488 and 458 build quality

I am looking at an 488 spider or 458 coupe.

I understand the passion for the 458. It reminds me of a lot of people who love the 997 gt3 for it's small footprint/analog feel. I get it.

My question is on build quality.

This car will be driven a lot. I mean like 10k miles a year.

part of the ownership experience is ripping it around corners, but half is sometimes going on a trip, music on, phone call, etc. I do not want a car with rattles.

For the people who have had both, especially with 30-50k+ miles, is there a big difference in build quality you find with the 488 vs 458?

 

In my opinion the 488 is screwed together better.

However with my recent learning of how insane a repair is on just a valve cover leak on the 488... Id go with the 458. Just buy a 14 or 15.

 

458 feels less rigid- a bigger issue for the spider- but it sounds much better and has a telepathic throttle. It also looks better IMHO.
The 488 has a monotone sound to it. Had no problems with either car mechanical wise.

 

Get ready for this to turn into yet another 458 v 488 thread where everyone digs up the old talking points and you leave more confused then you began.

I would think first about whether you are really going to drive this thing 10k miles. Many people say that they will but not many people actually do.

If you are I don't think there is much of a difference in build quality per se. I am sure the 488 is built better because it is new and hopefully Ferrari is always improving and not going backwards. I would also say that buying a newer car seems to reduce your risks of rattles and what not as older cars are just that, older. Mileage may also be a big factor.

Also, your handle has 812 in it so maybe look at those.

 

There are guys on here with 60k+ miles on their 458s and still run great. I think one guy has 100, I’ll have to find that thread. They are actually well put together cars believe it or not

 

What is the repair cost if you don't mind sharing?

Looking at buying my first Ferrari (488 Coupe) with 20k miles on it...

 

Another member who owns a shop told me it's about 17k. Requires engine out

 

All said and done best have a budget for 25k to cover everything. It's a ridiculous and overly complex job for no real reason, other than for some group of engineers justifying their job.
Engine out, gearbox removed, rear timing cover removed to lock camshafts, with speacial tools, covers off, cleaned and resealed, hopefully at all goes back together nicely. Huge liability for the shop, which is built into the price.
I have turned this job down numerous times now. Not worth the risk.

 

That's right! It was you!

 

I'd be embracing the leak for that price lol

race cars leak.....

 

Raced a Porsche, it leaked, the mechanics solution, add oil…. Just make sure it doesn’t leak on headers. Also don’t let it sit on wiring or rubber bits…

 

That's a big $ spread differential between a 488 spider and 458 coupe. If you're going to put 10k a year on a car, I would look for models with higher mileage because they will have the kinks likely taken care of. Personally, I'd rather have a 458 if I'm putting 10k a year on a car. It's far easier to work on than a 488. A spider give a lot of drama though, which is why we own Ferrari's over other makes. The infotainment systems in both cars suck, so don't buy one because you think they are good long distance cars, they aren't in my opinion. A GT car like an F12, Roma or 812 are better at that task.

 

I heard it's pretty rare for that to happen. Is that true? Also, would that be covered under power15 warranty? Hope so.

 

My tech said that most will sweat a small amount but heavy leaks are rare. Don't think the Power 15 covers oil leaks unless caused by the failure of a warranted component.

 

Those small sweats will get bigger. It's only a matter of time really. The one that I'm not interested in doing, is dripping onto the exhaust manifold. It's a big problem on the Alfa V6 which is a very similar layout at the Ferrari V8.

 

Out of interest: are we talking about tuned or stock cars which are susceptible for oil leaks?

 

Bone stock. A tune does not have an effect on oil leaks, unless they messed with the crank case venting system.

 

Does Ferrari now cover the expensive dilemma regarding the problems assoc with premature turbo failure?

 

I have no idea unfortunately.

 

Yes, there's a clause in the extended warranty for my pista. Not sure if the same clause is for the 488's but I would assume so. @SAFE4NOW Steve will know

 

Thank you!

 

Hi,

Warranty Extension
Power 15
Main Power 15

…. each have provisions to cover failure of listed components, which include turbos.

Steve

p.s. Aftermarket programming/software, full, or partial exhaust systems, or “evidence of abuse” could affect the above coverage.

 

….unofficially I would say eight out of ten , twin turbo V8 engines are leaking oil from valve covers, head gaskets or the front cover in one fashion or the other.

More than “sweating”, but not pouring to the ground, rather leaking down the block and collecting on the under body panels. Where it may blow off when driving at speed , over time, leaving residual evidence found during say an annual service.

Most all oil leaks would be covered under warranty extensions.

Valve cover leaks are not covered by Power 15 or Main Power 15 agreements

Head gasket leaks would be ( valve cover & front covers are resealed w/ head gasket reseals )



S