Questions concerning F430 Scuderia maintenance

Coming from the Lamborghini forums, I am sure these types of questions are quite common and drive you guys nuts seeing them all the time (I'm in the process of searching this forum now for the answers), but I could really use your help.

I am considering a purchase of an '09 Scud, and I'm curious about the maintenance costs. I was originally looking into a Gallardo Superleggera, and found that they are somewhat "okay" when it comes to a "daily driver". I suppose my main concerns are how does the Scud compare to the SL in this area?

I don't intend on using it as your typical daily driver. But I intend on driving it as much as possible. Am I looking at any insane costs (for example, the Carrera GT's clutch replacement - 25k, or the F355's "engine out service" evern 5k)?

The actual costs don't frighten me. It's the frequency of the possible intervals that could be an issue. If anyone could shed some light in this area, it would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance for any help you can provide.


PS: Incase your wondering why I'm considering the Scud...well, I drove it today, and it was an incredible experience. It has made me rethink my options, and I'm starting to veer away from the superleggera.

 

Thanks for the reply. I have not driven the SL yet. Actually, it's one of the reasons I'm considering the Scud...the overall purchasing experience has been ALOT better at the Ferrari dealership than the Lamborghini dealer.

On my first day at Ferrari, I had multiple salesmen insisting that I take a seat in the Scud, they started it up, and did a complete walkaround with me, showing me every nook and cranny on the car.

I have yet to even TOUCH one of the Lambos. I'm sure I could have sat in one, had I asked. But it was a test mostly, to see if the salesman really wanted the sale. Nothing was offered, even when I tried to explain to him that I was strongly considering a Scuderia just down the street.

For the record, I have driven an '04 Gallardo and a Ferrari 360 (both F1) back-to-back, and I actually preferred the "feel" of the Ferrari over the Lambo. After driving the Scud today, that feeling came back. It really feels great.

Funny you mention "too much suede" though. Both cars are packed FULL of alcantara and carbon fiber. Hehe. I think it's beautiful. As far as this site being biased, that's ok too. I WANT to be sold on the Scud actually. The Lambo can come at another time down the road. I do prefer the looks of the SL over the Ferrari, but the price of the Scud comparatively wins out.

 

Haha, will do. I'm quite excited actually. It's going to be a little while however. Have to place a deposit, and it will take approximately another month to gather up the rest of the down payment. I also want to have it completely covered in protective film and the windows tinted. Finally, I want to have the radar dectector thing installed by the dealership. So that will all take a few days.

One thing I could really use though is some advice on a good stereo with navigation. I've just begun my search on it, but so far, I'm not coming up with anything other than cheap Jensens. Need something that will fit in that little area above the AC controls.

Also, since the Scud doesn't come with a stereo, I would guess it doesn't have any speakers installed either. Any recommendations are welcome.

I would expect to not be using the stereo much for quite a while, as the engine sound alone is plenty. But from time to time, I like to listen to some stuff. It would be nice to at least have the option.

 

Ahh, it's nice to wake up to so many helpful replies. Thanks guys.

To answer your questions...I live in NC. The car in question is practically new (less than 700 miles). The owner (car is on consignment), is a collector with a few other "extreme" cars.

As for the clear bra, the actual brand that Ferrari (and Lamborghini for that matter) are recommending to me is "Clear Defense". They both have tried to steer me away from 3M, as apparently they have a guy that comes around to the dealerships that would be doing the work, and supposedly he's great. I know it might sound nuts, but I want the entire car covered in this film. The reason being, it's black. Black shows too many imperfections after being driven a couple of times, and I'm afraid of washing the car myself. I have a fear of the swirl marks hehe. So I decided, let's just cover it all in the film, that way I can feel comfortable about washing it myself.

As for the radio, I haven't looked into this issue with the car very deeply just yet. We're still in the beginning stages of negotiations, and it just hasn't been discussed much yet. The car is stock, as far as I know, and without radio (Ferrari plate above AC controls). I have seen pictures of Scuds with Ferrari branded radios in them, and I discovered last night that it was an option for Scuds, as well as speakers.

As far as actually hearing the music, I can definately see your point. When those valves open up, I would seriously doubt if you could hear anything other than that sweet engine. But I noticed, just crusing down the highway, or at a stoplight, the valves are closed, and the exhaust is much quieter. So I believe if you just wanted to take it easy and relax (definatley not what this car is designed for haha, but still), you could probably hear the music.

 

Thanks everyone. All of your advice and answers have been great. Downloading that manual right now.

I have another silly question, but still one of concern. If my wife and I want to take a drive out to the Blue Ridge Parkway, and spend the day cruising around, is there any special care I need to be aware of? For example, do I need to stop every 30min - 1 hour and let the car cool off for a bit? Are there any commonly known "no-no's" that I should be advised on, for example, some people don't realize that you don't ever want to rev a cold engine, etc.

 

I'm 6'1, 200lbs. Didn't have any problems with comfort so far.

Ok, I have another question for you guys if you're willing.

Launch Control. I have heard that on some cars, using LC will seriously burn up your clutch quickly. Not sure if it was over exaggerated or not, but I've heard "using it 3 times and you'll be ready for a new clutch". I can't remember which car that was in reference to though.

So my question is simple. Can we use LC on the Scud without fear of ruining your clutch too fast? Or would be using it just asking for a trip to the shop?

When I asked the salesman, he replied that I'd never "need" to use it. While I wouldn't argue with him on that, it would still be fun as hell to use, especially when you want to show it off to your friends.