I not trying to start a flame war here, but I almost bought an 2008 F430, but the quality just isn't there. It is such a beautiful car, and I know the company is getting better in terms or producing reliable and high quality cars. I would love to own one...can someone explain?

 

your terms are a little generic. Maybe you should explain where the quality is missing.

I think you are referring largely to paint and how they are put together. they are hand built. I used to feel the way you do, but oddly, I kind of find it as part of the charm after owning one for a while...

 

If you think the 430s are poorly built, I couldn't image what you would think of the 360s. Personally, I think the build of the 430s are quite nice, minus the occasional bad paint. It's much improved over the 360.

 

i think hes referring to every time a Ferrari crashes it always splits into two

 

911Turbo,
Although I think that you are $hitting in the house of others, I think there is a definite difference in the fit and finish of the 430 from other cars. In some cases the fit and finish of the 430 is much better.

A story:
I went to look at a 430 a couple of months back. Then I went down the street and looked at a DB9. What a difference. The fit and finish on the DB9 was much better than the 430. BUT.... I started thinking. The 430 is not intended to be some cush gentlemen's touring car. It is intended to bridge the gap between the pure sports car while being comfortable. The DB9, on the other hand, is intended to be the ultimate in luxury and finish with an ability to be a sporting/touring car. If you were to look at the F&F of a 612, for example, the detail and beautiful stitching would take your breath away.

IMHO my 996TT had a nicer interior than the 430. But then again, apples and oranges. The 996TT - A daily driver. The 430 - A weekend Sport Machine.

No hate mail, please.

Sorry that I moved from Quality to F&F. Hope that I didn't derail thread.

 

I have an '08 F430 coupe, 6-spd manual which I bought new. This is my first Ferrari so I can't compare with previous years or models but I must say I'm neither impressed or dissatisfied with the build quality. Yes, the car squeaks when you go over bumps or a driveway, the paint finish has some flaws and a lot of orange peel, and the engine hood sounds very cheap when you close it but other than that the car has been quite reliable. A few minor problems, one of which almost stranded me, but all were taken care of successfully by the dealership under warranty.

I might add the manual tranny is harder to get and has to be special ordered and '09 production has been cut by 90% so it might be impossible to get a new one. I wouldn't get the car with the F1 because I love to shift myself and if you don't plan to track the car I think the manual will be more involving. Having said that, this manual has to be one of the worst shifting manuals I've ever had, and I had many NSXs, Zs, and Vettes. Very long throws and notchy to get through the gates. But once it warms up it is very smooth and quite easy to use.

Now it may sound like the 430 is not much to write home about but the car's styling, performance and that wonderful engine sound more than makes up for it's shortcomings. You really feel connected to the road and the quality and smell of the leather interior is fantastic. I hope this helps.

 

It's handbuilt, not "poor" IMO. My old man had a '93 911, talk about bad build quality. But he still loved it.

 

I disagree. I think the 360 is a much nicer car than the 430. The 360 CS would be my pick.

As to why they are built so poorly? Visit the factory and watch it first hand. Ferrari's are beautiful cars, but they really aren't the best made cars. You are better off with a Mercedes or a Porsche if you want well built and efficient.

 

Good taste again fripsgirl. I wish my wife would say the same about my CS and 993TT.

 

Thanks, Vincent

I used to go ga-ga over certain cars myself, but soon realised that they weren't all they seemed to be. When I visited the Ferrari factory (also the Lamborghini factory), I saw exactly what people were buying... and it wasn't too spectacular. Not to completely knock the brand down... I still like my Ferrari's and Lambo's and hope to have a few of them one day soon, but at least now I know exactly what I'm getting into.

On another note, I also toured a Mercedes Benz factory in Germany and those cars were built well! HA HA!

I hope to be visiting the Porsche factory one day soon

 

So basically to you handbuilt means poor quality? Not to I, that's for sure. But to each their own I guess....

And if you think Mercedes Benz build quality is good I guess you haven't heard about all the E-Class electronic issues etc? My friend has a SLK and it spends more time in the shop then on the road....

 

I traded my '07 997 GT3 for an '07 430 (6 speed). The 430 does have more of a 'hand-built' look to it. The materials are nice quality, but the little details that complete the final look are not quite like most new cars. Basically, it looks like a small factory designed and built the car, not a huge company with multiple departments, personnel and every resource imaginable. Don't get me wrong, it certainly doesn't look like a kit-car, far from it, but it's not a BMW either.

The Porsche's overall fit and finish is very good.. basically as good as one could want in a sports car. It looks/feels like a quality product from a first class factory. The Ferrari looks/feels like a finely crafted modern machine built by a (relatively) small group of talented craftsmen.

The only areas where the 430 disappoints me a little are the minor dash noises heard when traversing inclines, and the doors don't feel super solid when closing them. Otherwise, the car is quiet and feels solid. It does seem like its aluminum chassis has a tiny bit of initial flex, but after that it's very solid (I noticed this with my aluminum framed C6 Z06 too, though the 430 seems more solid than the Z06). The GT3's chassis is immensely solid, the car doesn't flinch while traversing inclines.

In terms of excitement and exhilaration while street driving, the 430's got it all over the GT3. The GT3 is a fantastic car and very capable, especially on the track, but accelerating in the 430 is a treat for the senses. The sound it makes, the torque, just the way it feels is awesome.. it feels racier. Downshifting is more fun, too. The flywheel is super light, so it blips much faster than the standard GT3.

Comparing a pure sports car to a sports-luxury car is difficult. A pure sports car is built with weight savings in mind.. lighter panels, less sound deadening, a less opulent interior, etc. Could the Ferrari be built a little better? Sure, there's always room for improvement.

 

It's only a personal opinion.

 

I would rather have Ferrari spend their R&D dollars on passion and performance, then on build quality.

 

Good point.