| Author | Message | ||
| Ralph Koslin (Ralfabco)
New member Username: Ralfabco Post Number: 45 Registered: 3-2002 |
Thank You for the advice. I really like both cars quite a bit. It is amazing to relish the handbuilt interior of the BBI. The performance of the Testarossa is probably better. I am sure I will end up with the first excellent car where the seller and I can agree. Thanks again for the advice. Ciao Ralph | ||
| James Selevan (Jselevan)
Junior Member Username: Jselevan Post Number: 138 Registered: 6-2002 |
Ralph - I have done the same analysis. I own a 86' and recently purchased an '83 Boxer. The Boxer is by far more fun to drive, more of the traditional Ferrari performance and handling, and, in my opinion, a better looking car. Price of the two are comparable (today). I had a major service done on the TR at Ferrari of Orange County this summer. Excellent experience. Expert work done by Chris. Alan, the service manager, was very good to work with. The price quoted closely matched final price with the exception of extras that I added. The fundamental question is whether to use an independent or an authorized dealer. Following my experience with Ferrari of Orange County, I would go to a dealer. Several reasons: 1) Warranty is likely to be more reliable (they will more likely stand behind their work). 2) Resale is more likely to be enhanced with service by an authorized dealer versus independent. 3) While price is likely a little higher with an authorized dealer, the intangibles such as relationship, future purchases, help with minor issues, telephone questions, all add to a better experience. One potential advantage to an independent doing the work is the ability to visit your car and watch as work is performed (sort of like watching neurosurgery on your child). However, my experience with Ferrari of Orange County was excellent in that they did allow me to visit and speak with Chris, the mechanic, every day. (I must apologize to them for a comment I made on FerrariChat which, while not at all negative to Orange County, imposed upon their hospitality). In summary - 1) Buy the Boxer 2) Have your service done at Ferrari of Orange County or other authorized dealer 3) Don't compromise your decision making based on the difference in service costs that amount to 2% of your purchase price. If you have a nationally respected independent mechanic, and price is substantially less, then go for it. However, at such time that you wish to sell your car, the benefits of having a service record with a dealer are real. My thoughts. Jim S. | ||
| TomD (Tifosi)
Intermediate Member Username: Tifosi Post Number: 1298 Registered: 9-2001 |
as I think about it I will have access to a place in sarasota starting next year. Thinking about shipping the car down in the winters - then I could hang out with Paul and the rest of you florida guys - btw hope I did not hijack this thread - sorry | ||
| TomD (Tifosi)
Intermediate Member Username: Tifosi Post Number: 1297 Registered: 9-2001 |
too funny - I got to come down to miami one of these days | ||
| Martin (Miami348ts)
Advanced Member Username: Miami348ts Post Number: 2792 Registered: 5-2001 |
LOL Tom ! Always..... Let me rephrase this: Ralph, I agree with Tom here again! | ||
| TomD (Tifosi)
Intermediate Member Username: Tifosi Post Number: 1296 Registered: 9-2001 |
Martin Does that mean you don't agree with me on other issues?  | ||
| Martin (Miami348ts)
Advanced Member Username: Miami348ts Post Number: 2791 Registered: 5-2001 |
I am with Tom on this. Although the service is not $5K as this is a 12cyl not a 8. But $15K should budget about right. Have a PPI done to have peace of mind. | ||
| TomD (Tifosi)
Intermediate Member Username: Tifosi Post Number: 1293 Registered: 9-2001 |
I don't think there is a huge service price diff between the boxer and TR. It would come down to the individual car | ||
| TomD (Tifosi)
Intermediate Member Username: Tifosi Post Number: 1292 Registered: 9-2001 |
while you could have it done for 10k , there is all the unknowns and the "while you are at it". the simple maor is 5k, clutch, hoses is another 2-3k. Water pumps electical etc another 1-2k. Then the tires run about 1k to replace. I would budget 15k and that allows room for surprises. | ||
| Ralph Koslin (Ralfabco)
New member Username: Ralfabco Post Number: 44 Registered: 3-2002 |
Greetings: I have looked at three cars the past seven days. Two Testarossa's and one 512BBI. One in CA and two in TX. I had a question about another potential 512BBI. It is a below 10K mile car that is on its second owner. I understand virtually nothing has been done to the car in the way of the clutch and belts. I understand their has NEVER been an engine out major service. Obviously their needs to be an engine out service and probably a clutch also. The car was converted by Amerispec. The 2nd owner has tools and all the books and records. He told me EVERYTHING is original - tires, shocks, paint, etc.... Here is the big question. Should you assume you need to spend about 10K to properly service the car with a major / clutch / and "all" the hoses? I heard that the BBI is more $ to service than a Testarossa. Would the 10K "guesstimate" be the price from an authorized dealer? Would a qualified independent be significantly less? I heard that everything on a BBI could even approach 15K from a dealer. Please kindly give me any advice or questions. I am very close to meeting his bottom line. The "cost" of the service would determine; if the car is a good purchase. BTW: I have heard they are enjoyable cars to drive. Ciao... Ralph |