Advice for a First-Time Buyer: 458 Spider vs Coupe & Ownersh

[gila81]

Hi everyone,
Long-time lurker, first-time poster.

I have finally decided to pull the trigger on my first supercar, and my heart is pretty firmly set on a Ferrari 458. Specifically, the Spider has always been the dream (that engine note with the roof down), though I admit the "purist" arguments for the Coupe (engine visibility, better lines, rigidity) do live rent-free in the back of my mind.

I m looking for some real-world ownership advice to close on the candidates I have shortlisted so far.

My Usage Profile:

• Not a Garage Queen: I plan to drive it. Usage will likely be a couple of weekends a month (March Oct) and hopefully 1 or 2 track days a year just to stretch its legs - nothing competitive, just for fun. In total I don't believe we'll go over 2k miles per year and that's a stretch already!

• Financing: I plan to put down a healthy deposit but finance the rest, likely over 4 years with a balloon payment.

The Questions:

• Mileage Sweet Spot: currently looking at cars between 20k-35k miles already clocked in (as to not go above 40k after my ownership). Would you do this differently? why?

• Spider on Track: I want to make sure I can keep the Ferrari warranty. Any advice on how to do this from people who tracks their cars regularly?

• Must-Have Options: I know "Carbon Fibre Driving Zone + LEDs", shields and potential carbon seats are a nice plus that makes it easy to resale. Are there other options I should insist on? Is the front suspension lift needed (I live in central London)? As for colors, most of my candidates are in Nero Daytona with Nero interiors...should I wait for a similar example in Rosso corsa instead? It seems everyone says that's the color that sells like hotcakes (and I obvisouly love it myself but I can always wrap the car during my ownership)

• Financing: Has anyone financed a 458 recently? With the cars now being ~10 12 years old, are lenders still offering decent balloon/residual values, or should I expect a straight HP deal? What is your suggested length for the financing deal?

Any advice on what to look out for (or run away from) would be massively appreciated.

Thanks in advance!

Edited by gila81 on Tuesday 13th January 22:31

[supersport]

An excellent choice. I had a Spider and loved it, either roof down or rear window down to let air and the noise in.

Your mileage range seems sensible, although I’d probably aim for mid 20k miles but wouldn’t be worried about early 30s. 2k a year is small usage really, and easily clocked up. Definitely wouldn’t be looking for a low mileage car.

I tend not to be fussed about spec, and my head isn’t turned by loads of carbon, all strikes me as a bit daft.

But I’d want the carbon wheel with lights, shields and cruise. Mine never had lift and I never felt it needed it, happily went over speed bumps. Unless you’re going into some crazy steep garage.

Colour is a personal choice, all mine have been Grigio.

Can’t come t on track use or maintaining the Ferrari warranty, I have a great independent and servicing was always entirely reasonable. I wasn’t convinced the warranty was worth it.

How exciting to be on that journey. Enjoy it.