| Author | Message | ||
| P. Thomas (Ferrari_fanatic)
Junior Member Username: Ferrari_fanatic Post Number: 194 Registered: 4-2003 |
Joseph, PPIs done properly should never cause any damage. They are pulling off the wheels so could a mechanic over/under tighten the lugs as an example? Yes but that would be gross negligence. If they pulled the spark plugs to do a comppression or cylinder leak down test, they could cross thread or strip a plug thread, but I really doubt it. | ||
| P. Thomas (Ferrari_fanatic)
Junior Member Username: Ferrari_fanatic Post Number: 193 Registered: 4-2003 |
Mostly, it falls under a thorough "Safety Check". The car is put up on the lift, checked for fluid leaks the wheels are pulled and the brakes, and suspension are checked. All accessories, and lights should be checked. Often times they even comment on their OPINION of the history of the car, ie body panel replacement, repaints, etc. Use good sense and think of what one could do in a 1.50 to 2.00 hour period? You can also pay EXTRA for a compression test. If the compression is low you can oreder a leak down test to determine where (rings, intake, or exhaust valve) is causing the low compression, but at that point you probably would not that particular car. I would start with the basic PPI. If something is convered that requires further investigation, it is your call if you want to thorw more money at it. | ||
| Joseph (Mightymagician)
New member Username: Mightymagician Post Number: 14 Registered: 11-2002 |
Hi all, just a couple of questions on this topic. 1) What exactly is done to the car and engine during a PPI? 2) If it is done wrong or repeatedly, can this do any damage? If i were selling an f-car and had 5 interested people, all of which wanted a PPI, could this possibly cause any damage? | ||
| Carl Rose (Carl_rose)
Junior Member Username: Carl_rose Post Number: 110 Registered: 10-2002 |
Hi Mr. Zimmerman, To reiterate what others have said here - imperative that PPI be done. If the seller for some reason will not agree, *walk away from this car*. There is a reason, and there will be others. Having said this, expect a PPI to turn up some items. Then negotiate to fix/purchase price (unless major issues). But also expect to be spending more $ on items that turn up immediately after purchase. Do not be under the impression that these cars are 1.) relatively maintenance-free or 2.) inexpensive to own or repair. Though obviously we all love them. I don't mean to sound negative here, because you *can* perform much of the work yourself to defer cost...just make sure you go into this with realistic expectations. Some superb reference folks for your car on this board. Would expect someone local would be happy to look over for you (if it's in MS let me know) Take care,  Carl | ||
| Jim E (Jimpo1)
Intermediate Member Username: Jimpo1 Post Number: 1755 Registered: 7-2001 |
You can find someone to do a PPI on this board Mike, where is the car? | ||
| Mike Zimmerman (Spike308)
New member Username: Spike308 Post Number: 19 Registered: 1-2003 |
is there a good web site with companies that do PPI's?? | ||
| P. Thomas (Ferrari_fanatic)
Junior Member Username: Ferrari_fanatic Post Number: 188 Registered: 4-2003 |
No guarntee that I know of. If their was a GROSS oversight, I guess one could start a legal proceeding against a PPI mechanic. I not sure jow successful they would be. | ||
| Mike Zimmerman (Spike308)
New member Username: Spike308 Post Number: 18 Registered: 1-2003 |
do any of the services that provide a PPI offer any sort of guarantee? Or are you paying for the opinion of a Ferrari mechanic? I gather there are many companies that do PPIs... any one better or worse than the other? | ||
| P. Thomas (Ferrari_fanatic)
Junior Member Username: Ferrari_fanatic Post Number: 186 Registered: 4-2003 |
Get a PPI, no matter what. Seals dry out and leak, things can change quickly. You are aware of the soft valve issue and headers on a 1995 correct?? get the PPI done, it is the best 200-300 dollars you will ever, and by that thought samllest amount you will spend on your F-Car. | ||
| Joseph MacPhee (Jmacphee)
New member Username: Jmacphee Post Number: 4 Registered: 8-2002 |
How do you feel about a PPI for a car being sold on consignment by a dealer, with service records from local (non-dealer)service? Is it enough to talk to the non-dealer that did the service, or will they want to do a full PPI and, finally, will the dealer let them? I am looking at a '95 355 GTS and am aware of the potential problems but the price seems fair and am not sure how far to push for a PPI. Thanks. | ||
| P. Thomas (Ferrari_fanatic)
Junior Member Username: Ferrari_fanatic Post Number: 178 Registered: 4-2003 |
Dave, very well put. | ||
| Dave328GTB (Hardtop)
Member Username: Hardtop Post Number: 532 Registered: 1-2002 |
Mike, Sweating details when buying your first is par for the course. I know I did. No matter what, they are expensive used cars with potential to cost a lot more than the purchase price. Nevertheless, a good PPI can tell you the health of the motor and other major systems. Plus, with Ferraris some things (like leaks) which might seem minor to the amateur can be quite costly to fix, so a PPI is highly recommened to reduce risk, but there are no sure things. Dave | ||
| P. Thomas (Ferrari_fanatic)
Junior Member Username: Ferrari_fanatic Post Number: 174 Registered: 4-2003 |
Tom, I think what we are saying is that yes a PPI in my opinion is mandatory and serves a very specific purpose. Mike wanted to know if it is an "Insurance Policy". Um, no. | ||
| Ton Visser (Lion315)
Member Username: Lion315 Post Number: 514 Registered: 12-2002 |
The PPI prevented me from buying some really bad cars! It's better to care then to cure! Ton | ||
| Mr. Doody (Doody)
Intermediate Member Username: Doody Post Number: 1027 Registered: 11-2001 |
no guarantees. if the seller (eg: a dealer) will provide you with some decent warranty period, that's your best bet. the PPI will cost you a few hundred bucks for a thorough job and will uncover all sorts of things - if they're there to be uncovered. but they aren't going to pull the block or anything :-). doody. | ||
| P. Thomas (Ferrari_fanatic)
Junior Member Username: Ferrari_fanatic Post Number: 173 Registered: 4-2003 |
Go to the doctor, and ask him what may go wrong in the future. He will do an examination and tell what he sees wrong at this time. "Insurance poilcy", better than nothing but far from a policy. | ||
| Frank Parker (Parkerfe)
Intermediate Member Username: Parkerfe Post Number: 2252 Registered: 9-2001 |
No, its not. But, it's better than not having one done. | ||
| Mike Zimmerman (Spike308)
New member Username: Spike308 Post Number: 17 Registered: 1-2003 |
Does anyone have any bad PPI stories? e.g. went well, only to have a major disaster occur shortly afterwards that should have been caught? I may buy my first Ferrari soon (a dream of some 20 years), now I am sweating the details. Is the PPI (which is spoke highly of in these parts) really the "insurance policy" I hope it is... we are talking about a 20 year old Ferrari |