Hi folks,
Had the car almost 6 months now and I thought some may appreciate an update.

Generally, it's been trouble free. Hesitant about a few lights on the dash intermittently, including a big one that says "SLOW DOWN"! This isn't because I'm driving fast, it's an occasional sensor-related issue and something to do with the exhaust mixture. I've had the dreaded engine management light a few times too, but it's usually after the e-diff has struggled over speed bumps or gravel and a quick call to the tracking company, isolation of the battery and a two-hour wait is usually the procedure to clear this.



The roof mechanism sounds like it's in need of some grease but I'll leave it till I get the car serviced before winter.

I've now done just over 3,000 miles in the car. It's been a great introduction to performance car ownership and I still feel very proud to have it. Done many events and meetings this year (in between the rain).

The car is currently adorning stripes - it was for an event recently - but so many people have responded positively to them, I'll maybe leave them for a while.

I should also say how much I am enjoying the F1 gearbox. The traction control (in sport mode) has also come into its own on the odd occasion (slippery roads) and sorted me out.


Costs till now:
Tyre repair £16.00.
Sidelamp Bulb £3.20.
Tracker contract: £295 (obviously needed for insurance)
Custom Fitted Velour Mats £28.
Indoor Cover: £330
Four Pirelli P Zero Corsa's: £1380
Alloy repair: £60
Spare key: £350
Insurance: £2000 p.a. (family fleet, includes 2 other cars)
Brake pads imminent: £700
Fuelon't ask, it's a Ferrari.

There's a bunch of photos on the car's own facebook page, as well as an update on where it's been, etc....

https://www.facebook.com/GrahamF430

Cheers,

Graham

 

What does it do mpg wise? Its been well behaved so far but £700 for pads is funny when you're not paying.

Looks superb in the PIC

 

Haven't really worked the mpg out actually, but I'm guessing around 10 in the city and 16 or so on the open road. Pads were pointed out to me when i got the tyres done. I'll wait until October when I'll be on my hols. Shed load of polishing for the event in the pic (Italian Car & Bike Day - Edinburgh - a few weekends ago).

 

4 rear tyres in 3000miles ?

 

Sorry, obviously not the case! I got all four tyres replaced. The rears weren't ready to be renewed but one had a puncture so I just got the lot done.

Edited the first post accordingly.

 

Wonder if this will work out cheaper to run than Razz's GTR?
Always liked the 430. I couldn't have a spider though, too much attention here for this kind of car. Saw a red one at a pub the other week, sounded fantastic. Driver was a poseur though, he looked at the pub as he left to see who was watching. Basically all blokes were watching.

 

I'm always aware of the "don't look like a prick" when I'm around with the hood down. Central Glasgow is great to hear the noise of the exhaust bouncing off the buildings but you do have to pretend you're not being watched. I am also collecting insults too. Everything from "F***ng Fanny" to , well...I'll let your imagine do the rest. To be honest, I'm too busy watching traffic when I'm in town. Hood down is preferable for visibility too.

As far as I know, my friend's GTR does indeed cost more to maintain than the 430. At least, going by his bills over 3 years. Touchwood, I've got a good car here and the costs will work out as predictably as I'd hoped for. I've been offered £10k more than I paid for it on two separate occasions and I've always got the chance to swapping it for something else, so I'm feeling quietly confident about the car from the financial point of view.

 

More pictures needed.

Really nice motor you have there

 

Are there loads about? I've always thought the 430 was pretty rare which is a big part of holding value I guess (it is just a guess, this car wouldn't get up my.. very steep.. drive even if I mortgaged my kid to buy it ).

In terms of "special" there's little to compete with a Ferrari imho

But.. I was talking to Nina about how great that 'pub 430' sounded. She sort of glazed over. Prefers her Golf TDI to my M3 or even the S2... odd girl

EDIT

Harris talks about the 599

http://www.pistonheads.com/news/defa...?storyId=26179

 

Roadie how are you finding the suspension on the island and back roads?
I'm finding myself drawn to a 16M but I'm worried the suspension may be too much?
How's the storage situation for a weeks touring?