Need Guidance: 05 430: Thank You.

Gents,

Happy New Year! Been a fan of ferrarichat for a few years now, all your advise has been really helpfull. I have had my eye on a 430, looking to trade up from the 348. Attached is the service records for a 05 430 F1, just looking for feedback from members. Car is priced at 129k, has 19k miles on it, owner has spent 42k plus on the car and has had warranty work done. Not sure what to really expect in terms of service.

I have the attached service record -any guidance - feedback will be helpful. I notice there was some work around the engine, cats, etc... Clean carfax. 5 owners including the dealers. Last owner has had the car for a year. I am planning to get the PPI done but would like your feedback in addition.

Thanks

Vishal
View attachment Car Service 1.pdf
View attachment Car Service - 2.pdf
View attachment Car Service 3.pdf

 

Having merely glanced at the records it seems that a heck of a lot of chargeable work (and warranty work) has been undertaken in recent times.

This car is therefore very well sorted by now or alternatively a total lemon that the owner is moving on out of total frustration!

I'm not well versed on matters 430 but I'd certainly be pulling those records out, getting them in chronological order and examining every line in detail. Certainly a thorough inspection by an expert would appear to be in order and depending on that reveals and whatever warranty the car is offered to you with will no doubt guide you.

 

That car is priced about $15-20k too high.

 

It's records like that which scares me about buying a Ferrari. I know some of it were aftermarket items but there is around $30K worth of "work" on the car.

 

The first repair was for cracked manifolds and that was covered under warranty, so no money paid by owner.

From what I have read, once the manifolds crack it is possible for debris to be sucked back up into the cylinders which will ultimately cause piston and other damage.

So the second repair is 4 months after the manifolds were done. So I am going to say that 1 + 1 = 2 and that the manifold cracking precipitated engine failure. So $15K catastrophic repair bill paid by owner.

The third receipt was purely customer driven and cosmetic in nature and optional.

What I think is very important to F355, F360 and apparently F430 owners, is to keep a very close watch on the manifolds and cats.

If pending failure is not caught early on then the engine is in great danger.

I just bought my 05 F430 and I am going to change out the manifolds and cats at the end of this season just so I can sleep at night.

As to price I just paid 130K for an 05 with 8K on it so I would think it would go for at least 10K less based on comps at cars.com as of last week……my 02cents………Steve

 

That is my take. I have a 430 from new and I knew of the manifold issue so kept a close watch. At 12K/3 years, the tech used a listening device and caught failure when it was just beginning. They were replaced under warranty. I'm sure if there was an additional issue, I would know by now. BTW, my car has been rock solid and I've spent very little on it other than yearly maintenance.

AS for this particular car, the VIN indicates a very early 05 which may be an issue. Clutch replacement is not unusual I guess though my car (a stick) has the same mileage with no sign of clutch wear. But really, other than the manifold and subsequent head damage, this car has not had many problems and that issue should be over and done with. I would have fought to have FNA pay for the head repairs. I do agree the price is too high.

Dave

 

Is the manifold issue something that should have been repaired on all F430s? I am looking at some 06 and 07 models, should the psat service records indicate these were replaced?

 

I think there were more problems with the earlier year models. The manifolds have apparently been a problem area even with the 360.

My car is a late build 07 and is at F of FL now and they are replacing the manifolds under warranty.

Prior service records will show all work performed. A PPI will determine if a problem exists on a car you are considering.

 

There are many choices out there, check more and find the best among them. My 05 F430 didn't have so many fixes at all.

 

Manifolds will always fail on a F430, older or newer cars. The root cause is not the headers themself, but the whole exhaust line which is attached too rigid on the exhaust brackets. Before, it were the exhaust brackets who braked, Ferrari changed them for even more rigid exhaust brackets. With the pressure going backwards towards the engine, unfortunately, it's the headers who will brake eventually. Fortunately, stock exhaust brackets can be changed with better suspension systems.

 

Yeah man.

Run like hell.

Buying the wrong ferrari can be one of the worst mistakes a man can make.

Many good examples out there.... Keep looking and good luck.

 

What about installing aftermarket headers for a 430? I understand they are installing new factory exhaust manifolds under warranty but if the underlying problem with how they are mounted still exists won't they just eventually crack again?

The 05 example mentioned has way too many miles showing for that price. There are literally hundreds of 430 models listed for sale to choose from. A search on one site had 395 entries recently.
The proper adjustment of the F1 transmission also seems to be a delicate issue on these cars to...
CH

 

There is a new design and manufacturer that arrived late 07 or early 08 IIRC. A dealer can tell if a particular car has them from the factory or if they have been replaced. I haven't hear of any of the new ones failing so I'm hopeful. If I were a buyer, I would assume that any older set will fail and needs to be closely monitored. In the case of this car, it is apparent they were failing for quite while before replacement.

Dave

 

Walk away from that. Mine is a Oct. 2006 model six speed manual, I'm the original owner,
minimal work done as the car is solid reliable, never abused(still with original clutch), no track time, no stories, no ding and dents, non smoker... 18,400 miles and it can be bought for less than the car you're talking about. I have a business proposition and might sell my car.

 

Holy Crap---------$42,000!

I'd talk to teasta about his stick 430 (I don't know testa's car personally, I'm just scared of the one you posted here and I like the fact that Testa's is a stick shift)

Whatever you get, hopefully you come out to the Chatham NJ C&C's (see tri-state region section for info) when you get it!

Good luck with the hunt!
-Andrew

 

If anyone wants my 360, then Testacajones you and i gotta deal!!!

(sarcastic but still with some truth)

 

If anyone is interested or know someone that is then send them my way, the car is getting detailed this week too. I already talked to the Ferrari dealer and offered them the car to see how much they are willing to pay for it outright wholesale price, not trade in value. So shoot me with realistic offers 'cause I'm a real seller and someone is getting a good car here.

 

Gents thanks for all the feedback and advice. I turned the car down. Just too much too worry about.

Thanks for the feedback.

Hunt continues. Starting with Testas.

Vishal

 

Sent you an email.