2005 - F430 Spider

[sng45]

I'm interested in a 2005 F430 Spider - I've had a few Ferraris in the past - 328/355/360 Modena & Spider but not a 430 although I've driven one when I was in a "Supercar club" some years ago and was very impressed with it.

I seem to recall reading something on here previously which detailed issues with the exhaust manifolds on early 430's - the car I'm looking at hasn't had the manifolds changed - is this something I should be concerned about ?

Additionally are there any other recognised faults I should be looking out for ?

Thank you

[sng45]

Very helpful, I'd not seen that before

Thank you

[sng45]

cgt2 said:

430 is a good car but if you can raise the extra money, 458 is phenomenal in comparison.

Having owned both it is truly light years ahead.

I'd considered a 458, have driven a few of them and agree the difference is significant but at an extra £80-100k so is the cost ! buying one would utilise a lot of my reserve funds - the alternative would be to sell a one or two of my other cars but really enjoying my 356 and 911 at the moment !

[sng45]

This is the car I was interested in ............

https://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/...

it would appear that a 458 spider is at least double the cost of this 430 and for something that would be used on occasional Sunday afternoons I'm having problems justifying the difference ! ( In fact the 430 is far in excess of my year old Lotus Elise which is mid engined/convertible/rwd and which it would replace and I've just come to terms with that !)

I spoke to the selling company, who I think have a good reputation, and whilst they don't offer a warranty I was told they will "stand by" the car if anything goes wrong - although I'm not quite certain what that would mean in practice ! - I enquired re the exhaust manifolds and was told they "have been welded" and "wouldn't need doing again" - not sure if this is good ( or bad ?)

[sng45]

Chris355 said:

"Stand by their car" means nothing so far as im concerned. I'd get in writing exactly what they are covering! People can have bad memories when serious and costly issues arise!


PS. Did I sell you a red 360 spider once upon a time?

No - I bought my 360 Spider from Carrs of Exeter ( unfortunately - horrendous to deal with !) although if I remember correctly I sold you an immaculate black 996 C4S cabriolet - and then bought it back from you a couple of years later !