2009 Ferrari F430 Review
2009 Ferrari F430 Review
View more photos
Used F430 for sale
Appraise This CarFerrari F430 types
- Convertible
- Coupe
See Edmunds pricing data
Has Your Car's Value Changed?
Used car values are constantly changing. Edmunds lets you track your vehicle's value over time so you can decide when to sell or trade in.
Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- World-class handling, exotic V8 howl, choice of coupe and roadster body styles.
Cons
- Pricey, roadster has a plastic rear window.
What’s new
The Ferrari F430 is unchanged for 2009.
Edmunds says
There are cheaper and quicker options, but nothing sounds and feels quite like the midengine 2009 Ferrari F430.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2009 Ferrari F430 2dr Coupe (4.3L 8cyl 6M) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $4.31 per gallon for premium unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$407/mo for F430 Base
F430 Base
vs
$174/mo
Avg. Compact Car
Vehicle overview
The 2009 Ferrari F430 is neither the most expensive nor the flashiest Ferrari available, but it might just be the best. Thanks to the inherent balance of its midengine layout, the relatively compact F430 is one of the sweetest-handling cars on the planet. It's also one of the sweetest-sounding -- sports cars come and go, but the soul-stirring soundtrack of the F430's 4.3-liter V8 will turn heads until filling stations stop selling gas. With the advent of the new Ferrari California retractable-hardtop roadster, the F430 has some stiff in-house competition, but the F430's lower curb weight and sharper-edged nature make it the enthusiast's choice of the two. If you can stomach the near-$200,000 base price, sports cars don't get much more rewarding than the 2009 Ferrari F430.
A large part of that reward comes in the form of 483 horsepower from the above-mentioned V8, which enables the F430 to hit 60 mph from rest in about 4 seconds flat. There are far cheaper cars with marginally better numbers -- the Chevrolet Corvette Z06/ZR1 tandem and the Nissan GT-R, to name three. That's where the F430's other charms come in, among them a sublimely balanced chassis, telepathic steering and the exotic wail of that gloriously free-revving V8. Sure, it costs more, but for the discerning sports car shopper, the F430 is totally worth the extra coin.
Like any modern-day Ferrari, the F430 is packed to the gills with advanced go-fast technology. Notably, the "manettino" (Italian for "little manager") steering wheel knob cycles through five driving modes that adjust suspension settings, stability and traction control thresholds, and the F1 automated-clutch manual gearbox's shift speed and quality. Of course, you can still order your F430 with the conventional, gated six-speed manual shifter, too. However you order your F430, though, rest assured that contemporary Ferraris, unlike their elemental forebears, are very much children of the 21st century in terms of engineering.
At the end of the day, there's a primal, unencumbered character to the F430 that sets it apart from other cars of its ilk. Of course, that's not to say that there aren't able competitors in this lofty league. Porsche's 911 GT2 and GT3 deserve a close look, as do the related Audi R8 V10 and Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4. But if you want a car that will keep seducing you with its song till the oil runs dry, the 2009 Ferrari F430 might just be in a league of its own.
Performance & mpg
The 2009 Ferrari F430 is powered by a mid-mounted 4.3-liter V8. This naturally aspirated engine produces 483 sonorous hp at 8,500 rpm and 343 pound-feet of torque at 5,250 rpm. Thrust is sent to the rear wheels via a conventional six-speed manual transmission with an old-school gated shifter. Optional is the F1 gearbox, a single-clutch automated manual transmission controlled by paddle shifters mounted on the steering column. The F430 also has an electronically controlled rear differential called "E-Diff" that helps to improve acceleration and vehicle balance during cornering. Under full whip, this Italian stallion will gallop to 60 mph in around 4 seconds and top out just shy of 200 mph.
Safety
The F430 comes standard with antilock brakes and stability control, but there are no side airbags -- it's the Ferrari way.
Driving
The 2009 Ferrari F430 accelerates with the gusto that only a true exotic can provide. Forget about the numbers -- one run through the gears and you'll be hooked for life on the V8's high-rpm wail. The F1 transmission boasts lightning-quick gearchanges, but its automatic mode isn't as smooth as those provided by more advanced dual-clutch automated manuals. The conventional manual is still very impressive, clinking through the exposed metal gates with loads of old-world charm. Handling is about as good as it gets for street-legal cars, with perfect fore-and-aft balance and precise steering that all but speaks to you in real-time Italian about what's going on below. The suspension is undoubtedly firm, but that shouldn't be an issue for most F430 owners, as we're confident they've got a few other options in the garage for daily driving.
Interior
Unlike Ferraris of yore, the F430's interior is slathered in soft leather and high-quality materials, though it's still more of a focused high-performance driving capsule than a luxurious place to lounge. Aggressively bolstered seats are boons in spirited driving, and weekend racers can go one better by selecting the optional carbon-fiber racing seats. Buyers may also opt for "Daytona" seats, so called because their perforated upholstery design mimics that used in the classic 365 Daytona of the early 1970s. Interior accents can be specified in aluminum or carbon fiber. Although the Spider's fully automatic top lowers in just 20 seconds, its rear window is plastic, a lamentable sin in an exotic drop top.
2009 Ferrari F430 models
The 2009 Ferrari F430 is available as an ultra-high-performance two-seat exotic coupe or convertible (the latter is known as the Spider). Standard features include 19-inch wheels with high-performance tires, carbon-ceramic brakes, bi-xenon headlights, auto-dimming mirrors, automatic climate control, power seats, leather upholstery and a stereo with a CD player.
There is a long list of options for the F430, the priciest of which include carbon-fiber exterior and mechanical components. Among the more run-of-the-mill options are run-flat tires, front and rear parking sensors, a fire extinguisher, Bluetooth, a non-graphical navigation system with a very limited screen that makes do with voice prompts, and an upgraded sound system. There is also a long list of exterior and interior personalization options.
For track rats and those whose egos are not adequately inflated by the regular F430, Ferrari offers the hard-core F430 Challenge coupe. The Challenge is identical to the base F430 in most mechanical respects, but is 220 pounds lighter. This trick was accomplished through the liberal use of carbon fiber, a Lexan windshield and windows and a lighter, center-mounted exhaust. Other features include a removable racing steering wheel, a firmer suspension with a lower ride height, center-locking ("knock-off") wheels, white exterior graphics and a unique rear fascia. Not surprisingly, the track-biased Challenge comes at a stiff price premium, listing for $50,000 more than a standard F430.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2009 Ferrari F430.
5 star(84%)
4 star(8%)
3 star(8%)
2 star(0%)
1 star(0%)
25 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
5 out of 5 stars
2006 F430
ferrarifan, 02/14/2006
2006 Ferrari F430 F1 2dr Coupe (4.3L 8cyl 6AM)
I am more than satisfied with the 2006 F430. Although I loved the Modena 360 I used to have, the F430 is much better than the 360 in many ways. It is far smoother and faster. Its design is more aggressive and modern, although one could argue that the 360 had more artistic lines. They are both beautiful, but different. The interior is covered with the finest leather you will see in any … car with beautiful stitchings. Its instrumentation is functional and elegant. The HiFi version is terrific with clean sound and base. Its handling, speed, agility, and feel are second to none. It is one of the most beautiful cars ever created with its presence noticed on any road with admirers everywhere.
5 out of 5 stars
Fun!Fun!Fun!
Bill Holbrook, 08/15/2015
2007 Ferrari F430 Spider F1 2dr Convertible (4.3L 8cyl 6AM)
Unlike some of the other reviews I see I actually own an F430.The thrill of walking out into the garage and looking at my car and knowing that I can start it up and drive it whenever I want cannot be overemphasized.The car is so much fun to drive I can easily overlook the flaws (mainly the cost of everything).I can't go anywhere without being asked about it or having myself … photographed.The way it drives around corners is always exciting and the top end is also quite exciting.I know mine goes at least 170 with the limiting factor being the driver not the car.The gas mileage has surprised me getting 17.9 on the last trip I took or 6321 miles.No mechanical issues , no overheating , no plug problems, heck, no problems at all.This is without a doubt the most fun of any car I have driven, well the 458 drives better but I don't own one.I have 14 cars right now with one a drag car that runs in the mid 9s but my F430 brings a smile to my face and anyone I take with me every time I get into it.
5 out of 5 stars
Amazing Spider Tricks
Sebas, 08/14/2008
2005 Ferrari F430 Spider 2dr Convertible (4.3L 8cyl 6M)
This vehicle is amazing, fast, sleek, responsive, quick, it turns every head, you will not want to get out of it. I went from a 360 Modena to the F-430 F-1 and noticed a world of change it's like night and day. You've got to drive this vehicle to see what I mean.
5 out of 5 stars
F430
ferrariman, 12/26/2005
2005 Ferrari F430 F1 2dr Coupe (4.3L 8cyl 6AM)
The F430 is an amazing car--more so than virtually any other car on the market. Its performance is spectacular. Its shape is more beautiful than any other car in the world. On the road, it commands a presence of mystique and prestige that only a Ferrari delivers. I had a 360 Modena before this model. The F430 is sharper and more modern in appearance. The shifting of F1 is more smooth, … and the overall handling is far superior.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2009 Ferrari F430, so we've included reviews for other years of the F430 since its last redesign.
2009 F430 Highlights
Convertible
Spider
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $218,310 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 13 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $407/month |
Seating | 2 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 8.8 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | rear wheel drive |
Safety
Key safety features on the F430 include:
- Alarm
- Tire Pressure Warning
- Stability Control
Consider these recommendations
Related Used 2009 Ferrari F430 info
Vehicle reviews of used models
- Used Nissan Sentra 2020
- Used Chevrolet Malibu 2020
- Used Mercedes-Benz Maybach 2022
- Used Chevrolet Bolt EV 2022
- Used Ford Shelby GT350 2018
Popular new car reviews and ratings
- Lexus Is300
- Mercedes GLC 300 Coupe
- Polestar 2 2024
- Mazda CX9
- Cadillac Escalade Esv SUV
- Genesis G80 Sedan
- Alfa Romeo Giulia
- Genesis G70 Sedan
- Car BMW X7
- Kia Ev6
Other models
- New Chevrolet Silverado-3500Hd for Sale in New Castle, PA
- Used Fiat 500 in Suitland, MD
- Used Kia Sorento in Coral Springs, FL
- Used Chevrolet Camaro in Maineville, OH
- New Ram Promaster-Window-Van for Sale in Salinas, CA
- New Mini Hardtop-4-Door for Sale in Tracy, CA
- New BMW XM for Sale in Montclair, NJ
- New Genesis G80 for Sale in Homewood, IL
- Used Chevrolet Silverado-2500Hd in Galax, VA
- New Mercedes-Benz Cle for Sale in Largo, FL