Contemplating 488 Spider -- could use some input

After being away from the Ferrari scene for quite some time due to distance constraints, I'm excited to consider rejoining with the purchase of a Ferrari 488 Spider. Our newfound proximity to a Ferrari dealership in Scottsdale, AZ, thanks to spending a week per month in the area, has reignited our interest.

However, I have a few concerns and would appreciate your input. The car will primarily sit in the garage during the scorching summer months but will be driven approximately five days a month during other times. Given this usage pattern, I'm curious about your experiences with extended periods of non-use and any maintenance considerations.

Additionally, I'm contemplating a private party purchase to avoid taxes, given the Arizona location. I'd love to hear your thoughts on this approach and any tips or warnings you might have.

Lastly, I'm deliberating whether an extended warranty, either through Ferrari or a third party, is essential given the nature of our usage and potential risks.

Thank you all in advance for your insights and advice!

 

I'm sure there are people out there who leave their cars sit much longer than you're talking about. I would make sure it's getting fired up every few weeks and driven around the block if possible to keep things lubed up. Get yourself a battery tender / car cover and you'll be all set.

I wouldn't speak too openly about avoiding taxes around here, but a lot of people do it.

I have yet to see any major issues that would make a warranty a must with this car.

 

Welcome back!


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Give him a hug quick before he’s gone.


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We absolutely love ours!! I say go for it!!! Let us know when its mod time


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Well, the next 3rd party warranty company that treats customers and shops fairly will be the first. OEM or nothing.

I’ve had good luck with private purchases, even the guy running a Ponzi scheme on his friends and neighbors treated me better than them.

Should just need a battery tender for several months of inactivity…..and I would buy a fresh battery as soon as you buy the car so you start on a good note.

 

both NV and AZ have no tax on private party sales regardless of how much the car costs. Massive savings vs dealer purchase

 

Yes. So all above aboard.
I know there are other threads that I should take the time to search, but I'm lazy so I'll throw this out there:
What are the main weak areas of the 488 that fail or need repair more frequently?
Any model years to avoid?

 

It's a good car. Nothing to worry about.

 

I had a 488 spider for a few years. It was great. No problems. Added a 1 year warranty through Ferrari for my first year but didn’t bother after that. I had a wonderful experience and truly miss that car

 

Your user name reminded me of someone….did we have a series of discussions about Ford GTs right about the time the pandemic broke out?

 

Hey there! Yes, that was me! I remember those discussions. It's funny how certain usernames can trigger memories like that. It's been a while since I've been active on forums and social media, but it's nice to reconnect. How have you been? Have you had any new experiences or updates with FGTs since we last chatted?

 

Have been alright, still the same 2 cars as I had then….did add a Wrangler 392 as a daily, stupid fun to drive. Now I’m putting together budgets for a purchase next year. In some scenarios that means I would have to sell something (probably the FGT).

How have things been going for you?

 

Good to hear! Love the Wrangler 392!
Things have been great. The garage is still full and then some. Did an add-on 24x40 "working garage", which has been fun. Building a cool JDM project with my son now. Over Covid we put in a paved kart track and picked up 8 Birel Karts.... super fun and we get some crazy races going. We're better at buying than selling and have added a new S-class and maybe a P-car or 2 since we last talked. The FGT gets its exercise.
So you are thinking of selling yours? What is on the horizon for you next purchase? (feel free to take this conversation to private messaging any time)

 

My question is when will you guys sell that one??

 

Issues-bubbling/peeling dash, sticky buttons, “normal” turbo failure…… take your pick

 

Just buy it. You’ll love it. Then stay off the forums and enjoy it.


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Thanks for the heads up. So sticky buttons still a thing?
Are these known for turbo failures?.... was contemplating whether or not to get extended warranty. As mentioned, this car will get daily use for approx. One week every month.
Have seen dash leather shrinkage in older f-cars; also funny that it still a thing and hasn't been rectified.

 

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That's the idea! At this home we will keep a Cayenne for utility and guest transport and then our daily will be the 488 Spider since the spider ticks most our boxes for enjoyment and participating in the local C&Cs, etc.
Now just need to decide if extended warranty is a must. Thanks for chiming in!

 

Extended warranty debate is 50/50. Some set aside a reserve to cover items that may fail of significance like turbos but major fails are rare unless the car is abused. If I were buying a 1 or 2 or possibly 3 owner 488 (I previously had a 1 owner ‘17 488 GTB) that was serviced at a Ferrari dealer on schedule and had maybe 2,000 to 15,000 miles on it I would forgo the warranty if a PPI (and car fax) came back clear.


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Thanks for the input. Appreciate it. Why'd you move it on?

 

Temporary insanity. . Should have kept it. Bought an F8 a year later.


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I'd only buy a CPO car because a blown turbo is going to run you about $20k. Give or taken 5 grand.


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I had two dealers both tell me that turbos were “wear” items not covered by my extended warranty ☹️

 

Really??? So they are categorizing turbos as a consumable like tires or brakes???