Can I trust my mechanic now?

Could have been an honest mistake.

 

I wouldn't trust him.

All catalytic converters are required by the Federal government to carry a warranty of (I believe) at least 5 years or 50,000 miles. Anyone who works on cars for a living knows this, and also knows that most manufacturers cover cats for longer than the required time and mileage.

Believe me, he could have checked on the warranty before quoting you a replacement price.

--Matt

 

Probably an honest mistake, he may have thought 5 yrs as well.

 

First of all, Ferrari factory catalytic converters SUCK, so he gave you good advice to go with aftermarket. Even the new ones for 348s and F355s are poorly made.

A Hyper-Flow catalytic converter is a MUCH better and safer piece.

Lastly, a pair of Hyper-Flow cats for the 355 costs nowhere near $2500. More like around $1500.

 

"All catalytic converters are required by the Federal government to carry a warranty of (I believe) at least 5 years or 50,000 miles.."

Not all, some cars (such as some late model VW's etc.) only need carry a 2 year warranty ("performance warranty").

5 years is a good guess though, but by no means "standard." The rules can change depending on manufacture, but not on the required Gov minimum emmissions warranty. Some manufactures just give more over minimum than others.

Anyhow... Cut the guy some slack. He made a mistake. Cripes, a good shop can't ever win if your just looking to find a flaw.

Oh, and as far as the tall price goes... His parts supplier may not get the best price out there. Then, with his own shop markup, it could cost more than some Internet whore parts supplier. Don't just assume that he is trying to stick it to you. Think of it this way: If he has been open any number of years - Then there must be a reason. Shops that rip & gouge DONT STAY OPEN long. Word travels much to fast.

Just an opinion

 

Good for you to find out about the 7/70 warranty on your emissions components the federal is 8/80. But I would say if you have trusted him so far and he has done a good job, there is no reason not to trust him anymore. You'd be surprised how many mechanics and owners do not know about the state and federal emissions component warranty. I may be wrong but I think if he has provided good service all along and he has been honest he made an honest mistake.

 

355 Hyperflow cats list at $1145 each per the Hyperflow website - 348 cats list at $789 each. I got mine for 20% off list, potentially from the same person you are wondering about. So that would get you to $1,832 for a pair for the 355.

PM me if you wish regarding your guy as I wouldn't be surprised if it the person I use.

Cheers
Kevin

 

One thing you must realize..Ferrari is no longer covering the exhaust components such as manifolds. I'm not too sure about the cats though. The last car I sent to the dealer for emissions warrenty (cats/manifolds) was denied..and there was not a thing I could do about it. The owner of the car was steamed..because it says right in the warrenty book 8 years. But the dealer still denied the claim..it's now going through court. We will see what happends. But according to the dealer FNA is not longer warrenting the systems components. So your mechnainc may very well be correct.

 

The coverage may be different in Canada. Is there an agency in Canda that protects the consumer against this type of warranty denial? Here in the States both Federal EPA and California Air Resource Board have offices to investigate these type of issues and make the manufacturer eat their own words...

 

So your mechanic was correct.?

 

remember, a mechanic that specializes in exotic cars like ferrari's would know things like this, assuming he deals with Fcars and Pcars on a daily basis.

He knew, he was trying to fatten his pocket..id stay away and mention his name on this forum to warn others. No telling how much he has gotten from honest people.

 

I got the same response from my Ferrari dealer. Pretended like they had never heard of the 7 year requirement. Had i not asked about the price for the replacements here on FChat I would have been out 2500 for replacments that I had no business paying for.

Do a search on Cat replacement here on FChat and you will find a reference to the actual EPA document that outlines what IS federally mandated to be covered, and for how long. that saved me 2500 bucks

Stan

 

As far as I know, only factory cats are legal for sale and installation on OBD2 cars in California.....or is the car registered in another state?

 

Here is the link to the EPA warranty stuff

This worked for me and others here


http://www.epa.gov/otaq/consumer/warr95fs.txt


Stan

 

Catalyctic Converters are required to maintain a warranty of five years or 50,000 miles. Every mechanic should know this, so I think he is cheating you.

-Doug

 

Unfortunately good mechanics that aren't too busy are hard to come by in the "OC." A trick like this would make me want to find more of a straight shooter. That's why it is important to do research and know as much as possible before being given "the gears." You just saved yourself some $$

 

Cats in particular are covered under California emissions warranty for 7 years 70K miles and under Federal emissions warranty for 8 years 80K miles.

Edit: I should add even Ferrari dealers response to warranty claims are inconsistent and a lot will depend on the owner's perseverance and knowledge to make it right. I have first hand experience on this particular issue...

 

In Indiana 8 years is the law. From what I have heard if you call the EPA they will take care of it for you, I think by calling the manufacturer and reminding them of compliance laws. I will do some checking for you.

 

There is a contact in Detroit whom I spoke with (Federal EPA) in charge of these types of investigations (I have misplaced his contact info). I spoke with him at length but California ARB got involved and took care of the issue before it got escalated to Feds...

I should add the California warranty covers more than just cats. There are many components classifed as "expensive" which includes fuel pump as well. All Ferrari owners should refer to their warranty booklet for more information.

 

I would find out if he can do warranty work for Ferrari's and if he can then there is a chance that he was going to sell you them for $2500, and clam it under warranty.

However if he cant do the Warranty work for Ferrari's then it would show that he had no idea and he was going to BUY the parts. Because he could not have obtain the parts for free.

So it shows there are some good reason to take your Ferrari to the Ferrari Dealer's to be serviced.

 

I don't know how it is in Europe, but here in the States only Ferrari dealers can do warranty work!

There is no reason to undermine an independent's integrity when in fact some Ferrari dealers are less than honorable themselves.

 

i say we lynch the mechanic ...

 

Good independents are hard to find anywhere. All the good ones (at least here in Norte California) range from busy to extremely busy. For this reason alone, it's good to find a few independents if you can. There's another big reason I have found: they are not always consistent in either their performance or their temperament. Bad circumstances, like a painful divorce, etc, can affect their judgement and willingness to chase down an elusive problem. (I have witnessed all types of situations.) It's good not to be dependent solely on one tech.

It's also good to be a tactful customer, to show some class, and remember good manners. Being patient and flexible are good customer traits and leads to an enjoyable business relationship with the tech. I get the impression that some wealthy Fcar owners get a litle too self-important with their Fcar techs.

To the original poster I'd also say, Cut him a little slack--but only once.