F430's are very reliable, the car will make that trip easily. Of course, any car can break down, so it's best taking some precautions when you're driving that far away from home. If it were me, I'd have a cellphone/charger (obviously) and all important phone numbers handy...e.g., the dealer, the insurance company and roadside assistance. I always have a tire plug kit and small compressor in my cars. Taking a buddy along may be a good idea, too. I'd check the route home for construction areas/delays, etc. Getting stuck in miles long, bumper-to-bumper traffic in a Ferrari (or any exotic) is no fun. It doesn't help the clutch wear, either.

I think the salesman was surprised when you mentioned driving it home because most long distance buyers likely ship their cars home. Anything can happen on a long drive home surrounded by a million careless drivers. It's a new, expensive car and many guys figure that shipping it is safer and a lot less stressful. Plus, seeing the truck pull up and the car unloaded is a great experience.

Good luck. Enjoy the car!

 

I was lead to believe that Ferrari's were race cars anyway. If they were built to go top end for a couple of hundred miles, what would a 400 mile
cruise do to it?

 

Drive it or its next owner will...

 

people who garage their cars all the time and then take them out on long trips are the ones with the problems. if you are a driving enthusiast instead of a looking enthusiast, you'll have no problems most likely. but if you only drive it 10-20 times a year around home and then want to take a 600 mile trip, i would have it looked over.

I put 30,000 miles on my porsche a year. i know people who garage them 99% of their life, be it an 85k cayenne or a 140k 911 and they have issues with them all of the time.

i believe parts wear in with a memory. daily use parts are less likely to fail then rare use parts that all of the sudden become daily use parts.

 

I would also add that having driven an F430, I would immediately DIVE into that experience. few people have the opportunity to enjoy a 400 mile drive right off of the lot. that way the vehicle really gets to bond with you and vice versa. bring a good radar detector, or friend in a spotting car a couple miles up, not for the tickets, but for the reckless driving arrest you will want to avoid, given youll probably be cracking 110-135 at least on the HWY. I know a spotting car might seem like a bit of trouble, but the officer of course is going to be harder on you given your operating a 6 figure vehicle. remember in some states 30+ mph over is a reckless driving ticket of $400 and more than 50mph over can lead to an arrest and impound very quickly.

I took my porsche up to 160, once, but chose to do it off of legal roads due to the risk.

 

I say do it. The clearbra is perfect and the car will be fun. Its a great way to get to know the car, and its about a 5hr trip.

 

I did the 400 miles drive. What am I thinking. I did all the precautions. Checked tires, oil, fluids and numbers to call and signed up with AAA.

I LOVE IT!!!!!!!!

The suspension is more comfy than my C4S, especially in and around Dallas where pot holes are all over. Maybe because it has a longer wheel base. I will agree with people who said that a ferrari f430 is a real drivers car, maybe even better than a 911. I am not trying to put down my beloved 911 but I am afraid it is.

I notice that it has more clearance than my 911 that I did not scrape the bumper where I think I could have done it with my 911.

Will this become a daily driver, I don't think so. WHY? I cannot count how many people have talked to me, even while driving 70 mph on the freeway OR gave me a thumbs up.

HEY IS THIS YOURS? HOW FAST HAVE YOU BEEN IN THIS? WHAT MODEL IS THIS? VERY NICE FERRARI YOU HAVE THERE? CAN YOU REV IT UP ALITTLE BIT! YOU CAN PARK HERE ANYTIME! LOOK AT THAT ENGINE!

How about my neighbor. Drove past my house while my garage was open, before he reached his house he stopped, then reverses and stopped infront of my house and just stares on my red car for about 15 secs, then waves. Considering he does not even say hi to us(He is new to our neighborhood) I guess he can't believe there is a ferrari in my garage.

Bluetooth is not bad, reception is like a 997.2.

She is a Beauty!!!

The only thing I dont like, NO CUP HOLDER and NO CRUISE CONTROL.

I drove my 911 for 5 hrs and my back hurts after arriving in dallas, but the daytona seats are comfortable and did not have back pain in the return trip.

What I cant forget is my wifes question.

"Can you imagine 3 years ago that you will have a ferrari at this time?" I said NO. I still cannot believe it.

5 years ago, I cannot even feed myself.

 

the sports cars are meant to be driven. I'd say go for it and thats the most fun part of road trip ! most ppl drive exotics in Gumball rally but never saw one break down on the road. Enjoy the trip

 

Congrats... so since you threw it out there, how do you go from not being able to feed yourself 5 years ago, to an M5, F430, RR, etc? Nice turnaround!

Enjoy it!!

c

 

Yeah, I'd like to know how you did it.

 

Not to get into much detail.

Was in school 6 years ago. Went into the medical field. Finished 3 years ago. The rest was history. I cannot believe how poor i am prior to that.

Of course, good credit scores really helped since it lowered my APRs and insurance premiums.