What year 458

The 2015s would be the best option. The earliest one I would get would be a 2012 which would have service contract plus updated software.

 

2011, best sounding exhaust w overrun

 

2010 without any software updates, if you can find one

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fDOKtdSya6w
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gtjp3o-KXaU
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FO9PnCWIcHA
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AKycoqlkbNA

 

2010-11 had a better exhaust sound initially, but 99% of these cars have already been updated by dealers to the latest software that changes the sound to match the 2012+ cars. I doubt you will find a car with the original software unless you buy privately and know that the owner has never opted for the updates.

2012+ cars have the 7 year maintenance plan. The 2012+ coupes also come with the "458 handling kit" which is described by ferrari as follows:

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As part of the constant product evolution that characterises the Ferrari model range, some new features are now available on the Ferrari 458 Italia.

Designed to deliver an even more extreme sense of sportiness, the 458 Italia Handling Kit will enable you to take your car to the very limits.

New control software for the magnetorheological dampers – developed to improve body control and boost tyre performance for an even sportier feel, the new control software is active in all of the manettino settings with specific calibrations.

Evolved F1 dual-clutch transmission control software – now delivers more emphatic gear-shifts when the manettino is in the RACE, CT OFF and ESC OFF settings. The new software features a strategy that utilises the energy built up during gearshifts by the twin clutches to provide positive acceleration when the next gear engages. The extra acceleration is felt only on up-shifts and is not available in the AUTO mode.

Recalibrated F1-Trac - guarantees that the 458 Italia is faster coming out of corners when the manettino is in RACE. In the power-on phase coming out of bends, the new calibration ensures more accurate control of the torque being delivered to the rear wheels. The aim in this instance is to achieve and maintain the maximum performance possible from the tyres in the available grip conditions. Smoother, more fluid torque delivery on the very limit of road-holding guarantees that the car is faster coming out of bends.

 

I have one -- though it may be a 2011. I tell the service manager that if they update the software they can keep the car. So far that has worked.

 

I have an 11 with original software. Lots of overrun and pops. Sounds epic!! Love it.

 

I am told by an experienced person that it is next to impossible to reverse.

 

It sounds even better from the outside. There is another 10 or 11 around where I live and I could tell what it was from the sound as it went by.

 

Sounds like sht

 

2012 coupe

 

When I was looking, I was stuck on 2012 or newer. My opinion... I personally felt the bugs had been addressed and I liked the 7 year maintenance package. I also wanted time left on the 3-year factory warranty so I had the option to extend it. I've purchased many types of new and used cars, and I've always stayed away from the first model year production. I like the new 488, but I'll stand on the sidelines for a couple of years.

 

Here is a vid that I had to cut down for the limit here on mbs. She sounds nice. On way to the Concorso Italiano.
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Let me try this one more time. Didn't get the part I wanted.
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So, basically... early cars have best sound but later or updated cars get better shifting (more punch) and suspension management. And then many early cars have been updated, but it's hard to tell, right?

It seems a bit like a lottery to find a 458 exactly as you'd like, doesn't it?

 

Actually the shifting seems smoother to me on the later cars with the update. But this would make sense as a quick smooth shift, makes for a faster car than a jerky one.

 

+458

 

Not really, they are all amazing. I had a 12 Italia that sounds great (not as good as a 10 or 11 but still great) with a remote valve opener. If you don't mind adding exhaust components, for a better sound along with 100 octane fuel, you do get better shifting, handling and free maintenance on 12 and later model years. It's all good!

 

Did you drive a coupe? The shifts are soft on all spiders, but the 2012+ coupes have a noticeable "kick" on gear changes in Race mode.

 

I have a 2011 and told the service mgr "not to upgrade the software" ..and he said that is a bunch of malarkey, it does nothing with the exhaust.
Mine still sounds incredible with overrun pops and crackles.

 

My service manager just looked at me as if I was nuts, but they did as I requested. Still has crackles and burbles.

 

I am about to buy a 2011, I hope the update wasn't successfuly performed as it sounded amazing on the 2010... but during the drive test the car sounded very quiet at low rpm

 

The software update to remove the pops was due to premature exhaust valve wear from the fuel dumps combusting in the exhaust. If you can find a 458 with the pops still there, your valves likely need replacing.