So I drove my friend's 458 this past weekend...

The good thing about the early cars (2010/11) is the exhaust sounds more lively (burbles on overrun). This was tuned out of the later cars.

 

I have a 2011 and haven’t had a single problem. Love the pops on the straight pipes!

 

Search for a CPO 2015 from a Ferrari dealer with 5-10K miles and all service records
There are lots of them
Enjoy

 

I have a 2012 no problems. Not sure of any differences.

 

and you have a cool friend

 

I have a 2010 and a 2011. No problems with either.

 

i own a 2010 into my 6th year this year, no gearbox issue so far. But a tranny rebuild is 9k, how much premium are you paying for the 2012+, it's not like the 12+ is immune from gearbox issues. I would still prioritize condition and options over MY, a base spec car feels way less special than a loaded one

 

the transmission issues are (1) exceedingly rare and (2) apply across all model years

 

one reason why so many people say to get a 2013+ model is because they give you 7 years of warranty and maintenance. The 2015 models are timing out so that argument is starting to going away, but that's why older threads will state 2013+. We've learned more about the gearbox issues in the last few years too, we know you can replace or rebuild them for <$ and it does impact all models.

 

I dunno about rare, my techs joke that there are two types of DCT Ferraris:
1) those pending gasket failure
2) those that have replaced the gaskets/entire transmission

Op get any year with a CPO Warranty and you should be okay. Keep us posted!

 

Some upgrades which I feel improve the 458.

Braille battery, Ferrari titanium lug bolts, Ferrari Carbon rear diffuser ( combined weight loss of more than 50 pounds)
And Michelin pilot sport 4S tires!

You will feel a difference

 

Gasket failure is not the issue
Sensor packs are

 

OP, the only eral "stigma" about the earlier models, is that a "handful" caught fire. I recall it being a glue defect that was ignited by the exhaust or the likes. I mention handful, because it was very a very minimal amount, but when one Ferrari becomes a weenie roast, it's a headline! Transmission issues are across the board, I had my '14's completely replaced under power warranty, w/ 6k on the clock. Feel free to post links up to what you are thinking about, so we can guide you.

 

458 is a fantastic car. I had a 2011 Ferrari approved and it felt as reliable as a 911 or even a Honda Accord during my ownership. Also bought an early car, 2011, it had incredible sound. However the dealer later informed me that they went to extensive time and cost to refurbish the sticky buttons. Be aware that your buttons could become gooey. Also, these cars have the worse audio and phone controls you will ever encounter in any car period. To even try to use the audio controls is borderline dangerous. The car is so great that you will forgive it though. It will give you a chance to be free from your phone. I used to open the front trunk throw my phone in there and shut it.

Also, there is no Bluetooth. You can buy an Invery Bluetooth adapter and stream music and turn- by- turn directions through the audio system but the volume you get through Bluetooth will be very low compared to FM radio.

The car is so great that none of this mattered to me.

Also, I had 2 years of Ferrari power train warranty because I bought the 2011 from a dealer. However, I can tell you that these are solid cars mechanically.

 

One of my favorites Ferrari 458 Spider on the Stelvio Pass - CAR and DRIVER - YouTube

 

Good question! I'd say those are trade ins at same showroom, in which the dealer is giving enough $ on the trade (being it's a 458), to make it more palatable to do so. I've done same in the past, if I can get in the ballpark of what I need, so much easier to trade in...

 

I too was surprised at how rare it is to find a 458 for sale by owner. Myself, I always prefer to buy and sell private, but my conclusion is that 99% of exotic car owners want to avoid dealing with the private sale process more than they want to save the money of doing so.

 

Trade in/consign is way easier than dealing with a bunch of yahoos who want to tire kick your super car.