferrari if i purchase through their "Ferrari Approved" program. Any thoughts/comments would be greatly appreciated.

[@EvoraGT430]

Given the problems manifested themselves so quickly, how come it took so long for this update to come out? SO glad I looked but did not leap after your first reviews.

[@JayEmmOnCars]

His car was gone and some of the stuff I didn't find out until later (like that car having a gearbox rebuild)

[@EvoraGT430]

@@JayEmmOnCars Fair enough and well done for providing the balance.

[@adrianbennett3761]

That PTU is a nightmare. No wonder the values plummet

[@wings9925]

Before watching: I agree, the FF is tremendous. After watching: Oh! 🔧💸

[@Car10121-s]

Was the red FF the ex press car? Not sure if it was the same car someone recently had problems with bought from Tom Hartley.

[@JayEmmOnCars]

The one I was looking at was, the one my friend bought was not

[@walkingthedogwithdji]

That thing sounds incredible.

[@twobrotherscycleanda]

I haven't wanted a new car from Ferrari since they got away from manual transmissions. What a shame. Not that I could ever afford it.

[@jpdj2715]

Annual cost of maintenance, including tires? My rule of thumb for these cars would be that you cannot afford these cars if you cannot afford 5%-10% of the (new) catalogue price per year. If you want to, need to, stick to brand certified dealers/workshops.

[@vitormanuelsousa5655]

Great video as usual! 🥰🥰 I like the FF but still prefere the old classy 456GT ❤❤

[@darrellsimpson6966]

So do I.

[@EdgyNumber1]

Its ALL about SUVs now. I'm actually surprised there are still normal sized cars being sold these days still. There's no money in them now. Even supercars don't sell as well as they used to, especially when Ferrari, Lambourghini and Porsche are pushing SUVs.

[@EvoraGT430]

Some people 1) Can ignore "trends" (especially silly ones), 2) Prefer low C of G and better aerodynamics, 3) Don't want to be part of the borg/herd.

[@GoldenCroc]

@@EvoraGT430 Sure, but not many. Cant be much profit in catering to that small niche these days, as evidenced by those cars disappearing one after another. So I agree its a bit surprising, but I think its explained by most manufacturers simply platform share them anyway, so they dont cost to much to develop as well as in a lot of cases they are simply just running current platforms out until EOL.

[@seinsmeld13]

Great car for the Canadian market as it is AWD. Cheers mate.😆

[@mrp9498]

I almost bought one of these in 2013. But I’m just not wealthy enough for the maintenance and insurance.

[@aidanbracken8706]

In your GTC4 Lusso video you described it as a "masterpiece" and "a proper Ferrari". Why do motoring journos rave about a car, only later to announce that they didn't gel with it or that the later model fixed all the problems the old one had?

[@mattnorman5241]

one of the best ferraris ever made

[@imbluz]

The FF is every bit as quick as the 599 GTO, and more practical.

[@itzjdub282]

The maintenance is frightening

[@Yorkshiremadmick]

Bugger here’s me thinking they would have plummeted to my £25k budget

[@riggs1590]

Beautiful car, I do love a Ferrari, but...Rule of thumb with purchasing a Ferrari. If you can afford to buy one, you can't afford it. If you can afford to buy it twice, go for it.

[@pf6797]

It’s a car I just cannot find an angle that I like to look at it from.

[@GM-fh5jp]

Agreed, it's a stylistic mess and awkward from many angles.

[@keepcalm5026]

I kinda know what you mean as not pretty in a conventional sense but I find it classy and appealing in an Espada sort of way. The idea of cruising across Europe in one of these is appealing. If I had +£100k for one car then I would get one and rack up some adventures.

[@darrellsimpson6966]

Yes. The front just over done. The rear chopped off. The lusso is even worse. Just awful. Pity really.

[@pf6797]

@@darrellsimpson6966 right? I mean I’d love to drive it, but I need to like the way a car looks to own it.

[@mariansaiu9096]

Very nice content im looking for a ferrari ff or a bentley gt supersport , if you have opportunity please do a rewiew. With bentley gt supersport 2017 is very rare car and is not any good content on youtube about this car .

[@chrisdavidson911]

are the V12s still grand tourers, or are they all trying to be front engined race cars?

[@johnrhodes2367]

When you pay so much for these cars, I find it disgraceful that they have so many fault, and dealerships that don’t seem to care about it all.

[@nigeldeforrest-pearce8084]

I Love All the Four Seat Ferrari’s!!!!

[@stuchly1]

Speaking of the Purosangue, any plans to review that one? 🤔

[@darrellsimpson6966]

Don't bother

[@hpman911]

@@darrellsimpson6966why ?

[@KarelBeelaertsvanBlokland]

Supercars are becoming too complex and are not everyday cars in any sense with one exception. Porsches! JAGUAR XJR-8 & XJR-9 V12 sounds at Le Mans 2022 come very near. Jaguar could have made a Ferrari rival!

[@EvoraGT430]

You have to be joking. Look at all the electronics, Pxxx systems they have!

[@AkiKimurr]

I'm definitely in the 612 camp.

[@karleignr]

I've said it to Shmee and I'll say it here - best modern Ferrari imo and was sad when he sold it (cant remember if he bought another one). Kudos for Ferrari on making this.. def my dream car edit: it was the GT4 Lusso.. love them both

[@paladin3116]

FF without PTU would of been gold

[@pcgamingforevah]

I don't think Gt4 Lusso is pretty mate. FF improved on looks by a lot.

[@tastypymp1287]

Lots of comments here from people claiming to own FFs. Hard to believe considering the rarity. And they all claim how perfect the car is. But they would say that, wouldn't they....

[@CarsofGlasgow]

I really like the FF

[@addj7093]

FF stands for Flipping Fast 💨 👍🏻

[@londonman8688]

this is a big own goal for Ferrari. the ff was meant to be a daily and reliable