575 or 430

How is the reliability of the 575 compared to a 430?
I am looking to buy my first F-Car and started looking at 360's and have moved on to a 430, but have been looking at 575 as of late.

I know the 575 is a different animal, but any insight if anyone has had both, owned both or even driven in each would be helpful. Thanks.

 

Having owned 360s, 430s and a 550 (but not a 575), I still like my 550 the best. Based on my own experience with my 550, the 430 is probably an "easier" first Ferrari unless you enjoy futzing around with the greasy bits of cars.

The driving experience is completely different though, so it comes down to your own personal preference and likely driving conditions. I recall a couple of threads about this same issue earlier this year; do a search and I think you'll find a lot of feedback from owners.

 

I have both cars, the F430 purchased new back in 2005, the 575MM purchased 99% New with 460Miles... Both my F430 and 575M are stick 6 speed 3 pedals cars... I still own both of them with 26K miles and 28K miles each as of today...

Both are really nice awesome cars in quite different ways... Both maintainance cost comes about the same with the 575MM requires timing belt change major service in a 5 years interval vs the F430 only change the accessory belt.

Personally I like the 575 more than the 430...

You should really test drive both cars to compare... Maybe you will end up buying both cars like me as well...

Cheers

Here I attach one photo of the day my F430 was delivered back in 2005.

Alex Lin
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As an F430 owner I only have good things to say about the car. Maintenance is minimal and its just amazing to drive. I have been looking at the Maranellos closely for some time. With prices where they are its amazing what you can get for your money, I call them the V12 360s in terms of dollar amounts. Im am currently trying to obtain a Scud but if the numbers don't work out I will try and snatch up one of the 575s. Not having driven one makes me hesitant but Im sure after about 30 min I would love it.

Since this is your first F car do the proper background checks and PPIs. If you get the right car you will reap the awesome dividends, if not, you can get screwed. Post some of the examples you find and ask the members if they know the car and can provide assistance. I literally traveled across the country to find mine (NJ to Cali). The chase is half the fun.

 

I originally started out to look at buying a 430 back in 2007 after being without an F car for about 1 year. They were in high demand in 2007 but I happened to have an opportunity to buy a NEW 2007 in the US and Ferrari North America put a stop to that pretty quickly. They would not allow a new F-car to come into Canada. These cars were at a premium still in 2007.

I then reconsidered and started to look at the 550's and 575's. One interesting point that I noticed is that the prices on these cars started to fall. The same model year 575's have a higher window sticker than the 430 coupes, yet they sell for less money. For what the 575 has to offer, I think it is an amazing value.

Keep in mind that you will not be buying the car based on price, but for the type of driving experience that you enjoy. For example, the 430 is more nimble and a more enjoyable track car than the 575. On the other hand, if you enjoy long drives and touring the country then the 575 would be my choice.

I think driving the various cars will be an emotionally fun, learning experience for you.

Happy hunting and keep us posted! (The hunt is half of the fun!)

 

Thanks to all of you for your input...I can say I am completely confused.
This will be my first F-car. I like the looks of both, but if I had to lean one way it would be towards the 430. I like the fact the 575 is not noticeable and the fact it has a trunk (does anyone know if a set of golf clubs would fit in the trunk?). While it is hard to say one will be easier to maintain, that is what I am looking for...I am not the mechanic nor am I inclined to be one.

My driving will just be around town, no real long drives. If I had to guess...maybe 2000/year (considering I only have March to October to really drive the car).

Someone asked for me to post the cars I was looking at...so here they are:

2006 430 - Florida
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/HIGHLY-OPTIONED-ALL-BOOKS-RECORDS-VIRTUALLY-NEW-A-COND-/180710342649?pt=US_Cars_Trucks&hash=item2a132cfff9#ht_5605wt_1167

2005 430 - Las Vegas
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2005-Ferrari-F430-Coupe-Extra-Sharp-/230661547798?pt=US_Cars_Trucks&hash=item35b47fe716#ht_16789wt_1167

2006 430 - PA (I have not spoken to this seller yet - just found this one last night)
http://www.dupontregistry.com/autos/Search/DRauSearchDetails.aspx?itemid=1032543

As for the 575, there is someone on the forum selling theirs and so many others in the $100 to $120K range. Example:
http://www.dupontregistry.com/autos/Search/DRauSearchDetails.aspx?itemid=1022299

Thanks for the help.

 

Bshah,

What part of the country do you live in?

IMO you should go for a drive in both a 575 and a 430 before you decide.

I used to own a black 2006 430 and currently own a blue 1998 550.
They are very different cars (both good).

The F1 transmission in both the 575 and 430 works well.
However, if you can find either a 430 or 575 in manual shift, that would be a special car.

Good luck.

 

Depends on your driving habits. I drive my 550 for hundreds of miles without stopping to refuel and without a backache. But I just can't keep up with a 430 on the supertwisties. The only reason I would buy a 430 over a 575 is if I wanted a spider. Regarding the F1 transmission, it may be cool to want to be "old school," but I have to say that you will never be as good as the computer. It's perfect every time.

 

I live in Chicago.


Here is one more 575.
http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?ct=u&car_id=300784519&dealer_id=1061433&car_year=2004&systime=&doors=&model=575M&search_lang=en&start_year=1981&keywordsfyc=&keywordsrep=&highlightFirstMakeModel=&search_type=both&distance=0&min_price=&rdm=1313631657047&drive=&marketZipError=false&advanced=y&fuel=&keywords_display=&lastBeginningStartYear=1981&end_year=2012&showZipError=y&make2=&certified=&engine=&dma=CHICAGO_C1&page_location=findacar%3A%3Aispsearchform&body_code=0&transmission=&default_sort=priceDESC&max_mileage=15000&color=&address=60601&sort_type=priceDESC&max_price=&make=FER&seller_type=b&num_records=100&cardist=1183&standard=false

 

You should definitely go for drives in both. They are very, very different. Both fantastic.

For me, the 550 that I have fits perfectly what I use it for. Cross-continent trips, holidays, long drives. The F430 is more of a toy to me, but I don't mean that in a negative way. It's a car that you drive with more intensity. The V12 is a bit of a slow burner, IMHO, after 4 years every day I still appreciate the car a little bit more than before. A 430 has more instant appeal but it's a bit less of a long-distance car. The engine characteristics in particular make it a less alluring partner on long-distance. I would love to own a V8 as well, for the Sunday blatt.

When you go for a test drive, make sure that you push the throttle in fully (in a straight line). The 550/575 has a long throttle travel and lots of people that drive them for the first time are left wondering why the performance is a bit disappointing. It won't be if you drive it correctly.

A set of golf clubs does not fit in the trunk. Not by a long way. You can, however, fit a set on the rear shelf, with some difficulty, if you don't use a large bag. On holiday to Italy I took a half set in a narrow bag. You can also order a custom made golf bag from Schedoni. About $2k I think.

Good luck deciding! In the end, you can't go wrong with either.


Onno

 

Does anyone know any of the 430's listed?

 

The 550/575 will fit two slim golf bags easily, unless you are using PGA like big fat bags, than it won't fit...

Alex Lin

 

Yup - no problems fitting a standard golf bag in the trunk of the 550, but a staff bag certainly won't fit. If you're picking up your golf buddy, he can comfortably hold his own bag between his knees; plenty of legroom. The parcel shelf behind the seats will hold whatever duffel bag or backpack you need as well. I've driven a friend holding 2 golf bags in my 430 spider, but it wasn't much fun for him.

 

Hahahaha....

There you go.....

Alex Lin

 

Alex...the chances of two people in Taiwan with your name and a Ferrari are highly unlikely...we met there 8 years ago & you took me to the Ferrari dealership in north Taipei. They also sold beemer bikes... If you're the same Alex, then Queen Fernanda or S4 (S6?) would mean something to you...reach out to me via my profile...if not then I've got the wrong guy and sorry dude.
Thanks, Michael

 

Yap, that's me... how are you doing??? I am still the same Alex Lin living both in Taiwan and LA... just older and fatter... ahahaha

Alex Lin

 

Dude, that's so funny! I lost your TT email address a few years back so please email me at [email protected] I have a few unrelated questions...
Thanks, Michael