I have been looking for a while now for an F430 with a traditional manual transmission. Found one with fairly low mileage but it is an '05. Not crazy about purchasing a first year model but price is very attractive. Should I have any concerns? thanks in advance.

 

i know there was a problem with the exhaust manifold cracking.

i would check all coolant hoses, flush all fluids, look for wear on all the interior buttons, check battery. Budget $3-5k for any future repairs. in the first year or two.

 

+1 on the headers.

The 05's had f1 trans pump issues but you're going with the 6spd obviously.

 

Manifolds are warrantied by FNA for 8 years / 80k miles....maybe look for an 06 or newer if they havent already been replaced.

Def get a PPI....its money well spent.

 

thanks for all the info. mentioned to dealer about the manifold issue and he said if it happens it is covered under warranty. will have to look into that!

 

I have the 2005 spider manual transmission, CCB & CS wheels, CF interior & steering wheel. Got it this January with 14000 km.

When I got the car, changed all fluid and 4 new tires.

Its a perfect car and I put 1,500 km on it so far.

Did the following last month, and I consider them as consumables:

The exhaust brackets broke and replaced with Capristo.
The manifolds are still in good condition, no leak no crack. For precaution, changed them to Capristo with heat shield.
The engine mounts were compressed with the rubber touching the plate, but not broken. The normal clearance is about 1/4". Replaced them.
Added skid pads under the front spoiler.
Wired the cable for Ctek Battery tender.

The Aux belt loses the shine and feels a bit hard. Ordered new belt and will replace it.

From the forums, there is no change/improvement on the manual F430 except the CCB. A couple of upgrade were done to the F1.

Just make sure the car did all the recalls by the dealer, especially the one in 2009 to add heat shields to the soft top hydraulic lines in the engine bay.

Enjoy the car.

Manual transmission is the minority and extinct, especially the RHD spider

 

fn117, this is an awesome write up. Thank you. Though I am not new to high performance cars I am new to Ferrari and don't know that much about them. In my opinion the F430 is one of the most gorgeous cars ever made. The 2005 F430 coupe I am looking at has only 5,000 miles and is a 6 sp manual. I drove the F1, and although nice, I still prefer the manual. just a bit skeptical with an '05. sure wish it was an '07 or '08.

 

F430 is well built. The first year built car with manual box are as good as later ones when maintainance is done properly. The decision is on the condition of the car.
The good thing of 2005 car is the bargain.
I got it at 40% of the MSRP :-)

 

Very helpful stuff.