458 spider alternatives

[kazino]

Hi all, thinking to go for a 458 spider and wondering if there are any options I've missed. It must be a convertible.
The other alternatives I can think of is a Merc Amg gt, I'd greatly appreciate if anyone whom has owned or driven both could let me know which they prefer.

The others I've found and discounted.
Audi r8 : nice car but would rather have the ferrari
911 turbo : I currently have one (997 turbo and 996 turbo) and will be running it alongside it.
merc sls roadster : interesting option, although without the gullwing doors looses much of its appeal
Lamborghini : lovely car, but too flashy for me
Aston vanquish, db11 : too unreliable
Mclaren : service issues
bentley gt : cruiser

[slarti650]

Mclaren services issues are honestly the thing of Internet myth perpetuated by non-owners
The issues are no better or worse then with other brands and i currently own two ferraris abd a mac. Insanely good cars... I drive my 650 spider all the time despite having access to two very nice stallions. In the end 458s are great cars but the 650 is simply on another level and ownership cost is actually lower on my mac.

.

[BlueIn2Red]

The AMG is a very different car. Sounds like you’ve done your research otherwise - the direct competitors really are the Lamborghini and Mclaren ... if you’ve discounted those, the 458 is the ticket.

[BlueIn2Red]

slarti650 said:

Mclaren services issues are honestly the thing of Internet myth perpetuated by non-owners
The issues are no better or worse then with other brands ...

I disagree. Even if you disregard the numerous reports of poor service and long wait times, the sheer lack of options (including any independents at all), compared to other brands, makes it a clear weakness (albeit a weakness which will hopefully go away in time).

[kazino]

BlueIn2Red said:

The AMG is a very different car. Sounds like you’ve done your research otherwise - the direct competitors really are the Lamborghini and Mclaren ... if you’ve discounted those, the 458 is the ticket.

I don't mind trying something different, I'm thinking front engined rear wheel drive so will be less eager to turn but probably can drive it like more of a hooligan?

[kazino]

slarti650 said:

Mclaren services issues are honestly the thing of Internet myth perpetuated by non-owners
The issues are no better or worse then with other brands and i currently own two ferraris abd a mac. Insanely good cars... I drive my 650 spider all the time despite having access to two very nice stallions. In the end 458s are great cars but the 650 is simply on another level and ownership cost is actually lower on my mac.

.

Sounds like a lovely fleet you have. That is great to hear as like you said everyone on the internet is indeed awash with these negative reviews and saying that the Mac is a sterile to the Ferrari's soul. What would you say would be the pros of the Ferrari and the pros of the Mac please

[MDL111]

BlueIn2Red said:

slarti650 said:

Mclaren services issues are honestly the thing of Internet myth perpetuated by non-owners
The issues are no better or worse then with other brands ...

I disagree. Even if you disregard the numerous reports of poor service and long wait times, the sheer lack of options (including any independents at all), compared to other brands, makes it a clear weakness (albeit a weakness which will hopefully go away in time).

Would a 458 really be serviced at an independent? I somehow doubt that for a normal use car (ie not a track slag or galactic mileage type situation), esp as most are still in their service pack window. I certainly would not want to run a modern Ferrari without a warranty, so idependents are not really a valid option for those imo - therefore don’t really see the issue with McLaren’s perceived lack of alternatives.

[MDL111]

A couple of left field options (really depends on what you want from a car) - both of those imo stunning

BMW Z8
Alfa 8C Spider

[BlueIn2Red]

MDL111 said:

Would a 458 really be serviced at an independent?

Yes, absolutely. There are a decent number of Ferrari independents which are in many people's eyes even better than the official dealer network.

[kazino]

MDL111 said:

A couple of left field options (really depends on what you want from a car) - both of those imo stunning

BMW Z8
Alfa 8C Spider

Had not thought of those, both aesthetic stunners and I think the alfa was rated as the best sounding car by one magazine. Thankyou for your suggestion

[355spiderguy]

BlueIn2Red said:

I disagree. Even if you disregard the numerous reports of poor service and long wait times, the sheer lack of options (including any independents at all), compared to other brands, makes it a clear weakness (albeit a weakness which will hopefully go away in time).

are these the issues you have encountered servicing your McLaren?

[JiggyJaggy]

355spiderguy said:

BlueIn2Red said:

I disagree. Even if you disregard the numerous reports of poor service and long wait times, the sheer lack of options (including any independents at all), compared to other brands, makes it a clear weakness (albeit a weakness which will hopefully go away in time).

are these the issues you have encountered servicing your McLaren?

Not sure why this is an issue. Hardly any of the Supercars we sell sub circa 60k miles ever have any independant servicing in any case. They are all main dealership history cars. McLaren main dealership's give some confidence in their product at least, I see this as as a positive.

[BlueIn2Red]

My 458 will go to an independent (DK Engineering, who I have used before for previous Ferraris, with excellent results) next year, when the service plan expires. There are already three years worth of 458s that have finished their service plan, so having a number of good independent options, as well as a large main dealer network (meaning most people live within reasonable range of a dealer), is a genuine advantage.

I’ve seriously considered swapping my 458 for a 570S or 720, but the small dealer network, and lack of independent support, is a genuine concern for me. I don’t want to have to drive over a hundred miles to drop my car off for a service or repair. For others, especially if they live near a Mclaren dealer, it may be a complete non-issue. I am allowed to voice an opinion when asked though!

[kazino]

BlueIn2Red said:

My 458 will go to an independent (DK Engineering, who I have used before for previous Ferraris, with excellent results) next year, when the service plan expires. There are already three years worth of 458s that have finished their service plan, so having a number of good independent options, as well as a large main dealer network (meaning most people live within reasonable range of a dealer), is a genuine advantage.

I’ve seriously considered swapping my 458 for a 570S or 720, but the small dealer network, and lack of independent support, is a genuine concern for me. I don’t want to have to drive over a hundred miles to drop my car off for a service or repair. For others, especially if they live near a Mclaren dealer, it may be a complete non-issue. I am allowed to voice an opinion when asked though!

Your opinion is much appreciated. Are there any other cars that you have had a look at to change your 458 to?
Have you any complaints of your 458

[JiggyJaggy]

BlueIn2Red said:

My 458 will go to an independent (DK Engineering, who I have used before for previous Ferraris, with excellent results) next year, when the service plan expires. There are already three years worth of 458s that have finished their service plan, so having a number of good independent options, as well as a large main dealer network (meaning most people live within reasonable range of a dealer), is a genuine advantage.

I’ve seriously considered swapping my 458 for a 570S or 720, but the small dealer network, and lack of independent support, is a genuine concern for me. I don’t want to have to drive over a hundred miles to drop my car off for a service or repair. For others, especially if they live near a Mclaren dealer, it may be a complete non-issue. I am allowed to voice an opinion when asked though!

If you build up a good relationship with such network dealerships, they often collect your car and drop it off if that helps you.

[BlueIn2Red]

kazino said:

Your opinion is much appreciated. Are there any other cars that you have had a look at to change your 458 to?
Have you any complaints of your 458

Zero complaints! I’ve owned mine for five years, which is by far the longest I’ve owned such a car. For a “next car”, I’ve looked at and driven both the Huracan, and the Mclaren’s I mentioned, and none quite match the overall package of the 458. Luckily (for my wallet), the 488 doesn’t appeal as much either, I prefer the look of the 458, and most importantly the sound/extra revs.

One consideration though - as a spider, I don’t think the 458 is quite as good, being noticeably more rattly when I drove one. If an open top is important to you, I would give very serious consideration to Mclaren (where the carbon tub makes a significant difference).

Edited by BlueIn2Red on Thursday 27th December 16:00

[LotusJas]

JiggyJaggy said:

If you build up a good relationship with such network dealerships, they often collect your car and drop it off if that helps you.

Yes, my McLaren dealer is on the other side of London (I'm in Kent), and they offered to pick it up on a flatbed and return it (at no charge).

[LotusJas]

slarti650 said:

Mclaren services issues are honestly the thing of Internet myth perpetuated by non-owners
The issues are no better or worse then with other brands and i currently own two ferraris abd a mac. Insanely good cars... I drive my 650 spider all the time despite having access to two very nice stallions. In the end 458s are great cars but the 650 is simply on another level and ownership cost is actually lower on my mac.

.

Thanks, an unbiased post from someone currently owning 2 of the main brands.


btw, I've owned Ferrari. Loved it, and had no real problems.

Currently own McLaren, and had zero issues. Best car I've ever owned or driven (720S).


I'd happily buy Ferrari, Lambo or McLaren (or other) in future - whoever was making the best car at the time. Brand loyalty is for mugs.

[slarti650]

kazino said:

Sounds like a lovely fleet you have. That is great to hear as like you said everyone on the internet is indeed awash with these negative reviews and saying that the Mac is a sterile to the Ferrari's soul. What would you say would be the pros of the Ferrari and the pros of the Mac please

Ferrari

pros -

i haven't lost much money on them whereas on the 650 spider depreciation has been crap.

lots of independents if you want to go that route. in my experience you can negotiate similar rates with main dealers anyway.

the ferrari badge means a lot to some people

they sound lovely

the 458 is the prettiest ferrari since the 355

cons -

the architecture/build of the car is very old compared to any mclaren
spiders are a bit bendy
handling and performance - even on a 458 - are a generation behind now and feel dated when driving
interior feels spartan and old compared to a mac

650 pros-

insane performance
hypercar looks and drama (makes my ferraris look a bit bland - don't judge this on photos, see them in the metal)
billionnaire doors
a spoiler that goes completely vertical when you slam your brakes on - you don't know how cool this is until you've experienced it
cheaper to run than ferrari - mpg is much better and maintenance is actually less frequent and less expensive
official warranty costs are lower than ferrari
the Thorney warranty is possibly the best after market warranty i've ever come across and its cheaper than the official one (reminds of the hartech warranty i had on my porsches)
more special and has a bespoke feel

650 cons

i've lost a lot of money on mine, but current buyers might be ok
many people don't know what it is, often they think its a P1(!!), the brand isn't mature like ferrari
service can be slow when dealers get backed up (make sure you book in advance)
number of indies is quite low so you have the choice of Backdraft motorsport and Thorney Motorsport at the moment


People get hung up on this "soul" thing. the 12c was a but quieter than a 650 is (which sounds pretty good) but honestly, a lot of this comes from some the early reviews from motor journalists that were in Ferraris pockets.

In the end you can't go wrong with either. If were to keep one, it would be my 650. It's so versatile that i can see myself keeping it forever.

[slarti650]

I just spotted this - I use Thorney for my 650. Worth a watch


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RGkswepyiDc