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
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
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.
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?
andymc said:
New Mercedes AMG GT-S, 115k give or take
Thanks Andy. I've ruled out a GT at this stage. Mainly because I think it's a little small, it's not really a super car, more of a sports car, and I think they are probably a poor mans SLS. Maybe my gripes are completly unfounded. If you can convince me otherwise you would save me some money!! ha
Just wanted to post a quick update and thank you message to all those who commented on my post.
After some research I took the advice of the general consensus and bough a McLaren 12C. It's a 64 Plate, 4,000 Miles, Carbon Black, Stealth Pack, Sports Exhaust, Carbon Interior, Carbon Engine Bay, Alcantara Interior, Meredian Upgrade, Titanium Light Weight Alloys. It's basically exactly as I would have specced the car new but someone took £50-£60k out of the cost for me. Happy days!
The car is unreal and I couldn't be happier with it. The performance is on another scale to the F430 but it is without compromise and is far superior in terms of ride quality, comfort, luxury, tech etc.
One question I do have for any 12C owners is I have noticed occasionally when in Manuel and driving hard I upshift from 2nd into 3rd and it almost immediately up shifts again itself to 4th. Has anyone else experienced this??
After some research I took the advice of the general consensus and bough a McLaren 12C. It's a 64 Plate, 4,000 Miles, Carbon Black, Stealth Pack, Sports Exhaust, Carbon Interior, Carbon Engine Bay, Alcantara Interior, Meredian Upgrade, Titanium Light Weight Alloys. It's basically exactly as I would have specced the car new but someone took £50-£60k out of the cost for me. Happy days!
The car is unreal and I couldn't be happier with it. The performance is on another scale to the F430 but it is without compromise and is far superior in terms of ride quality, comfort, luxury, tech etc.
One question I do have for any 12C owners is I have noticed occasionally when in Manuel and driving hard I upshift from 2nd into 3rd and it almost immediately up shifts again itself to 4th. Has anyone else experienced this??
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