Diary of a new F430 owner
Discussion
My next adventure begins, Diary of a new F430 owner. I have never driven a Ferrari but after having a 996 GT3 which has gone and a Carrera 3.0 I wanted a change. I mainly use the car for fun days, long drives across UK, Europe, organised trips and the odd track day. Prices on Porsches seem to have gone crazy. A more modern GT3 (997 mkII) commands a significant premium and to upgrade to this would be 80-90K. I feel this makes the prices on F430's look quite a bargain in comparison and therefore my decision to move stable was made. I had had a few independent dealers recommended to be and after various conversations I found Rardley Motors and Mike Wheeler. A truly super guy. The buying process Mike has done all the leg work and happy to assist. After dealing with Tom @ 911v I got used to a high level of service which you can trust. Mike at Rardley seems to be at the same level. I am now on the train approaching Guildford and many similarities to my train journey to Slough 2 years ago to pick buy the GT3 come to mind. Anticipation in the tummy of what you are about to see. Is it as described, feeling a little bit naughty and having to pinch myself that I am lucky enough to have the opportunity to look at, buy my first Ferrari.
Sat in the garage looking at the car I first see a Dino
ahhh what a beautiful car. The curvature of the seats the compact stance of the car and absolute beaut..
Pulling myself away from the Dino the 430 in black - what a beautiful car - crisp and fine with distinct lines and glistening black.
The carbon brakes look brand new and the inside is fresh. Looking underneath the car looks to be in fine fettle. Opening up the engine bay - a work of art. Understanding a little more about the draw and the myth of Ferrari.
Taking the car out the seats are less forgiving then I thought or they look.
No squeaks or rattles but quite a different experience with the FP gear box. Throttle seems to need working a little more than the GT3. More than likely my driving style. Only a short drive to check all is in order but I need some time behind the wheel to get a true feel the cars character and I can't wait.
A beautiful car. A very different drive to the GT3 and I think I am going to miss that. Great service from Rardley Motors and I would highly recommend them. My first steps into Ferrari ownership.
Sat in the garage looking at the car I first see a Dino
ahhh what a beautiful car. The curvature of the seats the compact stance of the car and absolute beaut..
Pulling myself away from the Dino the 430 in black - what a beautiful car - crisp and fine with distinct lines and glistening black.
The carbon brakes look brand new and the inside is fresh. Looking underneath the car looks to be in fine fettle. Opening up the engine bay - a work of art. Understanding a little more about the draw and the myth of Ferrari.
Taking the car out the seats are less forgiving then I thought or they look.
No squeaks or rattles but quite a different experience with the FP gear box. Throttle seems to need working a little more than the GT3. More than likely my driving style. Only a short drive to check all is in order but I need some time behind the wheel to get a true feel the cars character and I can't wait.
A beautiful car. A very different drive to the GT3 and I think I am going to miss that. Great service from Rardley Motors and I would highly recommend them. My first steps into Ferrari ownership.
Edited by Fattrader on Friday 12th December 12:48
Fattrader said:
TISPKJ said:
I bought my 360 from Mike, top bloke for sure, I had that car on my "possible" list.
I also had a mk1 GT3 in a past life, enjoy I am sure it will be all you expected.
How did you find the GT3 compared to the 360?I also had a mk1 GT3 in a past life, enjoy I am sure it will be all you expected.
one thing I found with the porsche v ferrari or 993 v 355 to be exact was the ridiculous amount of throttle travel on the later cars, you really have to move your leg almost, interesting you have found the same, I did ask about a quick action throttle kit in one of my first posts as a F owner but to no avail.
I loved the 360 so the 430 should be even better, and a bit quicker I should think except on a circuit.
TISPKJ said:
one thing I found with the porsche v ferrari or 993 v 355 to be exact was the ridiculous amount of throttle travel on the later cars, you really have to move your leg almost, interesting you have found the same, I did ask about a quick action throttle kit in one of my first posts as a F owner but to no avail.
That might explain it. Need to work with the foot travel. I'll speak with one of the garages and see if there are any tweaks that can be made to throttle travel. I would of thought either a software update or a tweak of something. There mustbe some means of adjustment. Similar to the dialled in under steer travel in the accelerator may also be dialled in. Initially made me think about the J curved plate on the TVR installed to calm the initial application of throttle. If I find anything I'll come back.
OK here we are 1 week 1 day away from getting to see the car and take it on a weekend jaunt. It is difficult to describe how excited but I would imagine it compares with 8 year understanding they are going to see Mickey Mouse at Disney. My mental age is that 8 year old. I have watched
several three figures of clips on You tube around the F430, showing off the noise, showing the handling, showing the set up, gear change etc etc. In among these are some great comedy and if you have not watched I would recommend these videos had me chuckling.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UcvHSmF28qc
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V5c_KSYCNaU
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3yzVVN43Z5o
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TcLU4LGTPk8
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SGlydjQI09o
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F-DTCyO67uI
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YXXfiFI6F3U
several three figures of clips on You tube around the F430, showing off the noise, showing the handling, showing the set up, gear change etc etc. In among these are some great comedy and if you have not watched I would recommend these videos had me chuckling.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UcvHSmF28qc
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V5c_KSYCNaU
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3yzVVN43Z5o
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TcLU4LGTPk8
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SGlydjQI09o
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F-DTCyO67uI
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YXXfiFI6F3U
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