Hi Folks, My name is Steve "smilin" I have been reading the forum for a few months now, since the day I drove a friends 360 spider, and felt like I was back in az, on a time track with a souped up go cart styled like a mini formula car. I was smiling ear to ear. I have been convinced, after driving friends mondials, 308's, 328's, et, that these were just eye candy. Fun, but no real balls, and handling. I was smiling so hard when I was done putting the 360 thu some fun curves, hills, et, I realized, I need this in my life. I decided that day, to start looking at 360's, f430s and started going to dealers in the chicago area, I almost bought one from Lake forest sportscars about a month ago. It was an 07 f430 TDF 8k miles, sold new from dealer. It had a 1/2 inch rock paint defect ion the hood, and I could not get past that. I looked at private sellers, but, in reading this forum, and taking what you were say to heart, I decided I would bite the bullit and buy from a ferrari dealer. The one I am working with is at Foreign cars Italia in Greensboro, NC. 2007 Ferrari F430 430 for Sale - 1255508 - duPontREGISTRY.com It is 2007, 4500 miles, with ferrari seats, which I prefer to the Daytona's for my fat ass Now, a few questions if you can help. I have not posted before, cause I have not been able to add to the discussions, as this is my first ferrari, but, expect to put a small collection together in the next year, if I love them the way I think I will. The dealer seems to be genuine, but, hey, he is a car salesman. He listed as current customer owned, and told me the car needs to be sold, as seller is taking delivery of 458 within a few weeks. Just forund out there was another owner, prior, and I was under impression they had sold the car from new, and had all records. He has some, but not all. Car has plastic protection, but, not 3m, he say's he will put new on body. Price is 160K, seems to have some nice options as well. I plan on driving this car, as much as possible, it will not be a garage beauty. All help is very much appreciated. Do any of you have experience with this dealer? Can you recommend the right person for a PPI? Does the car have the "right" options. I will post the work done if you want to see it, that the dealer has done. He also tells me he will do a full service as well as detail, prior to shipping. I also want a radar detector/jammer installed, and was quoted 2500, is this a fair price, seems high to me. Just want to make sure I am getting right car, at fair price. I plan on having shipped to either Continental Auto sports, or Lake forest sportscars, to set relationship with local ferrari dealer. Does this sound like the correct way to approach this purchase. I am jonesing for the beautiflu whine of the engine, as well as the huge smile on my face. What else do I need to check out prior to purchase? What do you think of this car? Thanks in advance for your help, and I hope to meet my local ferrari drivers soon, just need to get to 1st base already. Steve
Hi Steve, congrats and welcome to the club! I had those same feelings on my first drive, the car is awesome! I couldn't help but respond to your post. I just went through the same process as you, and it can be a little frustrating. I never bought from the Greensboro, NC dealer, but they did do the PPI on a car that I almost bought. I have to say, they did an awesome job dong the PPI, and all the guys I dealt with were great. You have to remember that if the car is on consignment, it is not beneficial to them to find stuff wrong, so you must look it over with a fine tooth comb yourself and try to bring it to another shop for the PPI. The main recommendation I can make at this time, is to not leave there until the car is to your satisfaction! I can't stress that enough. I'm pretty sure that the dealer you are working with would fix everything they promised, but PLEASE read all the posts in the thread of my experience before moving forward. I actually found something else that they promised me that they didn't do (replace gas cap), but I was refraining from posting until I see how they handle the situation. I'm giving them until Monday before I start to call them again. I gave them plenty of time, I did receive an email saying he was out of the office, that's it so far! Here is a link to my experience: http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=372315 Good luck!
First of all.. relax. It's going to be fine. First Ferrari's purchase can be stressful, but in the end it's just a car. Is there any magical, secret hidden knowledge that's suddenly going to explode on the scene derailing your entire purchase? Only thing I can see would be a significant accident, and that will be revealed readily, doesn't seem to be the case with CPO cars. Q) Do any of you have experience with this dealer? A) Haven't dealt with them personally but have heard very good things about them here on FChat. Occasional bad experience but overall highly regarded. Q) Can you recommend the right person for a PPI? A) Very wise. I've read about Automotive International and Sport Auto here on FChat. Might be able to give you a second opinion. Q)Does the car have the "right" options. A) As to what? the "Wrong options" like a self destruct switch? Do you like the car? Then it has the right options. I'm particular to the heat seeking missile release for bad drivers. If you're thinking resale, a red and tan car usually has the biggest effect vs. blue. I will post the work done if you want to see it, that the dealer has done. He also tells me he will do a full service as well as detail, prior to shipping. A) Full service of fluids, etc. not a bad idea. Not much to it. Alternatively you can price the service into the price and have it done by you at home at a shop of your choice. FCI seems like a decent dealership. I also want a radar detector/jammer installed, and was quoted 2500, is this a fair price, seems high to me. A) reputable indy close to you can get it installed. Seems pricy IMHO as well... Q) What else do I need to check out prior to purchase? A) Look at the paperwork provided and be assured that it has not led an abused life. Get the PPI to have someone look at it who knows the cars. The PPI won't tell you everything about it, but it should give you a good idea about the general condition of the car. 430's don't have the belts of the 360, thus this isn't an issue. Again, relax... it's just a car albeit an expensive one... not a replacement kidney. Did you fret this much about the last non-ferrari you bought? ;-) Also consider who will service the car at home. Will it be local dealership or independent? Consider consulting with them NOW and making an intro BEFORE you get the car home. I involved and consulted with my mechanic, it was good for my soul and was reassuring. Q) What do you think of this car? A) It's blue.. not my thing personally. F1 also isn't my thing. Looks from the pics on line as a really nice car. Regarding the "issues" in the above post, I wouldn't rely on someone else to get little things done. I'd price them in the offer and do the replacement myself. But that's just me.
Steve, if you're in the Chicago area, you can have the radar detector installed at Abt Electronics...they can also upgrade the audio system if so desired. They do fine work and have great prices...you can negotiate from list price.
If I remember correctly, the owner of this car is a Fellow FChatter whom in early spring introduced the sale of this car to the forum just before He moved the car on consignment to Greensboro. If you could find the thread, I would contact him with questions about the service history !!!
That depends. 9500 is in that range. K40 is a little cheaper but only comes with the front jammer. I actually like the K40 better because it doesnt have to be mounted anywhere - its a remote that you can choose to mount (or not).
Did they send you a current clutch life read out from the sd3? Have them send you the internal print out of all the factory authorized service history. I doubt a Ferrari dealer will allow a ppi outside. Consignment cars are a hassle when the owner doesn't want to fix things. Good luck.
Curt, I have read a few of your posts...great stuff!! These are just cars...dream cars, but still just cars. Now, if you find a shop that installs heat seeking missles, that could really help my commute! Steve, as for the cautionary tail noted above (with up4speed), keep in mind delivery took place in another state....individual results regarding expecations, communications, and final inspections will vary - dont let it freak you out!
You'll love the car. FCI is a good to work with and they will treat you right. I've bought three cars from them and no had issues at all. BTW, if you hadn't of bought that car, I would have!
Matt, I wasn't trying to scare him, I just wanted to inform him of possibilities that can go wrong. Knowlege is power here. I don't know if he is an in state or out of state purchaser, but that definitely makes a difference. It still doesn't justify the way I was treated to this point so far. I have to say, I've bought dozens of cars from dealers, and this was the worst, most frustrating experience by far for me! There is a very simple way to avoid what happened to me, and that is to make sure that the buyer is satisfied before handing the check over to the dealer. The reason I wasn't too concerned (when I completed my purchase) is that I had a few small things that needed attending to, none of which were disclosed to me prior to flying down (hint #1). Since they had a very accomodating disposition about taking care of everything, I didn't feel that their was a need for concern. I wouldn't have imagined in a million years that a Ferrari dealer would tarnish their reputation for less than $1,000 in stuff, on a $100,000 (plenty of room for profit) sale! Hence, my trusting approach. As I mentioned earlier, if the OP reads my post, my intentions are not to scare him, or make him think all dealers are this way, I just want him to act in a way that prevents the possibility of disapointment. I am still witholding full judgement on the dealer that I bought from, until I see how they fix their mistakes/issues/lack of follow through when dealing with me. I will probably know by Tuesday or Wednesday, and I will definitely post a follow up on the thread that I started. Also, a little side note: I was VERY careful when dealing with them. None of my expectations were unreasonable. They agreed to take care of anything I mentioned. Everything was verbal, and in writing with the salesman, as well as the manager. Neither is denying anything that I have written in my post (I actually found out that he read it, and told him that if anything wasn't true he can tell me and I'll ask to have it removed. It's still there, what does that tell you? I did however agree that once I get reimbursement for everything they owe me, I will post the results, then have the post removed). I was obviously careful about it, and did not go in with closed eyes, and STILL had trouble!
I think there are about 25pgs on your individual situation...nuff said my comment remains - individual results will vary. FYI - even if the post is removed, the record stays searchable in Google for years.
I agree, 25 pages are WAY too excessive for what my situation was. However, You were active on it, so you probably already know that it only took off like crazy when some posters tried to "minimize" the issue and totally tried to down grade the dealers dishonesty/made up stories. Once they started those type of threads, implying I was being unreasonable...even though I held my end of the deal, and the dealer didn't. I didn't help the situation by having to back myself up, and re-explain things over and over to people who just didn't get it. I don't know how to explain in writing how bad the stories/mistakes/lies were, but I can tell you that 100% of the people who know me, and have followed my experience are in complete shock about how bad the dealer handled my sale to this point (I'm actually still in disbelief). Not only was I still not reimbursed by the dealer for the stuff that I wrote about in the other thread that was promised (If it was me, I would have overnighted a check the very next day), but I also just realized that they didn't change the gas cap that they promised to change. It fell apart in my hand in Florida when I saw my car, and it fell apart in my hand when I went to gas my car up for the first time since I bought it. Why should I pay $230 for a gas cap that was supposed to be replaced on my car? Did they not make enough profit on the car after selling it to me at $96,000? They also said that they were registering it for me. One month and one week later, I still don't have registration plates for my car! The temp is expiring in a few days! Is that acceptable to you? I can go to the motorvehicle office and register my car in about 1/2 hr and walk out with plates. This is a DEALER, they are supposed to take care of this stuff. Believe me, I know what a dealer is supposed to do. About 25 years ago, when I was young, I started a dealership (used car). I took care of my customers. In all fairness, I was very low volume, worked out of the house, I did ok for an 18 year old though. I didn't even do it for the money, I did it just so I can always have nice cars. I had really cool cars for my age, all the time. I would then sell them and get something else for a while, then sell that to get another. It was perfect for my needs. The point I should probably be trying to make is that I was way more honest/responsible at 18 years old selling cars, basically as a hobby, than these guys are selling cars for a career. I still find it totally UNACCEPTABLE! To help stop the pages on my post from needlessly multiplying, I did ask people to stop posting until there was a conclusion to the story. I was also getting tired of going in circles. If it kept up, there may have been 50 pages by now. By next week I will post with more info, hopefully good info. If it's not good info, I don't care if it goes to 100 pages, as long as I can help a potential shopper out. At this point it's not a big deal for me monetarily, I can have everything fixed for about $2,000, but I will make sure that it doesn't happen to anyone else if possible. I also will make sure that the dealers decision to save $2,000 winds up being a bad investment for them... The balls in their court now, they decide wheather or not to do the right thing. As far as results varying goes, you are 100% correct that if a person doesn't notice problems like I do, if they don't care about being lied to, or if they make sure everything is fixed before they hand the check over to the dealer, then they will be happy customers. When I wrote the response to the OP, I assumed that nobody wants problems with their purchase, so I gave the only solution that gives the buyer 100% control. The solution is handing the check over AFTER the car is the way they expect it to be, as agreed upon between the seller and the buyer. It's really sad that it has to come to this, but I guess it is the only safe way. In my business that I run, a handshake is as meaningful as a written contract. I only deal with contractors/workers etc. that I can trust, and vise/versa. I commonly have $30,000 jobs done with making one phone call (no payment up front). Once the work is done, they let me know and I send a check. I don't even check the work because I KNOW it will be done properly. On the rare occurrence that there is an issue, a quick phone call, and it's fixed the very next day! That is the way people are SUPPOSED to behave. There is no excuse in my book for apathy, lies, deception, telling me what I want to hear, not following up with agreements/promises etc. Wow I'm really wound up again! Sorry.
Up4speed, Thanks for the 411, I am going to make sure this journey ends well. I do not like the sound of the hassle you are currently going thru, and hope all works out fast, Steve
So you think the price is fair? I have heard by many, I am at top of market, and have found some other color combo's 08, 09 very close in price. I would just like to get driving, and not reading, writing. Steve
Steve, I was the owner and as my 458 arrives next week, I have already traded in car to FCI and it is not on consignment. I have sent you a detailed PM and added my phone number, you are welcome to call if any questions.
Oh No! What is wrong with TDF blue. I am somewhat partial to it. Now if it only had a stick shift....
Some new news regarding my situation. I called the dealer and spoke to the Manager. He was very polite and accomodating, as usual. He said that he would put a gas cap in the mail for me. The manager told me that it might not have been done because they had to order the cap and it may not have arrived in time for the delivery. At any rate, I just wanted to be fair to him, and update the status. I'm trying to be as fair as possible through the whole process. Hopfully they do the right thing and both parties can be happy at the end. Again, please understand that my issues were many, but mostly minor...but they should have never happened in the first place. Since my issues were totally avoidable if I went about it properly, I wanted you, and others to be fully informed. A problem free transaction can be a much better experience. I have to say that even with all the trouble I went through, IF THEY FOLLOW THROUGH to correct everything, and they had another car that I wanted, I would probably buy from them again. However, I would definitely go about it VERY differently. (I would stay down there until the car was perfect, I would get my own shipper (intercity), and I would register it myself). I don't want to take over your post, so I'm not going to write anymore about my situation here. If you want to follow it, I am going to post updates when I get them. I will post on my thread that I gave a link to im my prior post here. Good luck, keep us informed on your progress. You found an awesome car!
I bought my 360 from FCI in Greensboro and had a good experience. The car is fine. Talk to the Ferrari mechanic -- he's honest and a good guy. He'll tell you what he knows about your car and about 430s in general.
I personally prefer Romulan Disrupters to heat seeking missiles to deal with idiot drivers. Haven't yet found someone selling them on this planet.
