2024 Ferrari 296 GTB S-A 3.0L Hybrid electric · 62 CB

Fuel economy for the 296 GTB is officially around 44 mpg on the WLTP combined cycle when running in hybrid mode, though real-world figures will be dramatically lower if the car is driven with any enthusiasm — expect 18-22 mpg in typical spirited use. As a hybrid, road tax is modest at around £170 per year for this Euro 6 vehicle, though the £40,000+ list price attracts the premium car tax supplement for the first five years. Insurance will be the largest running cost: the 296 GTB sits in insurance group 50, with annual premiums realistically ranging from £3,500 to £6,000+ depending on driver history and postcode.

Annual servicing through Ferrari main dealers typically costs £2,500-£4,000 for a standard service, with major services at four-year intervals significantly more. Tyres are a meaningful cost — a full set of Pirelli P Zero tyres for the 296 GTB can run £2,000-£3,000 fitted, and they will not last long if driven hard. The estimated annual running cost, assuming moderate mileage of around 3,000 miles, is £8,000-£12,000 including servicing, insurance, fuel, and depreciation — though depreciation on a car like this is highly speculative and depends on spec, mileage, and market conditions.

Because no MOT data exists for this vehicle, you must rely on physical inspection. Start with the bodywork: look for paint depth inconsistencies suggesting respray, stone chips on the front splitter and bonnet, and panel gaps. The carbon-fibre elements — front splitter, rear diffuser, and side skirts — are expensive to repair if damaged, so check these carefully for cracks or kerbing marks. The 296 GTB uses a plug-in hybrid system, so verify the charging cable is present, check the charging port for damage, and ask the dealer to demonstrate the charging process. The 12V auxiliary battery and high-voltage hybrid battery should both be health-checked via Ferrari diagnostics.

Mechanically, listen for any irregular noises from the V6 engine on start-up, and inspect for any oil leaks around the engine bay and rear of the car. The dual-clutch automatic transmission should shift smoothly through all gears; any hesitation, clunks, or rough changes suggest issues. Brakes are carbon-ceramic on most 296 GTBs — check for any cracks in the discs, as replacement is extremely costly (£15,000+ for a full set). The suspension, active aerodynamics, and rear-wing mechanism should all operate smoothly. Finally, check the interior for wear on the steering wheel, seat bolsters, and pedals, and verify all electronics — infotainment, climate control, driver displays, and the eManettino switch — function correctly.