First drive tomorrow, have questions

- Ask if the recalls have all been done:

Handbrake adjustment
Coolant hoses
Magnesium wheels

- Check if the 550 motor mounts have been upgraded to 575 ones

Other options:

- Fender shields
- Colored calipers
- Contrasting stitching
- Quilted headliner (I think leather is standard)
- Tubi exhaust (although this is technically aftermarket)

Other wear and tear questions:

- Tire tread
- Clutch wear
- Brake wear

Other cosmetic issues:

- Bubbling HVAC panel

Hope this helps and good luck with the search.

 

Check for PIN and radio code cards

Are the options you listed the ones the car has or just options to look for?

Sticky switches means everything will need to be refinished, door handles, hood release, everything, its a big job.

If you can get the window sticker that would be nice.

 

Since you're being exhaustive, here are some questions I like to cover when evaluating a 550. [My 575 list is a little different, but not much.]

How many owners has the car had?
Is this vehicle fully documented?
Does owner/dealer have all docs since new?, or only since he bought it?
How long has the owner/dealer had it?
If at a dealer, did it come from a customer on a trade or sale, or was it bought at auction?
If private party, why is it being sold?
Did it have the full 5k or 15K service performed (cam covers off, timing belts, etc) or just parts of it?
Are all services up to date?
Was the work done at an authorized Ferrari dealer or well-respected Ferrari-knowledgeable independent that knows Maranellos?..or at Big Lou's brake emporium to save $$?
Any noteworthy repair work that was done besides services?
US car, or Euro?
Clean carfax? If not, what will it show?
Any paintwork besides light touch-ups for stone chips, etc?
Have all the TSBs (Technical Service Bulletins) been attended to? Were the plenum hoses replaced? What about the motor mounts?
Stock exhaust or aftermarket (Tubi, etc)?
Shields?
Luggage?
All books (Owner's Manual, Warranty Book, other various books)?
Original keys, remotes, etc?
Original tool kit?
Leather rear shelf, or carpeted?
Car cover?
Are the seats still in good shape? Bolsters not worn, leather still supple? Center console in good shape (no significant nicks, tears, etc) Weatherstripping peeling?
What issues with the car currently need repairing? What, if anything, will I need to do right away mechanically/cosmetically once I buy it?
In what shape are the tires?
Is there any bubbling in the steering wheel cover and/or is the dash stretching? (common problems on early 550s)
Sticky or gooey control surfaces? seat mechanisms? other cosmetic issues?
Anything aftermarket done to the car, or is it bone stock?

Good luck!

ketel

 

Does it have the red master key fob?
Does it have the red master key fob?
Does it have the red master key fob?
Does it have the red master key fob?
Does it have the red master key fob?
Does it have the red master key fob?



Have you driven a 550 before? If not, make sure you give her a bit of exercise. The 550 can be quite cossetting and people can come from a test drive not that impressed. Be sure to press that pedal way down, and notice the pull between 5k and 7.7k rpm!

Enjoy, and good luck!

Onno

 

Good advice. My only caveat/word of caution for someone that's never driven a 550 before is that during the first test drive, give the beast a little time to warm up--especially the tires. The 2nd gear synchro is a little balky when cold and if you come out of a M3 BMW or Porsche 911 into the 550 she will feel at first like a 12-cylinder truck until you get to know her and appreciate the directness and precision with which she is to be driven. But cold tires with all that torque can be a flammable combination. Going into an off-camber corner at speed on cold tires, if you bury your foot into the accelerator, she will come around on you quickly. Warmed up, though, she comes alive (as will your confidence with putting her through her paces) and she is transformed. Enjoy!

 

Try out everything. Lights, wipers, washer, radio, A/C in aut and manual modes, heater, windows, release buttons for trunk and gas and all courtesy lights. Try out the electric seats. Many cars I looked at had inoperable seats/missing switch covers. Switch the ACR and shock sport mode on and off. After driving around, check for gasoline smell coming from leaky, decomposed tank connections. Check your underwear, too. You are in for a thrill.

 

steering wheel cover & seat covers should be in with the car cover
battery tender if installed
luggage - if they bought it, sometimes you can get it tossed in to seal the deal

on service records - see if you can get the actual receipts. having 'a major done' varies widely in terms of what was done so you'll want details.

ditto on checking thru the electricals thoroughly. do it when you first start the car and then again when you get back and everything is hot - wipers and lights especially.

 

Make the longest list possible. Spend the night before strategizing on the meeting, your negotiations, your critical eye, what you have read, what you know...

Then see the car, fall in love and forget 90% of what is on your list, only to go back again 3 months later and realize...I should have asked about this or that. That's why PPI's are good, it gives someone else a chance to use a rational brain while your heart is beating out of your chest.

 

take it to 7,000 rpm and drop the clutch.............all u need to know

 

i believe that is the same car that was consigned at a place in pleasanton, ca that DAKHARRIS looked at on "our" behalf.

as i recall, that ownership and service history "story" was not what i was told. my impression was the car need a FULL service and a thorough inspection by Brian for the usual 550 items.

looks like they are still behind on the pricing curve it's needs.....

 

$99k for a lightly optioned blk/blk 550 w/16kmi?...Yes, I'd say so. Probably an $80-85k car given current market conditions/# of 550s avail, etc. Again, just IMHO. No flame mail pls.

ketel

 

Heavy clutch pedal suggests a clutch near the end of it's life.