Buying a 2012 Ferrari 458 next week. What should I look out for?

You'll be in good hands with Mark Douglas Motorworks.

The body kit and wheels, to be fair, should have zero value in the pricing of the car. Some people like them, some hate them.... but that aside, I believe they cannot in any way be considered an addition which makes the car more expensive in the general marketplace. The OEM hood, bridge and paddles, sure those have value. Everything else, not so much.

Make sure the pieces you are told are 'OEM', in fact are Ferrari Genuine.

 

Daniel- Affirmative, most buyers would not even consider a Ferrari that had been that heavily modified.

 

A good pre-purchase inspection carries is much more valuable than a post-purchase inspection

 

PPI are kind of a joke for late model cars. Many dealers don't even offer them. Instead, get a really good service warranty. The transmissions in these cars will pass a PPI then fail a few miles down the road. Transmission aside, the cars are pretty solid.

Speaking from experience. Bought a good service warranty. ~$40K in transmission repairs paid by warranty ultimately left me a car with a new transmission and a smile on my face every time I drive it. Warranty service: 2 yr contract $10K , unlimited miles. OEM Replacement transmission from Ferrari gives me an Additional 2 yrs warranty. I am smiling and loving this car.

Cosmetic Mods add Zero to the intrinsic value of the car. Don't fall for the swoon. A purple velvet, suede seat would add zero value...except maybe to a Kardashian or some rapper. To everyone else, it would just be a tacky nothing to burn at the next beach campfire.

 

Body kit actually effects the car negatively..if i was buying a 458 the last one i'd consider would be one with a body kit..One thing i'd say to make sure you look out for is the Trans sensors..which will only show their bad side when the car has been warmed up and HOT..so you can take in for a ppi and its just fine if cold..you should make sure the car is driven at least 15-20 miles before the PPI is done (Yes if trans sensors acting up you would have stored code, but someone could have cleared, you never know)

 

Here are some I have used.
1. Allegiance administrators
2. www.americanfirstautoprotect.com
3. Fidelity Warranty Services (800) 327-5172
4. SecureNet (800) 833-8443
5. Ferrari power train warranty..

I have insured Ferraris via #1 , #2 & #5 Porsches via #3 & 4. But you should see if all can quote you on your specific Ferrari.

Some are sold only through dealers of resellers. Some may not insure your specific car...even if it is a make or model they insure.

The Ferrari power train warranty is a bit pricey for the very limited coverage they offer. However, they do insure the most critical parts...and it is an annual contract....which is a plus of you change cars as often as I do.

 

A Ferrari PPI is done by F dealers only; an extensive 199 inspection points.

But what NuorderSG says is true; it's a check at that moment only. Gearbox can still go ...

Result is an official Ferrari document.

Based on that document the F dealer may "sell" you Power warranty.

 

The 458 is a very good car. My only concern would be the body kit. Sometimes these kits are installed because it is cheaper to install a body kit after an accident then it is to put the car back to stock using original parts. Make sure you have it checked out thoroughly.

 

Congrats. The mileage it’s at, a number of 458 starts to have transmission sensor problems, $17k repair, just be aware

 

You did not ask for thoughts on the car so I will politely not weigh in.

If you do need to get a warranty I would use Ferrsure - http://ferrsure.com/

I got mine from them. Not sure if they do mods though.