Discussion
I've just bought an 2008 F430 spider from a Ferrari dealer and I was contemplating the 458 spider.
This one was immaculate and only 10k miles. The 458 was 80k more, so I thought it's got to be a good entry into Ferrari. (I have GT3's GT3RS) and I have to admit....I LOVE IT!!
It feels old in comparison to the Porsches but that's the appeal......getting that gear change perfect is so satisfying and the noise is just amazing too.
It's a great cruiser and very comfortable and with the roof down it's just puts a smile on your face.
I'm sure both cars are amazing.....after all it's a Ferrari and that just makes you grin☺️☺️
This one was immaculate and only 10k miles. The 458 was 80k more, so I thought it's got to be a good entry into Ferrari. (I have GT3's GT3RS) and I have to admit....I LOVE IT!!
It feels old in comparison to the Porsches but that's the appeal......getting that gear change perfect is so satisfying and the noise is just amazing too.
It's a great cruiser and very comfortable and with the roof down it's just puts a smile on your face.
I'm sure both cars are amazing.....after all it's a Ferrari and that just makes you grin☺️☺️
I was in exactly the same shoes as you. I was looking at an F430 and drove one, but then drove a 458 on the same day. The difference is massive, I would drive both, I went and did a diving experience so got to drive them both on a track.
So I guess your expecting that I bought a 458? well no. I went to my local Ferrari dealer and they were brilliant. They wanted me to buy a 458 but I changed my mind and here is why. I drove a 488gtb. Its another step up from the 458. As others have said it's not as big a jump as the F430 is to the 458 but there is still a noticable difference. Then factor in the other things. Yes a 488 is going to be £210k+ depending on the options but you get: long warranty, free servicing and if you need it some very good finance options. I am tempted to do some finance even though I don't need to, just because I can probably do some more profitable things with the money. Plus you get a new car to your own spec.
Depreciation is very difficult to judge on cars, If you are buying an investment then buy property. Buying a Ferrari is about as good a car as you can buy to limit depreciation but its still by no means a guarantee.
A 488 is worth a thought, I would go into your local dealer and have a chat with them. Mine were brilliant and persuaded me into a Ferrari over a Mclaren or Lambo which were my other options.
So I guess your expecting that I bought a 458? well no. I went to my local Ferrari dealer and they were brilliant. They wanted me to buy a 458 but I changed my mind and here is why. I drove a 488gtb. Its another step up from the 458. As others have said it's not as big a jump as the F430 is to the 458 but there is still a noticable difference. Then factor in the other things. Yes a 488 is going to be £210k+ depending on the options but you get: long warranty, free servicing and if you need it some very good finance options. I am tempted to do some finance even though I don't need to, just because I can probably do some more profitable things with the money. Plus you get a new car to your own spec.
Depreciation is very difficult to judge on cars, If you are buying an investment then buy property. Buying a Ferrari is about as good a car as you can buy to limit depreciation but its still by no means a guarantee.
A 488 is worth a thought, I would go into your local dealer and have a chat with them. Mine were brilliant and persuaded me into a Ferrari over a Mclaren or Lambo which were my other options.
+1 with the no wrong answer to whatever you go for, personally F430's are not over priced? I see many 360's up for sale at F430 territory and F355's more than them yet the 458 is £60k plus more than a 458. I am considering that jump from my F430 spider but £60k/£70k jump I just don't see it, so much so I'm now considering a 2nd Ferrari rather than a 458, a cheap 355 or 612 as a daily ride, rather more kudos wouldn't you say 
Thanks for all your help and opinions guys, I think I'm 80% decided on a 458 I'll start he search and post my finding for your opinions. A couple more questions. Are there any dealers I should avoid? Secondly on insurance who should I use to quote and roughly how much do others pay, im 35 with no points and only pay £400pa on the AMG?
lostinvegas said:
I was in exactly the same shoes as you. I was looking at an F430 and drove one, but then drove a 458 on the same day. The difference is massive, I would drive both, I went and did a diving experience so got to drive them both on a track.
So I guess your expecting that I bought a 458? well no. I went to my local Ferrari dealer and they were brilliant. They wanted me to buy a 458 but I changed my mind and here is why. I drove a 488gtb. Its another step up from the 458. As others have said it's not as big a jump as the F430 is to the 458 but there is still a noticable difference. Then factor in the other things. Yes a 488 is going to be £210k+ depending on the options but you get: long warranty, free servicing and if you need it some very good finance options. I am tempted to do some finance even though I don't need to, just because I can probably do some more profitable things with the money. Plus you get a new car to your own spec.
Depreciation is very difficult to judge on cars, If you are buying an investment then buy property. Buying a Ferrari is about as good a car as you can buy to limit depreciation but its still by no means a guarantee.
A 488 is worth a thought, I would go into your local dealer and have a chat with them. Mine were brilliant and persuaded me into a Ferrari over a Mclaren or Lambo which were my other options.
A Ferrari dealer persuaded you to buy a Ferrari over a McLaren or a Lambo? Good Lord So I guess your expecting that I bought a 458? well no. I went to my local Ferrari dealer and they were brilliant. They wanted me to buy a 458 but I changed my mind and here is why. I drove a 488gtb. Its another step up from the 458. As others have said it's not as big a jump as the F430 is to the 458 but there is still a noticable difference. Then factor in the other things. Yes a 488 is going to be £210k+ depending on the options but you get: long warranty, free servicing and if you need it some very good finance options. I am tempted to do some finance even though I don't need to, just because I can probably do some more profitable things with the money. Plus you get a new car to your own spec.
Depreciation is very difficult to judge on cars, If you are buying an investment then buy property. Buying a Ferrari is about as good a car as you can buy to limit depreciation but its still by no means a guarantee.
A 488 is worth a thought, I would go into your local dealer and have a chat with them. Mine were brilliant and persuaded me into a Ferrari over a Mclaren or Lambo which were my other options.
Depreciation is probably easier to judge on a 488 than a 458, because the former is a brand new non-special edition car which will have a standard depreciation curve until such time as it is in the 458's place, or if unfathomably it's replacement is somehow worse, whereas the latter can only be bought used and is - for the first time - uniquely placed as the N/A V8 model available. It's hard to judge how big a deal that actually is for people though, particularly for people for whom simply owning it (or showing it off) is the point.
It was said earlier but if you're in a position financially to buy a 458 over the F430 then it is a no-brainer. It is personal taste but although the 458 came out in 2010 the cabin looks and feels very contemporary. The switchgear, LCDs, etc were advanced for its time. 2010 cars even have DRLs. The F430 by comparison, even the 2008 cars, has switchgear that really does look several generations old. Granted that's not what the car is about, and it is all forgiveable because of that engine and the whole theatre of it all, but for after driving a F430 being in a 458 felt like Ferrari had finally nailed every aspect of it perfectly. It felt like Ferrari had grown up and built a car that wasn't driven by the "you pay for the engine, the rest is free" maxim.
As a point of note I don't really think anyone in the market for a F430 or a 458 is probably thinking of cars £100k+ more - i.e. the 488.
dalenorth said:
So this will be my first Ferrari and I love both cars. However I'm not made of money so don't want to buy something that will lose 20k per annum.
I've only driven the 458 so far but I'm sure I'd get on with either, I'll probably only do 2k per annum so it's just a bit of fun for the weekends!
So do I go balls out on 458 and spend £150k or get a nice 430 cab for £100k. I think the 430 prices have levelled out now, but not sure on the 458? Could it come down to 430 prices in just 3/4 years? I'd be grateful if any opinions!
OP, be careful of being swayed by the '458 is the better car' posts. Opening the garage to see either car is going to give you the same buzz, driving either car will put the same smile on your face. They are both Ferraris and both will tick all the boxes of Ferrari ownership - the fun, the excitement, the heritage, (the cost). Either will make you **** your pants if you are not careful. Yes of course the 458 outperforms the 430, but if you plan on using it as a weekend toy then it doesn't sound like a few tenths less to 60 is really going to make the difference. I track my 430 regularly and it takes a well driven 458 to leave me behind, and on a country road there is no difference - my smile is just as wide.I've only driven the 458 so far but I'm sure I'd get on with either, I'll probably only do 2k per annum so it's just a bit of fun for the weekends!
So do I go balls out on 458 and spend £150k or get a nice 430 cab for £100k. I think the 430 prices have levelled out now, but not sure on the 458? Could it come down to 430 prices in just 3/4 years? I'd be grateful if any opinions!
If the extra £50k makes no difference to you then drive both and buy the one you prefer. If not, then find the right 430 - there are plenty of good ones out there. The 458 will still depreciate - standard models from any manufacturer tend to do that at least until 10 years old and the 458, brilliant as it is, will follow the same pattern. The 430 appears to have found it's floor and levelled out - appreciated a bit in fact but ignore that. My point is simply - don't extend yourself financially for the sake of pub bragging rights - in fact I'm not sure anyone at my local even cares. "It's a Ferrari!"
There will always be a newer, faster Ferrari. 'Balls out' is an expensive game to play. Either way - enjoy!
thecook101 said:
OP, be careful of being swayed by the '458 is the better car' posts. Opening the garage to see either car is going to give you the same buzz, driving either car will put the same smile on your face. They are both Ferraris and both will tick all the boxes of Ferrari ownership - the fun, the excitement, the heritage, (the cost). Either will make you **** your pants if you are not careful. Yes of course the 458 outperforms the 430, but if you plan on using it as a weekend toy then it doesn't sound like a few tenths less to 60 is really going to make the difference. I track my 430 regularly and it takes a well driven 458 to leave me behind, and on a country road there is no difference - my smile is just as wide.
If the extra £50k makes no difference to you then drive both and buy the one you prefer. If not, then find the right 430 - there are plenty of good ones out there. The 458 will still depreciate - standard models from any manufacturer tend to do that at least until 10 years old and the 458, brilliant as it is, will follow the same pattern. The 430 appears to have found it's floor and levelled out - appreciated a bit in fact but ignore that. My point is simply - don't extend yourself financially for the sake of pub bragging rights - in fact I'm not sure anyone at my local even cares. "It's a Ferrari!"
There will always be a newer, faster Ferrari. 'Balls out' is an expensive game to play. Either way - enjoy!
Sorry but I disagree with this. The F430 does look seriously good and makes a proper Ferrari noise, that I agree with, but it is no way near as exciting or rewarding to drive. I got bored of my F430 pretty quickly and found it outdated even a few years ago, much of the car is second rate by today's standards, but not old enough to be a 'classic'. A 458 would have kept me busy a lot longer. It's not about the extra performance in terms of lap times, it's that the 458 is leagues ahead in terms of engineering and is a much better CAR.If the extra £50k makes no difference to you then drive both and buy the one you prefer. If not, then find the right 430 - there are plenty of good ones out there. The 458 will still depreciate - standard models from any manufacturer tend to do that at least until 10 years old and the 458, brilliant as it is, will follow the same pattern. The 430 appears to have found it's floor and levelled out - appreciated a bit in fact but ignore that. My point is simply - don't extend yourself financially for the sake of pub bragging rights - in fact I'm not sure anyone at my local even cares. "It's a Ferrari!"
There will always be a newer, faster Ferrari. 'Balls out' is an expensive game to play. Either way - enjoy!
I am really pleased I had the F430 and did get my moneys worth out of it. But still if it didn't have the F badge on the front I doubt anyone would pay much more than £40k for one as the car is very good but not great, it's the brand that is special. The 458 is about having truly one of the best sports cars money can buy - and it just so happens to be a Ferrari.
Definitely go for the 458.
No problem with you disagreeing with my opinion, but you have somewhat devalued your own.sealtt said:
I am really pleased I had the F430 and did get my moneys worth out of it. But still if it didn't have the F badge on the front I doubt anyone would pay much more than £40k for one as the car is very good but not great, it's the brand that is special..
Hmmmm. If you can find an unbranded or rubbish branded car which costs £40k and is as good as an F430 please do tell me which one and, subject to a proper test drive to validate this to me unlikely proposition, I'll have at least two. One as a daily $hitter and one as a track slag. Durzel said:
As a point of note I don't really think anyone in the market for a F430 or a 458 is probably thinking of cars £100k+ more - i.e. the 488.
100k+ more? A decent RHD 458 is going to be £150k+ how much do you think a 488 is?I was in the market for a F430 and bought a new 488gtb. There are various good reasons why I did, you don't know the OP is not in the same situation as me.
Ok well ... I find a Nissan GTR is an equally exciting and probably more engaging car to drive and they can probably be bought for £40k-£50k. A 997 911 Turbo is a better car to drive and can be had for around £50k I presume. I know these are not alternatives if you want the F-car, but I'm just talking about the driving experience not the looks/styling, image, etc. You probably all totally disagree with me I'm sure, after all this is the Ferrari V8 section, but that's just my thoughts based on the value of the driving experience having owned and driven many of these cars.
Same as the old (non turbo) California, it's a much worse car than a used £50k Mercedes SL63 AMG, yet it still sells for £100k at 8 years old... The image & F badge is of course adding a lot of value to these cars - and so it should as it's a great ownership experience, the cars (more so the F430) look incredible, and of course the solid residual values influence massively the price today.
But for the point of this discussion, I feel with a 458 you kind of pay fair value for the driving experience and get the great looks & Ferrari drama for free - whereas with the F430 you are paying a lot for the Ferrari badge, the driving experience alone is not worth the price they cost - which should be pretty obvious given that they could be bought for significantly less money when they were more modern a few years ago.
Same as the old (non turbo) California, it's a much worse car than a used £50k Mercedes SL63 AMG, yet it still sells for £100k at 8 years old... The image & F badge is of course adding a lot of value to these cars - and so it should as it's a great ownership experience, the cars (more so the F430) look incredible, and of course the solid residual values influence massively the price today.
But for the point of this discussion, I feel with a 458 you kind of pay fair value for the driving experience and get the great looks & Ferrari drama for free - whereas with the F430 you are paying a lot for the Ferrari badge, the driving experience alone is not worth the price they cost - which should be pretty obvious given that they could be bought for significantly less money when they were more modern a few years ago.
Edited by sealtt on Tuesday 18th April 16:58
sealtt said:
Ok well ... I find a Nissan GTR is an equally exciting and probably more engaging car to drive and they can probably be bought for £40k-£50k. A 997 911 Turbo is a better car to drive and can be had for around £50k I presume. I know these are not alternatives if you want the F-car, but I'm just talking about the driving experience not the looks/styling, image, etc. You probably all totally disagree with me I'm sure, after all this is the Ferrari V8 section, but that's just my thoughts based on the value of the driving experience having owned and driven many of these cars.
'fraid so. I have driven the 997 TT a lot, and while it is definitely faster in almost any situation than an F430, it sounds like a washing machine and for me the gutteral Grizzly having his nads blowtorched roar of the F430 in top down mode while screaming up the upper end of the rev range is well, an important aspect of the experience. And the 997 will do anything you want, you need to be utterly insane to unstick it. It's like having your batman shoot the revolting natives for you while you have a G&T, rather then doing it yourself. The F430 will reward you with a fiery death for taking liberties and in the slim margin between the limits of your capabilities and a fiery death lies motoring Nirvana. Edited by sealtt on Tuesday 18th April 16:58
I haven't driven the GTR but, and I mean no disrespect to it, this is because I amn't attracted to an immensely capable and grippy hyper Scooby. I may of course be hugely unjust to it, but I'm OK with not finding out and sticking to pretend proper sports cars like the F430.
Nano2nd said:
maybe your confusion about this is simply a case of your opinion is not in-line with everyone else's.... i.e. your wrong about which cars are "worst"
Maybe... though I seem to recall most reviewers' opinions match mine on that car specifically (California vs competitors) - in any case, and fortunately for me, it's all entirely subjective so not really possible to be wrong, at worst 'not in-line with everyone else' as you put it I'm not biased either, despite my lack of regard for the 'original' [modern] California, I think the California T is a fantastic car which really does see off all competitors. I went to the launch of that car in Italy and at Milbrook (what a blast that was) and have been meaning to place an order ever since!
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