488 GTB - buying - anything to check?

[blueSL]

Yes, shown under the "Peace of Mind" category, "5th year extended manufacturers warranty". Makes you think doesn't it!!

[stimshady]

i believe it is still possible to remove the bypass valve pipes on the exhaust (regardless of the system you chose originally)... it leaves them open and so they stay loud, but it's not an easy thing to do. No button etc.

That's probably why the car becomes quieter quite quickly after starting the engine - they close.

[blueSL]

Yes, I think that's right, there's some way of jamming the valves open though whether the dealer will do it, I don't know.

[stimshady]

blueSL said:

Yes, I think that's right, there's some way of jamming the valves open though whether the dealer will do it, I don't know.

i think it's a warranty-voider

[stimshady]

blueSL said:

Yes, shown under the "Peace of Mind" category, "5th year extended manufacturers warranty". Makes you think doesn't it!!

4k a year is a lot when you think about the miles covered on average - might be worth banking the money and seeing which works out better!?

[stimshady]

blueSL said:

Unless you are very risk averse and go with the extended warranty, it's a case of mentally setting that money aside and hoping your actual costs are less. One to ponder when you next look at the launch control button...

Agreed!

[blueSL]

stimshady said:

i think it's a warranty-voider

I think that's a given, my 488 warranty expires in March and I have no intention of buying the extended warranty...

[stimshady]

blueSL said:

I think that's a given, my 488 warranty expires in March and I have no intention of buying the extended warranty...

So you had yours from new? Have you had any issues that would've required the warranty to be used since ownership started? Many miles covered?

[blueSL]

Yes, had it from new, had a number of build-quality issues when it was new but since then it's been fine and I've driven 9000 miles in it. New rear tyres, bought directly from Pirelli and a replacement wheel arch liner but that is it. Of course, if the gearbox were to let go, that would be a major expense but that other one - new ceramic discs are not covered by the warranty anyway.

[stimshady]

blueSL said:

Yes, had it from new, had a number of build-quality issues when it was new but since then it's been fine and I've driven 9000 miles in it. New rear tyres, bought directly from Pirelli and a replacement wheel arch liner but that is it. Of course, if the gearbox were to let go, that would be a major expense but that other one - new ceramic discs are not covered by the warranty anyway.

i imagine they are avoiding the huge amounts of 'warranty' discs that might be needed if everyone started tracking them?! Still... £10K or so for new ones isn't cheap if they do need changing.

[petjam]

Mine is in for its 4 year service this week and I am going to extend the warranty for a year. Head says don't bother but for another full year of peace of mind I am going to do it.

[stimshady]

petjam said:

Mine is in for its 4 year service this week and I am going to extend the warranty for a year. Head says don't bother but for another full year of peace of mind I am going to do it.

did they give you a price for the extended warranty?

[petjam]

For the 5th year warranty so same coverage as standard is 4,080.

Over 5 years it goes to the power warranty which is 2,880.

[robin conway]

Hi all, I am seriouisly looking at swapping mu Aston DB11 AMR for a 488GTB in Giallo Yellow with all carbon embelishments! Its a big move for me after 5 Astons. Can I invite sensible thoughts especially on the colour in the UK but frankly I dont care!

[johnnyreggae]

Giallo is good ! There's a few other recent 488 threads over the past month which may help your perspective but essentially only one of the two cars you mention is an event each time....

[Bilkob]

oharedm said:

Is it a dealer or independent. The obvious things to check are – rim damage, tyre age, battery is hard to test but you could look to see if it is the original. If it has carbon seats look for undue wear on the drive side bolster.
I hate rattles and have spent countless hours tracking them down on mine. You normally don't tune in to rattles on a test drive as you are blown away by how quick the car is. Check for brake pad wear, especially on the front as a new set is £1.5k. Mechanically I have not heard of any major issues to look out for.

My eyesight is really getting bad, I thought for a minute you said £1500 for front brake pads!

[Eatpies99]

Those pads do seem a little expensive considering my 458 pads were around 585+vat from Ferrari 2 weeks ago (along with some discs unfortunately)

[turboman786]

4k warranty seems a lot, but a warrantied car will always be far easier to sell particularly if, like me, you tend to sell privately.

Im also looking at a 488 and wouldnt really want to own one out of warranty, the potential bills would be scary if they occurred. On the other hand the car may be totally trouble free, I guess its all about your appetite for risk and willingness to repair yourself

[Chris355]

Meridian were doing warranty and the warranty inspection for 3500. If you already have warranty, haven’t claimed, and then extend I believe you can get 20% off (10% renewal discount and 10% no claims discount).