Price for a PPI?

How much should I expect to pay for a PPI on a 355? Would the cost be different at a dealer vs an independent shop? Also, would you trust a dealer such as Ferrari of Atlanta or Sport Auto to perform a PPI on their own car or should I get it done by an independent?

What all is usually done in a PPI? I know this has been covered here before as I've seen some lists of things (searched for them but I couldn't find them again), but I wasn't sure what exactly needs to be done by a mechanic--just the compression and leakdown tests? If you tell them to "do a PPI" on a car, will they all know what I'm talking about or will I need to tell them exactly what needs to be done? Sorry if these are dumb questions, I've never bought a car like this before so I'm just trying to gather as much info as I can! Thanks in advance!

 

PPI should cost $400 - 500. Indies are a little cheaper. Some Ferrari dealers, like Shelton, won't do them. Compression / leakdown is usually not included at this price (another $300?). I respect FOA, but know better than to have many others do their own (having been lied to by FoCF selling a too friendly consignment deal). I'd at least do a post-purchase compression test in that case.

A PPI should cover the entire car and known 355 trouble spots, so you want a Ferrari specialist to do it. All of the major systems, lights, cosmetics, mechanicals, tires, brakes, headers - everything. A Good PPI will tell you exactly what is wrong - and right - about a car, except it won't tell you if the car has steel or bronze valve guides... From the PPI, you can guestimate what it will cost to get the car into the shape that you desire.

Then, you have to figure out out what it means to You. Compression of 180 is fine to many on this board, while I'm looking for more like 220...

 

Thanks for the help, it's much appreciated!

 

To name a few:

* Side lights * Headlights dip
* Headlings main * Foglights
* Brake Lights * Hazard lights
* Indicators * Panel Lights
* Reverse Lights * Interior Lights
* Door Lights * Aerial
* Stereo System (and whether CD fitted) * Wipers
* Screen Washers * Horns
* Window Operation * Cigar Lighter
* Air Conditioning * Heater Controls
* Instruments * Petrol Cap (these sometimes stick)
* Boot Light * Engine
* Gearbox * Final Drive / Axle
* Clutch * Steering
* Suspension * Brakes
* Handbrake * Cooling Fans
* Coolant Leaks * Engine Oil Leaks
* Exhaust System (including bypass valve) * Exhaust Emissions
* Door Locks * Door Seals
* Window Channels * Seats
* Seatbelts * Interior Trim
* Roof (Sipder / GTS) * Exterior Finish
* Tyre Tread * Wheels
* Underbody * Chassis

 

That's a good list...

I'd trust Sport Auto and FoA for a PPI. Both are well-known shops (although FoA is franchised FNA and Sport Auto is franchised Lamborghini) and know these cars. I've always charged the time it took me to do them, which can range (with local travel) between $350-$600.

If the car is junk or there is more than one "red flag" on initial evaluation, I stop. Saves the buyer money and all of us (buyer, seller and me) a lot of time. Most knowledgeable folks I know can tell in the first 300 yards of the test drive whether or not the car is ok. Ron Reineke and Tom Jones know these cars...

I only recommend compression tests if there is something amiss in the drive. Too many variables to peg a particular "number"...

-Peter

 

i paid around 500 for my PPI at an independent, didn't trust a Ferrari dealer. Got a good recommendations from the regional section of FChat. My PPI was about 90-95% thorough, next time I know what to check. If its a 355, let me know and ill tell you where my PPI fell short.

 

Yes, it will be for a 355. Seems like it could get expensive if I don't find the right car in the first couple tries...

 

lol, its part of the initiation to ferrari ownership. Trust me the bills dont stop after you buy the car either. I spent over 4k on my car BEFORE i even owned it (PPI, flight, hotel, meals, time to check out the car, PPI on other cars, flights, etc) :O

 

Yeah, that's pretty much what I was thinking!

 

What if you're selling a Ferrari, and the shop that does the PPI accidently cross-threads a spark plug during the process? Doesn't the prospect of that scare you guys? I know I'll be hesitant to drop my Ferrari off at some Joe Blow when it comes time to sell my car.

 

+1.... ..... I spent 2k before and about 6k within a few weeks of buying it (not counting the 7k-ish tax/registration )....... and the upgrade/maintenence bills aren't slowing down either....lol .

Very true.... that is always a possibility .....

 

Understand that mechanics are not always the best trained eye to inspect for body work. It can be a good idea to have the car run past a body shop for quick once over. Usually only $100 to $150 as it only takes them 30-45 minutes to give the car a good going over. Expect minor repairs, such as repainted bumper, or wheel (very common). If miles are more than 15k, expect possible repainting on the back sides of the wheel arches from stones/sand blasting. None of that is a disqualifier in my book (if well done) but major body repairs would be a concern.