Looking at a 99 with 30000 miles, F1. Seems mint with belt service last year. Once I go look at it, what things should I look/ check for? Thanks for any info.
Did you not read the huge sticky thread at the top of this discussion board? http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=191837 Sent from my SM-G935V using Tapatalk
YOU shouldn't be doing the final inspection. you "should" be hiring a local Ferrari repair shop to do the pre-purchase inspection. From your end, does it run and drive, is there anything obviously wrong with it dented panels, etc. Other than that, can you tell me what percentage of the clutch is remaining? If there are any stored faults in the system? Unless you have a Leonardo or SD2.. you can't tell. And IMHO you would stupid to buy a 360 without this information (a newer TCU might be nice too).
Read the sticky for info and get a 2001 or newer with all or most of the production updates. 99s and 00s had issues..
Most will have been corrected at this point with the exception of the 200 mile one owner garage queens.
I read it and it's rather vague..."make sure it has the updates" doesn't tell me much. People said the same about the Porsche turbo I bought. Ppi this, pay someone for that...I prefer to learn potential visual issues and look myself along with looking in the system and checking the clutch (which doesn't matter..if it needs on it needs one) I'm sure there are some DIYers in here or mechanically inapt people that can point out small things.
Good for you... yeah I've heard it before. "I can fix my Porsche and the Ferrari isn't any different." As many people on here know, I do ALOT of DIY things on my 99... and even I was smart enough to get an inspection before I bought mine. If you're listening.. this ISN'T like the Porsche turbo. You CAN'T spend $150 and get the Durametric like you can on the Ferrari. For the F1 system, you NEED the proper scan tool. And if you have a leonardo or SD2 system, then you're good to go. Glad you have the $5 to 20k to buy one. I'm glad you can tell which component has broken when the car suddenly won't go into gear at a stoplight. If you can do this by feel, start a shop.. you'll be a millionaire. Lets say you "put the clutch in". Replace everything that's in there. You need the system to set the point of slip for the clutch. And the only way to do this is with a scan tool. The scan tool that the PPI will plug in and get this information before you buy the car. Get it?
Yes...the clutch. But what else? I've seen fuel sending units, and various other little things. Kinda looking for the buyers personal checklist sort of thing.
Fuel sending units, roll over valves, 6 bolt flywheel update, engine mount cracks, etc. The rub is to check all of these things the car needs to be on a lift and the panels removed. For example, the fuel pumps are behind the engine panels on each side of the engine. If it's orange plastic, it's "likely" newer type. Clutch starter ring, you need to inspect from below or open the clutch/engine Union to see. Variatiors... Take off carpet behind seats and engine access panel, then remove the belt covers to check for green dot... Will the seller let you virtually dismantle the car for an inspection? Doubt it. Big things are the belt changes in last 3-5 years and the electronic report for the F1 clutch system. Post them here if you like. I've had less issues with my 99 than many posting here with 2001+! The key is when I bought it I had a good idea what 99% if the current issues were with a PPI. There's ALWAYS something not noticed, just minimize what that is.
Thank you good tips to look out for and inspect. I plan on buying one and just driving it home from wherever it is. May be 1000 miles!
I don't consider the belt change that critical. I would be looking for records on oil and coolant changes. Belts can be done and aren't that expensive. Plus, if they haven't failed there isn't any damage so just make have them replaced and you are good. Failure to maintain the oil and coolant can have longer term impacts.
99, the best of all worlds for one that has been driven and maintained. I bought a 99 2.5 years ago and it has the updated motor and tranny mounts and the TCU from an 03/04. No pre cats so even better especially here in Cali with the SMOG police. I could not be happier with my 99
