Hi all, There are two F430s I'm considering purchasing, and as much as I'd like to educate myself from past threads to make a good choice I'm still nervous as a first time buyer. Could I get some of your expertise and thoughts on which one I should go for? Car 1: 2005, 30k miles, exact color scheme I am looking for down to the stitching and inserts on the daytonas. Several service records, which show clutch was recently replaced and is probably at over 90%, there was some front bumper repair/repaint along with fiberglass work, and a bunch of other stuff that doesn't seem bad. Previous owner did track it twice, but had it serviced afterwards. Service was done at a very reputable place by this forum's standards. Front seat has decent bolster wear, and some warping on the dash leather. Few paint chips as well but nothing major. Will definitely require a bit of minor cosmetic work, but mechanically seems fine. Seems like original headers but not sure. It has been kept outside however on a lot with a cover the past few months. It's local and I've seen it in person. Can probably get it for 100-105k. Car 2: 2006, 12k miles, I like the color combo but regular standard seats (electric though). Seems like it is in great cosmetic shape, with no visible cosmetic issues. Clutch last year or two years ago measured at 40% used (60% remaining) which seems like some high usage for just 12k miles. Only driven 400 miles in the past 2.5 years, kept in garage on a tender. Cold start video seems like it took an extra second to start up, and some white smoke from one of the exhaust tips (not sure if this is a big deal?). Basically no service records. Most likely original headers. Located across the country so not seeing it in person, but have local PPI from a good shop ready to go. Can probably get it for 110-112k. I'd do a PPI on either. To the extent it matters, I'll probably convert it to manual right after buying it. And of course, there's always the option 3 which is to forego both and just wait for a better choice to come along.
Being able to buy local is a big plus, but I wouldn’t “settle” just because it was local. I was in a similar situation a year ago looking for a car specifically to convert. I looked at many cars and came to the realization that no matter how many service records the cars had or didn’t have, they all had maintenance items/issues that needed to be addressed if you’re anal about your cars (I am). Ultimately I decided I wanted a car that was low mileage, had a clutch done recently, at what I thought was a relative deal. I ended up finding just that, but in a color I wasn’t originally looking for (yellow). A year later and the color has really grown on me and I’m very content with my purchase. I guess the advice would be to identify whatever your top 3 criteria are and look until you find what fits that.
Thanks. Other than the cost, was there a specific reason you wanted the clutch to have been done recently?
What exactly is your ideal color scheme and type (coupe vs. Spider)?? I have my red over tan 2005 coupe with 14k miles listed on ilusso for 145k, but I'd sell it to an fchat member for 130k. It's had its 15k factory service done already too. It's near mint and extremely well taken cate of.
Just keep in mind that 2006 had a few improvements over the 2006 .. a few around the F1 system. .. Sent from my moto g power using Tapatalk
Yes, I knew that I didn’t want to DIY a clutch and I didn’t have a local shop that I trusted to do the work. Finding a car with a relatively new clutch meant that I could convert it using an “F1 fluid based kit” from Cambio Manuale (basically keep the F1 fluid compatible throw out bearing in place and use hydraulic fluid instead of brake fluid) for a much simpler install.
Given the age I would be looking at the ball joints, track rod ends, anti roll bar bushing, rear tie rods etc Also water pump for leakage at the tell tails.
Tough call, seems like the low mile car is a winner on the surface (only paying 55 cents per mile, when I normally allow for $1.50) but the high mile car might be in better condition and is the spec you want. I would recommend you got through the PPI process on the local car first to make sure of no hidden issues.
I agree also. While there were some improvements to the 2006 vs 2005 it’s not as dramatic as comparing a 2005 to 2008. The 2005 sounds like it is exactly what you are looking for and you won’t ever regret you settled for a different spec than your dream. Either way these are nearly 20 year old cars so they will all need something and 1 year difference isn’t a lot. Sent from my iPhone using FerrariChat.com mobile app
I appreciate the feedback so far. I honestly thought #2 would get more votes just because of the lower mileage and being in cosmetically great shape. But good to hear the different thoughts.
Just something to think about. A clutch is $9000-$10000. Replacing the leather on the dash is $4000-$5000. These are dealer prices, an Indi may be less. Sent from my iPad using FerrariChat.com mobile app
I’d go car 1, but look at the recent service records to see what all has been done. Valve cover gaskets are an easy “while you’re in there”, along with motor mounts and trans mount. Ball joints and bushings were likely/hopefully done around those miles too? Car #2 will get expensive quickly if not sorted, so get a good PPI. It’s really not good to let these cars sit. Good luck!
Hard to tell without pics but by the description it seems #1 is a little banged up. If the price difference was greater I'd say #1 and drive the heck out of it but at the prices listed I would say #2
This is the worst of it for #1. I'd need to work on that bolster somehow. Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
Well a bit of an update... #2 is no longer in the running. They were both firm on the original pricing (at 120k) and also were not open to any credits or covering anything that popped up at PPI. Given the car hadn't been serviced in years that isn't something I'd want to take on as an unknown. However, as luck would have it there's a serious #3 in consideration. Recently serviced, 2007 and pricing is fair. The only thing holding me back on this one is the current owner put on Scuderia style stripes on the car. Does anyone know how hard it is to remove them, and if it would lead to any paint damage or discoloration?
wow this isn't bad at all. looks pretty normal. Heck I'd probably leave the leather as is. If it bothers you there's plenty of folks who can replace it or dye/color the worn spots
Are the stripes covered in PPF? How long have the stripes been on the hood? Do they look good? Maybe leave them there. Sent from my iPhone using FerrariChat
The front stripes are on the PPF, the hood and rear are on the paint directly. I think about a year or two, car has been garaged. I just can't do stripes
I thought you were going to say my car was #3. It's probably the nicest one for sale in the entire country.
If the striped are just vinyl, a hair dryer help will take them off no problem. Looks like #1 just needs a good cleaning on the seats and maybe a spray? Leatherique will do the trick. My driver bolster is actually a little worse, and I do my best to not rub against it. Nature of Ferrari leather I think.
