Milage/year

More important than a minor differential in mileage is maintenance and keeping up with service. Cars that have been driven, rather than sitting, tend to be less problematic based on my observations from this board over the past couple of years.

The difference in 9k and 13.5k miles might make a slight difference in price, but I would focus on which car documents service history.

Pay a little more upfront for a fully documented car or potentially much more down the road in deferred maintenance on an undocumented car.

 

All things being equal, a small mileage difference won't likely mean much in terms of the condition/operation of the car. That said, Ferrari buyers are particularly sensitive to higher miles, which in Ferrariland is anything over 10,000. So, if your two hypothetical cars are similar except for the miles, I'd pay up for the lower mile car -- it'll enable you to drive it more without losing as much value.

Oh, and I agree with the General: cars that sit tend to have more issues.

 

Move from US, come to Europe and you will never ever have to worry about milage. Buy the car you like and drive it. Life is too short to let these cars sit and not enjoy them.

 

I cannot believe some think 10k is "high miles". I have 21k miles on my 430, and drive it weekly. Some would argue a better or potentially more reliable choice than one that was barely driven for 9 years.

If you look at early years 430's, determine that the exhaust headers were replaced under warranty.

 

My 07 f1 coupe is just over 19k, 13k put on by me in 21 months. If you are going to drive the car 4k per year I would not be too concerned with purchasing a low mile car. The premium will melt away in just a year or two. I had the headers done under warranty at 12k and replaced a cracked exhaust bracket then. It is cracked again and I have the Capristo brackets waiting to get installed. I have done the routine services but have had no other issues.

 

Paying the ultra low miles premium is worth the most to those who are content to let it sit in the garage or collection and want to re-sell at ultra low miles. If you plan to drive it 4-5K a year the you will find much better prices in 10 -16 K mile re-sales. Agree with most here that you run the risk of more issues with ultra low miles, extended storage, lack of use and regular maintenance. IMHO

 

I am also in the market. Some things to consider...there is an 8 year, 80k miles federal emissions warranty in the USA. If you get a later car, it will still be covered under this, for the exhaust manifold issues. If it is older, it will not be covered (either way, the manifolds should be smoke checked prior to purchase for leaks). Also, there were production changes from the first year to last. As with all brands of cars, later would be preferable. In 2008 there was a change in the transmission software and sensors (not retrofittable to earlier cars). I am told by a couple owners (who owned early and late 430s) and Ferrari technicians that it would be worth seeking an 08 or 09. I have also been told by others the difference in shifting is not significant...

I also learned that very early production 2005 have 360 F1 pumps, and if it has not already been changed, it is possible you could experience a failure. Updating to the later 430 F1 pump is probably $5k to $6k. I am not sure how common failure is...but Ferrari went to a larger pump for a reason, I suspect.
If you search this forum, Taz posted a list of production changes by assembly number. Good luck with the search!