Considering an '05 430 with 17K miles...

Timing chain, so no engine out service required. Get all the service records possible, a clutch life reading, manifold cracks, stickies, leather condition, etc. There's a laundry list someone is sure to post.

 

No engine out needed. Yes make sure manifold cracks were taken care of. They likely were considering the age of the car. I believe motor mounts should be checked as well. And a clutch life reading. Otherwise seems to be well sorted.

 

Nothing like a PDK. It’s a single clutch automated manual…a manual with a robotic clutch, which is why it can be converted into a 6 speed manual. It’s clunky at slow speeds, but quick, brutal and fun under hard driving. It’s not meant to be driven in automatic mode, where the dual clutch is happy to be an automatic.

 

All cars of this age will have sticky buttons, just needs alcohol and elbow grease. Cracked manifolds are indeed an issue, and so is the clutch if you can't afford a new one.... But the clutch is a consumable, like brakes. If it's over 60%, could be a issue soon, so just negotiate the price of a clutch swap with the seller.
I think the biggest issue is making sure the engine runs well, no cracked headers and the gearbox changes gears accordingly . Check for oil/water leaks, oil pumps are a known issue (especially for a car that did less than 1000 miles per year) . The rest is just... maintenance.
I love that color combo, good luck.

 

Any day I get a chance and it's not winter... 458 not interest for me, no gated. I don't need a Beetle in my life ( for now )

 

Just as amazing as day 1 bringing it home. I bought mine 5 years ago on 12/23 and have driven it over 16,000 miles. I've taken two road trips from Colorado to California for a total of 5,000 miles accounted for in the mileage. I periodically daily drive it in fair weather and go on weekend canyon drives often, even sneaking it out of winter jail once or twice. Mine is almost unflinchingly reliable, but I did have an F1 hose leak.

I would never buy a Porsche but not object to owning one. They are speed appliances and I don't connect well with those. Or put simply, the Ferrari is Italian and so am I.

My goal is 4,000-5,000mi a year until I exceed 100K miles and plan to continue on from there, deep into retirement. It suits me so upgrading or downgrading has no appeal.
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I sold my first 430 then bought another one, if that says anything. I'll admit to a wandering eye for a 458 but I'm not interested in buying one in the new term. Incredible car, but very "point and shoot". I like that I have to put effort into driving the 430, albeit reverse is a pita. But if you do a lot of stop and go heavy traffic driving, get a 458 where it'll drive like any automatic.

We've had Porsche's and enjoyed them. When we moved into Ferrari it was just a "holy crap is this different and awesome" experience.

 

Just over 5 years with our 430 and wouldn’t replace it with anything. The 458 has crossed my mind a few times but I really like the analog feel of the 430 and like the looks better. And a properly tuned F1 system is a joy to drive. It’s primarily a weekend fun drive car.

 

Image Unavailable, Please Login I have a gated 05 430 Spider with 12.5k miles. It’s a unique car. Partly that’s because it’s gated, but the other qualities are all present in a F1. There is a directness and analog fieel which is not there in the 458, even though the 458 is undoubtedly a better day-to-day car.

I have been tempted by a 458 because I know I would drive it more, it has an even better engine but is less engaging and involving ant low to medium speeds (though fabulous when blasting along) and of course is not manual.

so for perfect day blasts, as a manual naturally aspirated car, there is very little ever made that beats a 430.

My 430 has been super reliable, I have had it maintained every year and not done many miles on it.

I may buy another 911, but certainly not as a substitute for the 430.

spent today doing a bit of detailing.

good luck with your purchase