| Author |
Message |
Dr. I. M. Ibrahim (Coachi)
Junior Member
Username: Coachi
Post Number: 83
Registered: 5-2002
| | Posted on Sunday, August 11, 2002 - 11:43 am: | |
Thanks for all the input, you guys. The point is, I have those cars, yes five of them, and they are nice to look at, but not always fun to drive because they all need a mechanic working on them every day to keep them going. On the other hand, I have a corvette, and two BMW 12 cylinder cars that require nothing. Absolutely nothing. And, the AC works and they are fun to drive and not a bother. Now when a Ferrari is right, it is a whole lot of fun to drive. No question. I bought these cars as investments when I was younger...fell in love with them, keep them in an AC and heated garage, but I enjoy looking at them...they remind me of my younger days. I used to concourse them, and many fond memories remain from those days. And, I used to be able to do quite a bit on my cars myself, but as one gets older, one becomes less able to do the things they did when they were younger. I have no intention of having any of the work done by the mechanic who suggested it, and I am no fool...I worked hard for my money and I don't give it away. That was precisely why I wrote to ask for advice, and I got it. I don't need sympathy neither was I asking for it. I was trying to get ideas on how to proceed...I will have the shocks rebuilt, and will find some decent local mechanic to replace the clutch and throw out bearing locally...without paying an arm and a leg...if indeed the car needs those. Thanks for the suggestions fellows. I am not insulted , but appreciative of the suggestions. |
Henryk (Henryk)
Junior Member
Username: Henryk
Post Number: 149
Registered: 8-2001
| | Posted on Saturday, August 10, 2002 - 10:30 pm: | |
Mike: I just got through replacing an oil seal, on my 88 TR, that went into the differential case. The seal was $32 (would have been only $4 for a GM seal), but I figured that I saved $500-$700 in labor costs.......the whole suspension on that side had to be removed! Now THAT is a great bargain.
I even machined my own installation tool, due to the deep recess (it was challenging and fun).
If you think Ferraris are expensive, then buy a boat........the cost of slip fees, storage fees, insurance, etc. are a lot more than a Ferrari.......I should know; I had boats for the last 20 years, or so. |
Mike Dawson (Miked)
New member
Username: Miked
Post Number: 34
Registered: 2-2001
| | Posted on Saturday, August 10, 2002 - 10:12 pm: | |
Henry, I couldn't agree more. It sounds like Coachi is on his mechanic/dealer's "valued customer" list. These repairs could get their boat payments up to date.
Let's face it, the Ferrari business, from the manufacturer to parts to service, is based on separating "well to do" people from their money. Notice that this business is more profitable than separating Bubba from his money. "Now I am told..." says it all. He has taken the bait and all they have to do is reel him in.
Not to slam Coachi, but they prey on people that are mechanically challenged by suggesting repairs usually at ridiculous prices. As long as the customer keeps writing the checks the mechanic/dealer makes a great living.
The solution is to become at least mechanically informed enough to know when your being scammed. Better yet do the repairs yourself. It not Black Magic, Ferraris are no more difficult than other cars, they are simpler than most. That kid that works at McDonalds, wears his hat backwards and has his tonuge pierced does all the work on his rice burner so it can't be difficult.
IMO doing all the work on the car is a large part of the hobby. Coachi could buy the parts, all the tools and still come out way ahead monetarily. |
david a haney (David512bb)
New member
Username: David512bb
Post Number: 9
Registered: 1-2002
| | Posted on Saturday, August 10, 2002 - 3:50 pm: | |
Koni will overhaul the shocks for about $125.00 each, with 6 weeks lead time. Replacement of the clutch and throw out bearing is pretty simple with basic mechanic skills, and some basic metric tools, and the parts should run no where near the figure you have quoted. |
Henryk (Henryk)
Junior Member
Username: Henryk
Post Number: 141
Registered: 8-2001
| | Posted on Saturday, August 10, 2002 - 11:10 am: | |
While I may be empathetic to your situation, with needing expensive repairs, I cannot feel sorry for you.
I would venture that everyone here knows that Ferrari prices, and repairs, are enormous....and knew that before they bought their car(s). What do we expect.......get a good deal on one and then pray it doesn't break down? There are a LOT more people out there that can afford to BUY a Ferrari, than there are who can actually afford to KEEP them......maybe, that is why so many Ferraris go undriven!!!!!
I envy those that can buy a new Ferrari, have no repairs, but then take a HUGE loss on resale.....I also envy those that can buy a used Ferrari, and not blink at the dealer repair costs. Unfortunately, I don't have the money to be in either category. Fortunately, I am mechanically inclined, and do most all the repairs on my Ferraris, myself. By not paying labor cost, I save a bundle......now THAT is how I can afford MY Ferraris. Besides it is a fun hobby. If I had to take my Ferraris in for every repair, I would never have bought one.......I have owned 8.
I am surprised at the posts I read where someone has a problem with a clutch, sychros, etc., only ONE month after buying it!!!!!!......probably a low mileage good deal?......and they are hoping it just an adjustment problem.
I noticed in your profile that you have (had) FIVE Ferraris......you of all people should know better. How can you complain???????? |
Edward Gault (Irfgt)
Intermediate Member
Username: Irfgt
Post Number: 1747
Registered: 2-2001
| | Posted on Saturday, August 10, 2002 - 9:50 am: | |
At some point in time you need to ask yourself, Is it worth it? Do I enjoy this car that much? |
Dr. I. M. Ibrahim (Coachi)
Junior Member
Username: Coachi
Post Number: 81
Registered: 5-2002
| | Posted on Saturday, August 10, 2002 - 9:22 am: | |
i AM NOW TOLD I NEED A NEW CLUTCH, POSSIBLY A THROWOUT BEARING ($4000) AS WELL AS NEW SHOCKS FRONT 800 BACK 1500. It almost feels like rolling down the window and throwing money out of it. Anyone know where a reasonably priced clutch and throw out bearing, or a set of shocks for a Boxer are? I think Ferrari replacement parts are ridiculous. One could probably buy a good car, part it out and make a fortune selling it piece by piece. I give up. |
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