| Author |
Message |
Leonardo Soccolich (Lens)
| | Posted on Monday, April 16, 2001 - 7:54 am: | |
Billy,
Don�t forget to let me know how you make out with FLI. |
Leonardo Soccolich (Lens)
| | Posted on Sunday, April 15, 2001 - 12:07 pm: | |
Its funny but there seems to be a distinction between who should check out a car versus who you choose to maintain it. It seems to me that a dealership (one that comes highly recommended) might be the way to go for a PPI (considering that a seller is involved), and that an independent is the better choice for a long term maintenance relationship. |
Craig Dewey (Craigfl)
| | Posted on Sunday, April 15, 2001 - 11:25 am: | |
My 2 cents....
Everyone makes mistakes and most do a good job now and then. Hopefully, with communications thru this forum, we can sort out the ones who are trying hard and doing a good job most of the time. The second part of the equation is how they handle a problem they may have caused. Will they work something out with you so that there is a win-win situation? That separates the outstanding businesses from the also rans.. |
michael (Scmguru)
| | Posted on Sunday, April 15, 2001 - 11:05 am: | |
Matt,
I don't agree re: Having the service dept of a Ferrari dealer do the work. I've seen many screwed up cars from dealerships 30k services.
A recent 1993 512TR comes to mind with a blown left engine bank because the Ferrari dealer who did the work didn't properly install the timing belt.
I think referrals from owners and ferrarichat.com would be the best place to find a reputable mechanic. Dealer or not.
Personally, I loathe the thought of taking any car to the dealer. I'd much rather support an independent who takes the time to learn about me and my car, not just take me for as much of my hard earned money as possible.
Just my $.02 |
billy zissis (89tr)
| | Posted on Sunday, April 15, 2001 - 8:20 am: | |
Leonardo,
I am taking my TR for a major service at Ferrari of Long Island this week. I will let you know what I think of them when I get back. I'll tell you what, though, never EVER take your car to Miller Motors for they have screwed up my car big time. |
Leonardo Soccolich (Lens)
| | Posted on Sunday, April 15, 2001 - 7:56 am: | |
Mat,
Sorry if I misinterpreted your comment. You do however, touch on an important issue. Whether to agree on a price first, (a price that is contingent on the PPI), or do the PPI and then start to negotiate. I think I prefer the former approach. At least that way everyone knows where everyone stands. And it is worth the cost, for peace of mind now, and later. Regarding this car, there are already some things that I feel warrant a reduction in price. I�ll let you know how I make out. |
Matt Karson (Squidracing)
| | Posted on Saturday, April 14, 2001 - 9:38 pm: | |
Leonardo,
I do not have any experience with the service department, and dont have contact with anyone who has, but as their mechanical department is trained by the factory, I have no hesistation that they would do a top notch job on a ppi.
I do however know Gianni (sales department) over at Ferrari of Long Island, and hold him in high esteem. As we all know, dealing with some ferrari dealers can be an unplesant experience, but Gianni is a straight shooter. He has a great cliental, and services some serious machinery.
Also, I appologize that you took my earlier comments personally, I meant them more to the readership in general. Some people feel that if a person was a good mechanic when working on a 512BBi, and has no more recent factory training, that they can handle anything that continues to come from the same factory. It would be very hard to hold an independant mechanic even remotly responsible if they were to miss an easily spotted problem. You always have the Ferrari North America if something gets out of hand.
A good way to approach the seller to put him at ease, is to negotiate the price of the car before the inspection. If it passes, the money is well spent. If the car is not as represented........
Anyway, best of luck in your search. Email me when you are done if you like, as I would love to hear your thoughts on the dealer (or indies) you used. |
Leonardo Soccolich (Lens)
| | Posted on Saturday, April 14, 2001 - 6:09 pm: | |
Mat,
I never have, and never intend to own AMERICAN METAL. I wouldn�t be on this website otherwise. This is not a question of being cheap, as I have absolutely no hesitation to have Ferrari of Long Island look at the car. In fact I had already contacted them about it before these other options became available.
This is a question of finding the most qualified technician/facility within a reasonable distance from the seller�s location. A complete check with compression and leak down will not take more than a day. (Although, I�ve spoken with a few authorized dealerships that recommend a cold test. This would require an overnight stay.) Doug was hesitant when I mentioned the compression and leakdown. Maybe it was because I wasn�t sure who I wanted to take the car to. That was the reason for this series of postings. Also, its not just about doing the PPI, but also about finding an outfit that I can feel confident about for routine service after purchase. (I�ve heard very negative things about certain authorized dealerships. Just because the cavallino rampante is outside the door doesn�t mean they know what they�re doing inside.) I completely understand and respect the seller�s position. I would not want my car flatbedded all over the tri-state area. On the otherhand, if I was selling, I would strive to make the buyer as comfortable as possible� within reason. As in all things, its a question of compromise.
I also have very high regard for Doug. He gave me a lead on a car 3-4 months ago. Unfortunately the seller decided not not sell. His reputation preceeds him, and I respect that. Everyone I�ve spoken with says that if he recommends a car, then its a good car. That kind of endorsement is the reason why I�m looking at this particular car in the first place. But you�re right, it doesn�t preclude the fact that the buyer has a reasonable right to a thorough inspection (certainly I�m not going to ask them to disassemble the car) in order to have a clear and concise picture of the car�s condition.
My question to you is this�
You�ve given FOW and FOH a thumbs up, what about Ferrari of LI? |
Matt Karson (Squidracing)
| | Posted on Saturday, April 14, 2001 - 5:13 pm: | |
I have bought and sold many Ferrari's (all sight unseen) for my personal use. I know, and think highly of Doug, and the work he does. This does not however preclude the fact that you should have reasonably unlimited access to the car to have it checked out at the spot of your choice, having everything you would like checked out. Lets remember to be reasonable about it, as in not dropping the engine or taking apart the suspension) I just bought a 98 challenge car from Ferrari of Houston (in my humble opinion, A TOP RATE DEALERSHIP) and I had everything checked out and tested. I just sold my 94 challenge car to Ferrari of Washington (also a fine shop). They picked the car up, flatbedded it out to FOW, checked it out (yes leakdown and compression) for the buyer, and we put the deal together in no time. I guess what I am trying to say, if the seller is confident of the product he is trying to sell, he would welcome extreme scrutiny of it. This way the buyer knows not to waste time trying to lowball him, as the product is in said condition.
Lastly, the car should never be kept away from the seller when being viewed for more than 3-4 days (and all transport done on flatbed). All expenses should be picked up by the buyer, and the work should ONLY BE DONE BY AN AUTHORIZED FERRARI DEALER. This gives piece of mind to the seller.
A PERSONAL NOTE: IF YOU CANT AFFORD AN AUTHORIZED FERRARI DEALER TO DO THE CHECKOUT, STICK WITH AMERICAN METAL. THIS IS NOT THE TIME OR PLACE TO BE CHEAP. |
Leonardo Soccolich (Lens)
| | Posted on Thursday, April 12, 2001 - 7:20 pm: | |
Anthony and Billy,
Thanks for what sound like great leads. My Italian is ok, but it sounds like I might have to bring in my Dad to really talk to Iori. Does he do the work out of the Mazda dealership? Should I try him first? Sounds like I can�t go wrong with Mike Franco either. |
Anthony Calia (Ciccio)
| | Posted on Thursday, April 12, 2001 - 4:16 pm: | |
To Rick and Peter,
Iori Nerri has worked on Ferrari's all his life, he was trained and even worked in Maranello in his younger days, he is close to seventy years old, there is no better more knowlegable Ferrai mechanic in the United States. When Ferrari of Great Neck lost it's deal to sell new Ferrari's, Iori was offered countless job opportunites at some of the best Ferrari dealerships and even had investors offer to open up his own shop for him. He remained in Great Neck though because he has worked there for many years so instead of retiring he decided to stay with family that had been so good to him for many years, just so he would have something to do. My father had a major service done by him on a Testarossa in the mazda garage, and he has installed aftermarket exhausts (ansa european version) in both my Dad'd TR and my 328, his work can only be described as masterful. He nickname is the "maestro" whch in Italian means teacher |
Anthony Calia (Ciccio)
| | Posted on Thursday, April 12, 2001 - 4:05 pm: | |
Billy Thank You for looking up that number for Leo, yes I trust Michael completely, and Leo I would reccomend you call him although when I spoke to him last week he said he would be leaving for Italy, but I think he is back now, If you call tell him that Bart and Anthony Calia from Carmela's Restaurant reccomended him. I am sure you won't be disappointed with his service or prices |
'75 308 GT4 (Peter)
| | Posted on Thursday, April 12, 2001 - 1:31 pm: | |
Leo, I personally don't think you're out of line asking for an inspection at YOUR place. If they are confident about the car, they should be willing to let it be inspected by whomever (and therefore stand by their claim of vehicle condition). |
billy zissis (89tr)
| | Posted on Thursday, April 12, 2001 - 9:40 am: | |
The guy Anthony is talking about Mike Franco is the guy I recommend you to. He owns European Motorcars in Huntington. He was factory trained as his father in law used to own Ferrari of Great Neck. His prices are real cheap. He quoted me price of 2500-3000 to do a full 30,000 mile service on my TR nd I trust him completely. I took my car to Miller Motors to do the major service and they screwed up my car completely. It hardly would run. Mike fixed it in a couple days and the car runs mint. All he works on is mostly Italian cars; he is rebuilding a maserati 8cylinder, a couple of 308's and always has a ferrari at his shop. His number is 1-516-271-9615. Try giving him a call. |
Leonardo Soccolich (Lens)
| | Posted on Thursday, April 12, 2001 - 8:21 am: | |
Here�s the problem guys:
I�m looking at an 86 328 GTB w/ 22k miles. Check out my posting under Wanted: 86-88 GTB/GTS. Its a two owner car brokered by Doug Pirrone of Berlinetta Motorcars in Huntington. I have to see the car one more time, but I�m close to moving forward with a PPI. I have met Vinny at Auto Elite, and was very impressed. I speak enough Italian to get by, and we had a nice chat. My first choice would be to have him do the PPI, and since I live ten minutes from him, he would be my regular mechanic for any car that I eventually purchase (by the way, his prices are very good). Doug, however, feels its unreasonable to ask the owner to drive the car to Auto Elite (Ft. Lee, NJ) from Roslyn, Long Island. Its only about a forty minute trip. He recommends I take the car to Auto Sport (Barry) which is only a few minutes away from where the car is. I�ve never heard of them, so if anyone has, please let me know. Is it unreasonable to want to have the car inpected at the buyer�s shop of choice? I�ll even pay to have it flatbedded over. Also, Doug wasn�t to thrilled about me wanting to have a ompression/leak down test performed (how could I guarantee that the spark plug thread wouldn�t be stripped?) This might be moot, because Vinny at Auto Elite told me that he could determine the car�s condition without the tests. I have heard nothing but great things about Doug. He�s on Bill Badurski�s (FCA) technical committee, and has quite a reputation. Despite all this, I don�t feel comfortable buying a car just on his assurance that its a good car. And I would rather have it inpected by a third party. Ferrari of Long island was my fallback position if I can�t get the car to Auto Elite. Am I out of line here? |
RICK ROMERO (Tr90)
| | Posted on Thursday, April 12, 2001 - 8:00 am: | |
LEONARDO
DO YOURSELF A FAVOUR AND TAKE THE CAR TO SOMEONE WHO HAS BEEN WORKING ON FERRARI'S ALL HIS LIFE AND NOT MAZDA. I WOULD STRONGLY SUGGEST AUTOELITE AS HE HAS DONE WORK ON FERRARI'S ALL HIS LIFE. |
'75 308 GT4 (Peter)
| | Posted on Thursday, April 12, 2001 - 3:26 am: | |
A Ferrari-trained mechanic now working at a Mazda dealer!?! |
Anthony Calia (Ciccio)
| | Posted on Thursday, April 12, 2001 - 2:20 am: | |
Yes they are very pricy,but they are also experts I will give you two suggestions though. First: when Ferrari of Great Neck was around there was a mechanic named Iori who was trained at the Ferrari factory, he did the major service on my Dad's testarossa and on my 328, you can reach him now at Mazda of Great Neck, but he doesn't speak English, so ask for Frank D who is the owners nephew
Second the owners son-in-law has a shop in Huntington, Long Island he is also great, his name is Michele Franco, I don't have the number in front of me but I will get it for you. You can e-mail me at [email protected] I would try Michele Franco first since he is more easily reached, though my dad says Iori is the "Maestro"
What model are you looking at |
ROBERTO H. (Roberto)
| | Posted on Wednesday, April 11, 2001 - 8:29 pm: | |
they are very pricey. you should try Auto Elite in New Jersey. This guy does the same service at almost half the price. |
Leonardo Soccolich (Lens)
| | Posted on Wednesday, April 11, 2001 - 5:06 pm: | |
Anyone have any experience with Ferrari of Long Island? I�m thinking of using them for a pre-purchase inspection. |
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