458 Purchasing my first Ferrari…FINALLY!!!

I live in the DFW area. I can't speak about Tactical Fleet but I can recommend that there is an independent shop, Norwood Italia, and the dealer, Boardwalk, where you can have a PPI performed.

 

Congratulations on the Ferrari buying process it’s a special and exciting time
Yes the 458 is mighty and won’t disappoint
Id consider purchasing thru your local authorized Ferrari dealer too, it helps you build a relationship with Ferrari for future purchases - might give you an extra peace of mind in terms PPI, history of the car, etc

general pointers would be to ensure all services are completed and nothing is missed, irrespective of miles - (from 2012 onwards all models came with a 7-year maintenance plan by Ferrari)
Tire conditions look at date of build
Sticky buttons issues mainly around dash and surrounds
Battery - great battery fixes most of the issues with this car
If it is a spider check the roof and ensure it is operating without issues

there are many threads here on this and other associated concerns on a Ferrari 458.

generally speaking it is a solid car Ferrari’s finest

so good luck & enjoy and keep us updated on the final purchase

best of luck

 

I looked at a car there several months back. The online reviews seemed positive and the limited time I spent with the owner he seemed like a nice guy at least. He was the only one there at the time, and he told me to feel free to look at anything and hop inside, and to just grab him with questions. They have some beautiful cars.

 

Great choice, add me with the others suggesting PPI from a shop that knows Ferraris

 

The 458 is a mighty special car. If the maintenance records are up to date, you don’t have much to fear. I bought mine out of state and had a local dealer there do the annual. Kills two birds with one stone.

 

I don’t know the guys at TF and this is just my opinion. Buying from a non-factory dealer is often a crap shoot. I’d buy a certified car from an authorized Ferrari dealer and have that peace of mind. This is not to say that you can’t find a great car at a non factory dealer, but if you’re spending this kind of money you want the odds to be in your favor that you’re not getting in a bad situation. Buying a certified car with the extended 2 year warranty from a Ferrari dealer puts the odds in your favor. Again, my humble opinion not an indictment on TF.


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Tactical Fleet was owned by an individual and is now a corporate store, I think Sonic, with multiple locations. If the car is in Dallas I too would have the car taken to Norwood which is maybe a couple miles north, or to Boardwalk Ferrari which is a few more mile on north for a PPI.

 

Congrats and welcome to the addiction! There is no cure (and that's a good thing)!

 

Congratulations! Welcome to the club!


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This is a decent pre-purchase video: The ULTIMATE FERRARI 458 BUYERS GUIDE - YouTube

What spec are you looking for?

 

Here's your car: https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/51e4e45c-31dd-40d9-b9d8-a05253013105/

 

You can always add the camera aftermarket and if you’re going to keep it, whether it’s OEM or not, shouldn’t matter too much. If you were to sell it you could reverse it back (no pun intended!) but I’m sure the next owner would appreciate it.


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Nothing really to add that others have not already stated or recommended. I am fortunate enough to own a 2014 458 Spider and absolutely love it. The car is fantastic in any setting and every time I see it, clean it, start it, drive it <repeat> I have to pinch myself that it is actually mine. Obviously as you know it is the last NA mid-engine Ferrari and the last designed by Pininfarina so additionally special and the last of a breed. FWIW I fully agree with the advice to buy from an authorized dealer if at all possible for the reasons mentioned - but if the perfect car comes along from a non-Ferrari dealer then just follow the advice provided with regard to solid maintenance records, PPI etc. and you should be fine - The cars are relatively bulletproof and problem-free by Ferrari/exotic standards.

A few little things to log in your "good to know" book in addition to the other excellent posts/advice provided if/when you obtain one:

> When starting the car make sure to wait until the beeping stops - then take a breath - then start the car - 458s are very picky about the startup sequence completing.

> During the PPI have them check the secondary air valves for carbon/junk - they have a tendency to clog up especially if the car is not run hard and can/will trigger a CEL - replacement is not a big deal or overly-costly but a proactive check might avoid an annoying CEL down the road.

> It is not uncommon when shutting the car off to see a "Electrical System Failure - Go To Dealer" message on the left TFT display - DO NOT PANIC - simply go through the normal startup procedure again and start the car - let it settle into idle and then shut it off again - 99% of the time the message will not appear - if it does repeatedly then have it checked out - As explained to me much like startup the car has a shutdown sequence as well and the slightest glitch with this sequence can trigger the message but it is nothing to be concerned about.

> Have the Dealer performing the PPI check the VIN to make sure the infamous "Brake Recall" has been completed - If it has the VIN looking will reflect it and there should be a page replaced/stickered over in the owners manual. If it has not been completed have it completed - it is free (Note - there is a LOT of drama around this with regard to it actually even being an issue and the effectiveness of the recall campaign/repairs - feel free to read it but don't get drug into all the mania - if it has been done your fine - if it has not then have it done - then just enjoy the damn car - should you lose brakes use the electronic emergency brake.

> If the car you obtain has the front lift option I advise not using this (either raising or lowering) when the wheels are at full lock - best to use it when the car is pointed forward or close and allowing it to complete (beep) and the green display in the upper right to be on before going over the bump or dip - same thing when/if manually lowering it - or just drive and let the system auto-lower it.

> Lastly <don't ask me how I know > if you get a Spider it is quite tempting and enjoyable to lower the rear window with the top up - sometimes not all the way but just enough to cycle air through the car and enjoy the sound of the engine even more - ****REMEMBER to put it up before leaving the car/washing the car/chance of rain etc..

Hope this helps - Excited for you - the search is half the fun - Post pics when you get one and obviously use the massive amount of expertise and experience - as well as comradery - on here to make the search and eventual ownership experience everything you imagine(d) it to be.

Cheers

 

I purchased my F430 spider from Tactical Fleet in Dallas earlier this year. I dealt with Cole (who now heads up Tactical Fleet in Beverly Hills) and it was a pleasure. Danny is the guy to deal with now. They just moved to a bigger and beautiful showroom a few miles away.

I came looking for a 600LT, tried the 488, 458 and finally settled on the F430 (for a weekend car with more old school mechanical experience). They were not pushy at all and let me decide on the vehicle. I test drove all the cars without even showing my driver's license. When making my final decision, they even let a friend and I take the car out without the sales person. I did a PPI through Norwood and Tactical set it all up. I'd buy from them again. Overall a very good experience.

 

I agree with you on condition and options. A lot of folks are understandably interested in buying from a dealer. I have bought from Ferrari dealers and I’ve bought from non-Ferrari dealers and frankly it all depends on the climate and your general manager. There are plenty of times when you scratch your head going I can’t believe they’re not going to cover this. And then I’ve had some non-dealers cover things that I never expected them to. If the dealer or non-dealer has a good reputation, that’s key, as is getting the car checked out, but there are also plenty of people who do everything they can and then something happens 30 days later or something. But with the condition being good and the options being there, you’re 90% of the way there with a car like a 458 because it doesn’t have that many issues.

 

If you plan to buy new Ferraris in the future I’d suggest buying from the local dealer. Start to build the relationship now, that way you can start to be on the dealers list of people.

If it’s going to be a one off purchase, find the right car and buy it as long as it’s been properly PPI’d and from a reputable place.