Help Please: Authorized vs Non Authorized Dealer

As an enthusiast and long time lurker I have enjoyed this site for years. I now wonder if I could request some advice from the members.

I am a financial consultant (private wealth management) and I have a client/friend who is looking to purchase a 430. While my client has owned dozens of autos including Vipers, Vettes, Porsches, Mercedes, Jags, GT40, Bentley, etc. this is his first foray into a new Ferrari. We both understand that pricing is based on supply and demand. That is not the issue. The issue is one of where to purchase and more importantly, service.

He has looked at low mileage 06s available for immediate delivery from the Bentley dealership here on LI and has also spoken to dealers here on the Island as well as Florida out ordering an 07. What we find troublesome is that the "non-authorized" dealer does not use the Ferrari dealer for service. We have heard that the first service at the Ferrari dealership is 1/3 the cost that was quoted at the independent shop. I understand when one spends (fair market value on a "used car") as much on a car desirable as the 430, the service costs should not be a major issue. However I believe that the service provider and Warranty issues are extremely important. I guess this leads me directly to the following issues:

Are the service prices, recommended prices, subject to what ever the market will bear? Are they a bookable hour item? I understand the profit motive for the non dealer referring business an another entrepreneur, but question a warranty item. I am well aware that a new car owner does not have to have service work performed at the dealership but this is not a Camry. An issue with a warranty claim is something we wish to ignore.

Outside of the profit motive, why would the dealer not use the Ferrari dealership? We are not taking engine rebuild, we are talking maintenance. What are the issues of a Warranty problem with a car that has been serviced by an independent shop/dealer? Will my client be treated as an "outsider" by the authorized dealer, as the dealer did not profit from my client's purchase?

Thanking you in advance,
js

 

They're trying to cut costs that's all. Not unless something got buggered up by a non-authorized place the authorized dealer probably wouldn't care especially if you tell them that you plan to use them in future.

 

The warranty comes from Ferrari regardless of who sells the vehicle, so that should not be an issue.

Ferrari dealers play games and give preference to their "favorite" clients. That is, preference to those who have previously purchased Ferrari's from them.

For example, I was told that the new 599 production is sold out through the 2008 M/Y, but that for a $100,000.00 premium one could be made available sooner! I might be stupid but I am not dumb!

430 availability is a myriad of situations. The dealer you mentioned on LI is a credible company. So, a purchase from them should produce no difficulties.

If you locate the color and accessory combination you like, grab it.

Life is short.

 

The warranty only requires that the car be repaired and maintained to their standards. It is forbidden by law for a manufacturer to require you to have aa authorized dealer maintain the car. In some market areas the independants are a better chioce for quality and price in some areas the inverse is true.

There is no price fixing on service any more than at the grocery store. The market place governs.

 

And the quality of the work is superior especially if you are lucky enough to have Rifledriver in your back yard and on your side!

 

Thanks for the responses.

As I stated in my initial post, I am well aware of the law.

I am also well aware that the market place governs prices.

I still have a difficult time with the concept that the non-authorized dealer's service facility to whom we are being directed is charging 3X the price for the initial service, than the dealership itself.

I have received one post that states that Bentley of LI is a reputable dealer. Any thoughts on Ferrari of LI?
Thanks,
j

 

I know good things about both dealerships. My suggestion would be to think about the purchase and servicing separately, as if you purchase a 430 from an authorized dealer, you are going to pay a premium on the initial purchase.

Buy the car you want from the place you want, and then service it at the facility that provides the best pricing and quality work.

 

I believe F of LI and F of New England are the same organization. I have no direct knowledge of their standing.

I have had a dealing with Bently of LI, and they were quite honorable.

I do not understand why the non-dealer would charge 3X's the price for the initial service.

Bring it to F of LI, then.