buying a used 458 - what questions to ask

there are a lot of threads on this topic on this site - worth doing some word searches to get all the direct and indirect relevant commentary.

 

"When can I take it home?"

 

well said mayor.....

 

Home? You are joking - "When can I take it on a sunshine ride ?"

(of course off topic but ... )

Best,

 

Get a PPI so you know the "exact" condition of the car. If an extended warranty is available, consider that as well.

 

Since any 2013 or older models are out of warranty anyway, a low milage (about 10K) 2010 or 2011 are best deals and they sound better too! Because these two year model's MSRP prices are about $20K lower (due to the inclusion of 'free' maintenance since 2012), resell reflects that. The annual maintenance is about $1200-$1800 so it's not that big of a deal.

Finding the right options and color are for more important and difficult than any other considerations. IMHO!

 

The earliest spider is 2012.

 

There is a loaded up 2013 458 for sale by an fchat member ( Treviso ) with 2800 miles red for 220 in the Ferrari's for sale. You may want to check that one out. I have no affiliation with this car. It caught my eye and looks like a deal. Best , Kirk.

 

OP is looking for a spider, it seems like

 

Gotcha , my bad bro. I love my spider , good call by the OP.

 

OP already has a specific car picked out. And a PPI done according to his post.

OP, have you been able to see car in person and/or drive it? Dealer or private seller?

Other than a PPI and good visual inspection, there's not much more to do. As noted above, consider the extended warranty if you feel the need.

Then drive off and have fun.

 

I think we would all agree the 458 is the most reliable car Ferrari has ever made. And, after the early year gearbox problems they don't have any special fault that pops up.

If a PPI shows it's not been hit and been well taken care of, buy it and then drive it.

No, drive it hard.

 

Have you seen the car in person or are you buying sight unseen?

I'd ask if there has been any after market wiring done to the car. Also ask how many mm are left on the pads. I'd ask about tire wear. Chips or scratches in the glass. The front of the car is a magnet for stone chips, so if there is no clear bra, I'd check for touch ups.

Also any after market stuff such as skid pads, etc.

You might also want to ask if the extension window to the first 3 year warranty is closed yet.

If you haven't seen the service records first hand, I'd ask for PDF copies.

Check the wheels for any rash. Check the rear fins to make sure none are fractured or scrapped up.

Check wheel arches for stone chipping/pitting.

Under the hood lip, by where the windshield wiper nozzles are, there is some rubber that has a bad habit of coming unglued; check that.

Check the interior panels to make sure they are all attached. If any wiring (such as a radar detector or power wire) has been run, it's easy for people to rush and not get the panels back on correctly.

Check the under panels for scrapes or missing screws or plugs. If the car has been dragged over bumps or whatever, it's easy for the plugs under there to be scrapped off or popped out.

Check for debris in the radiators with a flashlight and also leaves or anything in the vents on the car.

The screws on the rear license plate frame stick too far through and can poke into the paint also, so doesn't hurt to check there.

check for paint chipping on the brake calipers.

Check for faded center caps. Also rusty wheel lugs

Also check the side mirror screws for cracking and that the mirrors are tight in general.

That's a few random things that come to mind.

Ray

 

The BEST answer!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

Carfax is not the end all and be all. Find out if it has EVER been in accident. If the car has not been repaired through Insurance it will NOT be on the carfax. I know this for a fact. Found out on a car I was about to bid on at Auction America had been in a few bang ups but NEVER reported on carfax as it did not go though insurance. Talking to friends and others directly should get you some info. Carfax was clean but other knew better. In my case I didn't waste 300grand + on a car that was not as it was advertised to be.

 

Lots of shops call their list a PPI, but only a genuine F dealer can make it up for you.

Have you seen the PPI formular ? With Brand and F Horses on it ? Is it the one and only Genuine Ferrari PPI with 200 points checked ?

Got a copy ?

You gat to ask: ever any damage reported ? Just to be sure ...

And maybe: "can I get in touch with former owner please"? Why sold it ?

And always insist on a NEW OEM battery (Ferrari logo on it); this will save you $500 the next year