buying a used Ferrari from a Ferrari dealer

Barry, I would definitely have a PPI done by an independent F car expert (with an SD2/3).

Wherever you are located, post in that regional forum for recommendations on who to use.

 

Agree - getting the inspection from the same entity that is selling the car is a potential conflict of interest.

Whilst it does add expense to get a third party PPI, it also ensures the maximum certainty of whether or not this Ferrari is for you.

Good luck.

 

i bought a TR from an AD without a PPI. It cost me a lot of money. If they don't want you to have a PPI...just run!

 

I have bought 2 used Ferrari's from Authorized dealers, Ferrari of Seattle and Ferrari of Denver. The first I one I bought at Ferrari of Seattle I got a PPI at an Independent, and in the first 500 miles the water pump went out. I sure don't blame the tech doing the PPI, it just happens I understand that, a PPI can't catch everything, and it doesn't guarantee anything, but it can be very useful. I just bought a second used Ferrari, a 430, from Ferrari of Denver, and didn't get a PPI and have driven 500 miles with no issues, plus the 430 is CPO so that gives me a little more piece of mind. I was very comfortable doing it both ways. I trusted both dealers, so I never felt uneasy about anything, both dealers would let me do a PPI no problem, but the second, I felt good about it and just went with it. Time will tell I guess, I'm sure if something goes horribly wrong, I hope the dealer, Ferrari of Denver, would make good.

 

Did not PPI. Made them write on paper no damages, accidents, floods, or repaint. Plus it was still under warrenty and has 7-year maintenance plan. I find PPI is only good at finding structural damage and a few wear parts (should change anyways)

 

IF you buy from a dealer, get a 90 day warranty, have them do the PPI as well. Anything they "miss" will pop up and you'll have recourse for the repair. If you have an independent do a PPI, and fewer and fewer want to do these anyway, when something goes wrong you'll get a, "That's life with a Ferrari" from the independent.

I bought two cars from Algar Ferrari. The second, a 2000 360 Modena, had a couple issues pop up in the first 90 days, and one that happened post warranty by a month or so. All were fixed at no charge to me. And, while in for a bad actuator under warranty, the mechanic noted I was going to need brake pads soon, so Algar replaced them for free as well.

Now they might be the exception to the rule, but they did right by me on the car every time.

D

 

Barry,

I bought my '86 Mondial from FoW. When I asked, they had NO problem with me having the car PPI'ed by a 3rd party. Some issues were found and FoW took care of them and I was very happy!

My advice is to ask your dealer if you can get a PPI from a 3rd party. If they say NO. Then walk away. You can get 430's from any place! Now, if they say "No" because the 3rd party is too far away that's a different story. In that case I would contact a 3rd Party independent that would be willing to travel to see the car.

Honestly, the money you spend on having a PPI done will save you in the long run.

Good Luck!

Bill P.

 

Which dealership?
We can tell you the good ones from the bad ones.

Fill out your profile so we don't need to ask you your location next time

 

An independent PPI is always a good idea. If the dealer does one he's just redoing what he did when he bought the car. A new set of eyes may see something different.

 

The dealer should have checked brakes when they had it in inventory--not good!

 

Hi - can you explain what you mean by CPO?

Thanks.

 

Certified Pre Owned

 

CPO is a big hit in the US. You get a 2-3 year old car with the equivalent (almost) of a new car warranty. (For that, buyer gets peace of mind.) It normally costs a dealer $2K+ US for the CPO, and they can get $4-5K extra on the sale. Everyone is happy.