How do I get Ferrari to check over my car? (Newbie question alert)

Weird question - ok for starters Ferrari won't look over your car unless you fly it back to Italy and write a huge cheque

If you want a dealer to look over the car and give you a list of all the faults (which may or may not have been spotted during your pre-purchase inspection) then the usual starting point is to look up their telephone number and call it and ask for the service department

Or did I misunderstand the question ?

Oh OK I think this is a continuation of your thread in the 430 section worrying about blowing headers so maybe its best to go back there as thats where the header advice is focussed (and probably should have an audio clip somewhere) and read some of the many previous threads

 

Yes, it a bit of a rookie question but certainly understandable especially if you're not only new to Ferrari but if you don't have much experience/understanding of things automotive.

I suspect any Ferrari dealer or any other auto shop would be willing to "check over" your car for a fee. Naturally, the amount of work and depth of digging will have something to do with the cost but you may have trouble determining where you might get your best bang for the buck. A good independent shop is better than a bad dealer, price may not reflect quality, and all that.

You're asking a question sort of like if you were to go to a dentist and say, "How do you like me teeth and gums". You can expect a professional encounter but don't be at all surprised if the dentist strongly recommends some sort of treatment or other procedure which will cost you money. Likewise, I'm betting your local Ferrari dealer will be happy to recommend a paint touch up, leather reconditioning, detailing, or engine servicing to name just a few items. He might even suggest you have your teeth whitened to better represent the fine reputation of Ferrari owners.

Be aware that guaranteeing future trouble free operation of your Ferrari, especially if it's operating perfectly right now, is much like expecting your Doctor to do a quick physical exam and say you have another 40 or 50 years to go. You could get brain cancer the next week, if you get my drift.

One way to start might be to befriend a car savvy guy and have him look over your car, especially the servicing history. Dig around the owners manual and Internet to determine the proper servicing intervals. Take note of your experiences and monitor things like excessive smoke, oil use, coolant loss, odd noises, starting problems, engine fault lights, etc. and pass that information on to your friend. Then, after driving your car, ask his opinion. Most car savvy guys can spot transmission/clutch problems, valve guide problems, overheating issues, and things like that. Of course, if your car friend is a Ferrari owner, all the better. And if he has a simple code reader, that could help too.

If you can't find a friend with a Ferrari, try to employ a trustworthy, smart auto mechanic for a few hours. They're out there, but they may be well hidden.

Depending on the seriousness of any obvious problems, you might be driving a hand grenade or perhaps not. Maybe you'll want to do a leak down test if your engine isn't running properly, especially if there is evidence of oil burning or previous abuse (track rental car?). It doesn't take a dealer to do a leak down and/or compression test. Along those lines, a well equipped alignment shop with one really good employee is better than a Ferrari Dealership with a brand new alignment-school graduate when it comes to setting up your chassis. You can provide the specifications if necessary.

In any case, your friend will give you a starting point for what might need immediate attention. Then when you take that longish trip to the Ferrari Dealer, you'll know what to ask about and/or have serviced. Plus you'll know if you need return transportation by other means.

A Ferrari is just another car, albeit an expensive one. Yours is not likely to self destruct without warning. You can expect it to show signs of malfunctioning first. But if and when it does give you a signal, DO NOT ignore that signal.

 

The above post is very thoughtful and very helpful. I hope it is appreciated by the OP

 

Very informative and well-worded post. +1

A Ferrari authorized workshop practices just like any other workshop. Of course it's possible to call the service manager and arrange a thorough check-up of your vehicle.

You can find a map of authorized dealers, workshops and bodyshops on ferrari.com.

 

just a quick pile on....

first, which year/model do you own?

I would go online to Forza Magazine and look at their features on (most) models of Ferraris, there is a section highlighting typical problems/things to look at.

You will have to pay for anything more than a cursory glance from a dealer or shop, but if you are really new to these cars and don't have the history of the maintenance/upgrades, if you're seeking peace of mind then research the year/model (i.e. search Fchat forums) and pay to have the car gone over in detail. In the US I have been quoted $500-$1200 for a (real) inspection - it's labor to pull the car apart a bit. One limitation is aside from leakdown and compression and a borescope, it's hard to see what might be going on deep inside your engine/gearbox

The key thing is finding a tech that 1) knows these cars and 2) you can trust. Also, be prepared for what they say...i.e. you are likely to have a list of things that need attention now, or will shortly. I might also use this as a way to get to know some of the local shops/dealers - take the car to 2 of them, would be interesting to see what each comes up with. Will also give you the basis to build a relationship

good luck

 

Easy. Just drop them an email, let them know when you'll be in Auckland and ask them to give the car a check over. They can run diagnostics and check the usual areas no worries (I'm sure).

They're a good bunch at CCS Ferrari, particularly since you bought the car from them! (Didn't you?) Still waiting on those pics

 

A number of independent shops are becoming unwilling to do PPIs for new customers. There's always a chance that an expensive problem will remain hidden until the car's taken apart and a newbie can try to hold the shop responsible.

 

The dealership in Honolulu does this once a year. I forget what they call it but its a whole day where you can bring your car by and they will check basic things for you for free. I think they put it on a lift and run a diagnostic with the computer and give it a once over. If there is something that seems off and they cant seem to check it out all the way right there I assume they would schedule you to come in and dig deeper...........











wait for it..........




















....into your pockets!!!!

Seriously I think this is a great thing that they do. Sometimes I really feel lucky to have a great dealership nearby! JN Exotics Honolulu!

 

Are you there? My Dad's down there now. Jealous!

 

Auto Gallery in LA used to have those days, it was great. First time I went there for the free checkup on my car they found a unused $7,000 bill in my pocket, the second time it was a unused $5,000 bill.

 

Priceless!!