Buying advice, modified car, accident damage

Hi,
First time poster and hopefully soon to be first time Ferrari owner. Looking for a 2005-2007 F430. I have seen some great examples and came across a car I like but it has some issues. Wanted to get the experts take on how these affect value etc.

-2005 F430
-Mods include H&R springs, exhaust kit, headers, brembo big brake kit and carbon intake. All look nicely installed and sound great.
-Sub 15k miles
-Florida car so some dash leather issues but not too severe
-Has fixed recaro race seats in it now. I would replace with something nicer and in leather. Maybe the Recaro speedster seats

Has car fax showing damage left side without airbag deployment.
Had body shop look at it today and looks like some work done to left door and left rear quarter with some moderate filler (thick measurements) in this area. Looks like most of car has been painted except right door.

I am ok with all of this and car looks great but working on valuing the car. I think market for a car like this un-modified in pristine condition is in the $125-129k range. They are taking about 10% off but I think the mods (particularly the lack of stock seats) and the damage probably warrant closer to a 20% deduction.

Open to thoughts and suggestions. Thanks for the help

J
1969 Alfa GTV (GTA tribute build), 1973 Alfa Spider Racer, 2011 BMW 1M

 

IMHO, I wouldn't buy a car with the history that you've listed. Paint work everywhere except one door? Sounds like the car has really been through its paces, in more than the obvious sense. Even without airbag deployment, bodywork is never a good thing with these cars, in terms of negative impact on value. Personally, I would move on to something without these issues. And 10% is way too small of a discount....

I'll let the real pros comment on potential mechanical issues ...

Cheers
FN

 

All those mods and damage mean only 1 thing to me, it's been tracked/raced.....a lot. There is nothing wrong with tracking your car, but not all drivers are the same and the wear rate on components really increases. If budget dictates you looking at this particular car, have you considered a late model 360? Admittedly, maintenance is a little more, but if this car has NOT be maintained properly, it could well cost you a lot more anyway.

 

There is an old saying bro , you get what you pay for.

 

I won't even look at a Florida car ....who's with me on this? (just curious)

 

With plenty to choose from, why not use more discretion? From your description, you would be buying a step child and at least a 20-25% discount should be in order as selling it would be a tough job. The car has seen serious track time and been "kissed" all over.

 

I wouldn't touch this - just too much that can go wrong.

 

Tracking may mean more wear on parts, but I would argue is just as likely to belong to someone who maintains the car properly that has fluids and wearing parts more closely attended to.

 

Why?

 

I wouldn't buy this car.. Too many issues. Paint work all over.. Stock seats are $4k used so that is more off what they are asking.. How many miles?

 

I would say that's a $85k car.

2005 for under $100k is good deal but with those issues, no one will buy it from you. Hard to sell that car with aftermarket seats. I know this as I had an 2007, same miles, none of the issues, race seats or stock seats to buyer, every option and CCB and I couldn't move it at $130k...this was 3-4 years ago as well.

 

- 1. I just purchased a Florida car.

 

That's a very myopic statement. I have a Florida car because I now live in Florida. It originated in Houston and I've owned it for ~ 5 years.

 

They'll never discount it enough to make it worthwhile.

Do you think it got all the mods and damage being driven to Starbucks on Sunday morning to get a latte? Too many cars out there that were treated that way to settle for one that was rode hard and put up wet.

You can't save yourself into a good car. Pay the money up front to get a good one, it costs less in the long run and we won't wind up with yet one more disaffected, disillusioned, one time Ferrari owner.

 

Hey Pete , if you get down to Sarasota hit me up. I would love to see what another Florida car looks like.

 

Dripping with seaweed 😈😈

 

Incorrect generalization. I bought mine over 5 years ago in Florida. No problems. Florida has a rep for shady dealers but the majority are good. Otherwise they don't stay in business very long.

 

Back to the OP. Don't even consider this car.

 

I purchased a 2006 Carrera S convertible back in 2010. It was originally titled in Sarasota and I've had no issues for 5 years.... Runs great and the interior leather is still prestine! If anything, my main concern was weathering from the high temperatures and sun, but I guess I was lucky to find a good car.

Do your homework....no matter where the car comes from!

Cheers
FN

 

+1. OP, you are way too new to the Ferrari world to be messing with questionable cars, with questionable history. This kind of stuff (like Rifledriver is alluding) cannot be pushed aside with a discount. The car would need to be at least 50% off, and you could still end up with a pile of shyte. These cars are terribly expensive to fix, and correct when something is not right...move on, get a nice example. It will save you $$$ and frustration.

 

In a word "Run"

 

And don't look back...

 

Thanks for all the feedback. You guys are truly awesome and appreciated. Got the guys down to $105k (it has 14k miles BTW). But understand now even that is not enough. Will continue the search.

Thanks,
J