looking to buy a pre owned 458.

how important is the front axel lift option on this car? seems like it sits high enough to avoid any issues. any owners who do not have this option please let me know what your thoughts are.

also seat question. i plan on tracking the car as well as taking trips. any thoughts or feedback appreciated. thanks!

 

most of the pre-own 458 don't have lift option. you can always get a skid pad. if you live in sf downtown or travel there often, i think you will really want it. those steep drive ways are killers to exotics.

with the seats, any will work really. it's more of a styling thing. of course, you'll save some weight having race seats that is fully manual. but standard will hold fine on the track.

 

I ordered mine with the front lift after seeing how it worked on one that had arrived in at the dealership. If you are going to drive in the city and or have to enter driveways and pass speed bumps, i think it is a no brainier to have it. It would suck to scrape or crack the front lip. as to seats, look at the regular daytona or even non daytona seats, they will give you the perfect snug fit while tracking, and at the same time are very comfortable to travel in. the race seats are clumsy to adjust and are hard on your bum, not much padding on them since they want to save on weight.

 

I would not say it is a deal breaker, but definitely a huge plus if it has it.

 

But 458 front end is so high, I don't think you'll ever bottom out.

 

Yes it is high (and a bit unsightly). But if he lives in SF or park in structures with steep inclines, he may not be able to angle his car which would require lifting. In that case, a skid plate and careful driving is a must without a lift.

 

I'm on my third and this is the first one with the lift. I'm also in San Fran. PM me and you can see it. I'd say it's very nice to have but the 458 seems to have less trouble then the Gallardo or the R8 even. So, it's not totally needed but it's a very nice option. I know of a couple of gas stations you'd have trouble with and one detailing shop but overall you should be ok if you take it at an angle and slow. Downhill parts in Pac Heights is the worst. Haven't scraped any of them yet though.