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First Ferrari... initial stages

Discussion in 'Ferrari Discussion (not model specific)' started by carsandwings74, May 4, 2025 at 9:47 AM.

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  1. carsandwings74

    carsandwings74 Rookie

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    #1 carsandwings74, May 4, 2025 at 9:47 AM
    Hello all,

    I'm a diehard McLaren fan and owner, recently sold my 720S Spider and moved into a roof-scoop (and tuned/modified) 765LT. I have been looking for a second car to complement my garage and keep drifting towards the 458/488 as something which approaches "semi-daily" utilization.

    I have to say, I grew up loving Ferraris, had the posters on my wall, drew them on my notebooks as a teenager... and had it not been for a bad dealer experience many years ago (I was treated disrespectfully even though I was a legitimate buyer) I probably would have owned one by now. I figure, let bygones be bygones and give it another shot. I've always loved the cars from afar.

    I have plenty of time to source and learn about these cars. Doesn't need to be this year, could be next year as I just moved into my new McLaren and that's my primary enjoyment at the moment. I'm trying to get a better understanding of what the best fit would be for my application. I like to drive - I would say 3,000 miles per year would be bare minimum for this car and could exceed 5,000. I'd like to get into something which is deep into its depreciation curve and won't suffer immense loss of value from the application of miles. I tend to keep my cars 2-3 years, although my 765LT is intended to be a very long term hold.

    Could someone point me at a primer on 458 vs. 488, which year, which spec, how many miles, etc. for my application? I like to understand what the exit may look like before I enter.

    Thank you, I appreciate those of you who took the time to read my post.
     
    ryalex and David993s like this.
  2. Doug.

    Doug. F1 Rookie
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    #2 Doug., May 4, 2025 at 2:33 PM
    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
     
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  3. carsandwings74

    carsandwings74 Rookie

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    #3 carsandwings74, May 4, 2025 at 4:33 PM
    Outstanding, Doug. Succinct and informative. Good reasons to lean towards the 458.

    I also watched some superlative reviews of the vehicle. I have to say, among the most beautiful Ferraris made in that price category over the years.
     
  4. greyboxer

    greyboxer F1 World Champ

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    #4 greyboxer, May 4, 2025 at 4:48 PM
    Pretty sure you'll find multiple useful threads in the dedicated 458/488 section
     
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  5. carsandwings74

    carsandwings74 Rookie

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    #5 carsandwings74, May 4, 2025 at 7:36 PM
    Thank you - I'll check it out.
     
  6. carsandwings74

    carsandwings74 Rookie

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    #6 carsandwings74, May 4, 2025 at 7:39 PM
    Budget-wise I could do $200k this year (post 765LT), next year I could do high $200s. A Spider would be nice - I already miss my 720S Spider.
     
  7. Shark01

    Shark01 F1 Veteran

    Jun 25, 2005
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    #7 Shark01, May 4, 2025 at 9:32 PM
    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.
     
  8. ryalex

    ryalex Two Time F1 World Champ
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    #8 ryalex, May 4, 2025 at 11:00 PM
    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.
     
  9. Ingenere

    Ingenere F1 Veteran
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    #9 Ingenere, May 5, 2025 at 12:51 AM
    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.
     
  10. carsandwings74

    carsandwings74 Rookie

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    #10 carsandwings74, May 5, 2025 at 8:43 AM
    Hey, Ingenere, I recognize you... ;)

    The tuned 765LT at 830RWHP is already an insane, visceral, and raw performance experience when driving. Stimulation overload.

    I think my concept with the Ferrari as the "other" exotic in my garage would be to enjoy the sheer pleasure of driving a well-balanced car during the season and have some spirited, "within reason" road adventures, some cars and coffee, etc. I don't want to worry too much about the miles.

    It seems $250k puts you in the sweet spot with these cars. I think the sub-10k mileage, high option variant will probably exceed that and may push me to next season. On the other hand it looks like the higher mileage 458s can be found under $200k. I appreciate this conversation and inputs from all!
     
  11. BuyHighSellLow

    BuyHighSellLow Rookie

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    #11 BuyHighSellLow, May 5, 2025 at 5:39 PM
    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.
     

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