california v 458

[JohnG123]

Currently have a 2012 California fully loaded with all carbon fibre options and I have had no issues .
Car has warranty until 2016 and sevice pack until 2019
Car has now done 13000 miles.
I am looking at a 458 italia or spider not sure yet . Budget might mean buying an older say 2010 or 2011 itala or spider.
Will I regret it ?.

Anyone swopped and any advantages or disadvantages

Thanks

[carpov]

I've swapped... twice!
The first time I went from a Gen 1 Cali to an Italia but I really missed being able to have the roof down. I use my cars for driving to work occasionally and when it was hot (I had the 458 during the summer a couple of years ago) I used to arrive at work with a little pool of sweat on the back of my shirt. I felt that the only way I could justify the extra expense of the 458 was to utilise its extra performance all the time, which was great, but ultimately I missed the extra dimension of driving more slowly with the roof down.
So I switched back to a Cali 30 after only 3 months. Kept that for 18 months, which is a bit of a record for me!
Anyway, Spider prices were still North of 200k for a long time until eventually a really good deal came along and I managed to bag a high spec one for a decent price. Absolutely love it. It has the best of both worlds and I really can't think of any other car I'd rather have (which is a shame in some ways!)
Hope that helps.

[shabster]

I'm in the same position - have had a 2012 Cali 30 for a year and loved it - but after test driving a few 458 spiders a few weeks ago I am hooked - have placed a deposit on a low mileage well specced 2013 458 spider.

Biggest thing I will miss is the back seats - I have 3 kids, but to be honest the number of times I have them all in the Cali at once is not very often - the car is more for me to drive and have fun in, and the drive in the 458 is more fun again then the Cali.

good luck with your own decision and finding the right car if you decide to trade.

[F355GTS]

I'm in the process of changing, had 3 Californias (2 std, 1 30) and pick up a new 458 Spider in July. California is a great car and those that think it's not a proper Ferrari are the ones missing out however the 458 Spider is just simply mesmerising, I've had the opportunity to drive 4 now, 1 Italia and 3 Spiders, I've gone for the Spider for the same reasons as Carpov

[PCA]

The 458 spider is lovely. I was seriously tempted after both the original and California 30. In the end I went for the new Calfornia t and I must say it really is a sharper drive without losing that every day capability. Build quality is improved too.
Worth a look for those who can embrace the new Ferrari turbo V8.

[JohnG123]

Thanks guys guess I need to do some man maths .

Are there any known problems I need to look out for on the italia or spider.

Also are there any must have options.

I have seen afew cars advertised with the Hele stop start system. On my first 2011 California I had numerous issues with the hele system.

[GRBF430F1]

458 spider is awesome and would be my own choice of the 2 cars but if you liked the previous California you really ought to at least test drive the new one to get a comparison

[markiii]

Imho the Cali is a gt that can hussle, the 458 is a race car you could tour in.

The spider I drove felt so special, I'd have one in a heartbeat if the budget permitted. Unless you need the extra space of the cali the the 458 spider has no competition