Hey guys, I'm thinking of making a switch from my .1 GT3 to an F430 (looking to stay 3 pedal, though they're posing very difficult to find, especially if I go coupe). I would just like some input from anyone that has done such, or the other way around. The maintenance on the older Ferrari's is what always set me back, but after doing some reading, it seems that the F430's are pretty reliable and maintenance cost are pretty reasonable, especially considering they run a timing chain and not belts. So if anyone is looking for a really clean .1 GT3 Black on Black with a flicker over 9K, one should be available soon.

 

MichaelM,

I think it boils down to personal choice. They are both fun cars. The GT3 is definitely more fun on the track. I have experience with both and honestly think you can't go wrong with either. My personal taste is for the GT3 over the F430. But that's just my personal choice. We service both of these vehicles in my shop and the F430 is a pretty reliable Ferrari compared to the other high maintenance F cars.

A customer of mine did say that he is going to be selling his 3 pedal F430. If you are interested just shoot me a PM and I will get you his contact info.

Good luck!

 

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I went the other way around. F430 is a great car but those $2k oil changes will get to you after a while. Then there's the depreciation, fear of putting miles on it, etc. etc.

I wouldn't be afraid of the paddles, they suit the car.

I'll just wait until my .2GT3 is worth as much as a 458!

 

i've driven the 430 auto and 6mt. I thought the 6mt was fun, but the gt3 handles and feels better all around imo. ove how the 430 sounds though!

 

Not a 430, but sold my 7-3.1 and bought an '04 F360 Modena, with all the bells /whistles in Titanium Grigio over black. An absolutely gorgeous car. Had the Challenge Stradale exhaust and ECU flash. Got bored of the flappy paddles very quickly. Any car that my girlfriend can drive in auto mode is just Meh to me.

My biggest issue was with all the attention it got. Granted I live in a relatively small, rural area, but Jesus H, it was an attention *****. You really need to be aware of that and be ok with that. I Hate the added attention: Johhny Law following me for miles on end. Coming out from a restaurant to have people all around the car posing for pix. Kids filming me while driving on the highway. But the worst was on two separate occasions when unknown people followed me home right into my driveway to "get up close". WTF. Kinda freaked me out and visions of a carjacking swam in my head.

Needless to say I drove the car less than 1500 miles before I dumped it. The worst was when I tried to unload a 16,000 mile car with very fresh full belt and full major service. I couldn't give it away. Seems to be a stigma of the Fiat turning over 10,000 miles, and in my case 15,000 miles. I paid for it dearly when I bought it. I paid for it dearly when I sold it. Huge mistake on my part.

I was fortunate to be able to buy a friends 7-3.2 last Fall and can honestly say that I am so happy to be back in the GT3 fold. This car is going nowhere!!!

YMMV. Good luck. And if you insist of going the Fiat route because the itch becomes too irresistible, go for a Scud.....

Mike

 

I just off loaded a F430, but not the manual. Great cars, never any issues with it. The manual I think in the F430 is not as sharp as the GT3 transmission. I wouldn't trade a GT3 for a F 430. I would add, not trade. You will miss the GT3. That I will promise.

 

Porsche, Ferrari, Lambo, R8, and Bently are dime and dozen in LA, CA. I don't think people even notice F430 or Ferrari California in LA or OC. It's just too common in southern CA. But I like your GT3, if you ever decided to sell it, can you PM me. Thanks

 

Keep the GT3 and add the Ferrari if you can.

 

a 3 pedal F430 is a great idea.
but letting go of the .1GT3 is not a good idea.

you cannot beat the GT3.

 

Went from multiple GT3's including all RS 's to a Scud.... and back to GT3's. I could never get past the horrific build quality.

 

Ha! Me too!

 

A have a 997.1 and a 430 Challenge. One thing you will want to consider is if you plan to track the car. The Ferrari has a very intrusive ASR (nanny) system, even in race mode (which is the only mode on the Challenge car), so to have fun you will need to turn it off every time. You'll want to feel very confident in your abilities in this scenario, it's not a car for beginners. The Porsche is more forgiving.

IMO, the paddles on the F430 fit the car. Lightening fast shifts and you are still in control, it's a great box and fairly bullet proof.

 

I have owned a scud for 4 years and a .2 gt-3 for one year and they are parked next to each other in my shop. I noticed the comment on build quality so I walked out to the shop and opened and closed the doors on both cars and they both close with a good solid thunk. I would have to say the scuds rear hatch closes more precisely than the gt-3. After 4 seasons of driving the scud it has no rattles, the leather smells as intoxicating as new and has been completely reliable. The porsche had a oil sensor go out but is was covered under CPO, they picked it up and the service was excellent. I like both cars and will keep both, each has a incredible transmission, appearance, handling and both are very fun to drive.

 

Which ever you choose ,your in a great place to have such nice choices in life!
My o2 is the 458 is a great car and probably the deal for what you get in an F car.
The GT3 is a more versitle car in my opinion.
The both idea is a win win!