Can someone help me understand Ferrari PPI?

Hi Everyone,

Wow, is this board EVER a great resource. As a new member, I really have appreciated all the help I've received.

Here is my story. I am in Canada is very close to purchasing a 2005 F430 from California (black on tan) with 9000 miles on it. Today, I paid $400 for Orange County Ferrari to do their standar PPI. Can someone tell me if any of these are a big deal?

Sumary:

- Performed 63 point inspection
- Front brakes at 50% remaining
- Rear brake pads at 60% remaining
- Front tires are at 5mm remaining
- Rear tires are at 4mm remaining
- visual inspection shows minor scratches on wheels
- window switches are slightly tacky
- scrape on the under panel
- after market exhaust
- vehicle is in good overall condition

Being very new at this ... I would love opinions on this PPI.

Thanks so much!

Jeremy

 

That doesn't look like the contents (or summary) of a complete PPI. What did the SD-3 say? Did they look at the clutch?

Orange County's Ferrari dealership told me that they do not do PPIs. You should take it to one of the excellent SoCal Independent Ferrari mechanics and have them take a serious look...

 

Hi!

How in the world did you ever convince them to do a PPI? I tried a few months back and they refused. I had to get FAI to do it for me.

Good luck!

Gerry

 

I am looking at buying from CNC-Motors.com and they recommended O.C. Ferrari for the PPI ...

They already had a clutch reading ... it was @ 20.39% worn.

 

Your summary just look like a good valet parking inspection, which in most cases you can get for free...well maybe a $5 tip to the attendant. IMO you need more than that to uncover possible problems.

 

Yeah, I'll call OC Ferrari tomorrow and try and speak to the guy who did the inspection. I especially need to know the mechanical aspects of the vehicle they checked.

This was all coordinated by the seller (CNC Motors). However, OC Ferrari did put their stamp on the PPI saying with the information provided, and you'd think they care about their repuation.

 

I used Craig from FastCars LTD. for a PPI on a 550 I was interested in buying.
He did a great job and I would highly recommend him if the car is in the So. Cal area

 

The after market exhaust can be a concern if you are in Ontario and therefore have to pass the clean air program certification. Because of this issue I purchased a car with original factory exhaust.

 

FWIW, I had no problems with my Tubi.

To the OP, I would always be a bit leary going with a place that the seller recommends for the PPI. That PPI doesnt look like much of a report.

 

As a previous member mentioned, you want to know remaining clutch life
Tires need to be replaced, figure $1000-1200
Are all accessories included? Tool kit, car cover, both keys?
When was the last service? Oil, transmission, coolant?
What type of aftermarket exhaust?
Do you have a shipping quote to your residence?
Any paint protectant applied, will you have to respray front bumper?

All of these are deducts off the asking price

 

I too recommend Craig C. at Fast Cars Ltd. I bought my F430 in March from him...he is a good guy at a great shop...

 

The enclosed PPI may be helpful to you.
Rgds,
Vincenzo
View attachment PPI.pdf
Image Unavailable, Please Login

 

The report says you have a solid car that needs new tires and will soon need new front pads

As you note it appears to leave you to confirm what servicing has been performed and if any accessories have gone missing

 

Call Damian at Fusion Motorsports

Very knowledgeable and helpful independent who comes highly recommended....also a board sponsor

He took the time to help me in NY with questions I had about a potential Cali car I was interested in

I would not let CNC pick the place to do the PPI

Nothing in it for me...just good people

WWW.FUSION4MOTORSPORTS.COM

 

63 point inspection? All the above could be determined by a walk around the car and bending over for a quick look in at the brakes.

This is not a proper inspection or report.

 

I agree that the "PPI" seems a little light. For $400, say three hours, I wouldn't pay.

The tyres are half life, full tread is 8mm, brake pads wear out but given they aren't the ceramic ones it is a minor cost to replace when they wear out. Scrapes happen under cars but get a photo to see what they mean. Is it a scrape or damage??

 

Jeremy, would like to reply to your request for info on your PPI:
Ferrari of Orange County, Ca no longer offers PPI's thanks to all you eager attorneys out there. What you received is the "Ferrari Service Clinic Inspection Certificate" "[Ferrari 63 point inspection]" with no guarantee!
The portions of the report which you showed look very good to me, Tires almost new, brakes OK and only the window switches have the dreaded "stickies" If you don't like the after market muffler CNC will probably fit a stock one at no charge if you ask them nicely.
I can offer you some assurance here. First of all FOC has looked after my F cars for 15 years and I have found them to be utterly reliable and have also performed 63 point inspections for me. These have not included compression checks or clutch inspections on 3 pedal cars. Secondly I have purchased a Ferrari from CNC Motors [Upland Ca] and could not speak more highly of a company. Best dealer I have ever dealt with. I note that at the moment they actually have 3 black 430 spiders to choose from. There are some very important caveats to watch out for namely :Correct PIN code, 3 fobs, all books, cover, charger etc. If you have more concerns send me a PM

 

I had my PPI done at Bobbileff motors in San Diego.

To my understanding, Ferrari Dealers will not do a PPI. They will only do a "safety inspection," which is basically what you got and you essentially wasted $400.

A real PPI has a thorough inspection, road test, compression test, and leak-down test if indicated.

The compression test is key. Also, Bobileff did a complete exam for body damage and repainting, which some people do to cover up accidents. Not all accidents get reported to Carfax. A $10000 repair bill is better than seeing the value of your Ferrari drop by $40,000 because of an accident report. Reporting to Carfax is optional. Most high-end body shops do not report to Carfax. The peanuts Carfax pays them is not worth it to them.

Only a private shop will do a PPI.

I was very happy with my PPI. 12 page report. Very informative and the car has been great.

 

Damian was great when I was considering a 360 from So Cal; he saved me a lot of potential headache. It was worth the money!

 

Jeremy, I answered your PM, suggest we discuss by phone as you seem to be pressed for time

 

That's what I did. Total waste of money indeed.

This is exactly what every buyer should do. Live and learn.

 

If you have a 430 that i think needs a compression and leak down then it has been abused which i can tell way before i get to that point of the PPI. I am happy to do it for anyone who wants to pay but I have never found one thats bad, last one was 195-225psi and less than 3% on every cylinder (22500 mile)car was perfect. What OC Ferrari did was a safety inspection which on a modern car is more than adequate. Ferrari dealers wont do a PPI because thanks to a few lawyers out there it some how offers some sort of warranty. As for the 63 point inspection vs 127 point or what ever, its all smoke and mirrors in terminology. My inspection sheet shows 27 points. Does that mean i miss stuff or that i say check/inspect suspension, as opposed to ball joints, bushings, arms, control rods, tie rods, springs, shocks, mounts etc etc... the list goes on. I don't know the guys at FOC but if thats all they found on a car i would give it my blessing.