Thoughts on this blue F430
Discussion
http://pistonheads.com/sales/2421668.htm
Is this fairly priced, and what are your thoughts? I think I would be extremely tempted to pull the trigger if it was an F1. My F430 spider itch keeps asking to be scratched!
I love the colour combo personally, but I wonder if the colour and manual gear box could be tricky for resale?
F1 F430s seem to go for quite a bit more.... Also, not sure if it's true but I read somewhere the engine ECU was optimised for the F1 gear box and not manual? It seems even the most die-hard manual folk will often choose F1 F430s.
I love driving my '05 manual 987 Boxster S - can anyone who has driven/owned both cars make a comparison? I appreciate the F430 is in supercar territory, but for example I recently drove a Boxster Spyder and that blew me away as it was so sharp/nimble/light compared to my car (though I wasn't mad on the PDK box). Shame about the flapping roof noise on the motorway!
A 1 year old spyder would also save me £30k over this F430, though wouldn't have the noise, sense of occasion and the rest.....
Is this fairly priced, and what are your thoughts? I think I would be extremely tempted to pull the trigger if it was an F1. My F430 spider itch keeps asking to be scratched!
I love the colour combo personally, but I wonder if the colour and manual gear box could be tricky for resale?
F1 F430s seem to go for quite a bit more.... Also, not sure if it's true but I read somewhere the engine ECU was optimised for the F1 gear box and not manual? It seems even the most die-hard manual folk will often choose F1 F430s.
I love driving my '05 manual 987 Boxster S - can anyone who has driven/owned both cars make a comparison? I appreciate the F430 is in supercar territory, but for example I recently drove a Boxster Spyder and that blew me away as it was so sharp/nimble/light compared to my car (though I wasn't mad on the PDK box). Shame about the flapping roof noise on the motorway!
A 1 year old spyder would also save me £30k over this F430, though wouldn't have the noise, sense of occasion and the rest.....
I love the colour combination, i personally prefer a darker blue but this combination with the leather etc really looks lovely and is quite rare. That can help in later years with value etc as it is a rarer colour combination, some buyers will likely pay a premium over other cars but this cannot be guaranteed.
As far as the manual box goes, I would say at this point it may be harming the value of this example, but in a few years time (circa 5/10 years) it may help residuals as it could well become one of the last Ferrari's to sport the iconic open gate gearbox, something lot of people fell in love with.
Chris
As far as the manual box goes, I would say at this point it may be harming the value of this example, but in a few years time (circa 5/10 years) it may help residuals as it could well become one of the last Ferrari's to sport the iconic open gate gearbox, something lot of people fell in love with.
Chris
Thanks toohuge. I also spotted this one which has the F1 box and a few more miles:
http://pistonheads.com/sales/2638306.htm
I agree about the manual box likely being less of a problem long term for the same reason. I suppose I should try both and see which I prefer....
http://pistonheads.com/sales/2638306.htm
I agree about the manual box likely being less of a problem long term for the same reason. I suppose I should try both and see which I prefer....
TB303 said:
Thanks toohuge. I also spotted this one which has the F1 box and a few more miles:
http://pistonheads.com/sales/2638306.htm
I agree about the manual box likely being less of a problem long term for the same reason. I suppose I should try both and see which I prefer....
Yes, trying both is a good idea. I have driven the F1 box and thought it was very impressive, similar to driving a racing car/racing simulator. The manual cars that I have driven (Gallardo SE, 911 GT3RS etc) have always added more to the overall driving experience. It is of course down to personal preference. After all, it is a mid-engined convertible Ferrari, so the residual value will always be there.http://pistonheads.com/sales/2638306.htm
I agree about the manual box likely being less of a problem long term for the same reason. I suppose I should try both and see which I prefer....
Chris
That's a very beautiful colour combination. Haven't seen many manual F430's about in ages, might be worth giving it a try.
I can't remember but does the F430 have one of those nose raising speed bump things in it? Might have it switched on hence the high nose.
TB303 said:
voicey said:
Is it set for off-roading?! Nice colour though.
That does look quite high, but then looking at the other 430 I linked to so does that?! Never noticed the ride height in that way before!Personally I love the colour! I drive a TDF blue one though so perhaps I'm biased 
I have to say though I've had a lot of comments at petrol stations etc with people commenting on how nice the colour is.
Regarding the manual gearbox, well it all comes down to personal preference. The F1 gearbox in the 430 is very good, and no doubt is better for resale. Having said that, you're buying a second hand one and therefore the fact it's not resale red and F1 should be reflected in the price (which it appears to be) To be honest there will always be people who prefer a manual to the flappy paddle boxes so I wouldn't worry to much about it.
If you're really concerned about the manual gearbox you could always go for this one:
http://pistonheads.com/sales/2638306.htm.
I have to say though I've had a lot of comments at petrol stations etc with people commenting on how nice the colour is. Regarding the manual gearbox, well it all comes down to personal preference. The F1 gearbox in the 430 is very good, and no doubt is better for resale. Having said that, you're buying a second hand one and therefore the fact it's not resale red and F1 should be reflected in the price (which it appears to be) To be honest there will always be people who prefer a manual to the flappy paddle boxes so I wouldn't worry to much about it.
If you're really concerned about the manual gearbox you could always go for this one:
http://pistonheads.com/sales/2638306.htm.
That ride height is not normal nor does the 430 have a lifting system. It may be typical of what you see on 430s though.
I would ask the dealer to confirm the ride height is as per the factory intended it to be. The workshop manual gives the correct ride height and the measuring points. That car looks around 30-40mm out. Its just Ferrari being lazy in the factory and churning them out all over the place.
I would ask the dealer to confirm the ride height is as per the factory intended it to be. The workshop manual gives the correct ride height and the measuring points. That car looks around 30-40mm out. Its just Ferrari being lazy in the factory and churning them out all over the place.
15HN said:
That ride height is not normal nor does the 430 have a lifting system. It may be typical of what you see on 430s though.
I would ask the dealer to confirm the ride height is as per the factory intended it to be. The workshop manual gives the correct ride height and the measuring points. That car looks around 30-40mm out. Its just Ferrari being lazy in the factory and churning them out all over the place.
I'd be interested to see a pic of what it should look like - for reference to see if mine needs checking. I find it extraordinary that they would let cars out of the factory with such an important setting soo far out. I've read threads on other forums about how to lower the 430 to improve aesthetics, the implication being the 'off road' look is intentional..which is equally extraordinary I suppose!I would ask the dealer to confirm the ride height is as per the factory intended it to be. The workshop manual gives the correct ride height and the measuring points. That car looks around 30-40mm out. Its just Ferrari being lazy in the factory and churning them out all over the place.
roygarth said:
I'd be interested to see a pic of what it should look like - for reference to see if mine needs checking. I find it extraordinary that they would let cars out of the factory with such an important setting soo far out. I've read threads on other forums about how to lower the 430 to improve aesthetics, the implication being the 'off road' look is intentional..which is equally extraordinary I suppose!
I had my 16m with 100 miles on the clock checked by the main dealer in my presence. Was around 15mm higher than factory settings, camber completely out. toe completely out and LH and RH sides were not even resembling anything close to having being set up the same. Its Italian quality control...Never ceases to amaze me that Mirabeau is so rare!
I think this is one of the best colours for the 430
Think someone commented on another thread how the manual box on his 430 actually helped the resale as they are so rare but there are still people that wont accept an F1 box in a Ferrari
I think this is one of the best colours for the 430
Think someone commented on another thread how the manual box on his 430 actually helped the resale as they are so rare but there are still people that wont accept an F1 box in a Ferrari
Just switched from Boxster Spyder to 430 F1 coupe - Boxster was great, roof was fun to stow and erect initially then became more of a pain, and the road noise on the motorway was the same.
Performance of the Spyder was also fun for a while, then the lack of power compared to previous cars became more apparent, whereas the 430 is just immense.
Usual stuff about sense of occasion rings true, just opening the door on the F car and hearing whatever pump it is that makes a noise when you do makes me smile every time.
In short, Spyder great but you'll still hanker after the special one..
Performance of the Spyder was also fun for a while, then the lack of power compared to previous cars became more apparent, whereas the 430 is just immense.
Usual stuff about sense of occasion rings true, just opening the door on the F car and hearing whatever pump it is that makes a noise when you do makes me smile every time.
In short, Spyder great but you'll still hanker after the special one..
Beaver said:
Just switched from Boxster Spyder to 430 F1 coupe - Boxster was great, roof was fun to stow and erect initially then became more of a pain, and the road noise on the motorway was the same.
Performance of the Spyder was also fun for a while, then the lack of power compared to previous cars became more apparent, whereas the 430 is just immense.
Usual stuff about sense of occasion rings true, just opening the door on the F car and hearing whatever pump it is that makes a noise when you do makes me smile every time.
In short, Spyder great but you'll still hanker after the special one..
+1 The F430 is like a Boxster with 150+ HP more (allowing for engines that don't produce the power Ferrari claim :-). It is heavier BUT the noise and the F1 box make it worthwhile!Performance of the Spyder was also fun for a while, then the lack of power compared to previous cars became more apparent, whereas the 430 is just immense.
Usual stuff about sense of occasion rings true, just opening the door on the F car and hearing whatever pump it is that makes a noise when you do makes me smile every time.
In short, Spyder great but you'll still hanker after the special one..
roygarth said:
TB303 said:
That does look quite high, but then looking at the other 430 I linked to so does that?! Never noticed the ride height in that way before!
That ride height is normal. Less noticeble on darker, especially black, colours.Beaver said:
Just switched from Boxster Spyder to 430 F1 coupe - Boxster was great, roof was fun to stow and erect initially then became more of a pain, and the road noise on the motorway was the same.
Performance of the Spyder was also fun for a while, then the lack of power compared to previous cars became more apparent, whereas the 430 is just immense.
Usual stuff about sense of occasion rings true, just opening the door on the F car and hearing whatever pump it is that makes a noise when you do makes me smile every time.
In short, Spyder great but you'll still hanker after the special one..
The above is what I kind of wanted to hear, and sums up what I thought.Performance of the Spyder was also fun for a while, then the lack of power compared to previous cars became more apparent, whereas the 430 is just immense.
Usual stuff about sense of occasion rings true, just opening the door on the F car and hearing whatever pump it is that makes a noise when you do makes me smile every time.
In short, Spyder great but you'll still hanker after the special one..
Thanks for all the replies. Very few people on the forums seem to have bad things to say about the F430.
I am wondering if I should also be open minded and look at coupes but I kind of had my heart set on another convertible as I will use it as a weekend toy and would also like to do a trip to europe again (was great fun in the boxster). Even with the sports exhaust on the Boxster spyder I was left wanting more noise as well and less of the closing valves at certain RPMS. Does anyone ever keep their valves open on the F430s as with V8 Vantages and Porsches?
I did find the Spyder a big jump in power compared to my 3.2 987 though, but it could have done with more torque low down if I was being very critical. I need to check out some cars soon - I've been thinking about it for too long. Still undecided on manual or F1 until I try them both.
It'd be easy to cop out and go for an R8, Boxster Spyder etc but I think I need to go for the thrill-factor as it is an emotional purchase afterall.
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