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. . .