Sold the F430, need some help on replacement! SLS or FF
Discussion
OK Pistonheaders I'm looking for some insight please from any owners or past owners of the cars in questions. I bought my first Ferrari 5 months ago, a black F430 after upgrading from a C63. I am now looking to upgrade and I'd like to try and find the dream car that doesn't compel me to change in 3 months time!
To do this I figure I need to keep all/most the pros of the F430 and eradicate all/most of the cons, essentially leaving me with my perfect daily drive. Which this will be I should add, a daily drive, and my only car.
F430 Pros; The noise, the acceleration, the head turning looks, the fact it is a 'Ferrari', the steering, the theater...
F430 Cons; Old fashioned and clunky transmission, old fashioned fragile clutch, the constant fear arising from any new noise or rattle, the terrible sat nav, the even worse sound system (despite having the upgrade), the brakes that fade too quickly, the guilt every time you drive it because you 'shouldn't be putting miles on'.
After much research and far too much time on Autotrader I'm thinking SLS or Ferrari FF are most befitting with the brief and would like to get the thoughts of those who have any experience of them. I've driven the SLS and am taking the FF out on Saturday.
Some points;
- I drive it everyday around 20 miles
- I'm 26 (relevant as I'm thinking something like a Bentley might be a bit old)
- I'm not a millionaire so cost is a factor to some extent
- I sold the F430 for more than I paid for it which was a revelation and I'd like to buy something that is
going up in value.
The last time I wrote on here I got some great feedback so I am hoping for the same again!
Look forward to your responses!
To do this I figure I need to keep all/most the pros of the F430 and eradicate all/most of the cons, essentially leaving me with my perfect daily drive. Which this will be I should add, a daily drive, and my only car.
F430 Pros; The noise, the acceleration, the head turning looks, the fact it is a 'Ferrari', the steering, the theater...
F430 Cons; Old fashioned and clunky transmission, old fashioned fragile clutch, the constant fear arising from any new noise or rattle, the terrible sat nav, the even worse sound system (despite having the upgrade), the brakes that fade too quickly, the guilt every time you drive it because you 'shouldn't be putting miles on'.
After much research and far too much time on Autotrader I'm thinking SLS or Ferrari FF are most befitting with the brief and would like to get the thoughts of those who have any experience of them. I've driven the SLS and am taking the FF out on Saturday.
Some points;
- I drive it everyday around 20 miles
- I'm 26 (relevant as I'm thinking something like a Bentley might be a bit old)
- I'm not a millionaire so cost is a factor to some extent
- I sold the F430 for more than I paid for it which was a revelation and I'd like to buy something that is
going up in value.
The last time I wrote on here I got some great feedback so I am hoping for the same again!
Look forward to your responses!
johnnyreggae said:
You're not comparing like for like in the slightest as far as I can see - oh wait both have four wheels and an engine in the front
The two seater is at a guess £ 100 000 and not a Ferrari
The four seater is £ 200 000 upwards and rapidly depreciating
Can someone who knows the first thing about Cars hopefully give me some views?The two seater is at a guess £ 100 000 and not a Ferrari
The four seater is £ 200 000 upwards and rapidly depreciating
Sls very fast, great on motorways, easy to drive. Bit challenging to see out of in London with bicycles all over the place. Makes a great noise. Reliable bar some battery issues. Warranty from MB was relatively inexpensive and can be renewed monthly after the 3 years but I think is mileage dependent. Bear in mind you are less likely to buy one from a MB dealer given their scarcity. Service costs are low at less than 1000 for a b service (major). Coupes appreciated from sub 100k to 120k plus so far.
FF Likely still under ferrari warranty as 4 years from new and free servicing for 7 years. More likely to buy from a ferrari dealer. HR owen have a few nice ones. Car is depreciating still though finding more buyers now circa 150k. Seems less mileage sensitive than other ferraris for sure.
Very easy to drive, looks good, didn't find it toe gagging personally but other owners swear by it. Compared to 430 spider that'i used to have I wohld say it feels too much like a normal car - but then it's not a 458 go-kart toy
Both great cars. To be honest I wanted to love the FF but didn't otherwise I would have bought one
FF Likely still under ferrari warranty as 4 years from new and free servicing for 7 years. More likely to buy from a ferrari dealer. HR owen have a few nice ones. Car is depreciating still though finding more buyers now circa 150k. Seems less mileage sensitive than other ferraris for sure.
Very easy to drive, looks good, didn't find it toe gagging personally but other owners swear by it. Compared to 430 spider that'i used to have I wohld say it feels too much like a normal car - but then it's not a 458 go-kart toy
Both great cars. To be honest I wanted to love the FF but didn't otherwise I would have bought one
andy355 said:
Sls very fast, great on motorways, easy to drive. Bit challenging to see out of in London with bicycles all over the place. Makes a great noise. Reliable bar some battery issues. Warranty from MB was relatively inexpensive and can be renewed monthly after the 3 years but I think is mileage dependent. Bear in mind you are less likely to buy one from a MB dealer given their scarcity. Service costs are low at less than 1000 for a b service (major). Coupes appreciated from sub 100k to 120k plus so far.
FF Likely still under ferrari warranty as 4 years from new and free servicing for 7 years. More likely to buy from a ferrari dealer. HR owen have a few nice ones. Car is depreciating still though finding more buyers now circa 150k. Seems less mileage sensitive than other ferraris for sure.
Very easy to drive, looks good, didn't find it toe gagging personally but other owners swear by it. Compared to 430 spider that'i used to have I wohld say it feels too much like a normal car - but then it's not a 458 go-kart toy
Both great cars. To be honest I wanted to love the FF but didn't otherwise I would have bought one
Thanks Andy and agree with all of this. I am definitely leaning towards the SLS and am basically curios to know if anyone can convince me otherwise! The rate they are appreciating I'm thinking i can probably keep it for a year and sell it for more if i keep the miles down! Essentially a free car!FF Likely still under ferrari warranty as 4 years from new and free servicing for 7 years. More likely to buy from a ferrari dealer. HR owen have a few nice ones. Car is depreciating still though finding more buyers now circa 150k. Seems less mileage sensitive than other ferraris for sure.
Very easy to drive, looks good, didn't find it toe gagging personally but other owners swear by it. Compared to 430 spider that'i used to have I wohld say it feels too much like a normal car - but then it's not a 458 go-kart toy
Both great cars. To be honest I wanted to love the FF but didn't otherwise I would have bought one
I think I was meaning to write too exciting rather than toe gagging... Autocorrect
for sls you have top 555, romans, Tom hartley as independent experts
They are mileage sensitive but not crazily so. Nice to have spec is interior carbon pack and sills, b&o, upgraded wheels, extended leather
for sls you have top 555, romans, Tom hartley as independent experts
They are mileage sensitive but not crazily so. Nice to have spec is interior carbon pack and sills, b&o, upgraded wheels, extended leather
Another vote for the SLS if depreciation is a factor. They are definitely on their way up - the AMG GT although seemingly great lacks the drama (gullwing doors!) and looks and since they are not gonna be making any more of them I can only see them appreciating.
The FF is definitely on the way down price wise.
The FF is definitely on the way down price wise.
I had a 430 spider, which was my second Ferrari, and I loved it. I have also driven an FF and have a friend who bought a 458 and SLS new, with a view to selling the one he liked less. It was no contest. He hardly drove the SLS and knew it was on its way almost as soon as it arrived. Has had two 458s and now a Speciale being his third.
My recommendation, though is to buy an early 12C. I have a later one and the car is staggeringly fast, very exciting and the only car I would consider around £120k if I was 26. Deprciation is a long way towards done on some of the earlier cars and would be pretty cost effective to own, certainly less than an FF, which is a great car, but much more a GT than the 430 - a competent but not especially visceral experience when compared to cars like the 430, 458 and 12C.
You will feel you have upgraded in every sense with the 12C and the performance is just brilliant. It will give you a different experience and much more modern approach compared with the 430 and I wouldn't worry a bit that some of the press suggested the car was aloof when it arrived. Drive it and you'll see. I have done 9,000 miles, mostly blasting across Europe, in mine and it is mighty.
My recommendation, though is to buy an early 12C. I have a later one and the car is staggeringly fast, very exciting and the only car I would consider around £120k if I was 26. Deprciation is a long way towards done on some of the earlier cars and would be pretty cost effective to own, certainly less than an FF, which is a great car, but much more a GT than the 430 - a competent but not especially visceral experience when compared to cars like the 430, 458 and 12C.
You will feel you have upgraded in every sense with the 12C and the performance is just brilliant. It will give you a different experience and much more modern approach compared with the 430 and I wouldn't worry a bit that some of the press suggested the car was aloof when it arrived. Drive it and you'll see. I have done 9,000 miles, mostly blasting across Europe, in mine and it is mighty.
LukeyLikey said:
I had a 430 spider, which was my second Ferrari, and I loved it. I have also driven an FF and have a friend who bought a 458 and SLS new, with a view to selling the one he liked less. It was no contest. He hardly drove the SLS and knew it was on its way almost as soon as it arrived. Has had two 458s and now a Speciale being his third.
My recommendation, though is to buy an early 12C. I have a later one and the car is staggeringly fast, very exciting and the only car I would consider around £120k if I was 26. Deprciation is a long way towards done on some of the earlier cars and would be pretty cost effective to own, certainly less than an FF, which is a great car, but much more a GT than the 430 - a competent but not especially visceral experience when compared to cars like the 430, 458 and 12C.
You will feel you have upgraded in every sense with the 12C and the performance is just brilliant. It will give you a different experience and much more modern approach compared with the 430 and I wouldn't worry a bit that some of the press suggested the car was aloof when it arrived. Drive it and you'll see. I have done 9,000 miles, mostly blasting across Europe, in mine and it is mighty.
Thanks mate, that's interesting....I was wondering how long it would take for someone to suggest a 12C. I've read a lot about them and they certainly look a good value buy in comparison to the 458 at the moment. My problem is for some reason, I can't get excited by it. I think it's the looks...which is obviously subjective. I'll go and check one out in the flesh as I live in South Manchester so not far from Knutsford McLaren.My recommendation, though is to buy an early 12C. I have a later one and the car is staggeringly fast, very exciting and the only car I would consider around £120k if I was 26. Deprciation is a long way towards done on some of the earlier cars and would be pretty cost effective to own, certainly less than an FF, which is a great car, but much more a GT than the 430 - a competent but not especially visceral experience when compared to cars like the 430, 458 and 12C.
You will feel you have upgraded in every sense with the 12C and the performance is just brilliant. It will give you a different experience and much more modern approach compared with the 430 and I wouldn't worry a bit that some of the press suggested the car was aloof when it arrived. Drive it and you'll see. I have done 9,000 miles, mostly blasting across Europe, in mine and it is mighty.
LukeyLikey said:
I had a 430 spider, which was my second Ferrari, and I loved it. I have also driven an FF and have a friend who bought a 458 and SLS new, with a view to selling the one he liked less. It was no contest. He hardly drove the SLS and knew it was on its way almost as soon as it arrived. Has had two 458s and now a Speciale being his third.
My recommendation, though is to buy an early 12C. I have a later one and the car is staggeringly fast, very exciting and the only car I would consider around £120k if I was 26. Deprciation is a long way towards done on some of the earlier cars and would be pretty cost effective to own, certainly less than an FF, which is a great car, but much more a GT than the 430 - a competent but not especially visceral experience when compared to cars like the 430, 458 and 12C.
You will feel you have upgraded in every sense with the 12C and the performance is just brilliant. It will give you a different experience and much more modern approach compared with the 430 and I wouldn't worry a bit that some of the press suggested the car was aloof when it arrived. Drive it and you'll see. I have done 9,000 miles, mostly blasting across Europe, in mine and it is mighty.
I second LukeyLikey, I also had a 430, then V10 R8. Loved the bullet proof feel of the R8 against all of the worries on the 430. But you really need to look at and drive the 12c, I bought my 12c spider last September and don't use it as a daily driver although you could easily do so. I have put 4000 miles on mine so far and absolutely love it, by far the best driving car I have had. I talked to another owner that uses their car as a daily driver / track car and put 30k miles on the car in two years with no issues on build quality.My recommendation, though is to buy an early 12C. I have a later one and the car is staggeringly fast, very exciting and the only car I would consider around £120k if I was 26. Deprciation is a long way towards done on some of the earlier cars and would be pretty cost effective to own, certainly less than an FF, which is a great car, but much more a GT than the 430 - a competent but not especially visceral experience when compared to cars like the 430, 458 and 12C.
You will feel you have upgraded in every sense with the 12C and the performance is just brilliant. It will give you a different experience and much more modern approach compared with the 430 and I wouldn't worry a bit that some of the press suggested the car was aloof when it arrived. Drive it and you'll see. I have done 9,000 miles, mostly blasting across Europe, in mine and it is mighty.
I think you need to consider the car as an option, they really are vastly under rated due to the early write ups. The performance and sound if you have the sports exhaust is intoxicating. You won't be disappointed, and again I think the early cars have really flattened out on depreciation now. Just my view but I feel my spider is a keeper, in the long term I think they will become a classic.
I've got a 458 and an FF and I love them both, but they are very different.
If it's excitement you crave, the FF is not probably going to be for you, as has been suggested, a McLaren would be a great idea.
The FF is still depreciating, as are almost all cars, especialy if you factor in dealer margin.
The only way you can possibly not loose is to buy and sell private and that's not easy at this level of the market, people tend to want the backup of buying from a dealer.
If it's excitement you crave, the FF is not probably going to be for you, as has been suggested, a McLaren would be a great idea.
The FF is still depreciating, as are almost all cars, especialy if you factor in dealer margin.
The only way you can possibly not loose is to buy and sell private and that's not easy at this level of the market, people tend to want the backup of buying from a dealer.
As Bertie says, I always try to find the highest spec and newest car I can afford. The build quality moved on rapidly and I was advised by Mclaren Manchester not to buy anything with a chassis number lower than 1000. That said I know guys with early 2011 cars and they seem fine apart from glitches with the IRIS system. Engine and gearbox wise the cars seem pretty much bullet proof. Join the Mclaren Life forum and you'll be able to find out as much as you need / want to.
My car is a late 2012 spider, spec wise the first purchaser ticked every option box, the car was £266.000 new, I bought it at twenty months old for £155.000. So a huge saving on list with only 4000 miles on the clock.
I have always gone for coupes over the convertible option on all of the cars I have bought in the past due to torsional strength and rigidity, but with the Mclaren they didn't need to put any strengthening bars into the chassis as it has a carbon fibre mono cell tub. So I bought the spider as it has the best of both worlds, you can also drop the back window with the roof up and listen to that amazing sound track out back.
Carbon options were expensive, but if you look around and are open minded on the car colour they are out there to find.
Good luck with the search if you decide to go this route. It's the fastest good all round car I have owned.
My car is a late 2012 spider, spec wise the first purchaser ticked every option box, the car was £266.000 new, I bought it at twenty months old for £155.000. So a huge saving on list with only 4000 miles on the clock.
I have always gone for coupes over the convertible option on all of the cars I have bought in the past due to torsional strength and rigidity, but with the Mclaren they didn't need to put any strengthening bars into the chassis as it has a carbon fibre mono cell tub. So I bought the spider as it has the best of both worlds, you can also drop the back window with the roof up and listen to that amazing sound track out back.
Carbon options were expensive, but if you look around and are open minded on the car colour they are out there to find.
Good luck with the search if you decide to go this route. It's the fastest good all round car I have owned.
Edited by andyferrari on Monday 18th May 16:39
Ran an SLS for a year thinking I was going to keep it! Great car and wonderful engine. OP has already driven it so don't need to say much there except make sure that gearbox software has/will be upgraded as it makes a massive difference to the gear change in manual. It's a decent daily driver with a decent ride but if you're looking for something that stands out, I would say that it doesn't attract as much attention as some other cars which could be a good or bad thing depending on what you're lookin for.
I've gone from that to a mclaren as the SLS went up a nice amount to bridge the gap for the new purchase and it is in a completely different league. It is just as good to use as a daily driver as an SLS but will obviously attract a lot more attention. However, up to now, the reaction and comments have been good! I think the 12c shape is something that will definitely grow on you especially if you get the right colour. I saw a volcano red one last week which looked stunning in sunlight! As for spider or coupe, I've always preferred coupes as I never have the roof off anyway and you have direct access to the shelf behind the seats in a coupe whereas the spider has a cubbyhole accessed from the outside. The 'boot' is big enough to fit a medium sized suitcase
I've gone from that to a mclaren as the SLS went up a nice amount to bridge the gap for the new purchase and it is in a completely different league. It is just as good to use as a daily driver as an SLS but will obviously attract a lot more attention. However, up to now, the reaction and comments have been good! I think the 12c shape is something that will definitely grow on you especially if you get the right colour. I saw a volcano red one last week which looked stunning in sunlight! As for spider or coupe, I've always preferred coupes as I never have the roof off anyway and you have direct access to the shelf behind the seats in a coupe whereas the spider has a cubbyhole accessed from the outside. The 'boot' is big enough to fit a medium sized suitcase
I think the FF would not be a good choice for what you want. Image definitely not right.
The SLS seems a nice idea, I did choose the F430 Spider over an SLS roadster last year. I just wanted the more raw and exciting experience which for me the F430 was. The SLS has one of the all time great soundtracks, I just love that noise. But to me it isn't that exciting or intense of a car as a F430 or other mid-engined supercar. Nice car for sure, I love them, but not as intense or exciting to drive.
It sounds like the 12C might be a great option, I'm happy with my F430 so not really looking to change - and I only use it once every couple of weeks as I have other cars - but if I was I'd certainly look at a 12C or other model McLaren so go take a look at one.
The SLS seems a nice idea, I did choose the F430 Spider over an SLS roadster last year. I just wanted the more raw and exciting experience which for me the F430 was. The SLS has one of the all time great soundtracks, I just love that noise. But to me it isn't that exciting or intense of a car as a F430 or other mid-engined supercar. Nice car for sure, I love them, but not as intense or exciting to drive.
It sounds like the 12C might be a great option, I'm happy with my F430 so not really looking to change - and I only use it once every couple of weeks as I have other cars - but if I was I'd certainly look at a 12C or other model McLaren so go take a look at one.
cho said:
Ran an SLS for a year thinking I was going to keep it! Great car and wonderful engine. OP has already driven it so don't need to say much there except make sure that gearbox software has/will be upgraded as it makes a massive difference to the gear change in manual. It's a decent daily driver with a decent ride but if you're looking for something that stands out, I would say that it doesn't attract as much attention as some other cars which could be a good or bad thing depending on what you're lookin for.
I've gone from that to a mclaren as the SLS went up a nice amount to bridge the gap for the new purchase and it is in a completely different league. It is just as good to use as a daily driver as an SLS but will obviously attract a lot more attention. However, up to now, the reaction and comments have been good! I think the 12c shape is something that will definitely grow on you especially if you get the right colour. I saw a volcano red one last week which looked stunning in sunlight! As for spider or coupe, I've always preferred coupes as I never have the roof off anyway and you have direct access to the shelf behind the seats in a coupe whereas the spider has a cubbyhole accessed from the outside. The 'boot' is big enough to fit a medium sized suitcase
Thanks for all the comments today, been very insightful. Thanks in particular to Cho who has owned both cars which is just what I was hoping for. I think the best plan of attack from here is to try and find the SLS and 12C in the specs I want and then see what the figures look like for those exact cars. There is a black SLS for sale with VVS in Kent for £137k that looks a great spec but it is an early car, 2010 plate, are there any issues arising from this?I've gone from that to a mclaren as the SLS went up a nice amount to bridge the gap for the new purchase and it is in a completely different league. It is just as good to use as a daily driver as an SLS but will obviously attract a lot more attention. However, up to now, the reaction and comments have been good! I think the 12c shape is something that will definitely grow on you especially if you get the right colour. I saw a volcano red one last week which looked stunning in sunlight! As for spider or coupe, I've always preferred coupes as I never have the roof off anyway and you have direct access to the shelf behind the seats in a coupe whereas the spider has a cubbyhole accessed from the outside. The 'boot' is big enough to fit a medium sized suitcase
There seems to be a general consensus that the SLS is going to continue to increase in price and this is definately a factor in my decision making process. The idea of buying an SLS at £130 - £140k and then in a years time is being worth say £150 - £160k is very appealing. Does anyone have any insight into how realistic this is, and if so, whether that will be the same for the 12C?
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