Thinking of purchasing 65k+ 575m, what should I know

It is not $6500 unless there are myriad issues from deferred maintenance (in which case that might just be the tip of the iceberg). Belt services should be $2-3K depending on geography.

 

"All have 65k or more miles. I will PPI. what are things I should be aware of as owner? "
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I've owned my 575 for 16 years and 106,000 miles. Mine has been very reliable but also well cared for ($$$). Make sure about when and who did belt service; I've had 5(?) and at three, other issues were found, bearings, sprocket issues, etc. Fuel pumps, motor and trans-axel mounts, plus usual stuff clutch, brakes, etc. IMO, probably better off with 65k well cared for car vs 15 yo with 10k miles.

 

can you share what your last full belt service was? When @Qksilver says $2k-3k that feels like a “lock and swap” not degreeing the cams full service.

@DonJuan348 id be curious how many Maranellos (550 and 575) in the USA are over 65k miles…..it’s a very short list. No kidding I would be surprised if it was more than 18-ish. So many garage queens. Lots in the 20-40k mile range but over 50k in my observance is very rare. I do agree with @vandevanterSH high miles shouldnt be a problem if well maintained.

this is an example of a fellow f-chatter
I had considered that car in my search but it sold for much more than I had estimated at the time.
https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1999-ferrari-550-maranello-7/

 

"can you share what your last full belt service was? "
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The belt change was "incidental" at a dealer service that involved new clutch, fuel pumps, major service, etc, at 100,000 miles. IIRC, all work had been done and during final check out, a small oil leak was noted from cam belt cover. Can't remember the exact problem but bearing needed to be replaced and new belts were installed. Previous belt changes were done at various dealers and also involved a major service. IIRC, usually $6k+.

 

Correct, major service + tensioner bearings, not including timing/degreeing (which isn't necessary every time if your specialist already did it well previously).

 

Unless the car has a records log or receipts, plan for the worst (as with any Ferrari/Lambo). When I bought my car I knew it needed belts, but I planned for a major service and expected common replacement items needing further attention - that was the case. Get a clutch snap to see how much life is left.

If there is no history on the maintenance/repairs, I would expect to do the following: belts, coolant lines under intake manifold, engine/trans mounts, all fluids & filters, plugs, various fuel tank seals, sticky button service. If you don't have a clutch snap done, throw that on the list.

But, once the maintenance is completed and common repairs made, these cars are really worry-free and don't require attention at short intervals. They are DIY friendly from an accessing components standpoint (the bellypan is a pain because of its size & there are not many jacking points) and there is good community support for repairs and upgrades.

 

OP should buy your car!!!

 

@DonJuan348 i agree completely with @Qksilver about you taking a very serious look at @white out 575 for sale. If I could afford a 550 and 575 then Nicks is near the top of the 575 list (it’s not for traditionalist since it’s modified — neither am I).

it would be neat if we could get @Montgomery Kersten to add in here….he is also a Bay Area guy and the original owner of his 550 and to my knowledge is the highest US 550 at over 140k miles.

 

Oh and @niftyfivefifty is a resident expert on maintenance and absolutely CRUSHING mileage on the regular.

his Instagram is a must follow.

 

In addition to all the points mentioned above, I'd be ready for some suspension issues - shock mounts, wheel bearing, etc.