My First Ferrari (488 or 458) As Keeper
Discussion
Hi,
I'm strongly considering getting my first Ferrari. I've typically had Porsches and Lambos up until now.
I would like to get something that I would potentially keep for a long time, or maybe forever, so I think on that basis a 458 would be a better call, due to it being the last of the NA in the V8 range, however I do prefer the look of a 488 :-)
If I was to go the 458 route with a view of keeping it as a classic one day, I'm sure the year is quite irrelevant?
For example, I have a classic Porsche, and I don't think it would make any difference if it was 1985 or 1988 (exact same spec), IF i did have to sell the car one day.
So on that basis, would I be right to ignore the 'year' of a 458, or would you guys think different?
I'm strongly considering getting my first Ferrari. I've typically had Porsches and Lambos up until now.
I would like to get something that I would potentially keep for a long time, or maybe forever, so I think on that basis a 458 would be a better call, due to it being the last of the NA in the V8 range, however I do prefer the look of a 488 :-)
If I was to go the 458 route with a view of keeping it as a classic one day, I'm sure the year is quite irrelevant?
For example, I have a classic Porsche, and I don't think it would make any difference if it was 1985 or 1988 (exact same spec), IF i did have to sell the car one day.
So on that basis, would I be right to ignore the 'year' of a 458, or would you guys think different?
I bought a 458 about 18 months ago as a 'forever' car and no regrets..Still got my Porsches and no intention to sell them as they're different to the 458..When i was looking for one i was very fussed on colour,spec and history but paid no attention to the year..Its a very special car and in contrast to many other super cars it feels special to drive at all speeds and not just when going fast.
LamboPH said:
Ok great, thanks Taffy.
I'm sure there has been several posts about 'What To Look Out For'... do you have any of these posts or articles to hand. It will save me annoying people with 'another' one of those posts :-)
I took a whole year to find mine as i was very particular..Mine is Grigio Silverstone with factoey painted gloss Black roof and mirrors..Charcoal alcantara interior with Carbon race seats and all the Carbon fibre inc sills..It does not need front lift as it sits higher than GT Porsches and is another complex component to go wrong..I'm sure there has been several posts about 'What To Look Out For'... do you have any of these posts or articles to hand. It will save me annoying people with 'another' one of those posts :-)
458s with Race seats, forged wheels and a lot of Carbon are the desired spec and cost more as a result..They vary enormously on spec and are very dependent on prices..
Other things on mine which are 'nice to haves' are Alcantara carpets, leather centre console, alcantara roof lining,JBL HiFi, Navi with i Pod connection etc..
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
I’ve got a 458 too and they are a proper event. Who knows if they’ll be a classic. Might be waiting a while and they’ll take a short term hit like everything else. Never really even looked at the 488, which is probably a “better” car all round but that naturally aspirated V8 is a thing of wonder.
There were a few changes to the car around 2012 but they were minor and some prefer the older spec, some the newer. Can’t even remember what they are. Throttle response, steering, dampers, nav, maybe?
I’ve got a 458 too and they are a proper event. Who knows if they’ll be a classic. Might be waiting a while and they’ll take a short term hit like everything else. Never really even looked at the 488, which is probably a “better” car all round but that naturally aspirated V8 is a thing of wonder.
There were a few changes to the car around 2012 but they were minor and some prefer the older spec, some the newer. Can’t even remember what they are. Throttle response, steering, dampers, nav, maybe?
When I was looking for one, I was advised if you're planning on using it for trips abroad, long trips in the UK, make sure it has cruise control. Apparently the throttle is ultra sensitive and can become tiresome trying to regulate the throttle on long journeys. Some owners agreed, some said you get used to it. For me I like Cruise Control anyway so added it to my must have list.
As others have said its the 458 engine that makes the car over the faster 488 although a few other aspects imo make the car dated so it depends whether you prefer contemporary and the overall styling of the 488.
Having held their prices remarkably well thus far 458s do look as vulnerable to a price correction as much if not more than anything else atm ££ and it will be interesting to see how they will hold up relative to the increasingly weakening 488s especially in view of the backdrop of the collapsing Mclaren and to a lesser extent Hurracan market too.
Having held their prices remarkably well thus far 458s do look as vulnerable to a price correction as much if not more than anything else atm ££ and it will be interesting to see how they will hold up relative to the increasingly weakening 488s especially in view of the backdrop of the collapsing Mclaren and to a lesser extent Hurracan market too.
LamboPH said:
Hi,
If I was to go the 458 route with a view of keeping it as a classic one day, I'm sure the year is quite irrelevant?
For example, I have a classic Porsche, and I don't think it would make any difference if it was 1985 or 1988 (exact same spec), IF i did have to sell the car one day.
So on that basis, would I be right to ignore the 'year' of a 458, or would you guys think different?
Yes - ignore the year. If I was to go the 458 route with a view of keeping it as a classic one day, I'm sure the year is quite irrelevant?
For example, I have a classic Porsche, and I don't think it would make any difference if it was 1985 or 1988 (exact same spec), IF i did have to sell the car one day.
So on that basis, would I be right to ignore the 'year' of a 458, or would you guys think different?
Given that it’s going to be a keeper, test drive both and decide what you prefer. The ‘guessing the next classic’ game only gets in the way of what you actually want yourself and you’ll be regretting buying the ‘investment’ car rather than the ‘heart’s desire’ car. If you prefer the look of the 488 then that should be a major factor. By all accounts, it’s a better car than the 458 with the exception of the engine sound and pickup from a standstill in 1st.
The next thing is to buy on spec and condition. Forget age and mileage - they only affect the price. These are emotional purchases so buy the spec which excites you, not what the dealer tells you is good or what the market says is good for resale. You’ll regret the red over black ‘safe’ option if what you really wanted was the rarer and more polarising blue over cream or white over red (for example). Lastly, the options list on these cars is potentially huge so do take your time to suss our what you want (again, not what the market wants
).Sign up to FerrariChat where there are picture threads running on both models - it’s a great place to get a feel for the potential specs which are out there.
If you're buyig a "Forever" car it is a heart decision, not a head one.
Test a few, see which you prefer (458/488) the decide on the spec you want and go and find one.
If it is a keeper, and you will use it, then it won't really matter if it is 29 or 30 years old when you come to sell, or if it has 48k on it instead of 38k, it will all be on condition and history.
Test a few, see which you prefer (458/488) the decide on the spec you want and go and find one.
If it is a keeper, and you will use it, then it won't really matter if it is 29 or 30 years old when you come to sell, or if it has 48k on it instead of 38k, it will all be on condition and history.
Sure if you do a search you’ll mind plenty earlier posts on the topic of 458 essentials and comments on seats, etc. I agree with the earlier comments of keeping a totally open mind and try and drive examples of each. If it’s a long term keeper then buy the spec you like rather than focus on ‘must haves’. I’ll now contradict myself by saying the carbon wheel with shift lights and upgraded forged wheels are must have’s
. Had 2 458’s one with and one without carbon seats (Fully electric)... both fine, try both and make your own mind up.
Didn’t want a 488 until I mistakenly drove one. Find it better in all ways. I must be weird though as I’m one of the few who never thought the 458’s engine sounded particularly good anyway (although it’s operation was superb)- just a flat crank noise that gets louder. The 488 GTB is muted inside unless working it, a lot quieter, much improved better ride, oh and much faster, which may be a downside to some. In the end I bought a 488 Spider which really will be a keeper for me; sounds absolutely wonderful and looks amazing.
No bad choices here so take your time and enjoy the build up to purchase.
. Had 2 458’s one with and one without carbon seats (Fully electric)... both fine, try both and make your own mind up.Didn’t want a 488 until I mistakenly drove one. Find it better in all ways. I must be weird though as I’m one of the few who never thought the 458’s engine sounded particularly good anyway (although it’s operation was superb)- just a flat crank noise that gets louder. The 488 GTB is muted inside unless working it, a lot quieter, much improved better ride, oh and much faster, which may be a downside to some. In the end I bought a 488 Spider which really will be a keeper for me; sounds absolutely wonderful and looks amazing.
No bad choices here so take your time and enjoy the build up to purchase.
Edited by garystoybox on Tuesday 5th May 13:12
Had a 458 Italia similar to Taffys' by the sound of it, same colour, carbon racing seats etc etc.
After a F430 I found the car seemed like a two or three generation jump forwards. Build quality had massively improved, seemed almost on a par with BMW rather than the slightly flimsy interiors on previous cars. The 458 is probably the prettiest Ferrari since the F355 and for a while I was smitten...
However... and this won't be everyones opinion, I found it almost too one dimensional, engine note is a bit 'all blare' or nothing, throttle very sensitive as mentioned above, steering lightning quick, too fast for the road and too expensive to track. I ended up craving for the more mechanical F430 after a while so sold the 458. To be honest, of the 60 odd cars I've had over the years, I wouldn't be in the top five.
If I was buying now for a keeper, I'd buy something I could use properly on the road and also get a track car.
For fun cars, I ended up with a Cayman R for the road and an Elise S1 for track. Both of these will be keepers.
For me, having previously had a lot of Porsche cars as well as Lotus & TVR, the Ferrari models were an itch I had to scratch.
It may be worth trying a manual F430 with carbon racing seats. Despite not being as pretty as the 458, for me, it would be more special, more rewarding & definitely a keeper.
Good luck and have fun with your search, it's all part of the fun!
After a F430 I found the car seemed like a two or three generation jump forwards. Build quality had massively improved, seemed almost on a par with BMW rather than the slightly flimsy interiors on previous cars. The 458 is probably the prettiest Ferrari since the F355 and for a while I was smitten...
However... and this won't be everyones opinion, I found it almost too one dimensional, engine note is a bit 'all blare' or nothing, throttle very sensitive as mentioned above, steering lightning quick, too fast for the road and too expensive to track. I ended up craving for the more mechanical F430 after a while so sold the 458. To be honest, of the 60 odd cars I've had over the years, I wouldn't be in the top five.
If I was buying now for a keeper, I'd buy something I could use properly on the road and also get a track car.
For fun cars, I ended up with a Cayman R for the road and an Elise S1 for track. Both of these will be keepers.
For me, having previously had a lot of Porsche cars as well as Lotus & TVR, the Ferrari models were an itch I had to scratch.
It may be worth trying a manual F430 with carbon racing seats. Despite not being as pretty as the 458, for me, it would be more special, more rewarding & definitely a keeper.
Good luck and have fun with your search, it's all part of the fun!
Drove 430, 458 and 488 plus some other marques, my money went on a 2014 458 in triple yellow, with buckets, forged wheels, black roof, cruise, carbon interior and no lift, so a pretty lightweight spec for a 458.
I also drive it daily or did pre lockdown and found and find it a fabulous car to live with, yes the throttle is sensitive and the steering is hyper alert, all of which I love and if your doing a motorway journey wet mode calms the throttle down and cruise control totally remedies it.
I dismissed 430 as it was for me a down grade over my F-Type SVR yes it was very roar but the F1 box was not great and the car was certainly a more weekend toy type car than a car that can be driven daily without you having to think damn I wish I was driving something easier right now.
The 488 was mega quick, incredible brakes and lots of grip but I got out thinking its a better car than a 458 but I just do not want one.
The 458 won me, I drove several before buying as there are some minor changes to the years, but they are very minor and most drivers won't notice but I could easily tell and feel the differences but saying that I can find a cars limits and drive to them, the 458 sounds incredible and it is also fun at legal speeds which is a huge bonus for me.
Early car sounds better, more gurgles and pops and a rawer gear change on the 2010 models, at somepoint in 2011 the engine mapping and gearbox were altered so less gurgles and pops and the gearbox was more mechanical sympthatic as supposedly earlier 458's had some gearbox issues. Sometime around mid 2012 they updated the magnetic ride to independent control per corner which supposedly made the car quite a bit quicker around the Ferrari test track.
Driven all three variations and witnessed the engine pops immediately and could feel the gearbox difference. The mag ride changes are much harder to feel on the road, but saying that the 2014 car I drove and then purchased did seem to handle the best even though it was one PZERO tyres, which are horrendous and quick change to PS4S tyres transformed the car more so and the PZERO were still on 6mm tread and less than two years old so not because of old vs new tyres, just PZERO are a totally crap tyre.
I also drive it daily or did pre lockdown and found and find it a fabulous car to live with, yes the throttle is sensitive and the steering is hyper alert, all of which I love and if your doing a motorway journey wet mode calms the throttle down and cruise control totally remedies it.
I dismissed 430 as it was for me a down grade over my F-Type SVR yes it was very roar but the F1 box was not great and the car was certainly a more weekend toy type car than a car that can be driven daily without you having to think damn I wish I was driving something easier right now.
The 488 was mega quick, incredible brakes and lots of grip but I got out thinking its a better car than a 458 but I just do not want one.
The 458 won me, I drove several before buying as there are some minor changes to the years, but they are very minor and most drivers won't notice but I could easily tell and feel the differences but saying that I can find a cars limits and drive to them, the 458 sounds incredible and it is also fun at legal speeds which is a huge bonus for me.
Early car sounds better, more gurgles and pops and a rawer gear change on the 2010 models, at somepoint in 2011 the engine mapping and gearbox were altered so less gurgles and pops and the gearbox was more mechanical sympthatic as supposedly earlier 458's had some gearbox issues. Sometime around mid 2012 they updated the magnetic ride to independent control per corner which supposedly made the car quite a bit quicker around the Ferrari test track.
Driven all three variations and witnessed the engine pops immediately and could feel the gearbox difference. The mag ride changes are much harder to feel on the road, but saying that the 2014 car I drove and then purchased did seem to handle the best even though it was one PZERO tyres, which are horrendous and quick change to PS4S tyres transformed the car more so and the PZERO were still on 6mm tread and less than two years old so not because of old vs new tyres, just PZERO are a totally crap tyre.
Echo to the above. If it is a keeper, buy the one that makes you feel excited, not the one you think you "should" have. I prefer the F430 more than the newer models (perhaps it is also sour grapes talking as the 458/ 488 are beyond my price bracket). I have driven the 458 and F430, also sat in a 488.
Yes 458 is a much faster car and more capable car than the F430 - no question about it. Is it a better drive? it is depends on what you demand from a car. It is silky smooth and much more power, but coming from a TVR background, I find it less mechanical and less engaging. The 488 is definitely another level, it is almost unuseable unless a lap of Fiorano is your commuting route. The noise is not as good as the N/A engines either and it makes an AMG sounds like a spitfire.
I prefer the F430 styling it retains lots of iconic historical features, like the Enzo rear lights, the Ferrari 156 F1 shark nose, and the engine air intakes and it has the biggest engine window shopping screen among all the mid engine V8's. Even my 488 mate said the F430 makes their engine look like a coffee machine. The newer Ferrari's are too much dare I say McLaren and Lambo alike in my opinions. Don't get me wrong, they look amazing but not as distinguish as the older Ferrari models. Also I prefer the jerk everytime I change the gear due to the single clutch.
Bottom line is there is no wrong answer, it is all personal. Some would no doubt disagree what I said, but I am sure some would share my sentiments above. Who cares, it is my choice and it is my Ferrari. It is what I like that matters the most.
Happy hunting, it is the best part - the feeling of the butterfly in your stomach.
Yes 458 is a much faster car and more capable car than the F430 - no question about it. Is it a better drive? it is depends on what you demand from a car. It is silky smooth and much more power, but coming from a TVR background, I find it less mechanical and less engaging. The 488 is definitely another level, it is almost unuseable unless a lap of Fiorano is your commuting route. The noise is not as good as the N/A engines either and it makes an AMG sounds like a spitfire.
I prefer the F430 styling it retains lots of iconic historical features, like the Enzo rear lights, the Ferrari 156 F1 shark nose, and the engine air intakes and it has the biggest engine window shopping screen among all the mid engine V8's. Even my 488 mate said the F430 makes their engine look like a coffee machine. The newer Ferrari's are too much dare I say McLaren and Lambo alike in my opinions. Don't get me wrong, they look amazing but not as distinguish as the older Ferrari models. Also I prefer the jerk everytime I change the gear due to the single clutch.
Bottom line is there is no wrong answer, it is all personal. Some would no doubt disagree what I said, but I am sure some would share my sentiments above. Who cares, it is my choice and it is my Ferrari. It is what I like that matters the most.
Happy hunting, it is the best part - the feeling of the butterfly in your stomach.
Another way I'd sum them all up would be:
F430 if weekend toy
458 if you want a dual personality car, happy to daily in wet/auto and happy to make you feel like driving a race car on the road, race/traction off mode and manual box, it can slide, its makes a great noise and fun at legal speeds, good on track too.
488 if you do a lot of track days and lap times are important, the 488 is a more competent track car for sure, more grip, more power and better brakes.
For me as a fun road car that can give a balance of DD, fun, tourer, reliable the 458 was easy choice for me.
F430 if weekend toy
458 if you want a dual personality car, happy to daily in wet/auto and happy to make you feel like driving a race car on the road, race/traction off mode and manual box, it can slide, its makes a great noise and fun at legal speeds, good on track too.
488 if you do a lot of track days and lap times are important, the 488 is a more competent track car for sure, more grip, more power and better brakes.
For me as a fun road car that can give a balance of DD, fun, tourer, reliable the 458 was easy choice for me.
LamboPH said:
Hi,
I'm strongly considering getting my first Ferrari. I've typically had Porsches and Lambos up until now.
I would like to get something that I would potentially keep for a long time, or maybe forever, so I think on that basis a 458 would be a better call, due to it being the last of the NA in the V8 range, however I do prefer the look of a 488 :-)
If I was to go the 458 route with a view of keeping it as a classic one day, I'm sure the year is quite irrelevant?
For example, I have a classic Porsche, and I don't think it would make any difference if it was 1985 or 1988 (exact same spec), IF i did have to sell the car one day.
So on that basis, would I be right to ignore the 'year' of a 458, or would you guys think different?
Have you ever considered a 430 Scuderia? Could tick all the boxes for you...I'm strongly considering getting my first Ferrari. I've typically had Porsches and Lambos up until now.
I would like to get something that I would potentially keep for a long time, or maybe forever, so I think on that basis a 458 would be a better call, due to it being the last of the NA in the V8 range, however I do prefer the look of a 488 :-)
If I was to go the 458 route with a view of keeping it as a classic one day, I'm sure the year is quite irrelevant?
For example, I have a classic Porsche, and I don't think it would make any difference if it was 1985 or 1988 (exact same spec), IF i did have to sell the car one day.
So on that basis, would I be right to ignore the 'year' of a 458, or would you guys think different?
- Rare / collectable / keeper type purchase
- Fun on track
- Brilliant on the road and still very fast
- Just enough old school tech with modern touches to be best of both worlds (more weighted slower steering for example)
- Ferrari really nailed the F1 Superfast single clutch with the Scud
- IMO Good looking (subjective I know) not pretty as a 458 is but more menacing / purposeful
- IMO sounds mega especially if you have the remote valve switch (again subjective)
- Not an everyday car which makes it such an event when you do roll it out
- One of the few safe places for cash in the car market at the moment as values seem to have remained static
Whatever you chose, welcome to the brand. They are a cracking drive, enjoy!
I would agree with Taffy, the year is immaterial, go for the car that is your perfect spec, large carbon racing seats, essential you have a carbon steering wheel, driver zone in carbon is a nice to have.
I’ve driven both, the 488 is an easier drive as you can leave it in a higher gear, loads of torque, doesn’t appear as twitchy as a 458, 488 could be used a daily driver without any problem.
I went for a the 458 as it is more of a special occasion, great sound, just a bit more raucous than the 488, I also prefer the look, no scoops in the bodywork, just perfect lines. The car I went for is a hard to find spec, Pozzi Blue with Cuoio alcantara interior. Just perfect 👌
I’ve driven both, the 488 is an easier drive as you can leave it in a higher gear, loads of torque, doesn’t appear as twitchy as a 458, 488 could be used a daily driver without any problem.
I went for a the 458 as it is more of a special occasion, great sound, just a bit more raucous than the 488, I also prefer the look, no scoops in the bodywork, just perfect lines. The car I went for is a hard to find spec, Pozzi Blue with Cuoio alcantara interior. Just perfect 👌
I had a grigio manual f430 and sold it when child #2 came along..... I was practically in mourning and lasted exactly 3 months until I bought another one.. rosso/ crema this time as I knew I wanted the iconic colour combination as It was a car (fingers crossed) i would never sell...... 8 years later it is still in the garage and I've got to be honest.... the last manual, n/a engined Ferrari you can have... iconic, end of an era stuff.... i will never sell it... i want a huracan.... but if i had to sell the 430 to buy one then no way...buy what pulls at your heart strings mate, it's the only way.
We are a strange bunch sometimes. I’ve been a Ferrari man all my life, have an 812 at the moment and I keep looking at GT3 RS’s. Given what you’ve had in the past you may find the 488 a bit “normal” after a while. Throwing it out but what about an F12? Could you low bid an 812 and see what happens. I see an early one sold for about 200 recently.
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