F430 - 5 months, 5000 miles
Discussion
So I am coming up to a full half years ownership and just thought I'd give a quick review of the 430. Simply epic. There, that was quick.
It's my only car (though have use of the Missus' X3) and I use it every time I can. Whether popping to the shops, road trips in the UK and Europe (including a booze trip - you can get 8 cases of wine behind the seats and 4 in passenger footwell), though most of the time I don't need an excuse. My 2 yo loves the car, though her constant requests for 'faster' or 'louder' aren't always adhered to...
It has never missed beat, save for a intake gasket needing replacement which was done under warranty by the fantastic chaps at the Ferrari Centre, Maidstone.
It is a world away from my old 360, and the current price gap doesn't reflect the chasm between them in terms of driving experience and build. The noise of the 360 is slightly better, more of a scream, but the 430 is still in a league of its own when the exhaust valves open.
I think the F1 box suits the car perfectly, and the prices manuals are fetching are - to me - crazy. And would have pushed ownership out of my range. But I love the box, the paddles and the interaction.
I'm yet to drive a 458, but until I do I will say that the 430 is almost the perfect road car. You can use the revs at more normal speeds, the steering is almost telepathic, the chassis and electronics allow you to play with the car without feeling on a knife edge. It just makes me smile every time I drive it and doesn't give me the fear that an enormous bill is waiting for me. I also think the styling doesn't look dated at all.
In short, if you are thinking of pulling the pin, do it. Find one with good provenance and you'll spend less than on a 911 or BMW In terms of maintenance, from my experience at least. The only downside of all my miles is that the 18,750 service has come around more quickly than I'd like! And before anyone says depreciation, life is short, enjoy it. I also think prices will remain relatively firm, but even if they drop a little you'll still lose substantially less than spending 90k on a M6 or a 991. Sure they are "better" cars but for theatre, passion, emotion there is nothing like a prancing horse on a steering wheel.
To all owners who feel the same, please get out and drive them more....
My spec - Grigio Silverstone, Rosso leather, F1, shields, yellow calipers, carbon sports seats and roll bar. It also happens to be Jenson Button's old car. I am not planning on selling anytime soon, but she will shortly be paired with a Giulia Quadrifoglio.
It's my only car (though have use of the Missus' X3) and I use it every time I can. Whether popping to the shops, road trips in the UK and Europe (including a booze trip - you can get 8 cases of wine behind the seats and 4 in passenger footwell), though most of the time I don't need an excuse. My 2 yo loves the car, though her constant requests for 'faster' or 'louder' aren't always adhered to...
It has never missed beat, save for a intake gasket needing replacement which was done under warranty by the fantastic chaps at the Ferrari Centre, Maidstone.
It is a world away from my old 360, and the current price gap doesn't reflect the chasm between them in terms of driving experience and build. The noise of the 360 is slightly better, more of a scream, but the 430 is still in a league of its own when the exhaust valves open.
I think the F1 box suits the car perfectly, and the prices manuals are fetching are - to me - crazy. And would have pushed ownership out of my range. But I love the box, the paddles and the interaction.
I'm yet to drive a 458, but until I do I will say that the 430 is almost the perfect road car. You can use the revs at more normal speeds, the steering is almost telepathic, the chassis and electronics allow you to play with the car without feeling on a knife edge. It just makes me smile every time I drive it and doesn't give me the fear that an enormous bill is waiting for me. I also think the styling doesn't look dated at all.
In short, if you are thinking of pulling the pin, do it. Find one with good provenance and you'll spend less than on a 911 or BMW In terms of maintenance, from my experience at least. The only downside of all my miles is that the 18,750 service has come around more quickly than I'd like! And before anyone says depreciation, life is short, enjoy it. I also think prices will remain relatively firm, but even if they drop a little you'll still lose substantially less than spending 90k on a M6 or a 991. Sure they are "better" cars but for theatre, passion, emotion there is nothing like a prancing horse on a steering wheel.
To all owners who feel the same, please get out and drive them more....
My spec - Grigio Silverstone, Rosso leather, F1, shields, yellow calipers, carbon sports seats and roll bar. It also happens to be Jenson Button's old car. I am not planning on selling anytime soon, but she will shortly be paired with a Giulia Quadrifoglio.
OP are you based near Maidstone? If so you should pop down to the car meet at the Dering Arms in Pluckley on 2nd Sunday each month. I can't go this weekend but I'll be there in January. 
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