F430 Spider - Buying Advice
F430 Spider - Buying Advice
Author
Discussion

jonamv8

Original Poster:

3,258 posts

189 months

Tuesday 3rd March
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Hi there,

Friend of mine is wanting to buy a F430 Spider as a weekend today. Preference is Rosso Red, his first Ferrari over black or cream interior.

Are there any problem areas I should make him aware of while we look to source him one? Sure a few people on here own one or have had one in the past so any advice would be hugely appreciated. Also if anyone knows of a clean example, please message :-)

MingtheMerciless

608 posts

232 months

Tuesday 3rd March
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The only problem I had with this epic car was the roof mechanism, which began to misalign and was hard to fix. Get that checked thoroughly. Apart from that I would tend towards a moderate to high mileage one that has been regularly used and properly maintained rather than a more expensive comparative garage queen. Unless it is a manual, which will be more expensive, it isn't even approaching an investment grade thing yet. I would also get the extended warranty although there are differing views on that.

jwdh1

276 posts

132 months

Tuesday 3rd March
quotequote all
We've had one nearly 11 years, manifolds had already been fixed, only real outlays have been suspension related, bushes are pretty much a consumable and control rods (recalling from a past service, terminology could be wrong!) have been replaced. As someone mentioned check the roof but also check the plastic window for being cloudy, we were lucky in that it could be polished clear, could have been a £1,300 replacement due to how it needs removing/rebonding.

Rear lights needing tightening once. Maybe we've been lucky but it's caused very little grief - great car though, one of my favourites.

Trev450

6,665 posts

195 months

Tuesday 3rd March
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As already mentioned the exhaust manifolds are prone to cracking and is a pricey fix. If they've been replaced with stainless steel ones then so much the better.

johnnyreggae

3,130 posts

183 months

Tuesday 3rd March
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Read Voicey's 430 pages if you haven't already

jonamv8

Original Poster:

3,258 posts

189 months

Tuesday 3rd March
quotequote all
johnnyreggae said:
Read Voicey's 430 pages if you haven't already
Will do - how do I find them please ?!?

johnnyreggae

3,130 posts

183 months

Tuesday 3rd March
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jonamv8

Original Poster:

3,258 posts

189 months

Tuesday 3rd March
quotequote all
johnnyreggae said:
Much appreciated

Ted Maul

1,641 posts

29 months

Thursday 5th March
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The Ferrari Owners Club also did a feature on the F430, worth a read if you can get hold of it.

Common bits I've had sorted: Exhaust manifolds, loose rear lights, loose exhaust tips, cracked exhaust brackets, balljoints (a consumable really), sticky buttons refinished, rubbery suspension bits replaced. Track rod ends, ARB bushes and engine mounts I've also had the nostrils repainted due to road rash, a clutch, rocker cover gaskets done and upgraded the stereo system

Apart from that, I've had no issues whatsoever.

biggrin

In all seriousness, buyers get obsessed by low mileage, go for something that's been cared for rather than a garage queen. Your mate may face fewer bills to begin with but they do need to be maintained so there will always be some expense.

Edited by Ted Maul on Thursday 5th March 19:39