F430 spider - what to look for?
Discussion
Hi All
I'm going to look at an 06 model later today at my friendly neighbourhood dealership out here in Switz. Anything in particular to look out for, besides the usual service history, condition of the car etc? Also, are there any must-haves in terms of spec (it is an F1, I'm not sure about whether I'm going to like this but will give it a try)? Finally, are there big model year changes after 06?
Many thanks
Andrew
I'm going to look at an 06 model later today at my friendly neighbourhood dealership out here in Switz. Anything in particular to look out for, besides the usual service history, condition of the car etc? Also, are there any must-haves in terms of spec (it is an F1, I'm not sure about whether I'm going to like this but will give it a try)? Finally, are there big model year changes after 06?
Many thanks
Andrew
You're buying such a recent car that there probably isn't anything much to look for beyond the things you mention? Not had a Spider myself but had my Coupe - a manual - for a few months now and before getting it I tried an F1 box car. Best of it's type I reckon and I did like it. Still went for the manual though as I prefer it - it's a joy to use. IMO the interior also looks a bit 'empty' without the iconic open gate. So I guess, FWIW, my one bit of advice is try both boxes. Either way ENJOY!
If it's an 06 car it'll still have the balance of it's 3 yr mfr warranty (assuming same as UK), will have had the 1K inspection and may or may not have had it's first annual service. The only things I've heard of on these cars is the occasional electrical gremlin; warning lights etc. You're not getting much feedback because there isn't very much to say!
AndrewD said:
Thanks guys!
Test drive this afternoon, and the sun is out
Pugsey, how are you getting on with your coupe?
Two months in and still deeply in love. Thoughts of keeping the mileage down have gone out the window too! It gets used for everything from proper juants to just popping out for a pint of milk. Amazing combo of feeling very special whether you're going fast or slow but also being totally day to day useable. Got the new GT2 coming but frankly apart from a tad more performance what's it going to offer me. First car I've had for many years that has made me stop thinking about my next toy. Well apart from the 430scud. that is! Test drive this afternoon, and the sun is out
Pugsey, how are you getting on with your coupe?
Coming to your part of the world as part of a France, Germany, Switzerland and Italy jaunt in a few weeks time - staying in Grindelwald for a few days walking enroute. Can't wait to drive some of those passes!
Edited by Pugsey on Wednesday 12th September 11:57
AndrewD said:
Hi All
I'm going to look at an 06 model later today at my friendly neighbourhood dealership out here in Switz. Anything in particular to look out for, besides the usual service history, condition of the car etc? Also, are there any must-haves in terms of spec (it is an F1, I'm not sure about whether I'm going to like this but will give it a try)? Finally, are there big model year changes after 06?
Many thanks
Andrew
Ask the dealer to provide you with two things before you pick it up:I'm going to look at an 06 model later today at my friendly neighbourhood dealership out here in Switz. Anything in particular to look out for, besides the usual service history, condition of the car etc? Also, are there any must-haves in terms of spec (it is an F1, I'm not sure about whether I'm going to like this but will give it a try)? Finally, are there big model year changes after 06?
Many thanks
Andrew
- Full suspension geometry readout from one of those laser ramp things.
- Clutch wear report - if it's F1
430 handling is v sensitive to geo. And some lazy dealers don't get it sorted when they sell the car on. (seriously bad form IMO) and can cost £600 from them if it's not right. Major change after 05 is that F1 cars start in Auto mode(!) by default.
Murcielago_Boy said:
AndrewD said:
Hi All
I'm going to look at an 06 model later today at my friendly neighbourhood dealership out here in Switz. Anything in particular to look out for, besides the usual service history, condition of the car etc? Also, are there any must-haves in terms of spec (it is an F1, I'm not sure about whether I'm going to like this but will give it a try)? Finally, are there big model year changes after 06?
Many thanks
Andrew
Ask the dealer to provide you with two things before you pick it up:I'm going to look at an 06 model later today at my friendly neighbourhood dealership out here in Switz. Anything in particular to look out for, besides the usual service history, condition of the car etc? Also, are there any must-haves in terms of spec (it is an F1, I'm not sure about whether I'm going to like this but will give it a try)? Finally, are there big model year changes after 06?
Many thanks
Andrew
- Full suspension geometry readout from one of those laser ramp things.
- Clutch wear report - if it's F1
430 handling is v sensitive to geo. And some lazy dealers don't get it sorted when they sell the car on. (seriously bad form IMO) and can cost £600 from them if it's not right. Major change after 05 is that F1 cars start in Auto mode(!) by default.
The ONLY 2 things you need to check with an 06 car is that it's had its' services either at the appropriate mileage or date, everything else will be covered under warranty PROVIDED that the services were carried out according to schedule.
The 2nd issue is more complicated, you need to check for accident damage/paintwork rectification. The simplest way is not to even bother looking at the car, but get the dealer to state IN WRITING whether or not there's been any work carried out, therefore if you subsequently discover that it has had paint, you'll have recourse to the dealer.
There are a number of recalls for the 430 depending on build date, including an oil filter and IIRC a steering component, but all main dealers would carry out this work simply because they get paid to do so. Non-franchise dealers however probably won't bother, so simply call your local main dealer and ask them to check the "computer".
It will probably need an exhaust and manifolds, but these are warranty items too, so don't worry about them......provided the service history is OK.
Good luck, they're great cars....even as a girlie automatic
The 2nd issue is more complicated, you need to check for accident damage/paintwork rectification. The simplest way is not to even bother looking at the car, but get the dealer to state IN WRITING whether or not there's been any work carried out, therefore if you subsequently discover that it has had paint, you'll have recourse to the dealer.
There are a number of recalls for the 430 depending on build date, including an oil filter and IIRC a steering component, but all main dealers would carry out this work simply because they get paid to do so. Non-franchise dealers however probably won't bother, so simply call your local main dealer and ask them to check the "computer".
It will probably need an exhaust and manifolds, but these are warranty items too, so don't worry about them......provided the service history is OK.
Good luck, they're great cars....even as a girlie automatic
Pugsey said:
AndrewD said:
Thanks guys!
Test drive this afternoon, and the sun is out
Pugsey, how are you getting on with your coupe?
Two months in and still deeply in love. Thoughts of keeping the mileage down have gone out the window too! It gets used for everything from proper juants to just popping out for a pint of milk. Amazing combo of feeling very special whether you're going fast or slow but also being totally day to day useable. Got the new GT2 coming but frankly apart from a tad more performance what's it going to offer me. First car I've had for many years that has made me stop thinking about my next toy. Well apart from the 430scud. that is! Test drive this afternoon, and the sun is out
Pugsey, how are you getting on with your coupe?
Coming to your part of the world as part of a France, Germany, Switzerland and Italy jaunt in a few weeks time - staying in Grindelwald for a few days walking enroute. Can't wait to drive some of those passes!
Edited by Pugsey on Wednesday 12th September 11:57
I'm in Zug, if you're anywhere near, drop me a line!
And thanks to everybody else for your help, much appreciated.
I tested the car a couple of days ago; the dealership here in Zug were great, especially compared to what I am used to in the UK. I turned up at 5.30, they didn't ask for ID, gave me the keys and told me to take the car out, suggested a route which took at least 90 minutes. The drive was superb, sun out, roads snaking round the lake, tunnels, red F430 spider
Net net, the car was everything I expected, but I'm undecided about the F1 box. Takes some getting used to naturally, otherwise gear changes can feel a tad violent & unsympathetic, but it sort of leaves me feeling a little disconnected from the experience.
Waiting lists here are apparently 1 year for a new one, and the only available manual spider is in anthracite... the Swiss don't seem to like manuals.
Now need to test the G spyder & decide!
I tested the car a couple of days ago; the dealership here in Zug were great, especially compared to what I am used to in the UK. I turned up at 5.30, they didn't ask for ID, gave me the keys and told me to take the car out, suggested a route which took at least 90 minutes. The drive was superb, sun out, roads snaking round the lake, tunnels, red F430 spider
Net net, the car was everything I expected, but I'm undecided about the F1 box. Takes some getting used to naturally, otherwise gear changes can feel a tad violent & unsympathetic, but it sort of leaves me feeling a little disconnected from the experience.
Waiting lists here are apparently 1 year for a new one, and the only available manual spider is in anthracite... the Swiss don't seem to like manuals.
Now need to test the G spyder & decide!
Coming from a 997 GT3 i found the F1 box a bit hard to get used too but am pleased i chose it over the manual(thanks Tony h). Its not like any other paddle/auto it is a joy to use when you have the hang of it. I keep trying to down flick in my rr now, most annoying. Also make sure the wind breaker doesnt rattle, it can be annoying.
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