I've decided to pull the trigger and buy...

This post is partly motivated by a post from GrigioGuy ... I've been a lurker for too long.

https://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/threads/lurkers-come-out-and-play.47555/

In early 2020 I purchased a new 991.2 911 Turbo. Great car. Amazing car. We took road trips, a few track days, and used that car as it was intended to be used - no garage queens here. A few months back someone approached me, made me an offer to purchase it (that I chose not to refuse), and I sold it to them.

Prior to purchasing the 911, I had been considering a 458 and while I still love so much about them, their values have since climbed beyond my limit. So over the past few months I wandered back to the world of the F430 ... perhaps what was my first love that I lost sight of ... due to blinders of the 458 and of course my focus on the 911.

Well, I've decided to move forward with my search/purchase of my first Ferrari, a F430 spider - year not specific.

I'm searching the forums for suggestions about what to look for, repairs, buying guides, etc., regarding the F430, but if you know of a really great thread about the 430 feel free to share it with me, so I don't overlook it.

That's really all I've got for now

 

thanks! I’ll see if I can get a copy or at least find a link to the articles.

 

Mike - thanks for the links and offer! And that’s a gorgeous car you’re offering - GLWS! - James

 

thanks for the insight! It sounds like you’ve got a good relationship with a dealer; have you ever purchased from a non-Ferrari dealer or even private party - any thoughts on that? We are located in southern Mississippi currently (nearest Ferrari dealer is, Houston or Atlanta - about the same distance, 5-6 hours). So while I think buying from a dealer would help establish a good relationship for the future, I’m not sure it’s the most reasonable option currently.

 

Thanks for the link!

I never considered scanning the comments section on BaT - but I can see that being a wealth of knowledge and people asking the right questions to know what to look out for or consider during my search. And yes, some BS too … but it’s the internet, so we’ll never escape keyboard warriors.

I have done most of the work on my vehicles myself in the past, except the 911 (under warranty and maintenance was included). All my experience has been on off-road vehicles though - so I’m not sure how or if that translates to a Ferrari? Ha.

We are in coastal Mississippi, about halfway between Mobile, AL and New Orleans, LA in Ocean Springs, Mississippi.

 

That is really helpful information! Thank you very much - James

 

I found a converted F1 to gated that is within my budget, however all the other gated are far beyond my budget anymore! Although I guess they’re all manuals technically

 

this is a really interesting idea … I had hoped I could find a 430 that was well sorted, but even then something will break and regular maintenance (ex: clutch service) will increase the investment.

besides it being made known by the seller that it was used as a super car experience - is there a way to know?

 

Well as a supplement to my previous statement -- my sales agent has basically told me there is an inner circle of who qualifies for allocations far beyond where I stand as a customer and that it is out his hands. Which I do believe, since his goal is to sell as many cars as possible. So unfortunately I don't believe I will be getting an allocation any time soon.

 

Thanks Paul! The search for the right car will certainly be a process, especially considering today’s market. With that in mind, I plan to document my purchase and ownership experience on this forum (not this thread). So keep an eye out! - James

 

I don’t plan to daily drive the car. multiple trips a week, yes … daily, I don’t see that being the situation. At least, not regularly.

As much as I appreciate the 458 and love it for what it is, I cannot justify the price premium it commands these days. The way I’ve considered it is … I can buy a well-sorted 430 (and still set money aside for maintenance) or stretch my budget a bit for a 458 that might have some gremlins and need to set aside even more cash for repairs or maintenance. I don’t know … maybe my way of looking at it is flawed though?