First Ferrari, and my immediate disappointment -

Hi all,
I created an account here to do research while I was on the hunt for my first car, F430. (If the handle wasn't obvious
Just got the car delivered Saturday. She's beautiful. Purchased through dealer, a forum member had traded in for a Mclaren.

The bad -
I had seen numerous recommendations for Andy with FMS in Arizona. So, I confidently sent the car to them. After 4 days of being turned away for rescheduling, the PPI finally got done. I was not called during the PPI as I was told I would be. Anyway, PPI revealed leaking oil on the A/C compressor, and virtually nothing else. Andy described the car at 10K miles as near perfect. So, I wired the money and took the car.

Immediately, on my first day playing with the car, I was shocked to find basic things that you can't stop hearing about when talking about common issues with these cars. A wobbly driver's side mirror, a wobbly tail light with one nut left holding on, and TPMS system alarms. I was able to fix all three issues in a half hour, (I enjoy and plan to DIY) not the end of the world. But the failure of checking and disclosing things so common and obvious to these cars with a $425 PPI was none the less disappointing.

Aside from disappointment with the PPI, the dealer was also frustrating. I had expected this based off reviews on Google and BBB, so I will accept responsibility - but I thought with a good PPI and positive feedback from the previous owner, that I could have confidence in the car itself, and that was what really mattered.
So, the dealer arranged shipping as part of the deal. I requested and was assured that it would be enclosed transport. I also was told the car was detailed, gassed up and ready to go. Anyway, it shows up on an open gooseneck trailer, with the fuel light on, and filthy from the long, hot 1000 mile trip.

I probably sound like a whiney little b**** at this point, but I had hopes for a better experience on my first 6 figure car purchase. It's disappointing and kind of ruined part of the "experience" at the least. Looking forward to years of fun and tinkering.


ALL OF THAT SAID, check her out. She's pretty.
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Well, all that said, I hope the ownership experience is better than the purchase experience was. That car is badly in need of being driven, though, so I’m hoping you will take care of that!

When I bought mine, I had a slight preference for the standard wheels. The one I bought had challenge wheels, but checked all the other boxes. Naturally, I’ve become totally biased in favor of the challenge wheels! Good for you!

Welcome aboard.

 

You got off very cheaply if those small things are the only repairs needed! I got a higher miles car as my first and just wired first and assumed there would be a few 'while you're in there' things when I got it, which there were - about $6-7k worth. But I figured that was part of the deal, and did as much as needed to make it a reliable driver and then drove the tires off of it for three years until I got my next. And next, and... it's a condition, but I don't want a cure.

Welcome to the fraternity.

 

You aren’t being whiney, but sharks who do sloppy work, lie or take advantage of people should be called out. Who is FMS and who is the selling dealer?

 

If it makes you feel better, 6 years ago when I had a PPI done, it cost almost $900, said everything was perfect, and upon driving immediately realized the HVAC wouldn't blow heat (all the relevant boxes on the PPI were checked as "functions correctly"). $2500 later to repair the no-longer-available ECU, and I was good.

I'm sure there are any number of worse stories out there, but like you, it was a rather inauspicious way to begin the ownership experience. Most important is to keep driving and sorting the car . Your car looks great!

 

Congrats on the new F-car....T

 

Hi, FMS is Ferrari Motor Service outside of Scottsdale. I came across their name numerous times when searching for PPI suggestions of the area. Andy (Owner?) apparently used to be in Italy with Ferrari and I have seen lots of compliments.

The dealer was Lapin Motor in Scottsdale. They have some fishy stuff going on. I feel like they abandoned their Portland dealer and opened this up in a hurry. Im not too sure.

 

Thank you! Planning to chin up and enjoy it!

 

Those look like aftermarket LED tail lights? I'm thinking of installing them on mine as well. Makes it look a little more modern in the stern. Congrats on a great purchase!

My experience with PPI's are they either miss some obvious things or write an overkill report on every little spec of dust that ever landed on the car. I just go with my own inspection and butt in driver seat impression now, for right or wrong.

 

A PPI is only good for soothing the souls of first time buyers.

On my way home after picking up my 360 Spider, the car got stuck in 5th gear. Nice.

If I ever buy another 360, I'll do my own PPI and it will mean something.

You'll stop your whining after a few successful drives. It's hard to whine when you're smiling ear to ear.

 

If the car had been even remotely local, I think I would have done my own. I had studied on what to look for, and I’m more than capable of checking for leaks, loose ball joints, and god forbid a loose mirror or taillight lol. I considered a flight out there but I do not have that kind of free time.

 

Yes sir they are the aftermarket ones I think from scud ing.?
I think this car may have been one of the first ones to try them out from researching on the forums. I’m not totally sold on the looks, but I’m glad to have confidence in their stability and I sleep better without super glue on my cars.

 

If you decide you want to oem tail lights at some point, I'd work out a deal with you

 

I honestly think PPI's are a waste of money.

Unless...you know a tech personally and have a relationship with him, who also has a ton of experience with the model in consideration. I happen to, so that's good for me.

Best bet is to do all the research of known issues/recalls/service record dates and compile a list yourself of what you want to check and know of before purchase.

After that, it is all chance my friend. Just be prepared for anything.

 

BTW your 430 is beautiful, all black is sexy on every line of a Ferrari. Challenge wheels are my fav. Enjoy!

 

Thank you sir, enjoying it much so far. But afraid I may have to do manual conversion to fill a missing void.

 

I've only driven the 430 F1 in Sport mode...are the shifts any better in Race?

 

On the street with as little driving as I have done so far, it’s hard to say if there’s any. The car does have a ECU flash that is supposed to update it to more of a late year programming, but I never got to drive it before that. So, I cannot compare lol. All other race cars I have had are stick, it’s just awkward right now.

 

Yes, mine shifts quicker in Race mode and when getting on the throttle. I also only drive it in race mode as it's better for the clutch.

 

A good friend of mine, Tom Papadopoulos once told me..
"Every Ferrari has a story"...He should know, he has sold thousands of them.

You got off easy, Go enjoy your car...
Ok, Admit it, when you turn off the light in the garage and close the door.....How many times to you turn the light back on for another look?

 

welcome aboard Joseph. 10 year owner of 07 430 spider