Anyone familiar with Potresse (Houston)?

Potresse performed a PPI on my 355 in March and overall I have to say I was disappointed. They did seem knowledgeable about the car and pointed out one problem area (leaking shift shaft seal) but I did not feel that the PPI was very thorough.

I had discussed three areas of interest in advance of the PPI (I had flown in from NC on a short timeline to purchase the car):

1. Compression test - during the PPI they claimed it did not seem necessary (due to the overall condition of the car)
2. Complete SD3 printout with clutch wear %: they were unable to capture and provide from their borrowed analyzer
3. Put it on a lift and go thru it thoroughly: they borrowed a lift and we looked underneath for a while

FoH stated that they no longer provided PPIs due to liability reasons so although the $500 paid to Potresse did reduce my anxiety level as a first time buyer, ultimately I felt it was a waste of money. In truth, I should have been more forceful with my requirements and should have walked when it was clear that they were not going to be met.

Unless you already have a good relationship with a local shop, IMO you are better off learning all you can about diagnosing the car yourself and arrive with checklists in hand (including a compression tester and/or leakdown tester if needed). Others will disagree, but if you are prepared, I believe you will know when to pass on a car.

All of that being said, I got lucky and found a great car. Although I could have skipped the PPI on this occasion, the reality is that I will not miss the money.

PM if interested and I will send you a copy of my Potresse PPI. Good luck.
Ken

 

I recommend Sphere Motorsports. Mark will do an extremely thorough PPI, including compression/leakdown if requested. They know Ferraris inside and out.

 

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