Differenes between euro spec convert and US | FerrariChat
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Differenes between euro spec convert and US

Discussion in '360/430' started by fastgman, Mar 26, 2006.

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  1. fastgman

    fastgman Karting

    Feb 22, 2006
    109
    #1 fastgman, Mar 26, 2006
    I was wondering how you can tell the difference between a converted car and an authentic US spec car. I know I have heard that certain dealerships which will remain nameless have been taking cars from Dubai or where ever and converting them into US cars and then selling them as original US spec cars. How do I tell the difference?

    What are the signs that indicate that it is not an original US car?
     
  2. paulie_b

    paulie_b F1 Veteran
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    #2 paulie_b, Mar 27, 2006
    the VIN number is the first clue. The dealer would also have to give you the proper paperwork including the releasing from EPA and DOT.
     
  3. paulie_b

    paulie_b F1 Veteran
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    #3 paulie_b, Mar 27, 2006
    besides that, I would be very surprised if a Ferrari dealership would/could do this. Am I naive?
     
  4. TexasMike

    TexasMike F1 World Champ

    Feb 17, 2005
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    #4 TexasMike, Mar 27, 2006
    The 8th digit of the VIN should have an "A" if it's a US model and a "B" if it's a Euro model.
    Depending on the model (348, 360, 430 etc..) there may also be some cosmetic differences.
     
  5. fastgman

    fastgman Karting

    Feb 22, 2006
    109
    #5 fastgman, Mar 27, 2006

    Thanks, thats very helpful. One more question someone recently told me some horror stories about cars they had bought from dealers that were had not gone through the dealer prep. I don't really believe that these are true b/c I thought that a car could not be registered in a state without going through the dealer prep. Is this true, if so how do you tell it has gone through the dealer prep?
     
  6. Simon^2

    Simon^2 F1 World Champ

    Oct 17, 2005
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    #6 Simon^2, Mar 27, 2006
    Are authorized US F-Car dealers allowed to re-sell Euro cars. Haven't really paid attention, but seems like euro-cars are usually represented by non-authorized exotic car dealers.
     
  7. Rifledriver

    Rifledriver Three Time F1 World Champ

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    #7 Rifledriver, Mar 27, 2006


    Dealer prep? The state doesn't care about that. The truth be known lots of cars don't get it. Someone just takes a walk around the car and makes sure it has 4 tires is often all that is done. There is a check list to be filled out in the service book and most I see are blank. I know, the dealer will tell you they just forgot to fill it in.....right.

    In NJ when the cars are brought in from the port the guys at FNA do a pretty good job of checking them out before the dealer ever sees them.
     
  8. fastgman

    fastgman Karting

    Feb 22, 2006
    109
    #8 fastgman, Mar 27, 2006

    Thank you. I have never seen that does it devalue the car when it does not have that stuff filled out? Will dealerships not work on your car if that stuff is not filled out?
     
  9. fastgman

    fastgman Karting

    Feb 22, 2006
    109
    #9 fastgman, Mar 27, 2006

    The real problem is not euro cars but cars that are Dubai cars, b/c in Dubai they are actually US spec, but they are not original us cars, they are delivered to Dubai. So those are the ones I am worried about.
     
  10. Simon^2

    Simon^2 F1 World Champ

    Oct 17, 2005
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    #10 Simon^2, Mar 27, 2006
    I have the original window sticker for my car showing US port of entry etc. I think that's one way to know original site of delivery...
     
  11. TexasMike

    TexasMike F1 World Champ

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    #11 TexasMike, Mar 27, 2006
    I think those only have VINs but not all the other numbers (chassis number, serial number, etc...)

    Also I think the VIN should have a different letter other that A or B, but I'm not sure which letter it would be.

    EDIT: I'm not sure how accurate my above statement is. Here is a quote from www.ferrarimarketletter.com .

    "Ferraris built for the Middle Eastern market are identical to US-spec cars, except for all the cert labels. While US-spec cars have cert labels in various places (engine bay, door jambs, etc.), Middle East-spec cars do not. Other than that, they're exactly the same."
     
  12. fastgman

    fastgman Karting

    Feb 22, 2006
    109
    #12 fastgman, Mar 27, 2006
    One other interesting question. If the dealer prep is not done then is the how is the warranty initiated? I thought one of the purposes of dealer prep is to register the car with ferrari north america and at that point is when they start your warrany. Anyone know anything about that?
     
  13. fastgman

    fastgman Karting

    Feb 22, 2006
    109
    #13 fastgman, Mar 27, 2006

    Thanks for the help, that is some great info, I really do have to get my lazy ass to apply to that maret letter.
     
  14. Rifledriver

    Rifledriver Three Time F1 World Champ

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    #14 Rifledriver, Mar 27, 2006

    They fill out the card and submit a warranty claim to FNA. Filling out paperwork does not equate to a PDI. Once that card is filed with FNA the PDI is paid for and the warranty starts on the date filled in as date of retail sale or car put in service date.

    The service book is empty on a very high percentage of the cars I see and work on. Many dealers and fewer independants fill them out. I have cars that their entire life previous to coming here was at the factory dealer and the book is not filled out. I do not say that to be critical of any of them, I only say it as a way of pointing out that no one really cares except some very small percentage of owners. I have never seen entries or lack thereof affect value.

    When we evaluated a trade in at the dealer we never even looked at the book. It is too unreliable a source of information, good or bad.
     
  15. fastgman

    fastgman Karting

    Feb 22, 2006
    109
    #15 fastgman, Mar 27, 2006

    Who is filling out the warranty car? So instead of a dealership just filling out the warranty card, the buyer is? Have you ever seen a car where the warranty was not activiated after being sold? Is that possible?

    And just to make sure I have this straight, what you are saying is that a PDI is not necessary and that many cars never get them. And if they never get them it does not affect the value, or ability to register the car in any way.
     
  16. SrfCity

    SrfCity F1 World Champ

    Nov 1, 2003
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    #16 SrfCity, Mar 27, 2006
    What's with the third degree? What are you trying to do here? Please, more specifics. Are you questioning a car that's currently at a dealer from Dubai?
     
  17. Rifledriver

    Rifledriver Three Time F1 World Champ

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    #17 Rifledriver, Mar 27, 2006

    Is English your first language?
    If not I will try to help you understand.
    If it is just read what I wrote. You need a comprehension course, you almost could not have gotten it more wrong.
     
  18. fastgman

    fastgman Karting

    Feb 22, 2006
    109
    #18 fastgman, Mar 27, 2006

    Nevermind, my bad, I got it. Thanks for all of your help. You are extremely knowledgeable, it has been very helpful.

    Grant
     

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