My search for an F430 begins.

As the title says.

In about 3-4 months I will be in a position to buy a 430 (no preference over spider or coupe), bar the obvious accident damage etc is there anything specific I should be on the lookout for?

I've spoken to a few specialists and due to my size (6ft 3", 18stone or 250lbs for the Americans) they've recommended I try and find one with carbon seats (especially if I go down the spider route) as they sit a little lower than standard or Daytona seats.

My budget is up to £100,000 so I know I will be able to find a top example for my budget.

Currently have a Maserati Granturismo Sport MC Shift so the engine is pretty much the same (one cross plane the other flat plane) and know all about the F1 gearbox (don't want a manual and their prices are ridiculous anyway).

Any tips would be more than welcome.

 

The carbon seats are available in several sizes. Not only are they difficult to find at all but you will need large seats, which are very big for most people.

I have medium seats in my F430 and they’re pretty big for me (168 lbs, 5’10”) when compared to the challenge seats in my 360.
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I was advised that most people in the UK were advised to spec large carbon seats as otherwise they will find re-sale at a later date difficult.

So most did apparently.

 

Spend some time looking at all the similar how to buy a 430 threads here and then come back with unanswered questions

 

Well, I know that my dealer said from experience that large carbon seats are virtually unsellable as they're too big for most people and it's like lying down in a bathtub. We had a car here owned by an NFL football player and they eventually had to change out the seats from large sport seats in order to have it fit people. But maybe it's different over there.

 

I'm 6'3", 245 lbs and my F430 has the large racing seats. Definately not too big for me, very comfortable, and they give around 1 inch extra headroom compared to other seat options. My wife is 5'3" 120 lbs and fits fine as well, she falls asleep on longer trips in the car.

 

There's plenty of threads here on buying F430.

Here's mine, hope this helps.

Dan

https://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/threads/360-f430-specific-pre-purchase-inspection-checklist.568312/#post-145785769