I have an '08 F430 coupe, 6-spd manual which I bought new. This is my first Ferrari so I can't compare with previous years or models but I must say I'm neither impressed or dissatisfied with the build quality. Yes, the car squeaks when you go over bumps or a driveway, the paint finish has some flaws and a lot of orange peel, and the engine hood sounds very cheap when you close it but other than that the car has been quite reliable. A few minor problems, one of which almost stranded me, but all were taken care of successfully by the dealership under warranty.

I might add the manual tranny is harder to get and has to be special ordered and '09 production has been cut by 90% so it might be impossible to get a new one. I wouldn't get the car with the F1 because I love to shift myself and if you don't plan to track the car I think the manual will be more involving. Having said that, this manual has to be one of the worst shifting manuals I've ever had, and I had many NSXs, Zs, and Vettes. Very long throws and notchy to get through the gates. But once it warms up it is very smooth and quite easy to use.

Now it may sound like the 430 is not much to write home about but the car's styling, performance and that wonderful engine sound more than makes up for it's shortcomings. You really feel connected to the road and the quality and smell of the leather interior is fantastic. I hope this helps.

To those who complain about the evo's manual transmission, grinding and notchy shifting taken from a forum discussing the F430 vs the P-car.

 

said F430

 

i hope one day i would be able to make my own review on a Ferrari!!

 

Yo dude, you shud get some Tiens and slam that badboy to da floorz-wood look f'in sick bro-mo drop! no wat iz sayin?









The notchy shifting between 2-3 on my X also dissapates after the car is warmed up so I guess we have something in common with Ferrari

 

in the last few years i had a chance to test-drive a few exotics, some for 24hrs, some for just a few minutes.... and in most cases, the trans was difficult to operate and sometimes the loud metal bangs and jolts gave me the scare that its about to explode. drove a Lambo Murcielago 'F1', and it was even worse.
having said that, you still cannot draw parallels to an Evo. This is a Japanese sedan. Japs (no offense ) are known for smooth, seamless, buttery operation and transitions.... while when one buys a Ferrari, they should reasonably expect it to be an unconventional, demanding, difficult to operate, and quirky-in-its-operation vehicle. common, its not unusual for your new Ferrari to catch on fire, let alone for the trans to grind....

so on one hand you can say - hey Evo owners, rejoice, for even a $200k Ferrari's trans is quirky, rough, notchy and loud.... but i say, the opposite!!
ever try a Honda's 5 or 6 speed ?? butter butter butter smooth!!! anytime im fed up with my Evo, i just take my neighbors' Accord 6sp, and ......

 

I guess you missed that post here in evom waaay back!


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