2008 430 or 2011 MP4?
Discussion
Have been dithering about buying a 430 for a few months now, watching the prices drift upwards to the point where a low mileage red spyder is likely to cost me 100/110k. MP4 territory for a younger car.
What are the pro and con of the two choices? How do the servicing and parts costs compare? What are the weaknesses of the MP4 to compare with the exhaust manifold issues on the 430.
I havent driven an MP4 yet but that is easily arranged. What I am interested in understanding is what the ownership experience is like.
What are the pro and con of the two choices? How do the servicing and parts costs compare? What are the weaknesses of the MP4 to compare with the exhaust manifold issues on the 430.
I havent driven an MP4 yet but that is easily arranged. What I am interested in understanding is what the ownership experience is like.
Don't have my experience of Ferrari's but would expect the driving experience to be poles apart if the 12c is being com-armed to 4t58's. Really depends on if you are looking for an investment or something to drive. Short term 430 prices might continue going up but 12c prices have also appeared to have stabilised at least until any newer models come out
In general it's not necessarily a fair comparison, a 430 is an upgrade of a design that dates back to 1999 (360) while the McLaren has much newer technology, a carbon tub which previously was only available on million pound hypercars, and the fit and finish is also of a level above the Ferrari. Ferrari didn't really get their quality up to top notch level until the 458 although the 430 is far better than the standard of previous models.
The proper comparison would be MP4 and 458.
The proper comparison would be MP4 and 458.
red_duke said:
I think people who ask this question are being too analytical. You either get the whole Ferrari thing or you don't. If you have to ask you should probably get the 12C. The small difference in servicing costs is irrelevant when considering such emotive purchases.
This is it in a nutshell from red_duke. A friend of mine has a Volcano Orange 12C and it's an amazing, deeply impressive car but not once have I considered buying one. Ferrari just engages with me on a much more emotional level, which is why I bought a 599. They're roughly the same price but could hardly be more different. With cars, special cars that is, I think you have to go with your heart. I've had Ferraris for 20 years and still love them, but totally appreciate how special the McLaren is. The interior isn't a patch on the 458 but in all other areas it is a fantastic achievement, especially for a new manufacturer against such well established competition.
In some ways it reminds me of the days when the obvious choice was a Porsche and only a few people had a Ferrari, it's something a bit special you don't see every day. No doubt with the 540/570 this will change but right now McLarens are something unique.
In some ways it reminds me of the days when the obvious choice was a Porsche and only a few people had a Ferrari, it's something a bit special you don't see every day. No doubt with the 540/570 this will change but right now McLarens are something unique.
If the Ferrari thing does something for you get the 430.
Otherwise in all other respects the 430 (F1 gearbox I assume and not manual) doesn't even belong in the same sentence as the 12c. The 430 I had in 2010 was off the road longer in 11 months of ownership than the 12c in 3.5 years (servicing time inclusive) and the general build quality of the 430 really is a disgrace for a £50k car nevermind a £100+k one.
Otherwise in all other respects the 430 (F1 gearbox I assume and not manual) doesn't even belong in the same sentence as the 12c. The 430 I had in 2010 was off the road longer in 11 months of ownership than the 12c in 3.5 years (servicing time inclusive) and the general build quality of the 430 really is a disgrace for a £50k car nevermind a £100+k one.
Its 430 or 12C because the budget is 100k and they both come out around that. The performance issue I can deal with in a test drive and TBH the ultimate performance isnt the key anyway. What I need a bit of guidance on is the ownership costs / experience of a Maclaren. I think I know where I am with the Ferrari but I havent a clue about reliability, servicing costs, parts prices etc for the 12C.
bordseye said:
Its 430 or 12C because the budget is 100k and they both come out around that. The performance issue I can deal with in a test drive and TBH the ultimate performance isnt the key anyway. What I need a bit of guidance on is the ownership costs / experience of a Maclaren. I think I know where I am with the Ferrari but I havent a clue about reliability, servicing costs, parts prices etc for the 12C.
My 430 Spider is for sale at TopGear Specialist Cars for about £100K, I spent about £30K on it over the course of 2015 before trading it in for my 650S Spider (no regrets). The £30K was split about £5K on maintenance (service/new clutch etc and a lot of OCD). The rest was on making it more exciting, you won't get a better 430 Spider anywhere in the UK so long as you can put up with the full Capristo system but it's not even a microscopic patch to drive on my 650S (love it though I did). I cant speak for Macca running costs yet but can't imagine there's going to be much difference.Edited to add that I no longer own the car so no axe to grind here.
Jappo said:
My 430 Spider is for sale at TopGear Specialist Cars for about £100K, I spent about £30K on it over the course of 2015 before trading it in for my 650S Spider (no regrets). The £30K was split about £5K on maintenance (service/new clutch etc and a lot of OCD). The rest was on making it more exciting, you won't get a better 430 Spider anywhere in the UK so long as you can put up with the full Capristo system.
Looks lovely and you certainly went to town on the options!http://www.topgear-cars.co.uk/showroom/ferrari-430...
Russell996 said:
Looks lovely and you certainly went to town on the options!
http://www.topgear-cars.co.uk/showroom/ferrari-430...
It sounds truly amazing as well, which is largely your fault Russell, but my neighbours appeared unimpressed http://www.topgear-cars.co.uk/showroom/ferrari-430...
Edited by Jappo on Tuesday 2nd February 20:24
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