2005 430 Questions

Hi. Welcome. Use the search function initially and be prepared to spend a few hours doing some reading. Then you can ask a more specific question later on. This subject has been covered often.

Good luck with the search. It's part of the fun.

 

A few things I'd suggest:
First, read as much as you can on FChat to get familiar with the F430.
get to know all the relatively minor things to look for such as holes worn in top (spider)
exhaust manifold status, loose mirrors etc etc. Make sure car has had all services and completed.
Then have a thorough PPI done by an independent that is familiar with F Cars. This should include everything from clutch percentage remaining to compression test.
If you choose a 6 speed manual instead of an F1 your search will be a tough one if your in the States, if you find one you will also pay a significant premium.
I have an 06' F1 Spider, did a tremendous amount of homework prior to my purchase and am absolutely thrilled with my choice.
Bottom line is whether you choose any F430 from 05' to 09' Spider, Coupe, 6M or F1,
if its been treated right and serviced right you should be happy.
If you don't plan on tracking the car Id suggest to also look for signs if car has been tracked. (Coupes are more often used for track use as they handle a little better and obviously offer roof protection)
Good luck with your potential purchase !

 

I have an '05. I haven't found much as far as first model year issues. They updated headers and maybe the f1 pump but that's it. PPI is most important.

 

I've had an 05 f430 spider since May 2012 and love it. My car has F1 and CCB. My car had the headers replaced about a year prior to my purchase. I would not be concerned with buying a good 05. F430 is a not a new car and really just an evolution of the 360 that had been out since 99. Yes, the f430 has many newer systems that were firsts.

 

Welcome to ferrarichat

The F430 is an amazing machine. Some say light years ahead in terms of maintenance drivability and design. I'm partial. There are various threads and guides.
Start here if not accessed yet
F430 Buyer's Guide | Issue 119 | Forza

And also for background

Sweet Spot | Issue 143 | Forza

From the former (Brian Crall on this board wrote this section I believe)
MAJOR ISSUES

FRAGILE EXHAUST SUPPORT COMPONENTS:
When it created the F430, Ferrari redesigned the system that supports the car’s exhaust—and since the beginning, there have been problems with it, problems that didn’t occur on the 360. The F430’s exhaust is complex and heavy, and features a Rube Goldberg-esque assembly of struts and brackets to hold everything in place; those are the pieces that fail. Ferrari has produced some upgraded support struts, but they haven’t entirely solved the problem. Interestingly, cars with aftermarket exhausts, which are simpler and lighter than the factory system, don’t normally have this issue.
CRACKING EXHAUST MANIFOLDS: There have been many complaints about cracked exhaust manifolds. With the early cars no longer covered by the long-term U.S. emissions warranty, this repair will increasingly fall to owners, and it’s expensive: Expect to pay $3,500-4,000 to replace both manifolds. Interestingly, Ferrari sells a pair of manifolds for about the same price as buying either the right one or the left one by itself; I suspect this is some form of acknowledgement of the problem.
BAD MOTOR MOUNTS: The F430’s motor mounts are the same basic design that was introduced in the 456, and they have since been used in all current models. The mounts have been updated once during that time, and while the updated units are better, by 30,000 miles they are still very likely to fail, with the rubber insulating material separating from the steel mounting parts. Partial disassembly is required to inspect them; replacement costs start around $1,000.
BENT FRONT WHEELS: The F430 features 19-inch wheels with low-profile, 35-series tires as standard equipment. The tires’ very short sidewalls have very little ability to absorb impacts from pot holes or ridges in the pavement, and as a result these cars have a very well-earned reputation for bending front wheels. A bent wheel can often be straightened, but sometimes not. Replacement wheels cost about $1,500 each.
MINOR ISSUES

Early in production, there were many reports of problems with the electronic differential. Ferrari was very closed-mouth about the particulars of the issue, but the company replaced a lot of components and seems to have resolved the problem. It is very unlikely you will encounter this unless you run across
an early car with very low miles.
Carbon-ceramic (CCM) brakes were optional in 2005 and ’06, and became standard equipment for 2007. While they are lighter, more resistant to fade and longer-lasting that steel brakes, CCM brakes are extraordinary expensive to repair: New pads cost $2,000 per axle, while new rotors cost $6,500 to $8,000 each. One could argue that their life span is so long that the cost per mile is low, but that life span varies widely. I have one client who replaced the pads on his Scuderia, which was mostly driven on the street but had gone to five track events, at 9,000 miles, and another who replaced the pads on his street-driven-only F430 at 25,000 miles.
Like most modern cars with complex electronic systems, the F430 is prone to occasional electronic gremlins. While these instances have been quite rare, the lack of frequency is of little comfort if it happens to your car.


IMHO Don't be put off by the year. Most driven 430s are sorted and campaigns are done or should be. General advice is service records are important to your peace of mind as well as the value of the car. And most but not all elect for a thorough repurchase inspection which may help disclose hidden issues or deferred maintenance but not all. It is a car.

There are many ought here and the prices are seductive but don't buy on price- the most expensive car is a cheap Ferrari.



Come back with specific questions.

The search is part of the fun.


Good luck

ScottS

 

I bought my 3 pedal coupe new 8/05. It had headers and motor mounts changed under warranty. There were a number of service campaigns that replaced various bits, mostly exhaust mount related. These are not recalls but can still be performed for free at dealers. The car has not had any official recalls.

My car has been very reliable. Just routine maintenance tires and brakes. I used to track it and that uses up brakes. If not for that, I think I'd still be on the original pads and rotors. I'm still on the original clutch. The car has 26K on it.

I know the early '05s had F1 issues and parts were updated and replaced. My vin is 143718. The early ones were 141 to 142XXX. I think if you find a car that has been driven regularly and not a bunch of owners, you should be fine.

Dave

 

Great post

 

I have a 2005 f430 F1, its been only about a year since I had it, but its been rock solid. my mechanic said its one of the cleanest cars he has worked on... I cant really tell you what has been upgraded if any.. but I know it has been serviced at Beverly hills Ferrari years back... I think any year has good and bad cars... just need to be lucky

 

I have an 05 with 25K miles on it--I'd call it "sorted", having replaced the motor mounts (myself), the F1 system flushed and bled (not myself since you need the computer), and soon, a new e-diff solenoid. The exhaust manifolds were replaced under warranty by previous owner (twice). So pretty much covered all the common issues, and the new tires are great! I don't think there is any reason to shy away from an 05--mine has Carbon-Ceramic Brakes--they are fantastic.

 

I just recently bought an 05 430, and yes there were the expected items to look after. Exhaust manifolds, motor mounts, loose mirrors and tail lights. Those were negotiated into the purchase price.

There were a couple of additional items specific to my car, and not endemic to the model year as a whole, but that's why you always set aside a reserve maintenance fund any time you buy a used car.

I see no reason to shy away from an 05. Just do your proper due diligence and research, and go in to the transaction with eyes open.

 

I have an 05 F430, currently at 27K miles, still on original clutch, flywheel, F1 pump, F1 sensor, F1 selenoid, etc.
Car has been reliable, it has Mk2 headers when I bought it, then I replaced it with Fabspeed headers. Stock exhaust brackets were replaced with S-Line brackets.

 

The 05 F1 F430s had an undersized F1 pump. It was increased in size in 06. Many 05s were updated under warranty to the larger pump. It would be worthwhile during a PPI to see if a 05 you are considering has the updated pump. Understand that even manual cars have an F1 pump to operate the Ediff. Whether the undersized pump would still be a concern on a manual car...you would need to speak with a Ferrari technician experienced in such things.

 

One other change....in 2008, Ferrari changed the F1 transmission ECU and made a change to the transmission itself. (not just a software change). I was told by a trusted Ferrari technician that is makes for better shifting. I brought this up in this forum, and someone who currently owned both an early and late F430 agreed with the comment. This is not something that would be easily updated on an earlier (2005 to 2007) car.

 

Headers replaced under warranty due to crack. F1 hose ruptured and replaced. Everything else seems OK. I have 25k miles with about 35% clutch wear on the original clutch and minimal wear on the ceramic brakes.

I had the same concerns and was going to buy 08 or 09 but having racing seats was a non negotiable item and they were only available on 05 so bought the 2005 model. Have no regrets as the seats are extremely comfortable (compared to 360 non racing seats) and look fantastic.

 

^^ Maybe I missed it in previous threads but can you post a picture of the Racing seats

 

These are the carbon racing seats in my 2005 F430. I had no idea this option was only available in 2005!
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Wow, very nice!

 

nice seats

 

strange if the seats only where offerd in 2005.. i have the same seats in black alcantara in my 2008 f430 from factory...

 

+1
My 2008-2009 price list shows Racing seats as an option.

 

It's very possible the sport seat option was eliminated for US market cars only.

Dave

 

Of. Course you can add them although pricey .... There's a thread now And usually one to two on eBay at any time. Not the rarer colors.




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I love mine, it was top of my option list and a must have, a friend and F430 owner is currently ordering some, at just over £10k inc all the offers he can get haha
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I purchased my '05 430 two years ago. Haven't had a single problem with it. Not even so much as a minor oil leak. 14,800 miles when purchased.