10 reasons NOT to buy this F430

Hi guys, after lurking on here for uncountable hours, Im ready to pull the trigger on an 07 F430.

But... playing devils advocate, Instead of asking "hey is this look like a good deal" I am looking for 10 reasons to NOT buy this car. I have put down a deposit and plan to finalize on friday after I get just another duck in the proper row.

Of course looking at it in the dealership with stars in my eyes, I see a lot of great things and will answer as many questions that I can that you might have for me. I am not looking at getting a ppi mainly because in Cleveland Ohio and surrounding areas, there isn't really anyone with a reputation to do it. I am however taking another ferrari owner and his eyes with me before the deal is final. He is also an owner of a car dealership which is another plus. I have looked at all the history I could gather via carfax and will have a more in depth report tomorrow.

here is the car.
http://www.dupontregistry.com/autos/Search/DRauSearchDetails.aspx?itemid=718291

and the dealers web listing
http://www.mgmsl.com/nlisting.cfm?ID=89b66e50%2Db8b6%2D4a65%2Da19d%2Db29594c29cb5

Thank you!

 

Looks like a nice car in a very desirable color combo.

This would be real nit picky regarding cosmetics, but if you were looking for something I'd suggest that the steering wheel, upper and lower dash and carpets should all be nero in color. The steering wheel color is the one element that is the most "off" for me and the the reflection coming off that lighter colored dash might be a nuisance in certain conditions.

It's hard to tell the actual condition from the photos and that plus price are big variables that you need to be comfortable with

Good luck.

 

I personally agree... I'm not a fan of the tan steering wheel.

I also thought that if you got the carbon fiber rear diffuser thing, that typically you get the full carbon fiber interior package (dash, vents, steering wheel, paddles)

I have always felt like the slightly higher miles are better... gives it time to break in and get the warranty issues out before you are out of warranty.

You can still buy the power cube for $7,000.00 I believe. This gets you a full extra year of warranty on the car if you are concerned, and it is follows the car, NOT the owner.. so it is basically fully transferrable.

I know that RED/TAN is a highly desired option on these, but I personally bought a similar 430, RED/BLACK just 2 months back for CONSIDERABLY less money and it was in IMMACULATE shape with ALL records, services, etc...

You hopefully made a lower offer than they were asking...

Overall though, if you are happy with the looks of the car, the price, the potential upcoming depreciation with the 458, and can afford to do it... then DO IT! Its under warranty, and like I was told... It is just a car.

 

It is personal preference, but I would pass on a car with aluminum dash inserts and the tan dash (upper and lower), steering wheel and roll hoops. So those are four reasons. It also looks like the airbag cover in the steering wheel is a slightly different color leather, which would concern me a bit (has it been replaced so it is a bit less faded??). Of course the last point could just be the photos.

 

Some very good points.

I have only seen a couple other cars with the tan dash and wheel. After looking at that interior for a while now, it flows to my eye better than the black dash and tan interior. But true with the sun glare, I didn't consider that.

I also thought it was missing the carbon on the inside, but would happily trade that for the rear carbon. Though both would be nice...

History was interesting, one owner, leased then purchased, 500 miles first and second year, then put 2k on it last year (2009) before it was offered for sale at the dealer in which it was purchased. all service was performed at the selling dealership.

 

3k miles on an '07? isn't that a bit high?

I agree with others on the tan dash/wheel, but that's not a deal breaker.

price is a bit high, which could be a deal breaker...

 

yea, the 3k miles I thought was a bit crazy <jk> Plus now being 2010, its like 4 years old!!

They did move on the price from its listed 189.9. Last week it was listed at 195.9. But hey, just 2.6 years ago, the first buyer thought it was a heck of a deal at 300+

 

The one reason is depreciation. F430s in that price range are going to take a big smack across the face in value once the 458 is actually in showrooms. The market will "see the light" and price non-458s accordingly.

 

Just for the record the "selling dealership" (goldman) doesn't do service there. They send everything to North Coast Exotics (which is a great shop).

Also.....taking another owner with you to SEE the car does you nothing. GET A PPI. GET A PPI. GET A PPI. Always. Always. Looking at the car does not uncover mechanical issues, potential evidence of damage, etc. etc. etc.
There are plenty of shops around. North Coast Exotics, NJB Automotive, Evans Automotive, etc. etc.

9 times out of 10 a PPI will reveal nothing. However, I ALMOST bought a 2k mile Gallardo last week that was supposed to be perfect. What could go wrong in 2k miles? An inspection at the dealer revealed it needed a clutch, among other things.

Get a PPI. It's cheap peace of mind. Get a PPI.

 

I'll echo the points about depreciation and getting a PPI. If you can get past those items, then go for it.

If you do make an offer, the best advice I ever heard (forgot where) was "If you are not embarassed by the number that leaves your lips - your offer is not low enough". To wit, offer $150k and see what happens.

 

Can you get PowerCube if you do not purchase the car from an Authorized Ferrari Dealer?

 

I agree that the steering wheel looks as though it has been borrowed from another car. The thing is the prices of 430's IMO will drop considerably once the 458 hits the showrooms and this may be a reason for waiting a few months or negotiating harder. Not being familiar with prices in your country I can not comment on whether this is a good deal. I prefer red and black because of the easier to keep looking clean and less likely to show scuffs.

 

$150,000 is still high in this market.

 

+1

 

Blah, blah, blah... every car is too expensive, every car depreciates, every car sucks...

If you asked if you should buy a new Honda, you'd get ten reasons why it's a bad idea.

If you like it, buy it. Enjoy it. Simple. Life is way too short.

 

195, 190, 185, 180, whatever price... I knew that some will say its worth more and some would say less. not putting a "ton" of weight in the price suggestions, as that is really different for different people.

Say I have 10 mil in the bank, at 190k thats less than 2% to buy car.
1 mil in the bank, so 20% not bad...
400k, Id be blowing half my wad...
200k, so... maybe Ive been saving for a years for a dream...
100k and good credit... well people do it every day
10k and a pipe dream... people try that a lot also!

I would bet, most Hondas on the road are actually owned by the banks anyway. Dont get me wrong! I don't want to be stupid about the price. But I dont want to loose any sleep if Im paying a few k more than the other guy.

Price is what you pay, Value is what you get.

Thanks again for ALL the replies and comments. It helps and makes me think of things that I might have not have!!

 

The only reason I could see is that *if* you get tempted to investigate the 430's top speed, it may be comforting to have a solid roof over your head. But then again, at those speeds it may not matter. Okay, so I can't see any reason not to (other than saving a ton of cash on an earlier model & donating the savings to me).

Well yeah - because Honda sucks!

 

LOL!!!!!!!

 

Agreed. However, plenty of people gave out this advice in 2007 and the F430 buyers who followed promptly lost $50-100k to depreciation in 18 months.

 

Hey.... guess what! All cars DEPRECIATE. Wow, what a concept. Ask the new 458 owners after a year.

Now, ask them if they CARE.

It's a toy. If you can afford a toy, then enjoy the toy. If you want to save money, put it in a mutual fund or under your mattress.

Do your research and buy something you like and can afford. Forget the money part because none of this makes any sense from a practical point of view.

I find it so bizarre that some people want to use LOGIC in deciding to buy a Ferrari or not. Buying a Ferrari is completely ILLOGICAL under any situation. It makes no practical sense. Logical -- no. EMOTIONAL -- yes!

 

I know MG very well,
they only sell high end high quality no stories cars. they also stand behind them 100%.

I have attended a few local ferrari runs with them

having said that Im not a fan of the interior..........

 

You're hitting all the right notes; we're in agreement. The OP asked for reasons (and for us to use "reason" to counter his self-admitted exuberance). My point is that there is a heavy premium associated with enjoying that particular toy now at anywhere near that price.

 

Agreed!

 

Price a touch on the high side but you won't find a better car.

I love my F430 - only bought it the other week and wouldn't change it for the world. 08 plate and got it for £98,995 in UK with only 1000 on clock.

3000 on the clock for 07? Tan dash isn't an issue.

 

IMO, thats the correct attitude to have when buying something like this.