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Questions from First-Time Purchaser - Help Appreciated!

Discussion in '360/430' started by Smaug, May 10, 2011.

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  1. Smaug

    Smaug Karting

    May 9, 2011
    106
    NoVA
    Full Name:
    Jeff
    #1 Smaug, May 10, 2011
    Hi All,

    I am considering purchasing a Ferrari F430, and I have several questions that I hope you all can help me with.

    The car is a 2005 with about 10k miles. It is being sold by a reputable authorized dealer. The car does not come with any service records, other than the record of the service the dealer did when it brought the car in. During that service, the exhaust manifolds were found to be leaking and were replaced. An exhaust bracket was found to be cracked and was replaced. And a crackling noise was heard when driving over bumps, the solution for which was lubricating the sway bar.

    Here are my questions.

    1) Is it typically unheard of for a car not to be accompanied by full service records? Is it crazy to buy a car without the service records?

    2) I am concerned about the problems that were found during the service performed. Could these problems be the result of abuse of the car, which may result in bigger problems down the road? Would you steer clear of a car that has had such problems?

    3) Does the Ferrari Certified status carry much weight? Or is it more of a marketing gimmick?

    4) Do people typically get PPIs performed on cars being purchased from authorized dealers? If so, how do you go about finding someone to perform the PPI (I would guess that you would normally go to the authorized dealer for the PPI).

    Thanks for taking the time to help out. I appreciate any insights!
     
  2. Piper

    Piper Two Time F1 World Champ

    Jun 6, 2010
    25,415
    Northern Virginia
    Full Name:
    Bob
    #2 Piper, May 10, 2011
    Last edited: May 10, 2011
    The problems they found and corrected are normal. Consider yourself lucky. I have an '06 and am hoping for an exhaust leak so I can get the new manifolds.

    The rest is subjective. I'm more trusting than some, or maybe I just don't give a ****. I've bought both my ferraris from our local dealer without PPI's, warranties and didn't ask for service records. Both of them had under 5k miles and were one owner local cars, so that helped. Plus the guys at FOW know I'd be there daily with cartons of eggs and rotten tomatoes if they did me wrong. So I don't think you'd be crazy at all. More than one here will disagree and tell you to get a PPI from someone else. I can't disagree with them either.
     
  3. lamontlawyer921

    lamontlawyer921 Formula Junior
    Owner

    Jul 1, 2010
    990
    The West Coast
    Full Name:
    Scott
    #3 lamontlawyer921, May 10, 2011
    Piper is correct about the exhaust brackets and manifolds, etc...Get a PPI from a local independent shop. I personally would pass on a car with no service records..but it really comes down to dollars...if the car is at the right price in your opinion for a car w/out records, then pick it up. Good luck with the purchase!
     

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