Finally Got my baby home!! Not all fun and games though.....

First of all, I would like to thank everyone once again for helping me choose my first Ferrari! I was as careful as possible while choosing the proper car for me. In a nutshell, I was looking for an as perfect as possible 2002-2004 360 Modena. I was willing to pay top dollar, for a top dollar car.
I decided on the car that Ferrari/Maserati of Palm Beach Florida had. It is a 2004 F1 with 3,500 Miles, described by dealer as "perfect" condition. Before I went down to view the car, the salesman and I agreed on a price with the assumption that it will be perfect upon delivery, and if anything needs attending to, it will be fixed. Some here already know most of the story, and some issues along the way.
A few disapointing things that happened along the way (I won't go into detail about everything) started with the test drive where the check engine light came on. It was determined that it was the gas cap, and it will be replaced....no big deal. I also noticed that the alarm system was not working properly. The siren battery is dead. The light stays on, the arm/disarm doesn't chirp, and it doesn't make any noise when tripped. The salesman assured me that it would be fixed. A bigger problem is that the paint looked horrible to me! It looked as if it was washed with brillo practically! (I am extremely picky about the finish and warned him before I flew down to see the car. He assured me that it is free from any swirl marks etc....A COMPLETE LIE!) The salesman also assured me that he will get the best detailer in the area to take care of it before it gets shipped out. I also told him to check all 3 remotes to make sure they work. He told me he tried all 3 and they worked fine. Finally after being satisfied that all my concerns are being tended to, I decided to go forward with the purchase of the vehicle. According to our e-mail agreement prior to me flying down, the price was set for the car. I made it very clear that the price was for a "certified car" shipped to my house, no extra charges. Services included any problems fixed, a fresh belt and fluid service.
The first real aggravation came when the paperwork was drawn up, and there was a $899 "dealer fee" added! I freaked out and asked why the price changed from our agreed upon price. I almost walked out on the deal because of this dishonesty, but the salesman cried and asked what he can do for me to make it up...blah blah blah, and added that he would throw in a shirt and hat etc. in the car when it was delivered. I caved in and agreed (for those that have been following my purchase decision, you will see that I wasted my time flying to North Carolina also. I walked from that deal on a "Perfect" car that wound up needing a $6,500 steering rack and the owner didn't want to budge even a penny on the price!) I wanted to avoid going through this whole mess again. On the positive side the interior looks brand new, the car runs and drives great, I figured the issues would be fixed, so like I said, I caved (I normally don't cave like that because I'm a man of my word, and wouldn't do that to anyone, so I won't let anyone do it to me. I HATE liars).
After the deal was done, I left to fly back to NY. Unfortunately my 6th sense kicked in and told me that these guys didn't really care about my car, and just kept yessing me on everything.
Once home I decided to give the dealer an opportunity to make things right with that $899 fee. I explained to them that I would consider having them install new tires for me if the price was right (They are perfect, but original, so probably should be changed sooner rather than later). I explained that I can get the tires from tire rack.com for $1,600 and would appreciate it if they can give me a good deal on them to make up for some of the BS dealer fees that were charged. I told them that I thought it would be fair if they can give me the tires for cost. This way I benefit and they don't really lose (they don't gain either though). They came back with an insulting price of over $1,900!!! I told them no thanks, I can do it cheaper myself. I figured I would have to just eat it and be happy with the T-shirts. I then told him since he wasn't doing anything for me, if he can at least make sure that everything is done that I asked for, so I can avoid any future problems, and I would be happy with just that. I also asked him to e-mail me the receipts for all the work done, and leave the originals in the car. According to the e-mail, the belt and fluid services were done, and the 101 point inspection showed that everything worked perfectly including the alarm, lights, etc. He then assured me that he would personally make sure that everything was done for me. (btw, I also gave a nice tip to him when I was down there, I also tipped the head mechanic $100).....I feel like a fool now!
I was now confident that everything was squared away, and I anxiously awaited delivery of my new car, in perfect shape as I wanted and dreamed of.
This morning I got the best fathers day ever!!! My new to me Ferrari! The truck arrived early in the morning and was uneventfully unloaded in front of my house. It was a great sight, my neighbors were out there with me taking photos etc. they were as excited as I was, what a great feeling!
Unfortunately, first thing I noticed as the truck driver disarmed the alarm, was that there was no chirp! once the vehicle was on the ground I confirmed what I feared.....They did not change the alarm siren! It was just as dead now as it was when I was in Florida and told them that it needs to be changed. Then I looked at the hood and almost threw up....still looked like it was cleaned with brillo, but the only difference was that there were some splatter marks on the windows from wax. I have to guess that they waxed it, but didn't do any paint correction that it needed! The receipts were not in the car, and not even the promised T-shirt was in the car! By now I was fuming. If the dealer was open, I would have called and flipped out....remember how I feel about liars? I then calmed down, looked the car over, other than the dealer not fixing what they were supposed to, there was no shipping damage, so I was relieved about that. It was, however, very dirty! there were grease smudge marks all over the body, and the once new looking interior had grease prints all over the door panel and drivers seat! I don't know if the mechanics did it with the service, or if the trucker did it.
I took a few deep breaths, upset that my Ferrari buying experience was ruined by incompetent people, but then said to myself that I will sort everything out. I started with checking all the fluids and tire pressures, thankfully all checked out ok. I then cleaned all the grease off of the interior. I started to get hungry from all the stress, so I decided to have breakfast (that my wonderful kids made for me!) then take a nice ride with my brother after I was done.
We took a nice ride for about 45 minutes, thankfully the car drove beautifully!! I was so excited, I like it WAY better than my Porsche that I had owned prior to this car. I was really liking the F1 transmission also.
Then it started to go bad again! I was almost home, maybe 1 mile away when all of a sudden I hear a loud hissing sound....PPFFFSSSS. I said oh crap we are getting a flat tire! I immediately pulled over in order to save the tire and/or rim (thankfully I stopped before it was fully deflated, it only took seconds to deflate). I am so lucky that it happened when I was doing only 20mph, instead of highway speeds. Now I started to think that someone had it in for me! I couldn't believe it. The leak was from the valve stem, and I don't have a spare tire on this car! AAAARRRGGGGHHH! I called my wife to pick me up.....she thought I was joking, nobody can have luck like that their first day with the car right? While I was waiting I feverishly tried to find an open tire shop. Nobody was open on Sunday (also Fathers Day), now I started to panic and didn't know what I was going to do with the car in the road with a flat. Then I thought of Costco. Thankfully they were open until 6:00. I was not happy with this whole mess. My wife came to pick me up, while my brother stayed with the car. I went home and picked up some traffic cones, a lug wrench and a floor jack and quickly returned, just to find out that the car was too low for the jack to fit under it!! AAAAGGGRRR! Now I was sweating while thinking about the damage that a flatbed truck would cause to my cars undercarriage. Thankfully, my brother remembered that he has a low profile jack that may fit underneath, so this time I stayed with the car and my brother went with my wife to pick it up. Once again, I was thankful that jack fit and I was on my way to getting the tire repaired. Phew, no flatbed! I went to Costco with expectations that I would now have to refinish my wheel from damage that they do while performing the repair. My luck started to improve, I can't say enough good things about Costco at this point. The tech was SOOOO careful. He replaced the stem, and not a single mark on the rim. He didn't charge me anything for it, and I tried to tip him and he refused saying that they are not allowed to take tips. I thanked him over and over for saving the day! By the time I got back to my car, another really nice Ferrari owner in his 328 GTs (I think) stopped to see if my brother who stayed with the car needed help. I then realized that the valve cap looked a little damaged as well...it then hit me. I'm 99% sure that the trucker that delivered the car put wheel straps around the wheel, pressing on the valve stem, and caused damage to it. We then put the wheel back on and I continued home. YAY!
After I got home I decided to try the other 2 remotes, guess what...1 of them didn't work!! AAAARRRGGHHH, remember he said he checked all 3? I can't call him a liar though because there is a .0001% chance that the battery died from the time he checked it to the time I took delivery.
By now it was starting to get late, and it was time for Fathers Day dinner... I get to calm down and eat a nice meal to enjoy the good things with the car instead of dwelling on the trouble. Food was good, but I kept thinking about driving my new baby. As soon as we got home, what do you think I did? Yep, I just had to drive it again! I also figured that since it's dark out, I can check all the lighting. I shouldn't have to check it, right? A 101 point inspection was done that includes the lights. By now you all may realize the luck I am having, so of course there is a problem. The hardest bulb to change was out! The passenger side front yellow marker light was dead! Did those clowns check even one thing on my car? What is going on? Maybe this also fell into the .00001% chance that it happened after the inspection. (yeah right)
In summary you can probably figure out that I am ecstatic about getting such a beautiful car, but at the same time it's hard not to feel a sense of disapointment that it had to be this way, mostly caused by people not caring about doing their job properly. As of now, I'm basically looking at a paint correction, alarm siren replace/repair, remote battery replacement and a bulb for the marker light. Out of all that, the paint issue bothers me the most by far, and will be the most expensive.
I am going to call the salesman tomorrow and give him an opportunity to do the right thing and make it all right for me (after all, that's what I paid for. Right?). If he does the right thing, I will definitely let you guys know. I think it is definitely important info if you are considering buying or servicing your car at Ferrari of Palm Beach. I am always willing to forgive someone if they made a bad judgement call and wants to make it right. On the other hand if they don't follow through with the promises (which I do have in writing in the form of e-mails), I will also definitely let everyone know on all the forums as well as call Ferrari North America etc. I don't know how far I would get, but I would be satisfied if I even saved one person from similar trouble, and lies that I endured. Buyer beware!
Now that I got that out of my system, I am going to try and post some pics of my beauty to try and forget the trouble. Thankfully the condition of the paint looks better in the photos than it does in person. For those interested, I can probably send a photo that shows the horrible swirl marks in the paint while reflecting off of my fleurescent light in the garage.
Enjoy the photos:

 

Wow! What an adventure. And to think that this happened 1) in spite of the fact that you performed due diligence and actually flew down there and inspected the car and 2) in spite of the fact that it was sold, not by a third party, but by a reputable Ferrari dealership.

These are the kind of horror stories that I expect in buying cars from non-factory dealerships.

Hard to believe that anyone could be so careless, inconsiderate and lazy as to deliver a vehicle to a trusting customer in such poor condition.

I hope that there is an explaination for this (can't imagine what it would be though) for your benefit and ultimately for their reputation.

 

That's exactly how I feel. I am still hoping that there is an explanation, and they take care of it somehow. This way I can really enjoy it the way I dreamed that I would. I truly didn't think that I would have these problems being so thorough with everything each step of the way. I also kept relying on their word because after all, it is a high end dealership. I seriously think that a Hyundai dealership would have followed up on the promises better! Like I said, I am still holding full judgement until I speak to them today, I can forgive people that eventually choose to do the right thing.

 

Glad to hear that you are enjoying your car at last.

I'm not surprised that the stealership just gave you the shoulder. Sadly I predict they blow you off. Once the check clears, they don't give a hoot.. or better they just nod their head say they're sorry but don't ACT on what they say. Rough start but now the fun begins. Get a reputable local Indy and you'll have many years of fun. btw a Chevy alarm siren will work just fine at 1/4 the cost.

 

Congratulations on your new F-car. From the pictures you posted, the car looks great.
I would definitely call them and give them a piece of my mind. Let out the steam! Then, I would look for a third party detailer in your area for a paint correction. Get someone else to replace the alarm and light, then done deal.....
Do not let this experience with the dealership spoil the experience of owning this beautiful car. Once you take care of these minor issues, then you have a car you can enjoy for many years. Do not sweat the small stuff.. Just look at this way-- you are one of the few to have the privilege/luck to own one of the most beautiful cars on the planet. Good luck

 

I recommend you take 2 aspirins, watch this movie, and call them in the morning.

[ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xjxCDEhc0h4[/ame]
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Excited to have you aboard, Congrats!

I must say that while reading this, I too was feeling like I might throw up. This is every buyers worst nightmear. At this point, I would go directly to the General Manager. Imo, the salesman has lost all respect. I would want results asap, not having to wait on the salesman to tell his boss "his side of the story", etc. Good luck today, keep us updated. Congrats again!

 

There is no such thing as a "perfect" previously owned Ferrari, or any car for that matter. Something always crops up. The Alarm siren is an easy fix and you're in LI so you have Braden at your service. They should be able to cure any paint issues.

Car salesmen are car salesmen. The only thing wrong with that is people expecting them to not behave like car salesmen. Anecdotally, Florida does not seem to have a particularly great reputation in general when it comes to dealers.

Don't sweat the small stuff. You now own a Ferrari. You're amongst a privileged few. Drive it and enjoy it!

 

^ Really well said.

 

It's unfortunate you weren't able to stay & verify all your concerns/complaints prior to headed back home. Or to fly back down, prior to shipping, to check it over again.

I guess the moral of the story is not to just ask if things work, but to check them yourself. Then to follow up & verify items are fixed before leaving the dealer.

Were you able to get the items you found written down as agreed to be fixed?

I was surprised you were so trusting in the dealer that everything would be taken care of.
The salesmen will tell you whatever it takes to make the sale. In hindsight you could have checked with the service manager to see the repair invoice.


It is a 9 year old used car so things are bound to turn up.

You defiantly have a legitimate complaint, sorry the whole buyer experience wasn't as fulfilling as owning the car.

 

Wow, what a story. Great looking car!

 

I would be happy a check engine light didnt come on! I wouldnt be suprised the Dealer dropped the ball, but a light bulb, some hood detailing and the stuff they promised can be very easily fixed. The tire was clearly not their fault. So enjoy the rest of the experience and be happy the car drives out well.

 

Sorry to hear about your terrible experience. Unfortunately I don't think anything will get done as they are selling a very desirable product and simply have no incentive to provide customer service. Along the same lines, there was a thread about Ferrari of Scottsdale trying to sell a car that was misrepresented as being accident free - nothing happened and they are still a sponsor of this site. I had a better experience with Ferrari of Silicon Valley but a month after the purchase found out that I was over charged for registration. My calls and e-mails were unanswered and in the end decided it was not worth my time to pursue this since nothing will happen anyways.

On other other hand, you have a car that's essenstially brand new. The paint should be correctable to better than new and the tires should be replaced anyways. So in a few months you'll forget about the negative experience and enjoy a fantastic car.

 

After all of that, the customer service that you received at Costco makes me wish they were a Ferrari dealer!......Lol. I am truly sorry for your experience but alas, you Will get it sorted out and it will be a Fantastic car to won and you will hopefully be able to laugh about these shortcomings in the future.

In other words, drive her in good health and thanks for the headsup on Ferrari of Palm Beach....I'll be staying away from them like the plague!

 

Not all Ferrari dealers are like that. I have dealt with some, and some are actually really good, while others aren't, but you can usually get a sense of their mode of operation as you are trying to make a deal happen. Best of luck with the car and enjoy it. Hopefully, you will have it sorted in short order.
Jes

 

Take it to Bradan and have them correct all your concerns. I cannot speak highly enough of them. They have provided the best customer experience i've had yet.

 

Congrats on the purchase, and I'm sorry to hear about the unresolved, and new, problems.

I also had some damaged caused when I shipped a car a few years back (rear brake lines crushed when the axle was chained down) so I am esp sympathetic about that. My advice: take it to a mechanic and get them to inspect the other wheels and stuff in the vicinity.

Once this stuff is sorted, you will have z blast with it.

 

Yes, that is a very good moral of a story! It is exactly what i was going to recommend to any future buyers. I do have everything in writing, I even have an audio recording of our conversation where he assures me that everything will be fixed to my satisfaction. I took what I believed to be a paranoid approach, because of what happened to me with the North Carolina car that I looked at. It was definitely silly of me to trust him that everything would be taken care of, but given my situation being over 1,000 miles away, it was impossible for me to follow up before it got shipped. I knew the risk though, and figured that in a worst case scenario, it would cost a total of $1,000 more, once it arrived. I took the risk and so far, lost the gamble. I am going to call the general manager now and I'll definitely get back with the outcome. Thanks for all your support and ideas. It definitely helped me gain the courage to buy a Ferrari (I was always afraid because of the reputation that lingered around the Ferrari reliability, caused by people who didn't know anything about them)

 

I can also vouch for them. They did a little paint correction on my Lexus LS460, they did a phenominal job on it! The damage was done after the dealer did a "complimentary" was on the car. Thanks for nothing! Now I put a "please Do Not Wash" sign on any car I bring in for service. It also goes in freshly washed. They always compliment me on the finish, how amazing it looks.....I just say "ZAINO" If anyone uses their products, they know what I mean.

 

I might be blind but I don't see the horror story.

A salesman commitment not fulfilled is one thing, a crappy car and a crappy dealer another thing.

Buying an almost a decade old (yes 9 years old) used car, regardless of mileage, some things get old, plastics, bulbs, batteries, tires.

Some people expect to buy a 10 years old and find it as perfect as a brand new car. Get real, it is an old car, and paint quality even when new is horrible, so add 9 years to it and it should get worse.

It is difficult to find a 3,000 miles Modena, they are in high demand. It is a great find.

 

Wow man sorry to hear about your bad experience. I have bought and sold many cars in my time and buying a used car is always a nerve racking experience!!! You are buying someone else's potential problem. And when you deal with the dealer they are there to make money "can't trust used car salesmen"! I have to say when I bought my 430 my experience was not that bad it was pretty straight forward and I got what I paid for and am very happy with it. I hope they do they rite thing and make you a happy customer... however... I am doubtful since they have your money and you will not be going back there for service and you are a out of state customer. If I was in the market for another F car after reading your post I defiantly wouldn't buy a car from them!!!

 

Really?

The salesman is hired by the dealership to represent them and is a part of the company. If the salesman is misrepresenting the company or misleading the buyer, it's the dealer's responsibility and liability.

A 3,000 mile Modena described as "perfect condition," should be in a near new condition reasonably. The problems the OP encountered is inexcusable especially after the dealer/salesperson promised to take care of those issues. Hopefully, dealer will make things right for the OP. I hate liars as well.

 

I guess you don't have a problem with people lying to you then. I understand that it's a used car and can't be 100% perfect, but there was an agreement that the things would be fixed! I didn't, and won't complain about anything new going forward from here, but everything that we spoke about, and anything they found during the 101 point inspection (which apparently wasn't actually done) should have been inspected and fixed by the dealer as per our agreement. The 2 things that really made me mad, are the ones that I specifically hounded him on. The paint, and the alarm. Those 2 things should have been done....period! Maybe you guys are thinking that I'm being overly sensitive, so I included a photo of my hood while in my garage. After looking at it, I want you to honestly tell me that I am being unreasonable. Yes, you are correct, none of this would have happened if the salesman was honest and/or on the ball.
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Congrats on your car. You have every right to be mad as these items were specifically discussed prior to purchase. Let's see what the dealer says. Thanks for your time in sharing your mixed experience with your new car. Keep us informed as to their response.

 

Congratulations on the car, great find. I too have experienced dealers to say whatever to sell a car and now expect dishonesty , however I can see the finish you're talking about and would have been miffed myself. I would personally take a clay bar to it and finish with a hand wax and polish, might be all the paint correction needed to make it look perfect.