Quick update: I took my wife to the dealership today to see a few cars in person. We saw a great looking 599 (reference) but the black wheels were a bit much. The 599 in black is stunning though. First I've seen! She really liked the California a lot but also liked the 599. She also liked 430 but said, it's raw. What I found most interesting was that she thinks we should get the 430 as the first Fcar so I can get it out of my system and then get something more civilized in 6-12 months. So the decision is almost made. I need to test drive the 599 still but if all goes well it's down to 2!

I decided to pass on the DBS since it's too close to the Vantage. The best way to describe it is it feels a lot like getting back together with an ex-girlfriend that's been working out. It's familiar, comfortable, and the shape has improved with more power lol. The 430/599 will be something new, unknown, and exciting. Hopefully not too crazy

 

There you go. As you already have a Vantage why add a DBS? I would only do the DBS deal if you are selling the Vantage. If you buy a Ferrari try to buy from a Ferrari dealer. You will be better off for future Ferrari purchases.

 

My last post of 2012. HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYBODY!

 

I would vote for the 430 for the first Ferrari.

The 599 is a great car with that low end torque, but the 430 screaming to 8500 is a blast! You know growing up, I always wanted that mid-engined Ferrari where you can see the engine in the back!

Good luck with your search!

 

I'm going to sell the Vantage since I don't have enough garage space. I forgot to mention that we bought a Land Rover Evoque today for her new DD. What a cool little SUV!

 

OK, you win wife of the year! She gave you an opening for the 430 - I say take it!!! Just as she said, get it out of your system (or IN your system )
The 430 will be a lot more fun to drive than the 599 GT IMO.
We have an LR4 and love it! Congrats on the Evoque - the suspension technology is amazing and ahead of its time.

 

I'm pretty excited to be close to a decision. Next is research on best year. It seems 06-08 are the best years and from what the dealer told me the past fixes and recalls apply to all 430s including out of warranty so the exhaust manifold issue, for example, should be a non-issue. I plan to buy through the local dealer since this will be my first Fcar. I most likely won't get as good of a deal but I think the relationship building will be worth it. Now I wait for them to find the color combo.

 

I bought an 05 Spider with 5k miles on it. It's run superb thus far, already put on 3k miles in 10 months. There isn't a huge difference from 05-08.
Yes just make sure the exhaust manifolds have been addressed. Ferrari will cover this for 7 years from the build date. Other than that, get the options you want and get a PPI.

 

rep points for that one!

 

Haha. Thanks

It's now decided, 430. Time to find the car. Thanks again everyone for your opinions. I really appreciate it!

 

^^^ Nice choice, 430 is a great car... you going for a manual trans or an F1 gearbox?

 

Yeah, I thought he did rather well with that too!

 

F1 most likely. The 6 speed is very rare. I don't have enough patience to wait to find one

 

Congrats! Did you ever get to drive the 599?

 

Not yet. I'm going to drive the Scuderia hopefully on Friday and maybe take out the 599 after. Who knows