I have a question. I currently have 3 F430s to choose from. 05-07 year models. The one I really want is the 05 year model. First of all, the price is right and the color. It is red. However, the 06 is silver but only has 500 miles. So practically new. But price is bit high for me. The 07 is white, and obviously price is little out of range for me. White has 3k miles. But nothing that I cannot push. My dilemma lies here. I really want red F430 but the fact that red is 05 bugs me somewhat. My rationale tells me to spend little more and get 07, despite the color. Since it is a newer car, it may present less problem down the road. I'm thinking since 05 is practically a 5 year old car, it "may" be more prone to problems in the near future. Is my reasoning wrong? BTW, 05 has 6k miles. Please someone help me make a rational choice.

 

First off I would HIGHLY suggest just ferrying over to the dealer for the proper tools and expertise when dealing with a 200K+ car is not something to skimp on. (to work on a F1 transmission alot of bespoke tools and parts are required) If you would like me to PM me your budget I can help find a F430, also have you thought of finding one out of Hawaii and having it shipped in? Figure also you can always make an offer. If you could tell me the prices of sed F430s I may be able to help telling you if they are being unreasonable and if you have any room to wiggle. Once again you can either do this on this thread or if you are uncomfortable PM me! Best of luck. Also in regards to the year difference, there is no mechanical differences, just as you get newer you might have better options etc maybe some new paint offerings. the 05 with low milage is an amazing car. Once again i need to know the spec of each car and milage before i can determine if the year really is a factor. As for the more problems in the future for the older one, as long as it has been maintained properly there should be a problem, for example i would rather have a 89 F40 with 20K miles and properly taken care of than a 91 with 300, for the 300 mile one will need a full rebuild. Miles is never a bad thing as long as its properly maintained infact its a welcomed thing IMO for one you get to take advantage of a better price, and also the internals arnt all seized up, 99% of the time garage queens are actually in worse mechanical shape than one that are used on a semi weekly basis.

 

I'd be interested in any expertise you have to offer regarding an 07 430. Thanks!

 

Not wanting to hijack the OP thread i sent you a PM

 

I agree with SigFan229. Super low mileage is not necessarily a good thing. My friend just purchased a F430 a few months ago and he wanted a 2005 with 1500 miles because it was super low miles. Do the math, that equals only 300 miles average per year! He ended up with a 2006 F430 with 8500 miles and the car runs like a gem, no issues. I think the key is to find a very well maintained, average mileage car (not too low) with solid records, and a clean history thats your best avenue to take on a Fcar.

 

Spot on wit the deduction, average milage is fine as long as it has solid and documented records that you can hold in your hands. Also make sure its not been thrashed (you really need to look into that with a proper PPI with leak down tests etc the 200 dollars u may spend for a PPI is well worth it)

 

Expect to pay triple that for a proper PPI from a professional Ferrari tech and that would not incl. a leak down.

 

actually your right... sorry for that one guys not on my game right now

 

buy it to drive it

 

I wouldn't use Kia as an example of reliability as compared to Ferrari. Mile for mile, the Kia will far outlast a Ferrari. It won't look or sound nearly as good but they certainly have reliability on their side.

 

And on top of that, it seems like less and less shops are doing PPI. In the bay area for example, I do not know of any shops that performs this service (including FoSF) due to the potential liability it has. The few shops that are willing to do so are not really qualified. It's a pity as these are fine automobiles and it discourages some potential buyers as they will be taking more risks.

 

+1 but this will never happen with 99.9% of owners. By driving it I mean 12k/year.

 

Regular service on these cars are the key to them lasting a long time