How long did you wait for the right spec?

About 6 months. I wanted a particular specand would not compromise on that but was prepared to accept one of 3 colours.

 

Excellent question!
I was open to 2 less common exterior colors and one pretty common interior. I think the only option I insisted on was the suspension lifter and I found a 458 with under 10k miles in about 3 months. Knowing what I know now i probably would have been more selective on options and that might have taken another month or two. That was 3 years ago but I think that is now a relatable mileage target for a 488. That was also for an italia, not a spider or specials which will more time but ironically the more expensive variants also seem to get more highly optioned by most buyers.
You can make your life easier by seeing what options can be retrofit, like sound system, pit speed limit, led wheel, and some interior trim pieces but that will also add expense compared to finding one that already has them. Happy hunting!

 

In general the rare spec cars in the right colors had higher MSRP and can be found but you have to pay more than general cars are trading for on open market. I know of 3 458 Spiders 14 and 15's with low miles under 6K with special paint, racing seats, lift, lots of carbon. The one can be bought at 400 and the other two just under 400. The guys who have high msrp cars with low miles and striking color combinations are aware how hard these cars are to come by. They won't sell for 300 like a more simple built car. My suggestion is decide your dream colors and options and start putting the feelers out there, if you are prepared to pay for a premium car you will find it. Can I ask what colors and options are your after and what model? If you find something close you might have to accept it. Best of luck in your search!

 

I waffled around for a while about getting a F8 Tributo. I had a 2019 488 I really liked except I wished my 488 had race seats. The F8 I ended up buying isn’t my perfect spec but it works and I like it.

My Rosso Corsa F8 interior is all Alcanterra. I like it as it is very Pista styled interior. What I wish my F8 had is painted calipers. My F8 calipers are stock matte black but these do look great with the dark gray wheels. I’ve got carbon bridge inside but wish it has carbon around the A/C vents.
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Love that interior! I changed my black calipers on black wheels on my 812GTS to Blue Corsa to match the dream-lines and interior. Ferrari of Charlotte charged $500 per caliper, and did it the right way. Why not get them exactly how you want them? We’ll talk about your exhaust next but baby steps…

 

Easily a year here, maybe more (I want say 18 months but don't recall). But I think I was more on the picky side too. Would think there would have been plenty of choices but alas, no:

Red or yellow couples only (and more red)
Black interior
Racing seats
Some carbon inside but bridge was a must
Lift optional
Mileage varied but not under 5K and nothing over 25K
Price point was modest but was wanted to keep it under 250K

I was very diligent about checking every weekend too until I found what I waned. Am I am sure glad I didn't compromise. . .

 

I spent ~6 months looking.
You've gotta figure out what you're willing to compromise on, and how rare the spec you want is. If you want a red car with tan interior, there are going to be boat loads of them. You can then be picky about the other options. If you want a blue car with a red interior... there are probably only going to be a few so if one comes up for sale, you'd better jump on it.

For me the only must have was the lifter. I also didn't want any carbon. My preference was for blue or gray with cuoio or tan. Thats a fairly small set of cars so once I saw one I jumped on it, knowing it could be along time before another one came along.

 

6 months no compromises. Found my huckleberry.

 

I think you always have to be willing to compromise a little. Im happy if I can find the proper exterior color with the right interior color and the majority of options. I’m willing to let luxury options(carbon/CarPlay/etc) go for a proper exterior/interior, right seats etc….

 

I barely waited. I'm not that picky with specs, never have been. I view them as extremely minor details, to be honest. To me, what matters more is that I like the colors, the car is in good condition, I have some sort of warranty/CPO, and few practical things (front axle lift is a MUST).

That's why it doesn't take me long to shop for cars like this. I also don't tend to keep my supercars for very long (from under 1 year to 2 years tops), which is why specs aren't super important for me either.

 

I agree with all of this and tend to follow a similar path. Unless it’s a forever car I tend to make concessions. I took longer on the Pista I just got because I’m hoping I hold it for a very long time. Others were quicker decisions.

 

You'll mostly see large carbon seats which fit most guys the best. Small are for skinny small frame very short guys. I've only seen small seats twice and they'd be snug on my 4'11 95lbs petite Italian wife..... you want large if you are just under avg to normal type of build.

 

Yeah not sure what I will do... or won't do. No idea if I will keep this car for years, especially after warranty or put it for sale tomorrow. Put it this way...if someone offered me a decent fair price I'd probably sell the car but I hate to go through the whole process of advertising it an dealing with rude idiots and trying to qualify someone to figure out of they are really a serious buyer.

As I get older and not wanting to spend money much anymore on cars. I've done plenty of awesome game changer mods in my life time with cars only to then sell the car and lose tons of money or spend a lot of time personally putting the car back to stock or paying someone to do it.

Right now the car has oem factory full warranty till 2028 so no mod's.

 

Personally waited only 1 month, different situation for me in Canada as the inventory is limited and price points are higher across the board so once you find a spec you have to pounce on it. Remember that you can retrofit rearview cameras, front lift (Novitec offers one), Apple Carplay, LED steering wheel, interior Carbon Fibre bits etc.

I would focus on the colour combo you want and 1 or 2 important options...that's it... don't overthink these things. I have a fully loaded car and often forget that I do...my must have has only been the front lift and rear camera in my prior search.

Also be diligent about looking for new cars..use different search engines and put out feelers with your friends/car community and even your Ferrari dealer..sometimes there are guys waiting for the right offer.

 

It is just like people in the modern dating culture.....if they have a lengthy list, it will take a long time if ever.

Narrow it down to things that cannot be changed easily, a dial color should not hold anyone back, hell I've changed those myself. Interior color? Can be changed or replaced.