First Post (Looking at 488 or F8)

Search is your friend....

https://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/threads/decisions-on-my-first-ferrari-488-f8.620816/

 

Let me be the first to welcome you!

Seems to me like the most intelligent response to your question is to try to test drive both cars back to back...for all you know, you may fall so head over heels for the F8 that the 100k delta become secondary. On the other hand, you may love the 488 more than the F8 after driving it, and then it becomes a big win for you; lower price and the big downside hit has already been absorbed by the other guy.,

Since you asked, here's my view: I think I would look long and hard at a 488 that meets your tastes, then work 'em for a price that reflects the current environment. So much less downside risk on a well bought 488 than an F8 at MSRP. I recently traded out of my 2019 488, and it was a fantastic car; quick, capable, and comfortable. I loved it, and only traded it because the replacement was a Pista. Yes, the F8 is such a pretty car, but I'm wondering, in 10 years, will it really matter when compared with the tidy styling of the 488? (I'm a sucker for the F8's looks, but I admit it may just be infatuation because its the next new thing.)

I think your next step is the test drive...

 

The question I always ask is why do you want a Ferrari? What purpose will the car serve? You are new here OP and probably do not know me or what I am. I am someone who does not see cars as anything but machines that serve a purpose (like a coffee maker or vacuum), I like cars (since I am closing in on owning 500 of them I better), and I really enjoy taking them apart, but they all must serve a purpose. My current Ferrari is a 2014 458 Spider, and the new car smell as you have called it is still there even after 25K miles. Ferrari leather has a certain smell that seems to not go away. I passed on a 488 and F8 because for my purpose for the car the extra power would be of no use. With traction controls off (I drive this way in all my sports cars) the 458 feels lighter on its feet and is easier to control when the tail kicks out. To me the cars do not really look so different (but I don't care as much about that as most people do), other than on the inside. The inside, yes the 488/F8 have updated tech (if you are buying a Ferrari for tech you should look elsewhere), which I suppose is nice but not a reason in my opinion to spend all that extra money. If you purpose is to say I own a Ferrari (I am not trying to offend you OP that is many owners reason and if that is yours I have no issue with it) well then maybe you should look at a 458. I mean no disrespect OP but mid engine Ferrari's are edgy cars and you said yourself you have never owned one, so maybe it might be a good idea to drive the 458, 488, Lusso, F8, maybe even a Lamborghini, or see if they are going to make a i8M (like I was told a little while back). Truth is most Ferrari owners never even push their cars (though most everyone on here is a F1 racer behind the wheel they would probably faint of they saw what a skilled driver could do with their car) to even half their limits. I am old and cranky, but have enough experience with cars for 3 lifetimes, and I offer you this advise. Think about what you purpose (use) will be for the car, drive a few, then decide. When someone says they want their first Ferrari to be a 488/F8 it makes me wonder if that person is just looking for (which is your right) the badge and is not thinking about what it means to own it. Either way good luck and welcome to the forum

 

Actually the statement "not one of them brings much more to the table than the other in terms of enjoyment and performance" is certainly not true for the performance category. I own a 458 spider with 577 hp and I test drove the F8 with 710 hp it is a night and day difference in performance. I also like the new styling and updated interior. For me I wanted to spec a new Ferrari exactly how I wanted it, so that was the deciding factor.

 

Some things to consider: from allocation/order ro receiving it could be 8 months or longer. The factory is backlogged. If the wait does not bother you, or have the opportunity for a cancelled order I would opt for the F8. It has a phenomenal engine to the likes of a Pista and excellent styling.

 

There are already F8s sitting at the dealers.

 

In addition to the canceled orders the dealers are now taking overflow cars that may not be advertised. You just have to ask them.

 

Yep. Saw two of them this week at Scottsdale Ferrari.

 

I personally think the F8 styling will last the test of time, it looks amazing. I went to the London reveal with absolutely no intention of buying one, once is saw it in life I was sold and had put my order in before the week was out

 

51, I think I remember that. I owned two Type FR;s after 800 miles I gave the last one to my girlfriend, she gave it back and said I want a real sports car this thing is terrible. She was right. If you only want to own a cool car as you say go buy a 458 save a ton of money and, okay maybe it is because mine is white, but is draws more attention than any of my other Ferrari's have. Funny thing Algar is very close and there are quite a few Ferrari's around here, but mine seems to get a lot of attention. My AMG GTS believe it or not gets even more attention than the 458, and like I said if the purpose of buying this car is just to have a Ferrari or exotic than drive a 458, it may very well be enough for you. Truthfully I doubt there are more than a handful of people on this forum that actually can handle their cars with the traction controls off. I used to build crazy cars that would kill you (a few did) if you did not have the talent to drive them, more power does not always mean better car. If you live by a runway you can drive on or there are roads near you that you can hit 150mph well than maybe a 488/F8 is the better choice. Yes those cars are more powerful but when does that matter. Sorry if I am going to insult anyone but when people start saying this one is better because (and sound more like marketing materials than practical understanding), I begin to wonder. Look up the willful suspension of reality (something else I am incapable of), you will probably be surprised how much it effects you every day.

 

You will pay more for the F8 if that is okay with you then get the F8 because it is a great looking car and runs with the best of them . However if you don't mind saving say 100k the 488 would be just fine...although I like the looks of the F8 better.. but that's just one opinion .. welcome and best of luck it will be fun ... they are great cars which ever you decide...

 

There's still a healthy spread between wholesale and dealer pricing, Manheim numbers would tell you a lot. Figure 5-10%... there might be $10k on the table. Or more. Some of these sit for a while. There's also a little wiggle on the warranty pricing.

I have limited experience driving F8 and 488 twice each only 15-20 mins, but I would offer this:

• The drive is fairly similar, my "butt dyno" can barely distinguish 660hp versus 710hp
• Do you want it now? Probably 488
• Do you want to save as much money in depreciation as possible? 488
• Do you want the newest and best? F8
• Do you want to specify the car exactly how you want it? F8

 

great choice! welcome to the 488 club!

 

congratulations .. definitely a great choice...post a picture when you can

 

Fantastic choice! You have so many great adventures ahead