Can someone help me about a question regarding pre-purchase inspections ?

There is a great thread being heavily viewed right now - called "$15,000 oil change". That will highlight some of the bad things that bad mechanics will do... But that aside:

Did you choose the dealer who did the PPI - or did the seller. Who was the dealer who did it - there are many threads on the good, bad and ugly when it comes to dealers... Do a search on the dealer name - if you do not find it in the past posts - put it on here - one of us will tell you if they are reputable.

I am assuming you paid for the PPI - not the seller.

PPI's are good to do and always recommend - by most - unless you are a top mechanic yourself. With that said - PPI are just that - "inspections". Has the services been done - 15, 30 and 45K. - It should have had 3 services - due to time not miles. If it has only had the 15K and 30K (regarless of miles) unless the 30K was just complete (and they did everything)- you will need a service - and it will be 5K if nothing is wrong - and you don't have to do the "while we have the engine out" things that will pop up - It could easily get to 10K once it is all said and done to make it perfect and dependable for the next 3-5 years.

There are many stories on people that will just say do the 30K service - belts, fluids but nothing else.

Look at the service records - Unless this is a very very low mileage car - you should see records of the clutch, probaby brakes, tires, etc. Along with Belts, Hoses, etc.

Call the dealer who did the 15, 30K services - ask them how the car looked, was treated, if the previous owner did the "little things" to keep it perfect... Most people/dealers will give you what they know on this... Usually if they know the person and car - that typically means a good thing and that the person took care of the problems. I typically keep in contact with my Mechanics with questions, referals, business ideas, etc - I consider them my friends - and they know me by name and by my cars.

With all that said - What I typically do - unless the service just completed and you are satisfied with the records, etc. I usually take my car in for the full engine service and have everything done after I purchase it- specifically if the records are not as detailed as I would like them to be. This is more to ensure I can depend on my F-car - and not worry about it leaving me stranded - or incurring more damage due to something not being done properly. If this is your first F-car - you want it to be an awesome experience - the worst thing that can happen - is if you get one that you think is great - and then it starts to nickel and dime you - when you could have just had it all taken care of and not have problems one after another...

Well that is my $2.00 worth.

Owning an F-car is one of the most enjoyable material things- I and most on this board have done - even with the expensive mainteance, insurance, etc. Do everything you can to make it enjoyable and not frustrating.

Rich Wallace

 

Lots of good points in Richard's post.

A lot of your fears should be alleviated by virtue of the fact that the PPI was done at an 'authorized Ferrari dealer.' These people have reputations to protect, and therefore don't go around deceiving customers -- there is too much to risk. That being said, you might want to check to see if the dealership/mechanic has a strong relationship with the seller. Not that he would hide something on purpose if he does, but rather than he may not be as finicky or stringent were he taking a more objective eye to it. That's probably the one thing I would diligence.

 

Reading that 15K oil change story will guarantee, a timid buyer will never buy. I wouldn't pay too much attention to it, just be prepared to spend some money on your car, I don't care how much inspecting your going to do. Fluid changes? do them yourself, along with allot of other small stuff. Just make sure heavy stuff is up to date, then PULL THE TRIGGER, but don't do it scared!