| Author |
Message |
stephen r chong (Ethans_dad)
New member
Username: Ethans_dad
Post Number: 3
Registered: 3-2002
| | Posted on Wednesday, May 15, 2002 - 6:19 pm: | |
Dave:
Could I trouble you for a contact or number there? That's reasonably close to the car (San Rafael). You can email me the info if possible.
Thanks for the suggestion.
Steve |
Dave328GTB (Hardtop)
Junior Member
Username: Hardtop
Post Number: 144
Registered: 1-2002
| | Posted on Wednesday, May 15, 2002 - 5:50 pm: | |
I prefer independents to avoid possible conflicts of interest. Last year I used Patrick Otis in Berkeley and was pleased with his attention to detail and written report.
Dave
P.S. I bought the car. |
bruce wellington (Bws88tr)
Junior Member
Username: Bws88tr
Post Number: 226
Registered: 4-2002
| | Posted on Wednesday, May 15, 2002 - 4:03 pm: | |
stephen
the first thing you want to do is a compression test while the engine is warm and driven some miles..if the psi #s are not up to par, then i would forgot about the car and you will and always have a problematic engine...my 2 cents.. before you let the ppi inspection even begin,you MUST pass this first test..hope this helps..
bruce |
stephen r chong (Ethans_dad)
New member
Username: Ethans_dad
Post Number: 2
Registered: 3-2002
| | Posted on Wednesday, May 15, 2002 - 3:40 pm: | |
Are leak-down test typical for 308's? For a P-car flat 6, the leak-down is a must to determine the health of the motor. Is this the case with the Ferrari V-8? What should the range be across the two banks? I've read to keep watch for the timing belts, valve guide wear, waterpump, smog pumps. Any other things to watch for? Suggestions from owners would be most appreciated.
TIA |
Jim E (Jimpo1)
Member
Username: Jimpo1
Post Number: 436
Registered: 7-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, May 15, 2002 - 3:24 pm: | |
When I do it again I'll use an independent inspector. I have to agree w/ Doody, be sure you know what info you'll be getting from the inspection and point out any areas you want them to check in addition to their 'routine'. I would actually prefer the "wildy over-enthusiastic" checklist as opposed to not having enough info. I paid for the inspection on my car, and found out the day after I picked it up that the majority of the car had been repainted. Thats the kind of info I thought I was paying to get from the PPI. Based on the PPI, I bought mine sight unseen. Probably not the best decision I've ever made. |
Mr. Doody (Doody)
Junior Member
Username: Doody
Post Number: 188
Registered: 11-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, May 15, 2002 - 2:31 pm: | |
my two pennies, FWIW.
a reputable independent -vs- a reputable franchise dealer shouldn't generate any big difference. don't know how the CA factory-owned shops factor into this though, if at all - i'd be a bit skeptical.
make sure they have an understood checklist and process. you want to make sure they're thorough. you want some paperwork at the end of the day that explains everything. i had one PPI done on a car i ended up not buying, but there was no real output other than a phone call, and that stunk.
if relevant, make sure they understand that you will be doing none of the work (assuming every car needs SOMETHING) with them - you're just paying for their time and opinion. this'll keep things wholly rational IMO.
my experience was that these guys are wildly over-enthusiastic about pointing out every freakin' little thing. you're talking about a very non-new car - let 'em know up front that you understand it's a 15+ year old car and you expect general wear.
i had one shop come off with huge attitude trying to push me away from the car they were inspecting and towards one they could sell me. call bullshit on that real quick and tell 'em to do the job you're paying them for or they can just opt out.
good luck!
doody. |
stephen r chong (Ethans_dad)
New member
Username: Ethans_dad
Post Number: 1
Registered: 3-2002
| | Posted on Wednesday, May 15, 2002 - 1:44 pm: | |
Hello All,
After over a year of searching, I may have stumbled across the 308 GTS I have been hunting for. Just wanted some advice on the PPI procedure. I fought off the "wanna pay for this baby now" reflex, and am so close now to ownership, I can see it in my garage.
Are there any advantages to use dealerships over a independant for the PPI. Any suggestions in the SF area?
Thanks for your time, and hope to join the Ferrari owner community very very soon. You all seem to be a wonderful group. |