First time Ferrari owner*. Advice needed!!! | FerrariChat
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First time Ferrari owner*. Advice needed!!!

Discussion in 'New Member Introductions' started by Richie_458, Apr 26, 2023.

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  1. Richie_458

    Richie_458 Rookie

    Apr 26, 2023
    1
    London
    Full Name:
    Richard Davies
    #1 Richie_458, Apr 26, 2023
    Hello all!

    I have run a relatively decent business and for the last 10 years have had big 4x4’s. Currently the Range Rover Vogue. For many years it’s the best car I can afford.

    But, last week I sold the business and all of a sudden can splash out on my dream car.

    Which is the 458 spider. Going to purchase one this weekend. (For context will be keeping the RR)

    So, questions, and for context I have never driven a supercar. Never even sat in one

    - as a total beginner is this going to be very difficult for me to drive? Is it something you have to learn over time or is it’s same as any car, just faster?

    - noticed someone said only buy 2013 or younger. The one I’m seeing is a 2012. Is this ok?

    - Could I use this car as a daily drive to nip about town or is it too exhausting to do that?

    - how many overhead bags in the bonnet?

    - Does it have to be garaged each night no exceptions? Will leaving it on the drive weather it really badly?

    - Am I biting off more than I can chew here! Am I going to be shocked at how powerful or even difficult to control it is? I have visions of not being in control of the car.

    All very very exciting and I’m going to get one. I owe it to my 10 year old self! Just all of a sudden thought oh boy am I letting myself in for something here and not realising it!!

    Thanks so much
    Richard.
     
    Texas Forever and ryalex like this.
  2. ryalex

    ryalex Two Time F1 World Champ
    Consultant Owner

    Aug 6, 2003
    25,973
    Las Vegas, NV
    Full Name:
    Ryan Alexander
    #2 ryalex, Apr 26, 2023
    Congratulations on the sale!

    458 is easy to drive. If you’re not burying the pedal it can be chill. The brakes are a little touchy. Biggest adjustments are the thumb turn signals and getting used to the shift points. It downshifts for you so it’s basically impossible to stall. Visibility is good. Within a few minutes you will get used to it, after a few days you’ll be pushing it down Cotswolds lanes.

    If you don’t get a loud exhaust it’s easy to daily. I basically did for 15 mos. although I’m not in London. I had mine under an awning during the day at my office but garaged at night. Occasional overnight won’t hurt it but I would garage it if I were you.
    Image Unavailable, Please Login
    2 carry ons no problem.

    They are fast, but not uncontrollably fast. Compared to this generation of cars (F8, Evo, 720S etc) it's just not as wild. But it’s enough. And a sweet spot of power where you *can* floor it a lot, and not spin or lose control. Drifting is relatively easy. I had some great times on the empty lockdown roads in 2020.
     
    Eric C, schumacherf2006 and Texas Forever like this.
  3. greyboxer

    greyboxer F1 World Champ

    Dec 8, 2004
    12,665
    South East
    Full Name:
    Jimmie
    #3 greyboxer, Apr 27, 2023
    Well done - get the car inspected and if you are risk-averse get a factory warranty - if you are buying from a main dealer this is included

    The car could live on the street depending on which part of London - anywhere within a few hundred yards of Hyde Park Corner should be ok - off the road and the radius gets larger but check with your insurer that they are happy and do not load massively

    It is not too powerful but initially avoid Race etc - the car is not ideal around town but will appreciate 30-50 miles once a week on open road - the batteries are a weak area

    There is a huge amount of user information for the 458 in the 458 section here - spend some time there reading & learning - in the last ten years most questions will have been asked and answered

    The year thing is mainly about gearbox sensors but references here to 2013 mean US model year not ROW calendar so by 2012 year production the situation improved - also repairs rather than replacement gradually became possible

    Enjoy & remember rule 1 here: photos on pick-up !

    PS investigate Drivers Union for local events & the Owners Club may appeal
     
    Texas Forever likes this.
  4. ipsedixit

    ipsedixit Formula 3

    Aug 21, 2014
    2,331
    Behind the wheel of a Pista
    #4 ipsedixit, Apr 27, 2023
    Texas Forever likes this.
  5. JWeiss

    JWeiss F1 World Champ
    Owner Silver Subscribed

    Nov 18, 2010
    12,179
    NYC and Long Island, NY
    Full Name:
    JWeiss
    #5 JWeiss, Apr 27, 2023
    Welcome aboard. Definitely hit the 458 forum for details, but these cars are not scary to drive.

    Also (and I’m sure this is obvious), don’t just think about purchase price - consider ownership cost (maintenance, insurance,…).

    Congratulations on the business sale and happy hunting.
     
    Texas Forever likes this.
  6. Steelton Keith

    Steelton Keith F1 Veteran
    Owner Rossa Subscribed

    Aug 19, 2009
    7,787
    Raleigh NC
    Full Name:
    Keith Hall
    #6 Steelton Keith, Apr 27, 2023
    Welcome to Ferrari-Chat. Happy to have you here.
     
    Texas Forever likes this.
  7. Texas Forever

    Texas Forever Eight Time F1 World Champ
    BANNED Rossa Subscribed

    Apr 28, 2003
    85,600
    Texas!
    #7 Texas Forever, Apr 29, 2023
    A 458 is super easy to drive. Don’t worry about using the paddles for now. Just drive.


    Sent from my iPhone using FerrariChat.com mobile app
     
  8. Eric C

    Eric C F1 World Champ
    Silver Subscribed

    Mar 20, 2009
    11,052
    St. Louis, MO
    Full Name:
    Eric
    #8 Eric C, May 23, 2023

    man I still love that color!
     

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