Buying a 458 and I need your help!

I agree all those electrical issues could easily be a bad battery. Many specifically state comms issue or voltage issue. The selling dealer should install a quality new battery like Optima yellow top, fully charge it before install and then reset the codes and see if any return.

The “oil leak” looks like a somewhat normal amount of attracted dirt and I don’t see anything too concerning. A dirty engine is often a happy engine. Do you see any wet or pooling oil anywhere?

Have the dealer remove all of the bottom panels so that you can see from the underside.

Personally I wouldn’t give up on this one just yet but I’m also my own mechanic. Things get relatively expensive quickly when you have to rely upon others to maintain a Ferrari.

Where are you located and where is this car? Maybe a member can further assist or advise on reputation of the seller.

 

No, don't use those Optima batteries. They are not the same company they were years ago. If you want an ADM, use a different battery, Interstate in the US. That's a lot of oil in my opinion and the last thing you want is a head gasket leak. Do a compression and leak test on the engine. Check the brakes and rotors.

Any gearbox codes that happen needs further investigation. Ask yourself this, would it cost the same to fix all these things + the price of the car than spending more for a lower mileage car without these codes? If so, then it's a hard pass.

 

I question, if only 3/5k€ under market. If a dealer is to sell, why even have a bad battery that raises error codes. Becomes a guessing game.

To me, it’s difficult to do analysis without more info. Be interesting for you to check all service records. If they are none or very few available, I would pass. If available, I would want a reputable Ferrari shop to specifically advise the actually source/part that is leaking.

A thorough PPI with leak down, may cost you over 2 hours labor. A new battery, is not inexpensive either if installed by shop / dealer.

 

Is it from a Ferrari dealer?

Just from what you've said, I would pass on this 458. Whatever dealer has been selling that car has not maintained it well.

As always, buy the seller, not just the car.

 

I too would pass. While it is likely that many of those errors are simply the battery the open circuit on the entertainment system may not be, but with 66k kms I’d want it to be an absolute steal, and it isn’t. Particularly as it is your first Ferrari, you want the experience to be magical and unforgettable (in a good way). Hold out for a better one.

 

I would pass, too many “red flags”. I bought my first Ferrari and it started similar, 15k later and issues were resolved. Thankfully I negotiated it in the price and expected the cost. Good luck


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That engine area is filthy!!!

Too many fault codes then an oil leak….at that price NO…on this one…keep looking