For those of you that want the history please refer to my earlier post titled "F430 Hell.......WTF do I do now??" Im very happy to report that Ferrari of North America AND my Dealer worked in unison to make things right. They flew a BRAND NEW 07' engine to the shop within 48 hours of opening up my old engine. The General Manager of my dealership gave me many options to make things right. He understood that I quite nervous to take my car back. He came to the table with exactly what I think is fair compensation for all of the trouble I have had whether I keep the car or not. They have earned my return business and my endorsement. After my dealings with the parties that be, I realized that I don't want OR need to Lemon Law the car. I have decided to give the car another chance. After my conversations with the gentleman at Ferrari of NA, I feel VERY comfortable with how they do business. My car is being watched very closely for quality control. I had no idea how on top of things they were. All of the numbers match and are documented straight from Italy. I will keep you all updated. Thanks for the support! P.S. I will be getting the car back in a few days!! The-F430-Ape
WOW! Congrats! Didnt you say you leased it? If so, it might be worth buying out the lease now since the engine is brand new. Have fun driving it James in Denver
Very nice of them to help you out like that. What does the new engine do to the milage on it? Is odometer reset?
ahh true. makes sense. When someone is looking to purchase a Ferrari, does the new engine add or decrease the value? Does the engine match the VIN of the car?
Incorrect (in my humble opinion). They are only doing their duty. If there was some way for them to have got out of it (WITHOUT A LAWSUIT ON THEIR HANDS) they would have done it.
I don't want to rain on your parade, but when you go to resell the 430, it will have a "story" and some buyers will steep clear of a 430 with a replaced engine. Maybe you need to discuss this with your dealer. Al
I don't think such a "story" is as much an issue when it is completely documented on a third party source such as this message board. I'd be more leary of a car off of ebay mentioning a "brand new engine" than one sold privately, and the owner voluntarily giving all information, storyline etc. for the problem and its cause. Glad to hear there is a happy ending here!
I'm happy you're happy. I can argue both sides of this one... but in the end (meaning when you sell the car) I hope you find someone who sees the new engine as a benefit. Best, Frank
Maybe the economics for brand new cars is different, new being up to 5 years old. I'm not in the market for a new FCar, but even if I was, I'd wouldnt because of the depreciation. However, that said, besides the "numbers matching" issue (which really shouldnt matter in a new car, maybe 30 years from now it would), to me, a new engine only increases the value (or at least keeps it the same). I mean, whats the potential for a story here? Any real wreck damage causing the rebuld would either be evident in the bodywork or a salvage title. If the assumed cause was racing/tracking, the only concern there would be "did the owner continue to race it after the new engine?". And finally, any internal engine problems causing the rebuild would be documented, and given how many 430s are made, it would either be a 1-off or model wide and in that case, the buyer would stear clear of the entire model. (Sodium valves in 308s, Valve guides/headers on 355s, wonderful electricals on 348s, etc). I think mileage hurts these more than if the engine was rebuild. One of the FChatters here (Softwaredrone?) has a 360 with 4X,XXX miles and couldnt sell it (or had difficulty selling it). I just don't get it, but then again, I dont have the capability to buy a new one which is why I'm always in the 308/328 section so maybe there's something I just dont get. James in Denver
Technically, the seller wouldn't be doing anything wrong if he did not mention the fact that the engine had been replaced, epecially if the VIN on the block was the same and at such an early point in the cars life. Now if something were damaged (like say a bent frame), then repaired, now that would be a different story. But theoretically, it's no different than having replaced a transmission or a half shaft. A piece of the drivetrain (albiet a rather large piece) had been found faulty from the factory and was replaced by a brand new factory part. The only reason I could see for a story is if the VIN on the engine block had changed, and that's probably why Ferrari made the extra effort to produce a block for the car with the same VIN. Having said that, whenever I sell one of my cars, I make it a point to always disclose every detail of the cars life to the next buyer. It eliminates a lot of potential future headaches.
Congrats. I am glad Ferrari did the right thing. FYI, in my mind a new engine at 7000 miles for the reasons you document would be okay. It would not stop me from buying the car. Also a newer engine is a plus since it is from the factory. Great glad to hear of your success. Lee
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