Need advice buying a 458 spider

Get a newer year, 2012 at least or up. I had a 2010 Italia, now I have a 2014 Spider...the tranny is night and day better on the new one. All kinks worked out.

 

I personally wouldn't buy one with over 20k miles especially if you plan to drive it a lot unless it was ferrari approved and has a one year warranty.

 

If only driving 2000 miles a year I would buy a 2012 and up with 3000-10000 miles.

Buy the nicest one you can afford.

 

12 +

 

Last I checked spiders are all 12+ in USA

 

I would tend to agree here. Although the 458 is a pretty dependable car, one hiccup and you're shelling out a lot to fix it.

But I'm not sure a dealer will give that warranty for a car with those miles. It would have to be a cream puff.

For sure if it was me I would ask for the warranty for one year in the deal and even pay for it if I had too. It's a $6K insurance policy against the $12K for the gearbox to break.

 

True, at least in the USA.

I had a 13.

IMO, the 12 coupe boxes were the best over the earlier versions.

 

I think it's all psychological. As soon as another digit shows up on the dash people freak out and think it's "high mileage".

It's about resale value, not anything mechanical. There are 458's with 100K miles on them and there are rentals and track cars in Vegas used everyday.

The only thing higher mileage may mean is that the seats are worn more. But it depends on how the car was used also

 

Low mileage DOES carry a premium because of the resale value.

But if you intend to drive it a lot, it's not worth it.

IMO, most of these are depreciating at about the same rate today anyway. But a lower mileage car will sell faster for obvious reasons than a higher mileage car.

Think of it this way... the next guy you sell it to will have the same internal argument going on as you do. Its easier to just pay more for the lower mileage one in most people's heads.

Good luck in the selection. The 458 was one of the best Ferrari ever made for reliability and ease of use.

 

Don't ever buy from an auction house, many unexpected surprises but "a good deal".
Be careful about internet specials from different states, some states don't require smog inspection and after you buy it and need an inspection in your state in order to drive.
Florida is an example.

 

I got mine last Ferrari from local Ferrari dealer paid 10-15% more but could not be happier. My prior Ferrari was from non-ferrari dealers and after about 12 month ownership I would have surprises. Live and learn

 

I purchased mine with 1300 miles. It now has almost 10k. I intended to keep it. it has really depreciated since the 488 came out. but I don't care becase I intend to drive it and am not worried about putting on mileage or the resulting depreciation. If you intend to keep it get the extended warrantee... have a Ferrari dealer do an Pre Purchase Inspection. And buy the car that is as close to a spec you like as you can find... Drive it and have fun...
if you intend to change it to a 488 at some point stay under 5k miles. If not buy a bargain with 15 or 16k miles.

 

Had a 650s, and while quicker and faster and far more rigid than the 458 spider, I found it so boring.

 

I really don't notice the shake in my spider. I love the car and wouldn't give it up for a Mclaren.

 

I can't feell shake either, maybe on track it's more noticeable. I had a 360 and 430 spider prior and did not feel the shake either and according to the write ups the 430 is supposed to be 50% more stiff than 360, and 458 more stiff than 430 so go figure. I honestly never had any problems with 360 spider either. Some people might be a bit nervous diving a spider and may feel uneasy.