First Ferrari... initial stages

Welcome to FChat.

Two great models, both are very reliable cars. There's really not any big issues to list with either model, exception being sticky buttons.

Ferrari puts a coating on their switchgear that erodes and gets sticky over time. It's a complete disaster, and they don't care to fix it. All cars need it in time, and it can cost $2k-$5k to get fixed, depending. So, that is something to look for/consider when shopping. The 458 was made from 2010-2015 so it is further along in it's depreciation but it does have collector value in that it is the last naturally-aspirated V8 made. So it is highly likely that it will go back up in value. Almost a certainty. The 488 was made from 2015-2020, so the oldest car is about halfway through it's depreciation. It has less collectability but it is a great car to drive, by all accounts. An extended family member of mine dailies his 488 over his 911.

I would say it is a safer bet to buy a 458 for the reasons you mentioned.

It is deeper in its depreciation right now, and with its future collectability value the application of miles will be of less issue.

As with any Ferrari, the higher optioned cars carry more value. So if you look to that for the cars you consider you will be safe.

Less options/higher miles (once you go to sell) you will take a hit.

I think a high-option 458 with sub 10k miles would be a safe bet for you. You didn't mention a budget.

https://www.classic.com/search/?filters[model]=62&filters[make]=4&layout=list&q=Ferrari+488&status=sold

https://www.classic.com/search/?filters[model]=79&filters[make]=4&layout=list&q=Ferrari+458&status=sold

 

Pretty sure you'll find multiple useful threads in the dedicated 458/488 section

 

You need to first solve the issue of do you want a high torque or high revving car. One drive in a 458 and I had my answer, couldn't wait to get it back to the dealer. I ended up buying a '05 Ford GT.....and even though it only revs to 6,500 it has big torque everywhere.

After you figure that out for yourself that decision is pretty easy. If you end up like me then you will want to compare a 488/F8 versus something like a Huracan Technica, which is much newer but still close enough price wise to compare. That is where my decision is for car #3. Need to go drive them this Fall maybe.

 

488 is more powerful but quieter, and rides slightly softer. Turbos can be an issue.

Both will have DCT issues over time, which can be repaired but out of warranty will run $14-26k. That's the main weakness of the 458. I daily drove mine for about 15 months and it was great.

 

The 458 as the last normally aspirated V8 should scratch your itch. If you can spring for a Speciale you probably will make money.

As far as the dealer experience goes, don't expect to be treated like a valued customer (like we have been at the McLaren dealer). They still have bad attitudes and think they are doing you a favor. But perhaps as all the 1/2 price 296's and SF90's stack up in the forecourt, they may just have to change their approach.

 

Pretty sure this entire conversation is a low-key brag and praise about McLaren while also criticizing and demeaning Ferrari in a subtle manner. You can stop the silliness now. We get it. Enjoy your McLarens. By the way, before you try to twist that up in defense, I have a McLaren too.

 

ok, that was way too sweet, polite and convincing for me to continue to debate. You win, I concede. Welcome!

 

Those two Ferraris won’t be able to touch the performance of your 765. Probably every thing will feel antiquated and slow in comparison. Might as well go older for a totally different experience, which may be just as fun, or more, and potentially have no loss in 2-3 years (IF you have no major repairs), consider gated 355/360/430. A higher mileage gated 355 gts would pair nicely!

 

OK...... your a newbie. So, I'll be kind. I'm definitely not bragging. But I've been fortunate enough to have made some good calls and been able to to drive Ferraris since my 20's. I've been around here since the beginning. I have friends in Maranello. I love the whole Ferrari story. I started an FCA region and was it's first regional director. I had been around Ferrari dealers for so long, I got used to being treated poorly and thought it was normal. It was only when I just happened to be writing an article on different exotics that the McLaren dealer (who supplied the 12C) just endeared themselves to me and eventually just treated me the way a customer should be...... valued.

 

I see no evidence of bragging here.
Alden

 

I was speaking to carsandwings and we already iced it out. But thanks for your unrelated input.

* you're

 

Wow, quite the attitude for 20 posts. This isn’t Mr. Richard Head
from Alberta?