Ferrari 458 new owner initial thoughts and ownership thread
Discussion
So 24 hours in and a couple of drives I thought I would share some of the experience and some feedback on the car:
Collected yesterday from JCT in Leeds freshly serviced/MOT'd and ready to enjoy!
I had driven a different 458 previously so knew roughly what to expect but the first drive home was an experience I guess you only truly get once. As a bit of background this is the first supercar I've owned although I have extensive experience with Sportscars running a business in this field. Yes I'm afraid I'm a Lotus bore. Sorry. One of the things that having a Lotus does is basically ruin or try to ruin any car that you have afterwards as they are just do bloody good to drive.
This was the predecessor an Evora 410 Sport I had owned for 2 years buying new in 2018
These are truly superb cars. At 65k for a lightly used example they are amazing value for money and a much more capable/tactile and interesting alternative to a GT4 which is probably it's nearest rival. Other than some reasonably extensive QC issues when it was new I had 2 trouble free years in the Evora. It has the best power steering of any car I have ever driven and with it's super loud exhaust and aggressive cup 2 equipped setup it was a very focused car for a daily driver which is what I used it for. It was a manual (I do prefer autos for a daily but the Evora Auto isn't great and they delete the LSD from the spec of the single clutch auto too)
So anyway 458....Not a car I ever even dreamed I would own it sort of came out of nowhere really having been looking at 991.2 GT3s for quite a long time and also a brief flirt with swapping the Lotus for a 570s the fact that a Ferrari with hydraulic steering and a superb DCT gearbox was available for the same money I simply had to have one.
Initial thoughts are just dominated really by the engine and gearbox its just such a combination. It's a quick car not savagely fast like a 570 but not too far behind and no turbo lag makes up for it. As does the noise which is something I'm afraid a McLaren owner would only be able to play back through their stereo system (if it worked on the day
) The noise and aggression of the shifts is something you could just never tire of it's a proper proper thing this car!
Yesterday I had the chance to take it down a little back route to work and in Race mode its just incredible. One thing that surprised me is just how playful it is with the ECU allowing a flattering amount of oversteer. I've yet to try the CT setting but it feels pretty controllable and the super quick steering makes light work of dialing in opposite lock.
Steering I had limited expectations coming from the Evora I had to accept some dynamic compromise with this change and the steering is one area that does lack a bit of sparkle. It's loads better than the over servo'd 570 steering but still a way off what I've been spoilt with in the Evora.
One thing I do need to look at is the brakes. These are not good! I have read a few things about 458 brakes ranging from the brakes needing bedding in properly (I will be doing this procedure ASAP) to issues with servos but they are a bit inconsistent and really don't pull a 570BHP rocket up like you would think they would do with the size of the bloody things! It is capable of triggering the ABS so I suspect bedding the pads in again might bring some bite back. I had a similar thing when I installed new pads on a PCCB equipped Porsche.
One thing I really knew would be a negative for me is the attention I can see it getting a bit wearing after a while but I guess if you buy a bright red Ferrari everyone's going to have an opinion to voice about it. Early interactions have been positive with a few thumbs up etc they are a rare sight around here and green eyed negative reactions are something that's a clear and present danger something to be very mindful of. Already had a crazy Audi driver up my backside seemingly trying to impress his mate at keeping up with me in a line of traffic in a 40 zone! Hey ho!
So overall I'm happy its a completely ridiculous car to own and for me a real once in a lifetime thing that I'm going to savor every moment of. A Ferrari in the garage I mean it's just ludicrous right?
Collected yesterday from JCT in Leeds freshly serviced/MOT'd and ready to enjoy!
I had driven a different 458 previously so knew roughly what to expect but the first drive home was an experience I guess you only truly get once. As a bit of background this is the first supercar I've owned although I have extensive experience with Sportscars running a business in this field. Yes I'm afraid I'm a Lotus bore. Sorry. One of the things that having a Lotus does is basically ruin or try to ruin any car that you have afterwards as they are just do bloody good to drive.
This was the predecessor an Evora 410 Sport I had owned for 2 years buying new in 2018
These are truly superb cars. At 65k for a lightly used example they are amazing value for money and a much more capable/tactile and interesting alternative to a GT4 which is probably it's nearest rival. Other than some reasonably extensive QC issues when it was new I had 2 trouble free years in the Evora. It has the best power steering of any car I have ever driven and with it's super loud exhaust and aggressive cup 2 equipped setup it was a very focused car for a daily driver which is what I used it for. It was a manual (I do prefer autos for a daily but the Evora Auto isn't great and they delete the LSD from the spec of the single clutch auto too)
So anyway 458....Not a car I ever even dreamed I would own it sort of came out of nowhere really having been looking at 991.2 GT3s for quite a long time and also a brief flirt with swapping the Lotus for a 570s the fact that a Ferrari with hydraulic steering and a superb DCT gearbox was available for the same money I simply had to have one.
Initial thoughts are just dominated really by the engine and gearbox its just such a combination. It's a quick car not savagely fast like a 570 but not too far behind and no turbo lag makes up for it. As does the noise which is something I'm afraid a McLaren owner would only be able to play back through their stereo system (if it worked on the day
) The noise and aggression of the shifts is something you could just never tire of it's a proper proper thing this car!Yesterday I had the chance to take it down a little back route to work and in Race mode its just incredible. One thing that surprised me is just how playful it is with the ECU allowing a flattering amount of oversteer. I've yet to try the CT setting but it feels pretty controllable and the super quick steering makes light work of dialing in opposite lock.
Steering I had limited expectations coming from the Evora I had to accept some dynamic compromise with this change and the steering is one area that does lack a bit of sparkle. It's loads better than the over servo'd 570 steering but still a way off what I've been spoilt with in the Evora.
One thing I do need to look at is the brakes. These are not good! I have read a few things about 458 brakes ranging from the brakes needing bedding in properly (I will be doing this procedure ASAP) to issues with servos but they are a bit inconsistent and really don't pull a 570BHP rocket up like you would think they would do with the size of the bloody things! It is capable of triggering the ABS so I suspect bedding the pads in again might bring some bite back. I had a similar thing when I installed new pads on a PCCB equipped Porsche.
One thing I really knew would be a negative for me is the attention I can see it getting a bit wearing after a while but I guess if you buy a bright red Ferrari everyone's going to have an opinion to voice about it. Early interactions have been positive with a few thumbs up etc they are a rare sight around here and green eyed negative reactions are something that's a clear and present danger something to be very mindful of. Already had a crazy Audi driver up my backside seemingly trying to impress his mate at keeping up with me in a line of traffic in a 40 zone! Hey ho!
So overall I'm happy its a completely ridiculous car to own and for me a real once in a lifetime thing that I'm going to savor every moment of. A Ferrari in the garage I mean it's just ludicrous right?
Can relate very much to your issues being a former Evora owner. It ruins so many cars.
I drove a McLaren 570 once at a dealer and the sales guy said "isn't the ride AMAZING!?" and I said "it's alright, not great" so he asked what I drove. I said an Evora, and he just said "oh" and went quiet.
Enjoy the car Jon.
I drove a McLaren 570 once at a dealer and the sales guy said "isn't the ride AMAZING!?" and I said "it's alright, not great" so he asked what I drove. I said an Evora, and he just said "oh" and went quiet.
Enjoy the car Jon.
Cheers guys it's been a week although it's been back to the dealer already for the brakes looking at. After a run last weekend my feelings on the brakes were that there was something really not right. I'm finding the pedal a bit inconsistent particularly at higher speeds. It's been back in and bled and they have also replaced the rear pads. The front discs and pads were replaced already so I'm suspecting it's been n issue with this car before maybe. Since I got it back the pedal feel is improved but the bite and overall stopping power just isn't confidence inspiring to me. I've read many reports of the same issue so it may be just how they are but I'm going to arrange driving another one as a check. I understand the need to get heat into the ceramics I've had a Cayman with PCCB but I think we might have a more fundamental issue here but we'll see.
I've not experienced any negativity yet anyway which was a genuine worry. Up here in the North of England it can be a bit funny with people being jealous of cars. I had aggro when I had a nice Cayman and more aggro when I got my Evora so I was expecting incoming with the Fez but not experienced any yet in fact the few occasions I've pulled up somewhere people have been complementary. Ladies appear to like it too but I already have one of those so just an observation
For me the more important things are the steering which is actually pretty good. Jumping directly from the Evora it felt a little light but as the memory of that fades a little there is good detail in the 458 steering and the weighting is decent. Very quick rack which is great for catching slides. Another thing I've spotted with the car is what a dual personality it's got. Stick it in auto mode (the auto mode only really acts like none sport in a Porsche) it shuffles very quickly to 7th the compliance of the suspension is good and it's a really smooth drive but flick that manettino round to race mode and knock auto off it turns into a GT3 car! The rush of acceleration and immediacy of the box are properly intoxicating. I'm still feeling my way around the car at the moment but assessing it as a drivers car I'm relieved that yes it is a proper one. It's not overhyped by the jurnos (Mr Harris is always a worry on this front!) I noticed a few reviewers from back in the day commented it was the best car they had ever driven. I'm not sure I am ready to make that statement yet but it is a pretty exceptionally good car. I would be intrigued to hear from anyone that's had a 458 and gone to a McLaren and what the motivation was. I wouldn't swap the noise and steering for the additional pace of the macca.
I've not experienced any negativity yet anyway which was a genuine worry. Up here in the North of England it can be a bit funny with people being jealous of cars. I had aggro when I had a nice Cayman and more aggro when I got my Evora so I was expecting incoming with the Fez but not experienced any yet in fact the few occasions I've pulled up somewhere people have been complementary. Ladies appear to like it too but I already have one of those so just an observation
For me the more important things are the steering which is actually pretty good. Jumping directly from the Evora it felt a little light but as the memory of that fades a little there is good detail in the 458 steering and the weighting is decent. Very quick rack which is great for catching slides. Another thing I've spotted with the car is what a dual personality it's got. Stick it in auto mode (the auto mode only really acts like none sport in a Porsche) it shuffles very quickly to 7th the compliance of the suspension is good and it's a really smooth drive but flick that manettino round to race mode and knock auto off it turns into a GT3 car! The rush of acceleration and immediacy of the box are properly intoxicating. I'm still feeling my way around the car at the moment but assessing it as a drivers car I'm relieved that yes it is a proper one. It's not overhyped by the jurnos (Mr Harris is always a worry on this front!) I noticed a few reviewers from back in the day commented it was the best car they had ever driven. I'm not sure I am ready to make that statement yet but it is a pretty exceptionally good car. I would be intrigued to hear from anyone that's had a 458 and gone to a McLaren and what the motivation was. I wouldn't swap the noise and steering for the additional pace of the macca.
Driven 570S and 720S both quicker than 458 but the 720s ballistic fast.
But compared to the 458 they were just missing something it might be slower but it is a far more entertaining and fun car to drive plus a vastly nicer place to sit and no doubt more reliable, has no issues with mine.
Having owned 911 with ceramics the 458 ceramics are not as keen but only 458 once there is heat in the brakes they are powerful and consistent but when cold they are a bit rubbish.
People who have fitted the 430 Scud pads in 458 say it properly transforms brakes and is something I shall do soon as I need new disc and pads all round.
But compared to the 458 they were just missing something it might be slower but it is a far more entertaining and fun car to drive plus a vastly nicer place to sit and no doubt more reliable, has no issues with mine.
Having owned 911 with ceramics the 458 ceramics are not as keen but only 458 once there is heat in the brakes they are powerful and consistent but when cold they are a bit rubbish.
People who have fitted the 430 Scud pads in 458 say it properly transforms brakes and is something I shall do soon as I need new disc and pads all round.
Another well written 458 driving review from someone who seems to know what he's talking about..Its a really special car and once you get used to the hyper fast steering and throttle it becomes fun and intuitive..Unlike more modern cars with their RWS and soft Turbo throttle response the 458 feels very much alive even at lower speeds..
Another point worth making is how well they have been screwed together even compared to Porsches..The interior on mine feels and looks like brand new, a trait of Ferraris which don't get mentioned enough.
Its very much a car which needs to be driven due to its reactive steering/throttle and very low gearing..It also rides sublimely in Bumpy Road mode especially after jumping straight from a Porsche 991 RS..
Another point worth making is how well they have been screwed together even compared to Porsches..The interior on mine feels and looks like brand new, a trait of Ferraris which don't get mentioned enough.
Its very much a car which needs to be driven due to its reactive steering/throttle and very low gearing..It also rides sublimely in Bumpy Road mode especially after jumping straight from a Porsche 991 RS..
Taffy66 said:
Another point worth making is how well they have been screwed together even compared to Porsches..The interior on mine feels and looks like brand new, a trait of Ferraris which don't get mentioned enough.
I would agree with this. I've had mine nearly 3 years now - I've had 2 issues. First, one of the LEDs in middle brake light stopped working - an easy DIY job to replace. Secondly I had the high-level "tick" from the engine that the evap solenoid provides when it fails - again an extremely cheap and simple DIY fix. Aside from that the car has been absolutely rock-solid.I did the brake-pad switch to the Scud's pads to improve cold bite over the winter - I would agree that the out-the-box brakes are disappointing compared to other ceramics (at least until they have some temperature in them).
The main thing every 458 owner should do is install the remote valve controller for the exhuast - completely transforms the sound. The ability to switch to "stealth" mode is as important as the noisy mode - nothing worse than an always-on droning exhaust when you just want to cruise up the motorway.
I'm having cruise retro-fitted this week as I feel it is the only thing missing from the spec of my car.
Ferrari made a lot more effort when it came to quality and reliability with the 458 as its launch was at same time as seven year service packs and speaking to people in the know at Ferrari the 458 was massively over engineered and speaking to the service guys the 458 is one of if not the most reliable Ferrari to date, they did tell me they see more 488’s back for repairs compared to 458’s.
What for me makes the 458 the best modern Ferrari S it keeps the rawness and fun of the older models when you want it, but can become sedate and a great daily driver also and is extremely reliable.
Give it 5-10 years and I can see values edging up.
What for me makes the 458 the best modern Ferrari S it keeps the rawness and fun of the older models when you want it, but can become sedate and a great daily driver also and is extremely reliable.
Give it 5-10 years and I can see values edging up.
458 is a great car and I had one back in 2014 but that's a long time ago now and many more supercars have come and gone in that time and the game has moved on significantly.
I just cant help think that for a 10 year old car they are really strong money and due a massive downward price correction as all will be out of the 7 yr service pack soon.
To think a 5 year newer McLaren 720S is the same price is just insane as the Mac is a far better car in every dept and that's sad to say coming from a Ferrari die hard and fanboy
I just cant help think that for a 10 year old car they are really strong money and due a massive downward price correction as all will be out of the 7 yr service pack soon.
To think a 5 year newer McLaren 720S is the same price is just insane as the Mac is a far better car in every dept and that's sad to say coming from a Ferrari die hard and fanboy
To be fair I don't think its fair to compare a 458 with a 5 year newer 720S as its more akin to a 488.
Now whilst everyone pretty much agrees the 488 is better in every dept bar sound to the 458 then it makes no sense to say a 458 is better than the 720S when the 720S is better than the 488.
I love a good sounding naturally aspirated engine but far too much is being made of it in regards to the 458.
The 488 seems unloved but it is better than the 458 and the F8 tributo is also another step on again.
The 458 is a fantastic car and whilst it is showing its age now it will always have its followers as the last N/a V8 from Ferrari which is fair enough but purely objectively that does not make it any better
Now whilst everyone pretty much agrees the 488 is better in every dept bar sound to the 458 then it makes no sense to say a 458 is better than the 720S when the 720S is better than the 488.
I love a good sounding naturally aspirated engine but far too much is being made of it in regards to the 458.
The 488 seems unloved but it is better than the 458 and the F8 tributo is also another step on again.
The 458 is a fantastic car and whilst it is showing its age now it will always have its followers as the last N/a V8 from Ferrari which is fair enough but purely objectively that does not make it any better
WilliamWaiver said:
To be fair I don't think its fair to compare a 458 with a 5 year newer 720S as its more akin to a 488.
Now whilst everyone pretty much agrees the 488 is better in every dept bar sound to the 458 then it makes no sense to say a 458 is better than the 720S when the 720S is better than the 488.
I love a good sounding naturally aspirated engine but far too much is being made of it in regards to the 458.
The 488 seems unloved but it is better than the 458 and the F8 tributo is also another step on again.
The 458 is a fantastic car and whilst it is showing its age now it will always have its followers as the last N/a V8 from Ferrari which is fair enough but purely objectively that does not make it any better
I don't think in any way you can say newer=better.Now whilst everyone pretty much agrees the 488 is better in every dept bar sound to the 458 then it makes no sense to say a 458 is better than the 720S when the 720S is better than the 488.
I love a good sounding naturally aspirated engine but far too much is being made of it in regards to the 458.
The 488 seems unloved but it is better than the 458 and the F8 tributo is also another step on again.
The 458 is a fantastic car and whilst it is showing its age now it will always have its followers as the last N/a V8 from Ferrari which is fair enough but purely objectively that does not make it any better
You use the word objective, I use subjective. For a huge number of people the 458 is subjectively the more desireable car. This is where the money follows.
Being the last N/A V8 matters - the market agrees.
Having the Pininfarina badge on the side matters - the market agrees.
The sound, the throttle response, the looks matter - the market agrees.
Yeah for me as some background I'm not a Ferrari fanboy (I originally wanted a GT3) I have driven the McLarens but there are a whole host of reasons already listed above why I didn't get one. The 458 is just a better car as a driver' car than the Mac. The Mac is just really a super quick car. I detest the turbo lag and the horrid noise the exhaust makes. Each to their own but I can't understand why given a free choice you would want one in the garage over a 458 hence my question earlier being genuinely interested to see what people's decision making process in going that way was. The 458 isn't exactly a rare car so unsure what that will mean for values. I'm really critical on cars (see Jayemm's comments above - Lotus guys are always hard to impress) but the 458 is a pretty sensational thing it feels ahead of other cars I have driven like the 570 in terms of dynamics and even the box is still better than most current cars.
Order66 what is the remote control you have fitted? I have seen reference to the scud pads are these specific ceramic pads you fit?
Order66 what is the remote control you have fitted? I have seen reference to the scud pads are these specific ceramic pads you fit?
fridaypassion said:
Order66 what is the remote control you have fitted? I have seen reference to the scud pads are these specific ceramic pads you fit?
This is the controller: http://www.forzacomponenti.com/controller_b4.htmlThe Scud/16M has ceramic discs also - the pads are exactly the same size, so are interchangeable (fronts at least). In reality there is no real difference between ceramic and non-ceramic pads, maybe slightly different flavours of compound to match the heat characteristics, but there's nothing "special" about the pads you use for ceramic discs (compared to steel discs).
Order66 said:
fridaypassion said:
Order66 what is the remote control you have fitted? I have seen reference to the scud pads are these specific ceramic pads you fit?
This is the controller: http://www.forzacomponenti.com/controller_b4.htmlThe Scud/16M has ceramic discs also - the pads are exactly the same size, so are interchangeable (fronts at least). In reality there is no real difference between ceramic and non-ceramic pads, maybe slightly different flavours of compound to match the heat characteristics, but there's nothing "special" about the pads you use for ceramic discs (compared to steel discs).
When I converted my 911 to steels for track work the specialist and Porsche both informed me that ceramic pads work fine with both steels and ceramics but never use steel pads with ceramic disc as will kill them fast.
Gibbo205 said:
When I converted my 911 to steels for track work the specialist and Porsche both informed me that ceramic pads work fine with both steels and ceramics but never use steel pads with ceramic disc as will kill them fast.
It suppose depends on the compound - Pagid RS29/RS19 are commonly used on ceramics or steels. Not sure how the wear rate is though, but I don't believe there is anything inherently "special" about pads commonly used on ceramics - sure some compounds will wear quicker than others and bite more or less, but perhaps "kill them" is an overstatement? Sub-optimal wear I could believe.Gassing Station | Ferrari V8 | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff