488 (Finally) returned to the Scuderia after 12 long years...

Hi all,
I'm finally back! Yea, I know none of you actually missed me, but I felt like saying that anyway ;-)
Since parting ways with my F430 back in 2008, I've been searching and yearning for my next Ferrari. After extensive - and I mean EXTENSIVE - research and flip-flopping between various 458's and 488's, I took delivery of this beauty a couple nights ago. Here are some highlights from my journey:
- the many (MANY) posts here about 458 vs 488 were a great source of insight and learning for me. So, thanks to everyone for their contributions!
- a couple of deals fell through for various reasons, like undisclosed heavy track use, unreasonable pricing, etc. In the end, I think fate just wanted me to wait for the right car. Net takeaway: ALWAYS get service records from whatever dealer worked on the car before buying...
- Mike D (not using last name because I don't have his permission) at Lambo Dallas was simply freakin awesome. Held my hand throughout the process (this was my first out of state and sight unseen purchase). Highly recommend Mike and this dealership - and by extension their sister dealership Boardwalk Ferrari.
- I used Leadfoot Transport to get the car from Dallas to my home in PA. You will pay more but they are worth it. Private transport and the right kind of trailers always used (e.g. side swing door on trailer so they don't have to climb in/out of window, etc.). Don and Megan were terrific and amazingly fast in delivering the car - in perfect condition
- the Goldrake racing seats are a (very expensive) must-have IMHO
- Daily driver is an Alpha Romeo Stelvio Quad. If you haven't driven one of these, you're missing the most fun you can have in an SUV that you can drive every day as I do

As noted elsewhere in FChat, after even more extensive research into exhaust systems, I found myself in agreement with the poster that said something like "the only system that makes the 488 sounds "proper" is the Novitec". So, it's ordered and getting installed in about a week!!

Glad to be back. Future posts will most definitely NOT be this lengthy!


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