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Michael Schroeder (Poserfornow)
New member
Username: Poserfornow

Post Number: 5
Registered: 9-2003
Posted on Saturday, September 13, 2003 - 9:04 pm:   

I received the service records today and will contact the dealer who did the engine replacement, etc. (Ferrari of San Francisco) to get more information. What would gearbox work likely cost at this point?
Jerry Fisher (Emtrey)
New member
Username: Emtrey

Post Number: 31
Registered: 8-2003
Posted on Saturday, September 13, 2003 - 8:14 pm:   

If the engine was NEW 12K miles ago, it will be due for 15K service in 3K miles incl belts
(which some recommmend changed at 5 yrs
regardless of mileage)...Clutches can
need replacing at 15K..Dealer likely to charge
3-5K on 15K service and 1-2K for clutch.
What would scare me on this is car...how did
owner BLOW engine and what other abuses has this chassis endured??? You also have a 60K gearbox.
If it needs work, it can be very expensive.
I would doubt if it did not need some synchro work at 60k miles.

Let a pro inspect the car and go from there. You might want to ask him why he is selling it now after going thru all this expense to put it "right"...
Michael Schroeder (Poserfornow)
New member
Username: Poserfornow

Post Number: 4
Registered: 9-2003
Posted on Saturday, September 13, 2003 - 3:28 pm:   

While I'm at it, if there is a "standard" set of questions to ask the owner, I'd love to see it. Also, I know that Ferrari's can be ridiculously expensive to service/maintain/repair, but what should I expect to spend on this car, with 60000 miles but only a 12000 mile engine and clutch? PS--I received the service records today and this car DOES seem to have everything done to it. The Sep 99 service, which included the new engine, was over $19,000. Yikes!
Michael Schroeder (Poserfornow)
New member
Username: Poserfornow

Post Number: 3
Registered: 9-2003
Posted on Saturday, September 13, 2003 - 1:57 pm:   

I appreciate all the additional information. I will try to track down Bob Wallace, but if anyone has any contact information, please email it to me at [email protected]. When I asked the owner why the engine was replaced, he told me that the prior owner had "blown the engine" and that's all he knows. So is there no good Ferrari mechanic in Tucson to perform a PPI?
Marc Griesenbrock (Az3082b)
New member
Username: Az3082b

Post Number: 5
Registered: 4-2002
Posted on Saturday, September 13, 2003 - 11:31 am:   

If there is any way I can help I am in Tucson and have the lay of the land so to speak. I would be happy to put you in contact with some folks that could look at the car. I would say that the majority of the resources are in Phoenix but I do have a friend that has 6 f cars here in Tucson. I do not currently own an F but know my way around cars (porsche, e30 M3, etc)
William H (Countachxx)
Advanced Member
Username: Countachxx

Post Number: 3045
Registered: 2-2001
Posted on Saturday, September 13, 2003 - 10:48 am:   

I'll look around, Bob is very well known. I think his garage is Bob Wallace garage :-) You could also ask Al Burtoni at Milano imports in Gilroy CA since he is not too far from AZ
Ed Bolian (Mred)
New member
Username: Mred

Post Number: 6
Registered: 8-2003
Posted on Saturday, September 13, 2003 - 10:43 am:   

William,
Do you have any contact information for Bob Wallace. I would like to get in touch with him. If you do not want to post it here, please e-mail it to [email protected].
Thanks.
ED
Darryl - TR&328 (Tr328)
Junior Member
Username: Tr328

Post Number: 80
Registered: 6-2003
Posted on Saturday, September 13, 2003 - 9:40 am:   

No matter how nice someone seems or how many records they have, get a PRE PURCHASE INSPECTION (CALLED A PPI AND NOT A PIP). I'm with Jerry - did you ask why it needed a new engine? Also, talk to the shop where the car is maintained. Good luck!
William H (Countachxx)
Advanced Member
Username: Countachxx

Post Number: 3040
Registered: 2-2001
Posted on Saturday, September 13, 2003 - 9:19 am:   

You should call Bob Wallace who is the ex Lambo test driver & Ive heard he just works on Ferraris now. He used to be in Phoenix. I'm sure he knows somebdy in Tuscon who can PPI the car for you. Good Luck
Jerry Fisher (Emtrey)
New member
Username: Emtrey

Post Number: 30
Registered: 8-2003
Posted on Saturday, September 13, 2003 - 8:54 am:   

Did you ask why it need a new engine?
That might be worth checking into..seems
a bit pre-mature.
Mike Z (Spike308)
Junior Member
Username: Spike308

Post Number: 54
Registered: 1-2003
Posted on Saturday, September 13, 2003 - 8:41 am:   

I PPI'd my 308 I bought 8 weeks ago at F of Denver. With compression test, it was just over $300.
Unfortunately, it has been twice to Lake Forest Ferrari. They are very nice, customer friendly, however, only have 2 mechanics, so getting it in and out in a timely fashion can be tricky.
The commute between here and Madison is not bad, I do it twice a month (part time job in Madison). If you come down here, DO NOT go through Rockford, 90 is all torn up. Go through Milwaukee... and it is much nicer drive.
Good luck!
Michael Schroeder (Poserfornow)
New member
Username: Poserfornow

Post Number: 2
Registered: 9-2003
Posted on Saturday, September 13, 2003 - 8:21 am:   

Thanks everyone for your quick responses. The car is in Tucson. It has 60000 miles on it but had a new engine and clutch at 48000. The owner has an impressive list of all the work that's been done and all the restoration and improvements he's made. Any suggestions as to where to get a PIP? Cost?
Jerry Fisher (Emtrey)
New member
Username: Emtrey

Post Number: 29
Registered: 8-2003
Posted on Saturday, September 13, 2003 - 7:48 am:   

If you can not find anyone closer go to LFSC
in northern Ill.--2 hour drive from Madison.
Have Joe PPI the car. If anything is wrong he will find it. No matter what it costs its cheaper than a bad F car or one in need of
big service.. When was last belt service done?
Mileage???
PeterS (Peters)
Intermediate Member
Username: Peters

Post Number: 1494
Registered: 1-2003
Posted on Saturday, September 13, 2003 - 7:37 am:   

Mike...Welcome aboard..Yes, pay the $$ and get a PPI. You will not be sorry you did this. Take your time. Passing on the first or second FCar you see is prudent at times. In the big picture, a cheap plane flight may be in line Vs the overall dollars you are spending...Best of luck!

Ps. I have a bunch of good friends in Maddison / Lodi. I was at Lake Wisconsin last Monday night. Its hard to believe it will be 2 degrees in a few months! I'm from N.Ca, near Yosemite.
Sam Germana (Sjmst)
Junior Member
Username: Sjmst

Post Number: 90
Registered: 7-2003
Posted on Saturday, September 13, 2003 - 7:33 am:   

Hi Michael: That is a PPI, or Pre Purchase Inspection. I bought my "first" (a Mondial) long distance as well. I think the Mondial is a great car, especially an 88 cab!
The seller should cooperate 100% with the PPI. I don't know where the car is, but if you post that info, I am sure someone here can recommend a mechanic in that location to check the car out for you.
Jerry Fisher (Emtrey)
New member
Username: Emtrey

Post Number: 28
Registered: 8-2003
Posted on Saturday, September 13, 2003 - 7:30 am:   

PIP is the way to go. Find a local dealer and pay the $$.
Perhaps the seller will split the cost.
If not I am sure on of ther board members here might be willing to help if the car is close
locally. Pics and service records are good BUT a
real F owner/dealer will know what to look for.
Michael Schroeder (Poserfornow)
New member
Username: Poserfornow

Post Number: 1
Registered: 9-2003
Posted on Saturday, September 13, 2003 - 7:23 am:   

Hi everyone. I'm in the market for my first Ferrari and have located an 88 Mondial Cab that seems to be in incredible condition. One problem: it's 1500+ miles away and I can't get out to see it. Any suggestions on how to be sure it's in good shape? The seller is sending me all the service records and I have a fair number of photos, but I've heard about something called a "PIP" and am worried there is plenty I don't know.

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