Dealer vs independent

No need to take it to the dealer, as long as you're absolutely sure about the independent. It would help if you'd tell us who you're talking about. There are many independents in south Florida and their reps run the gamut from sketchy to outstanding.

 

Don't be so sure about the dealers being more expensive than independents in the service
department.

Around the time the market went soft, Ferrari dealers had to make some incentives to
get customers back into their garages and one of the ways they did this was to cut
the costs of service and they went on a full court press charm offensive to prove their
point.

As some independents are good friends, they've told me that there is no way for them
to compete with the dealers these days especially for routine service issues since these
cost cutting incentives have surfaced.

And now, since there are three official Ferrari dealers in South Florida, there is competition
which is also pushing the lower than expected rates. Time was not that long ago the local
dealers wouldn't perform PPI's but now not only are they doing PPI's, they're doing them
at very reasonable rates undercutting the independents by hundreds of dollars.

So, it's really a matter of what you feel comfortable with. If an independent has an up to
date ST5 diagnostic computer that helps as all of the modern car's functions are monitored
electronically since most of the mechanics are parts hangers where as you will find a
talented independent whom may not have an ST5 but will rebuild and reinstall a part,
therein lies the difference most times.

Shop around. If you're in the Wellington area, you may want to contact Roger Martinez,
good guy independent in the WPB area. 561-358-6745

BHW

 

Regardless of what the title of the place is, it boils down to who is the guy turning the wrench.....

Some dealers have good, and not so good techs. Similarly, some independents have good and not so good techs.

I bring my car to the dealers. For the more modern cars that require a SDII computer, I have yet to find a good independent shop since the guys at Blackhorse moved back to FFL. In addition, the dealers support the Ferrari community, so I support them.

 

what dealer did you buy from and who did they refer to you?
if you would like a referral to an independent in Jupiter, call Ryan at RS Imports 561-743-6441. Mention my name.

 

One caveat. Dealers use Ferrari branded parts and not aftermarket. Often aftermarket parts are superior to factory parts. Also, my indie has gone the extra mile to find me a 6000 catalyst for half price by scouring his parts sources. Dealers won't do that.
Scott

 

If you use a dealer, they will use Ferrari parts which are now guaranteed for 2 years. That is a nice perk. Also depends on what you are going to do with the car long term. Most of the time it's easier to sell if the service was done by an authorized Ferrari dealer. I'm not saying the Ferrari dealers are better than some of the independents but in my opinion,it does look better when you can furnish service records from the dealer rather than from an independent. Pricing has gotten more competitive, especially for the older cars such as the 328, 348, 355's.

 

Jeremy, nice meeting you today.