488 GTB Advice

[findtomdotcom]

Hey PistonHeads massive. I am thinking about dipping my toe into 488 ownership but noting that prices are seemingly are at a high point, I am after some advice from the sage among you. (Yes, I know don’t buy at the high point in the market. But I really want one)….

Firstly, what specs should I look for in a 488 that are must haves? I’m not really a lover of red cars, is that a bad thing, to not want a red one?

I quite like this car: https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202107145... but it looks quite pricy. Is this fair considering its mega spec?

Are 488 very spec sensitive?

If you buy an approved car do you automatically get a 2 year warranty from Ferrari no matter how much original warranty is left?

Sorry bit if a random collection of questions. Thanks in advance.

Tom

[findtomdotcom]

Hey, thanks very much. The 992 is already gone. I ran it for 15/16 months and managed to make a little profit by selling it now, easily the best car I have owned so far. I have a Turbo S coming in Mar next, so just looking at what's about.

I like this car, but my worry is, how much has the market shifted since last year? And will that mean in 12 months the car is worth 40k less? No one knows, but my gut feeling is it is just too much right now. I think its a £175k car thats up for £185k.... I don't need it, so I could just wait.

I'm with you, £150k seems a much safer bet, I don't think I have seen many low miles 488s under that yet?

Tom

[findtomdotcom]

Taffy, that is the kind of spec I am after and at that price it seems a very good idea!

I assume you sold it as the warranty and service pack are due soon? What were your thoughts on owning it?

NB: I have already emailed Harry Bowman @ Swindon

Edited by findtomdotcom on Thursday 22 July 11:10

[findtomdotcom]

Thanks very much. I am booked in to see it tomorrow. Taffeta I tried to email you but you have the feature turn off on the forum. Would you mind me chatting to you before seeing it tomorrow? Could you message me your phone number please?

I did think about the 458, what an amazing noise! But I think the 488 just suits me better, love the torque and the few updates etc.

The hard question is, keep the 488 or sell when the Turbo arrives….

[findtomdotcom]

Thanks Taff, fantastic.

I can't stand Jayemm. Who is this odd bloke to tell us all about how good his cars are?

I haven't seen the video but I would guess his conclusion is Ferrari special and 911 boring.... He says the same rubbish every time. Oh and probably gets a mention in there for his Lotus... To be fair, Lotus are awesome.

Tom

[findtomdotcom]

So a few weeks on and the dealer has now agreed to my £10k lower than asking price offer. Quite excited by this but just wanted to do one final check before signing on the dotted line.

How much of deal is a non-red Ferrari? I don’t want a red one, but am I among the minority? Is it really resale red?

I plan to store it long term when I go overseas next year. I assume that this is usual for Ferrari and as long as they are on a charger, it’s a non issue?

What has been the experience of owners selling their cars back to dealers to buy a new car? I note selling directly looks to have a high cost. Is this the same if you are part-exchanging against a new Ferrari?

[findtomdotcom]

Thanks Taffy, yes the special paints are really nice IRL. Even the red ones, I was quite tempted by Swindon’s 488 in the same colour as your 812.

The car also has had 3 previous owners, again is this a Ferrari thing? It’s only 3 years old.

[findtomdotcom]

Quick update, I bought the Grey 488 GTB. Managed to agree a price that worked for me and the dealer. Very very very excited to buy my first Ferrari.

Thanks all for your advice.

Warm regards,

Tom

[findtomdotcom]

Well go on then, just a little peek until the callipers have been painted yellow.

[findtomdotcom]

And two more:

[findtomdotcom]

Hello, yes I included the callipers in the deal. The invoice shows the callipers as costing £1666.

[findtomdotcom]

Man you have got to love Pistonheads. Classy reply and genuinely nice to read your feedback.

Let’s be honest, neither is a poor choice.

[findtomdotcom]

Jayemm, you are right mate, you are a person too and while I don't agree with some of what you have said in previous videos, (boring 911s) I get it. I do wonder how much you stir to pot just to get views/likes....

And to be fair reading my comments again, I think I nailed your response even without watching the video!

Edited by findtomdotcom on Wednesday 29th September 22:00

[findtomdotcom]

Quite pleased with the results of changing the callipers to yellow.



Tom

[findtomdotcom]

Last one!

[findtomdotcom]

st1040 said:

Hi Tom, congrats on the purchase! We have very similar situations and cars. Iv'e just come from a 991.2 GT3 4.0L
to a 488, same colour as yours, same carbon and seats (mine are alcantara). I also have a Turbo S on order but I'm longer away than you are (I was given 2 years to get mine, this was ordered at the start of this year). The 488 is a massive step up in acceleration than the GT3 also a lot more refined (bumpy road mode and a quiet engine at slow to moderate speeds) It is fussier than the porsche
and you will start to notice cheap and weird things (some hilarious) about the car you would never see on the porsche.
Will you keep both cars when the Turbo comes?

Thank you. That 4.0L engine is exceptional isn't it?

No, I simply can't afford to keep a 488, (a new CT Taycan, it's late!) and a 992 Turbo S. Mrs Findtom would kill and divorce me. Maybe in that order.