Conflicted about first purchase. Help?

I found myself, earlier this year, deciding between the F430 and the 458. Both great cars, both engaging and fun to drive, and both within my budget. I also wondered about whether I'd be reluctant to take the car (either one) to various locations because I'd be worried about parking it for a period of time. It wasn't a huge factor, but it was on my mind.

As a practical guy - not price-conscious, but always value-conscious - I also considered that the 458 is likely still at least a couple of years from the bottom of its depreciation curve. I wound up buying a 430 and haven't regretted it for a moment.

What a fantastic car! I drive it almost everywhere. If it's not raining and I won't have a ton of packages, I usually take it instead of the Tesla (though that's going soon - a long story).

Bottom line: whichever model you choose, take your time to locate the best possible example. That assessment is naturally comprised of multiple considerations, some (such as options, coloring, etc.) are quite personal, while others are not. Don't fall in love with any one car, as there will always be another coming down the pike shortly. Don't get too wrapped up in sellers' delusional fantasy valuations, either. Know what it's worth - and what it's worth to you - and stick to your numbers.

Anyway, that's my early-A.M. two cents. If I went on a bit, it's probably down to fluctuating caffeine levels...

 

I know what you're talking about. I too would be paranoid driving a quarter million dollar car around. My solution is to buy Ferraris that have fully depreciated. My previous '01 456M had a sticker price of $237K, but I got it off the lot for $75K in 2012 with only 7K miles on it (Sorting it out to perfection took another $15K or so, just so you're aware of what cost of ownership can be if you are a ruthless perfectionist, as I am).

So, if I were you, I'd look for a clean low mileage F430 with a complete service history. I don't follow the Lambo market, but if it's a coin toss for you, the same goes for a Gallardo.

Those are your best bets, IMO.

 

If you think the extra fifty or hundred grand will affect your enjoyment then don't do it - having said that you might feel comforted by the newness and its associated upsides such as warranty (although Ferrari and I think McLaren now have lengthy extensions available)

There was a lengthy 430 vs 458 (& California) thread in this section a few days ago which might provide additional ideas and I suspect there are multiple 458 vs McLaren and 458 vs Gallardo & 430 vs Gallardo threads in the model sections

 

458. close the thread.

 

Yep, I also prefer the looks of the 430 to the 458. That's not a popular opinion amongst the 'newer is better' crowd, but I've never cared a whit about that.

 

Looks,458 wins
Value, 430 wins
Buy a 328, that way you will never worry about where to park it, whether the Toyota is faster (it is). Relive your Thomas Magnum dream.

 

Do note that the F430 and Gallardo will feel distinctly last gen compared to your M3. The electronics and gearbox really show it's age.

The 458 will still feel like it comes from the same era as your M3.

 

If you go the Ferrari route I would suggest the 458 - simply to make it as trouble free as possible. The 430s are at an age that once you get it, you may have some sorting to do, and fairly costly repairs can pop up (even if you have a PPI) - as your first Ferrari experience you don't want that to sour your experience. Additional with the DCT and other technological advancements it is a more modern car.

 

If you'll have any hesitation taking out the 458, then I'd suggest going with the 430 too. Great cars both of them - get the one you'll drive and enjoy worry-free. You can always swap out once you get comfortable driving a Ferrari and realize it's no big deal, though you may not want to.

If you have the money for a nice 458 but want a truly visceral Ferrari experience, consider a scud. Many of them on the market today priced below 458s.

 

I have had both the 430 and 458. If you can have either, the only reason to pick the 430 is so you will be able to know how much better the 458 is when you make the trade up.

 

I have owned a lot of cars (more than any normal person should in 10 lifetimes), and I am probably the polar opposite of most people, not disciplined at all. I have owned a few Ferrari's, a Gallardo (converted to RWD the only way to own one), and if you want visceral and connected well the R8 is like touching fine silk with rubber gloves on, about the most unexciting car I've ever driven, but I do despise AWD sports cars. I also happen to own a modified 4C and a Lotus Evora 400 (a stick), and it you want visceral and connected well you need to drive a 4C, it is a car you drive, not one that drives you like most modern cars. After 464 cars I really don't care what's on the badge anymore I care about how it drives and handles and not how others react to it. I do remember the times that I worried about the cars I had (thinking I cant take this car here for whatever reason), and if you become that way you end up with a car you look at and clean more than you drive. Truth be told I have been on this forum over 14 years, and I don't post as much as others do, since what I think is not always well received, but if someone asks for advise I try to give it the best way I know how. So the real question is this if you really want a true sports car the 4C can fit the bill at less then half the price (and you can get a new one) of a 430 or a 458 (I am not a fan of the looks of the newer models). The E gear in the Gallardo is pretty bad (get a stick and a LP560-2 or convert it to RWD), The R8, I was always told if you don't have anything nice to say then say nothing. I'm saying nothing. The 430 is a great car (I had a gearshift coupe, the only car I regret selling), and honestly is more car than anyone would ever be able to use on the road. Just about everyone on here knows that, but that is not the reason people buy cars like Ferrari's, and Lamborghini's etc. I have come to understand why I buy so many cars, I see them all as blank canvasses for me to make something of for myself, nothing I own (other than my dogs Grand Cherokee transport) stays stock for long. I just bought a 19 year old 360 with 1200 miles on it and I already have a plan for it and parts ether here or coming, even tough it probably wont see much of the light of day until March. Why you want one of these cars is your business, and I do not know how the roads are where you live, or if you plan to track your car. Around here for the most part if you get to do 70 on the highway, you are lucky and unless you get up before sunrise (my favorite time to go for a drive) then you will be going 45 on the backroads. I wish you luck in your search. Happy Holidays (oh and feel free to disagree with any or all of the above)

 

Drive all 5 then buy the 458. End of your car abyss.

 

Do you want a car that can simply go fast? 458 no question.
OR
Do you want a car that you have to make go fast? F355.

 

Do you want a car that simply goes fast? 458 no question.
OR
Do you want a car which you have to make go fast? F355.

 

I have driven most of these in my previous search, ended up buying a classic that just had more character. As far as these cars:

The only 430 I would buy is a Scuderia
I would only buy an LP Gallardo, and would more than likely look into a Performante
I am still leary about McLaren as a brand, and the 570S is depreciating rapidly now, after looking like it would buck the trend at first
The "old" R8 was a heavy slug with boring styling....the new R8 is much better dynamically, but still bland

The only fault I could find about the 458 is the production figures, which leaves room for alot of depreciation in the future

If you can buy a 570S/458, you are close to a used Huracan....should be added to your list to evaluate

 

Yeah, I might agree with this. If you can swing a 458 then do it. The 570 will be faster and probably out handle the the 458 but the 458 IMO is just perfect in so many ways. I also I believe they are close to the bottom of the depreciation curve.

 

I drove the R8 from Munich through Bavaria, into Austria, over the Alps down to Lake Garda, Verona and back. I loved the car. 4wd. Rockin’ DCT. I never felt uncomfortable during 3 or 4 hour rides like I do in any of my ferrari. Easy to get in and out of for my lady. A very good experience. Definitely daily driver adaptable.

 

The 458 is in a nice place as the most advanced naturally aspirated Ferrari mid-engine V8. Not going to predict they will go through the roof, because Ferrari made a lot of them, but they should be solid to hold their value.

 

Nothing wrong with your preference.
I used to love the 430 until the 458 was released. I still love the 430, but love the 458 more.

 

Yellow Compass an F chat sponsor has a Silver 430 spider listed for $135,000.........here on F chat.
If I had the coin today I would jump on that, also he will ship for free to you.
Mike is always saying call him and talk, and it has a 6 speed MANUAL.