Nasty cough you've got there fella...

I did start to write some sort of report yesterday morning. However, this
computer reboots at 12noon every day (something to do with the digital
CCTV), so I lost it and couldn't be arsed to start again.

Basically:

I love the styling. Infact, it grows on me the more I look at it. (It's
still parked in my workshop). Bonus points for Mrs McG liking it too...

The interior is crap. The leather is lovely, but the gauges, trim, etc is
horrid. Nasty, plastic imitation metal.  The heater surround panel has
become de-laminated (a common fault) and costs ?500+ to buy. The rear seats
have no headroom. Not poor headroom, like a Mondial, but *no* headroom. I
know this isn't an MPV, but only legless midgets could travel for more than
a few yards. The seat adjustment motors are too slow. The windows can only
be closed with the doors open as the weatherstrips have split. The interior
steams-up, which worries me (heater matrix? <shudder>)
The trim on the passenger airbag cover has rucked-up. Another common fault
on these and 550's. I realise that leather is a natural product, but this
looks poor.
The switches are awful, especially those for hazard lights, mirrors and park
lights. I don't like pop-up headlamps.(spoilt by zenons).

I went to Maranello's  last week and looked at some 456Ms. The interior is
much, much better; although, funnily enough, I prefer the front of the
earlier car.

As far as I could see, you can't turn-off the traction control. This causes
big problems in certain conditions, not to mention spoiling one's fun...

Brakes, steering and suspension are, as expected, terrific - at least during
my limited time behind the wheel. The non-sport damper setting is too soft
though on local roads, with almost no rebound damping. I would worry about
the cost of having to repair/renew a damper or steering rack. I can't
imagine being able to do it cheaply...

I could go on and on, but don't have time at present. What is my problem
with this car? As I said, I *really* want to like it.

Well it just doesn't feel *special*. My Mondial felt more like a Ferrari.

The engine note is too muted and doesn't feel to me like 400+ BHP. This car
feels emasculated. Is it right to want to fit a Tubi on this sort of car? -
it's not a 355 or a Maranello.

It feels not unlike a Jaguar XJS.

I _hate_ the XJS.

Why anybody would spend the thick-end of ?180K on a new one is absolutely
beyond my comprehension. This car is 6/7 years old, has covered 17,000
miles, costs ?100,000.00 less than new, but still doesn't seem like a
bargain. Something's not quite right.

As Paul has pointed out; money-wise, wer're almost in 355 territory.

I haven't dismissed the 456 out of hand. Perhaps if the weather clears-up
and I have a blast later on I'll fall in love. Doubt it.

Sorry for the ramble, I haven't fully woken up yet.

Happy now, deanforamerica ? ;-)

--

Joe