1st Ferrari

Excellent news! I would personally buy from a Ferrari dealer and take advantage of a Power Warranty. The typically offer 2 years with your Ferrari purchase which is certified. The nice thing as well is that you have the option to add warranty every year to your Ferrari up to 15 years from the date of manufacture.

 

Yep. What @Ngcanada said.


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You might read the discussions in the 488 section of the “Model Specific” forums on FChat.

But I’d agree with the previous replies. If $250K is a big expenditure for you, a warranty will give you confidence to actually drive.



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In my opinion, 360-on are all very reliable cars. Most important variable is that they are driven and serviced, period.

Add in the extra comfort of an extended warranty through Ferrari, and ye need not worry. Have fun and let us know when you purchase!

 

My 17 488 has been a fantastic car! It was bought as a certified pre owned car with the CPO warranty but has asked for nothing, minus the brake cap recall and annual maintenance.

 

Advanced congratulations! Please post pics when you acquire your new Ferrari. As others have said…I’d try to look for a certified car from a dealer, gives a bit more piece of mind, and more warranty options. My experience with the 488 was excellent! Very reliable in my case.

 

I have had no issues with my 488 other than the recall.
Joe

 

> First- Welcome!
> Second- There are no dumb questions- only smart answers.
> Third- This community is an insanely deep and collaborative wealth of knowledge and an amazing resource whether it's your first modern Ferrari or rounding out a multi-million dollar collection.

Regarding your question- given the $ range you are working with a 488 is certainly attainable and if driven regularly and properly maintained <does NOT mean pampering> will last you as long as you want it to with minimal issues.

A 458 is also at the low end of that range and a good/stable investment given last NA/last PF mid-engine Ferrari- they also sound amazing- But nobody should buy a modern Ferrari- especially your first Ferrari- as an investment.

488s are heart-stoppingly beautiful and well-built cars. As already advised I would buy from a proper Dealer and get the Power Warranty.

Good luck and ask as many questions as you can- We have some of most admired and respected foremost experts on here and they still ask questions.

Cheers- Have fun- the chase is half the fun

 

Another good thing with a 488 is that they all benefited from the 7-year maintenance program (that just reached its end for early examples).
So while it's still advised to review the maintenance record of any potential purchase, due to this arrangement most 488 would have had their regular maintenance performed so far.

 

I’ve just done the exact same and got a 488 as my first Ferrari. I can only confirm all the good answers here.

Based on advice from this forum I got a low mileage car. Fairly good spec’ed. One learning is be mindful that the truck plate should match the car spec. I saw 488s with carbon interior but not listed on the plate in the trunk. So it was mounted later. It’s not a problem if you like the car. Just be mindful that the car is not 100% original. My car had some aftermarket side mirror covers. I like them so I don’t mind.
Mine also had some Vossen rims but it’s not allowed in Switzerland - so seller changed them to originals to get it passed inspection.

I had to do the head liner in the cabin. My car has black roof (I guess absorbs more sun/heat) and the glue used by Ferrari is not the best. It’s not expensive to get fixed. As I’ve learned from this forum - things like that can happen to F-cars . I’m not sure if sticky buttons can be an issue with with 488 (heat/moist environment?). So far mine is ok. Check leather on the dashboard in front of drivers side/gauges, if car has been parked much in sun (who would do that?!).

Be mindful on the paint/chips. Mine has a few but price reflected it. Paint correction/repaint can be detected/measured if someone is very keen on 100% original car.

I got mine from a non-Ferrari dealer (in Switzerland) but they delivered it with the Ferrari warranty. Meaning they took the 488 to local Ferrari that did inspection and seller paid for first year warranty. I got papers from Ferrari and ownership registered in the Ferrari app.
Plus the car had 1 year left of the free service.

It a very special place to be in the car. You will love it! As many others state - buy something you’ll drive and enjoy it!

(I came from a R8 which I also loved but the Ferrari was a dream come true).