Picking up a 430 spider

1) crash. Has it happened and how well was it repaired?
2) headers: Have they been replaced? These have been known to crack
3) EMISSIONS!: Bringing this back to CA will cost you a bundle if they took out the Cats or it does not pass for some reason.
4) Top function. Its expensive to fix it does not work well. Sensor - not too bad. Hydraulics -- bad. Also the material's general condition. Not cheap to replace.
5) CLUTCH: how much is left on it
6) originality: Has it been modded? Does it include everything like books, tools, and the flashlight in the glovebox?
7) suspension: With that many miles you have to check that the suspension does not need rework
8) records: Having records of what was done and who did it would be really helpful
9) tires: A new set will set you back a couple of grand right off the bat.
10) brakes: Again with that mileage, you need to check the brakes and rotors to see if they are within spec.

If you plan to drive this car then you want a high mileage car. Adding more miles won't hurt the resale much than if you bought a 5000 mile car. But like any car, the more miles the more wear tear.

The F430 is a good car but like any exotic, it can cost you a bundle to fix. Just go in with your eyes open.

 

After buying several exotics, my general rule of thumb is put away $20k just in case.

 

+1 on that. Purchased my 430 about 3 months ago and already put $15k of unanticipated "fixes" into it. TheMayor has a great list of items to look for. In fact, part of my fixes included replacing leaking headers, repairing oil leaks, and replacing oil/water pump. I also needed to get a replacement flashlight & toolkit, second key fob, plus repair paint chips on fender, hood, and doors.

I had a PPI done, but that turned out to be useless. The PPI is only as good as the person doing it, have them focus and report on the items TheMayor brought up. Make sure they take the undertray off to do a complete inspection from below.

A few other items to look for. Some members (myself included) have the window switch light stay illuminated after turning the alarm off. I don't know why that is the case and cannot solve it. Also, a few are having issues with the lock switch on the door not triggering the lock.

Other than the above, I love the car and do not regret my purchase. It is always excitement when climbing into the car and pushing that red button.

 

Good advice above. My experience with a similar mileage car was very good. No mechanical issues, but be very careful in checking the operation of the hood, particularly the mechanism and any weakness from folds in the material. Walk if not happy. I passed on 3 cars because of the hood.

 

I had mine done by an independent shop that is a Ferrari "expert" in Los Angeles. In retrospect, I should have had it done by a dealership. I don't think the "expert" ever took off the undertray or did a proper inspection.

I say at $75k you got a great deal. Just stay up on the maintenance to avoid costly repairs. I had all the fluid changed after getting the car, and that's when I found the problems. I have a few other items to fix aside from what I mentioned.

 

"Hood" would be his local term for "convertible top."

Sounds like a car that is already largely depreciated due to its mileage, so if it's in good mechanical shape and looks nice, you should be able to rack up the miles with impunity. Just be aware that expensive repairs can lurk in any Ferrari, and if it's a stretch to afford buying the car, a little bad luck mechanically can be a backbreaker. Assuming it's an F1, make sure someone who knows and understands the transmission does the inspection, and then I would certainly perform some maintenance on that right off the bat (change the fluid, etc.).

 

Forgot about what "hood" means across the pond!

OP: good luck with the purchase.

 

I know this thread is a little bit older, but personally i always check to see if it has the common water pump leak or the loose rear supension.