Are the costs in the below write-up about right for routine maintenance on an F430? I’m looking to buy and want an idea of what I’m in for over the long haul. What’s the availability of qualified independent shops (along the US east coast) for maintenance and are the cost significantly lower than the dealers or are they about the same?
Thanks in advance for your comments... I think : )

Vince


"Most Ferrari owners will agree that maintaining a Ferrari can be one expensive task. One key item to consider is that the older the Ferrari model, the more expensive, the more it is to maintain. A typical oil change on a Ferrari F430 will run you $500, and about $800 for a Ferrari F360 Modena, or $1100 for a Ferrari F355. This typical oil change needs to occur every 5000 miles or once a year, since most owners don’t drive their cars 5000 miles a year. Other typical maintenance items include spark plugs at an average of $3000, belts every 15000 miles at an average of $4000 and finally the mother of all maintenance repairs the clutch which will be about $2500 for a 6 speed transmission and $6500 for the F-1 clutch. That makes the Ferrari one expensive machine to own but remember many owners will tell you that you shouldn’t own one if cost of ownership is something you must think of"Most Ferrari owners will agree that maintaining a Ferrari can be one expensive task. One key item to consider is that the older the Ferrari model, the more expensive, the more it is to maintain. A typical oil change on a Ferrari F430 will run you $500, and about $800 for a Ferrari F360 Modena, or $1100 for a Ferrari F355. This typical oil change needs to occur every 5000 miles or once a year, since most owners don’t drive their cars 5000 miles a year. Other typical maintenance items include spark plugs at an average of $3000, belts every 15000 miles at an average of $4000 and finally the mother of all maintenance repairs the clutch which will be about $2500 for a 6 speed transmission and $6500 for the F-1 clutch. That makes the Ferrari one expensive machine to own but remember many owners will tell you that you shouldn’t own one if cost of ownership is something you must think of."

 

Well if that article holds true, you shouldn't consider a ferrari if you're posting this hear asking about maintenance costs. lol

 

Yes that article runs pretty true to the costs

 

Thanks Mk4. I've confirmed that the clutch cost is about right with my local dealer. I’ve learned that 430s usually go about 35k miles before a clutch is needed. The F430 actually has a clutch wear indicator, so it’s something that can be checked before purchasing pre-owned.

Vince

 

I looked at buying a 430 and the costs quoted seem a little high, but about right. The 430 doesn't use a belt that needs to be replaced like the 360 though. It has a chain instead. I'm not sure what belts they're referring to.

 

I think the comment about maintenance costs increasing as the models get older is true: I know replacing the drive shaft "U" joints on a '67 330 GTC ran about $15K.
I just bought an F430 and asusmed that total maintenance costs would run about $1/mile. I do agree with the folks that say that if the cost really concerns you, don't buy it, but I think the costs in the article are reasonable estimates.

 

I would say the 430 is a good car, and depending on how you drive it the clutch could definitely last 35k, but if you beat on it it can go earlier. They are a lot of fun and can be an awesome car. The serpentine belts are the only other one on the car, so I am not sure what the interval is to change them...

 

Unfortunately you have to pay to play. Those cost seem about right. It also has alot to do with how you take care of the car and how you drive it.

 

Cost of ownership is why I may be changing my mind from a 360/430 to a Viper ACR. I can do my own maint. and upgrades on those.

 

Thanks for your candid input. I’ve decided to purchase a techart 997tt instead of the F430. Both are great cars, and I feel fortunate to be in position to comfortably purchase one or the other. Heck, if I could “comfortably” get both, I would. For now however, I’d rather do more playing than paying.
Best to you all,
Vince

 

just out of curiousity, why can't you wrench on your own 360 / 430?

the prices quoted are about right. these cars aren't your normal porsche in terms of reliability and daily friendliness.

 

No reason you can't wrench on your own, especially as far as oil changes are concerned.