First Ferrari, and my immediate disappointment -

Well, all that said, I hope the ownership experience is better than the purchase experience was. That car is badly in need of being driven, though, so I’m hoping you will take care of that!

When I bought mine, I had a slight preference for the standard wheels. The one I bought had challenge wheels, but checked all the other boxes. Naturally, I’ve become totally biased in favor of the challenge wheels! Good for you!

Welcome aboard.

 

You got off very cheaply if those small things are the only repairs needed! I got a higher miles car as my first and just wired first and assumed there would be a few 'while you're in there' things when I got it, which there were - about $6-7k worth. But I figured that was part of the deal, and did as much as needed to make it a reliable driver and then drove the tires off of it for three years until I got my next. And next, and... it's a condition, but I don't want a cure.

Welcome to the fraternity.

 

You aren’t being whiney, but sharks who do sloppy work, lie or take advantage of people should be called out. Who is FMS and who is the selling dealer?

 

If it makes you feel better, 6 years ago when I had a PPI done, it cost almost $900, said everything was perfect, and upon driving immediately realized the HVAC wouldn't blow heat (all the relevant boxes on the PPI were checked as "functions correctly"). $2500 later to repair the no-longer-available ECU, and I was good.

I'm sure there are any number of worse stories out there, but like you, it was a rather inauspicious way to begin the ownership experience. Most important is to keep driving and sorting the car . Your car looks great!

 

Congrats on the new F-car....T

 

Those look like aftermarket LED tail lights? I'm thinking of installing them on mine as well. Makes it look a little more modern in the stern. Congrats on a great purchase!

My experience with PPI's are they either miss some obvious things or write an overkill report on every little spec of dust that ever landed on the car. I just go with my own inspection and butt in driver seat impression now, for right or wrong.

 

A PPI is only good for soothing the souls of first time buyers.

On my way home after picking up my 360 Spider, the car got stuck in 5th gear. Nice.

If I ever buy another 360, I'll do my own PPI and it will mean something.

You'll stop your whining after a few successful drives. It's hard to whine when you're smiling ear to ear.

 

If you decide you want to oem tail lights at some point, I'd work out a deal with you

 

I honestly think PPI's are a waste of money.

Unless...you know a tech personally and have a relationship with him, who also has a ton of experience with the model in consideration. I happen to, so that's good for me.

Best bet is to do all the research of known issues/recalls/service record dates and compile a list yourself of what you want to check and know of before purchase.

After that, it is all chance my friend. Just be prepared for anything.

 

BTW your 430 is beautiful, all black is sexy on every line of a Ferrari. Challenge wheels are my fav. Enjoy!

 

I've only driven the 430 F1 in Sport mode...are the shifts any better in Race?

 

Yes, mine shifts quicker in Race mode and when getting on the throttle. I also only drive it in race mode as it's better for the clutch.

 

A good friend of mine, Tom Papadopoulos once told me..
"Every Ferrari has a story"...He should know, he has sold thousands of them.

You got off easy, Go enjoy your car...
Ok, Admit it, when you turn off the light in the garage and close the door.....How many times to you turn the light back on for another look?

 

welcome aboard Joseph. 10 year owner of 07 430 spider