Hey everyone, I'm currently on the hunt for a Ferrari 458 Spider (preferable private party), and I've been hearing a lot of recommendations to focus on the 2013, 2014, or 2015 models. However, I'm curious about the reasons behind these recommendations and the differences between these years. Also, some folks have been adamant about purchasing from a dealer. Is that really important for the 458, and if so, why? Could someone please educate me on what sets these model years apart? Are there any significant changes or improvements that make one year preferable over the others? I want to make an informed decision when it comes to purchasing my dream car, and any insights from the community would be greatly appreciated. Looking forward to learning more
The model years are all the same. There has been calls for transmission issues in the early year cars (2010 mostly), some 11's I guess?) which in my mind now, is meaningless. As I was on the hunt for my car, I would only say, buy the best car you can find no matter where it is. As any car model year to year gain improvements from prior models as insignificant as they might be, do refine the model so in that respect I would look for the 2015 given a choice. Now on the other hand, for those that have the acumen for it would be to buy the 2010 model and really have a ball! Enjoy the hunt, lower mileage the better, and few OWNERS the better....Ferrari notorious for having SEVERAL owners.
Buy the owner! Not the car or year… buy from an enthusiast. Someone you know has been ocd with it.. my opinion. Most important Sent from my iPhone using FerrariChat
The 2015 models have a charger port under the glove box. Sent from my iPhone using FerrariChat.com mobile app
Id say a 14. Clear of the trans issues and as good as a 15. 15s bring a premium. So to me... A 14 is perfect
I own a 2014- totally agree- have had zero problems other than having to constantly charge the battery- Maintenance is reasonable
I have a 15 Italia & no issues. Was starting to get some very minor electrical nuances, but the battery ( Interstate ) was 6 plus yrs old. Took it in to have it's yearly ck & new battery. Perfect eval., new Interstate, all nuances resolved. Car has 8,050 miles. I drive the car usually Sunday's approx 50 miles( spirted, min. stop & go,ending on highways ), weekdays on Cytec 7002 charger. Reason Sundays is minimal truck traffic as there has been so much building, sand trucks etc. with everyone & his brother moving to Fl.. This is my 6th Ferrari and do enjoy this well sorted end of production car.
I'm a 2nd owner and my trans went @ 6k on the clock. I The main stigma w/ the earlier models, was because of the ones that caught fire, due to faulty adhesive issue. There was then a recall, so make sure that's been sorted. Then just buy the best car you can find, regardless of year.
You’re right. My apologies, I was told the tender/charger for the 14/15 comes with the plug that will fit the socket under the glove box. Sent from my iPhone using FerrariChat.com mobile app
The conundrum you might find yourself in is in finding a low miles well sorted 458, you drop into 488 pricing.
Not if a higher torque car better fits your driving style…..that would be my advice for anyone buying a 458/488.
Buy a decent (NOT LOW) mileage, later year 458. I have a 2014. I would suggest a 15k+, 2013 or newer model. People who drive their Ferrari's on a somewhat regular basis tend to take care of them. Those are the guys on these forums. They put them on tenders, start them up get problems solved, get them detailed and don't let salt or other corrosion set in hard to see areas, and most importantly drive them which is what they need. At least, this is what I think. I just saw a 458 on reddit today with 107k miles. I'm not saying get one like that, but these things, if properly maintained, can go for a while. 20k miles over the course of 10 years is nothing in the grand scheme of things, but it sure as **** tells me at least that fluids were moving instead of sitting. Over and out, soldier. Edit: Also, 2012+ 458's got an ECU revision. They received some sort of suspension software upgrade and also became slightly quicker. Noticeable improvement according to posters on here. I suspect previous model years got that also when they went in for service, but I think it did cost money at one point, so not a guarantee. Someone with more knowledge than me can chime in.
My '12 458 Italia has 71.000 kms now, no problems at all but a new battery every 3 years. Image Unavailable, Please Login
