I have had a 458 spider and a coupe. The spider looks cool, but the driving experience with the coupe is infinitely better. The spider has cowl (steering wheel) shake when flexing and going over bumps. The top creaks as well. It’s not a McLaren with a carbon fiber tub where coupe and spider drive the same. If you’re just driving it around town I guess it makes no difference, but if you are a driving/Motorsport aficionado it will bother you. You will also be disappointed with the technology of the interior. The stereo and controls will suck. The AC controls are ancient and the AC may or may not be as good as your other cars. I think you just need real expectations. If you haven’t had a Ferrari, it’s a great itch to scratch. If you buy the car solely for the drive, the sound and the history you will be very happy. If you expect more, you may be disappointed. Lastly, like others said here, Ferrari plays the same games that Porsche plays now. The price to play will be more than Porsche. The GT3/GT3 RS and the 458 are probably my favorite cars I have ever owned.

+1.
There probably needs to be a separation of various issues here.

What has happened with Champion Porsche is a shameful matter. However, I am not ashamed to own a Porsche just because of this incident. I love driving my Porsche and wouldn't want to sell it because of this ADM issue or Champion Porsche issue. Secondly, I don't need to go through the ADM experience again if I don't need to buy another Porsche. Thirdly, I can always go to another Porsche dealership for service if I am unhappy with one. Fourthly, I wouldn't sell my GT Porsche at a loss when I enjoy driving it.

now, if I fall in love with a different car then I must determine the net benefit of buying such a car. If the 458 is compelling in its own right then go ahead and buy it if the transaction makes sense. I mean if you live in Malibu and love living there and love your house and such you probably won't move to Kenya simply because you didn't like the politicians in Washington.

if all of us start selling our Porsche GT cars because we don't like the business tactics of PAG or PCNA or independent dealerships then we probably are not Porsche car enthusiasts and shouldn't have bought them in the first place. Now, we should certainly raise our collective voices against malpractices or those would never come in check. We must make our displeasure be known to PCNA and I am certain they will take serious note of that because PAG does depend on the consumer for its ongoing business.

Many of of my friends own Ferarri's. They have had good experiences with purchases. However, they all say that the cost of Ferarri ownership is pretty high. Much higher than cost of ownership of a GT Porsche. Whatever you end up doing, enjoy the car in good health.

Didnt read anything but the title but go for a 430 Scud instead of 458. Much more fun to drive and gives an RS 4.0 type experience in a Ferrari way.

458 is fast but softer and less edgy. The Speciale is great as well but 430 Scud is a good value for what it is.

I’ve been able to experience each car mentioned opinion, so I like think it means something. Lol

You have a nice dilemma here. As others have said, you can’t go wrong either way. I haven’t been on here long, so pardon me for asking. Is your current GT3 a manual or PDK? If it’s a 991.2 manual and you like rowing your own gears, I would lean towards keeping the GT3. Probably one of the most engaging cars out there for us manual enthusiasts. Plus it will probably hold its value well for the next couple of years. If you have a PDK variant, then that would make more sense to make the switch. From a technology standpoint, the GT3 is the winner (time marches on). So, there is that to consider along with your current car being under manufacturer warranty.

The driving experience...what can I say, driving an exotic Italian car is another level to me. While I have a Performante, I’m pretty sure the Ferrari guys would echo my sentiment that driving/even owning one of these is a very emotional experience. Besides our significant others, cars are what tug at our heart strings. I mean, this is a car forum after all. And no other car does better at tugging than an Italian exotic. I still get weak in the knees every time I go in the garage and see my Performante. Driving it is even better! So, I wouldn’t blame you one bit for getting a 458 despite the GT3 being the technically better car. I would go for a coupe as well. It’s nice to see that work of art in the engine bay and the car is more stiff—as stated by others.

The other big factor you mentioned in this potential change is your treatment by Porsche. It’s a shame when a manufacturer and the lion’s share of its dealers turn a blind eye and alienate a large number of enthusiasts. And now you’re looking into other marques. Shocking! When the economy turns, guess who the dealers will reach out to. But you’ll be gone. And I don’t blame you one bit. I, as many others, have been or are in the same shoes. I’ll be honest, I’ve been on the hunt for a .2 GT3 manual. I know that ADM is the reality but what gets me is how blasé most of the dealers are about it. For the ADM, the least they could do is say, yes we are charging you an ADM. It is XXX. Are you good with that. Yes, I am. Ok sir. To show we genuinely appreciate your business, we’re going to throw in clear film protection and ship the the car to you on our dime. Give me/us a little something to show some appreciation for spending our hard earned dollars with the dealer. Sometimes it’s the little things in life. Maybe even say the next GT car is at MSRP if we have the allocation. But this has not been the case. I want to return to the Porsche brand (I had a 997.1 GT3). They make awesome machines! But the whole ADM experience is a turnoff. With ADM, other cars become compelling. Just like what’s occurring with you to a degree. A 600LT is now in the ballpark and the guy I buy my exotics from treats me exceptionally well. I’d almost rather take the depreciation hit on the Mac and feel great about my buying experience. It’s also a hell of a car to me. We’ll see what time brings.

I wish you the best of luck in your search. The hunt is a good part of the fun. Look forward to seeing how it shakes out for you.