Am I getting ripped off - Foreign Cars Italia | FerrariChat
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Am I getting ripped off - Foreign Cars Italia

Discussion in 'California(Portofino)/Roma(Amalfi)' started by Matt Fussell, Sep 19, 2025 at 6:43 AM.

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  1. Matt Fussell

    Matt Fussell Rookie

    Jan 16, 2020
    11
    Full Name:
    Matt Fussell
    #1 Matt Fussell, Sep 19, 2025 at 6:43 AM
    Hello everyone,

    My 2010 California gave me a EPB warming light so I took it to Foreign Cars Italia in Greensboro, NC. A few hours later, I received a video of the inspection, along with an estimate. They listed items that they say are immediate issues. They noted some light dust around the rear shocks (no liquid) and said they were leaking and that the sticky buttons should be fixed (I've done most myself). So, I got an estimate that totals somewhere around $21K to fix. Here's what they quoted...

    EPB ECU replacement - $6500
    Rear Shocks replacement - $8900
    Sticky Buttons - $5000

    This seems totally ridiculous to me. I know the sticky buttons are not an immediate issue and I don't think the rear suspension is leaking enough to be replaced just yet. I guess my question is are they trying to rip me off and does anyone know of a good place to take the car in NC they can recommend?
     
    buddyg and timjen88 like this.
  2. DavidPutty

    DavidPutty Karting

    Jan 19, 2020
    123
    Del Boca Vista
    #2 DavidPutty, Sep 19, 2025 at 7:02 AM
    Shocks can be rebuilt for a lot less. New Ferrari ones are crazy expensive
     
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  3. JDT

    JDT Formula Junior
    Rossa Subscribed

    Jul 16, 2020
    330
    Denver, CO
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    JT
    #3 JDT, Sep 19, 2025 at 5:29 PM
    The tariff on car parts is real right now as well. The rear shocks are around $5,200 for a pair (still insane) but then slap on a tariff of approximately $1,200 and you're getting close to that price with parts and labor.
     
  4. Sunshine1

    Sunshine1 Three Time F1 World Champ
    Silver Subscribed

    Jan 22, 2011
    30,022
    Miami
    #4 Sunshine1, Sep 20, 2025 at 6:53 AM
    The rear shocks were replaced last year by my Ferrari dealer (2013 Cali). Parts and labor = $8,000.
     
    anunakki likes this.
  5. VII7

    VII7 Rookie

    May 29, 2025
    41
    Fort Worth TX
    #5 VII7, Sep 20, 2025 at 11:32 AM
    Edit: Nvm just noticed it is a dealer..

    For $5k are they proposing to change the buttons or just clean them?
    B/c if it's just to clean that shop is probably more expensive than a dealer.
     
  6. Zarakoff

    Zarakoff Karting

    Jul 8, 2020
    200
    Uk
    Full Name:
    Ian Curley
    #6 Zarakoff, Sep 20, 2025 at 12:39 PM
    Yes they ripping you off that’s not far off a quarter of the cars value right there … wow
     
  7. rubisco

    rubisco Rookie

    Jan 11, 2024
    39
    #7 rubisco, Sep 20, 2025 at 1:09 PM
    Just curious, in this scenario: Is the rear shocks covered under the power warranty if one was to have it active?
     
  8. Sunshine1

    Sunshine1 Three Time F1 World Champ
    Silver Subscribed

    Jan 22, 2011
    30,022
    Miami
    #8 Sunshine1, Sep 20, 2025 at 2:31 PM
    Not covered, I had the power warranty.
     
  9. anunakki

    anunakki Seven Time F1 World Champ
    Owner Rossa Subscribed

    Oct 8, 2005
    79,675
    Las Vegas Nevada
    Full Name:
    Jerry
    #9 anunakki, Sep 20, 2025 at 2:51 PM
    I think its important to note the distinction between being ripped off or not.

    To me being ripped off means a dealer intentionally suggesting service they know is not needed to generate additional revenue.

    Charging a lot isnt being ripped off. I charge way more than my competitors because thats my rate. If they dont like it they can go elsewhere.
     
  10. NbyNW

    NbyNW F1 Rookie
    Silver Subscribed

    Feb 3, 2007
    4,339
    South Dakota / Maryland
    #10 NbyNW, Sep 20, 2025 at 4:20 PM
    My FF was a CPO from the previous owner out of FCI. A line item said sticky buttons addressed so I called and asked what buttons and how. I was told they have a guy who redoes them in the car, not new or disassembled. Sounded like DYI like most of us do but it's what their guy does, so he must have a process. And some of my buttons look good and some are getting soft.

    So ask what the quote is for - removed and professionally redone, replaced with a new part, or pro-DIY - which should be much less than your quote depending on how many, etc.

    I also have a CPO line item a front caliper was refinished but it wasn't. So I'm on the hook for a $1200 paint/repair. I called and left a message but no reply. So it goes.
     
  11. DavidPutty

    DavidPutty Karting

    Jan 19, 2020
    123
    Del Boca Vista
    #11 DavidPutty, Sep 20, 2025 at 5:08 PM
    Dealer rebuilt my rear shocks two years ago for $3300. The catch was my car being out of service for 6 weeks. It was winter so I didn't mind. I've heard of people buying shocks from non Ferrari parts vendors for less and having them installed by an independent shop. Shocks aren't covered by your power warranty.
     

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