Looking for pre-purchase inspection in LA | FerrariChat

Looking for pre-purchase inspection in LA

Discussion in '348/355' started by angerosa, Oct 9, 2016.

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  1. angerosa

    angerosa Karting

    Oct 6, 2016
    67
    Northern Virginia
    Full Name:
    Jason
    Can you guys recommend a reputable person or place in Los Angeles who could do a pre-purchase inspection on a 91 348 on my behalf? I'm in the Washington DC area.

    I've had a love of Ferraris since I was in single digits. I'm a car guy that has always owned some car that was a toy albeit never a Ferrari because I couldn't afford one. I'm at the point in my life where I think I can swing it. Found one with some major red flags (good story to explain them all - the owner has been very forthcoming about them all and I have no reason to believe that they are withholding anything from me) that could be verified with a PPI. I know there are those on this board that would advise me to walk away with the knowledge I already have about the car.

    Yes I'm a newbie. I've read through my348.com paying special attention to the parts about maintenance, ownership and pre-purchase inspection.

    Thanks for any advice.
     
  2. SoCal1

    SoCal1 F1 Veteran
    Owner Silver Subscribed

    Jun 14, 2011
    8,629
    SoCal LA/OC/New Mexico
    Full Name:
    Tim Dee
    Whos car in LA maybe someone here knows it
     
  3. flat_plane_eddie

    flat_plane_eddie F1 Rookie
    Owner Regional Sponsor Silver Subscribed

    Mar 30, 2013
    3,165
    NE FL
    Full Name:
    Eddie
    +1 but as far as the PPI goes, I would say Fast Cars in Redondo Beach or F&M Motorsports around Santa Monica. There are a few other guys you can take it to but these are the only ones I've used so can't speak for the others.
     
  4. phrogs

    phrogs F1 Veteran
    Silver Subscribed

    Apr 13, 2004
    7,313
    Michigan
    Dont be afraid to take a trip and see it yourself.
     
  5. angerosa

    angerosa Karting

    Oct 6, 2016
    67
    Northern Virginia
    Full Name:
    Jason
    #5 angerosa, Oct 9, 2016
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
    Thanks for the suggestions. I'm open to others please keep them coming. I will start calling places within the next day or two.
    I don't know who the PO was but Rick (the owner of R & S Auto on W Washington Blvd in LA) now holds the title in his name. He seemed really up-front about the car, all the bad things, all the good things, and has been the shop to care for this car for at least the last 8 years. He performed the major engine out service in December. I saw video proof of that. Rick might be on these boards. He owns a 360 CS.

    Here's a link to the add and the picture from the add of the car I'm considering.
    https://www.hemmings.com/classifieds/cars-for-sale/ferrari/348ts/1866625.html
    Image Unavailable, Please Login
     
  6. angerosa

    angerosa Karting

    Oct 6, 2016
    67
    Northern Virginia
    Full Name:
    Jason
    I would but honestly it would be a waste of $1500 when I can pay for a PPI from someplace that will give me an impartial assessment of looks and mechanicals. I have an idea of what the car is and I would just be looking for reassurance that what I believe matches with what is. And although I've read everything I can find about these cars, it doesn't compare to the knowledge of having owned one, driven one, worked on one. Just rather hire an expert.
     
  7. SoCal1

    SoCal1 F1 Veteran
    Owner Silver Subscribed

    Jun 14, 2011
    8,629
    SoCal LA/OC/New Mexico
    Full Name:
    Tim Dee
    I know Rick, really nice up front honest guy. He's been doing this pretty much forever.
    I saw the car a few weeks ago at his shop but did not look at it.
     
  8. Dave rocks

    Dave rocks F1 World Champ
    BANNED

    Nov 23, 2012
    16,047
    Orchard Park, NY
    Full Name:
    Dave Lelonek
    I seem to recall this car (wheels give it away), perhaps the prior owner is a member here?
     
  9. angerosa

    angerosa Karting

    Oct 6, 2016
    67
    Northern Virginia
    Full Name:
    Jason
    It's nice to have my opinions reinforced. I thought Rick was being very honest. When one car guy talks to another you can tell when you're speaking the same language.
     
  10. SoCal1

    SoCal1 F1 Veteran
    Owner Silver Subscribed

    Jun 14, 2011
    8,629
    SoCal LA/OC/New Mexico
    Full Name:
    Tim Dee
    Cool

    He has a nice wife and great kid, all love the business
     
  11. ///Mike

    ///Mike F1 Veteran

    Dec 11, 2003
    6,097
    Bugtussle
  12. angerosa

    angerosa Karting

    Oct 6, 2016
    67
    Northern Virginia
    Full Name:
    Jason
    I did see this one. Looks like a great car though I really like the fender badge option cars. I think the badge really sets it off. I also like the ones that have been painted body color around the bottom. I understand this offends some purists but it's just my preference and I think it gives these cars a modern look. I do like bigger wheels but don't like the wheels on this car as much as the Ferrari wheels on the one I'm looking at. That would be all I would ever change. The car I'm looking at has all of these things done already. They also painted the calipers Ferrari yellow which is something subtle but I really like it because it highlights the badge.
     
  13. Rpin

    Rpin Karting

    Aug 24, 2016
    76
    SoCal
    Full Name:
    Rpin
    I spoke to Rick about this car when I was looking, but never saw it in person. (I wanted a different color interior.) You could try GTO Engineering for the PPI. Eric Sanders there and has a lot of experience with 348s. Fastcars is another good option, but given the proximity, GTO is much closer.
     
  14. bernadette

    bernadette Karting

    Mar 6, 2014
    76
    Car has been repainted and I don't assume that is the correct miles on this car. Don't know what they have told you but spend a bit more and get a decent 348
     
  15. angerosa

    angerosa Karting

    Oct 6, 2016
    67
    Northern Virginia
    Full Name:
    Jason
    Good suggestion - thanks
     
  16. angerosa

    angerosa Karting

    Oct 6, 2016
    67
    Northern Virginia
    Full Name:
    Jason
    The mileage was reset to 0, you are correct. It has about 35K on it.
     

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