How much to expect for a thorough PPI? | FerrariChat

How much to expect for a thorough PPI?

Discussion in '308/328' started by wernerg, Jul 13, 2006.

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  1. wernerg

    wernerg Karting

    Jun 29, 2006
    50
    Danville CA
    Full Name:
    Werner Goertz
    Folks,

    I am looking at my first 308/328 purchase. I am looking across the U.S. for a car that will eventually wind up in California.

    In addition to test driving, I will want to get a pro to do a PPI, to make sure I have no problems with Cali emissions.

    How much should I budget for a good PPI? Is there a checklist that I should insist on?

    Objects of desire (in order of preference):
    - 308 QV
    - 328
    - 308 1980-82

    thanks

    Werner
     
  2. jhsalah

    jhsalah Formula 3
    Silver Subscribed

    Apr 10, 2006
    2,409
    Philadelphia, PA
    Full Name:
    Jawad
    You'll get a wide range of responses on this one. It depends on how thorough the PPI is, who is doing it, where it is being done, etc. I paid $600. Many people will say that's way, way too much. But I had to have the guy drive an hour and a half to come to where the car was (couldn't take it to him), plus he was an expert in Ferrari and 308 in particular (he rebuilds and restores them and is a concourse judge). He got the car on a lift, spent about 2 hours poking and proding, checking a bunch of things, drove the car, and gave me a written report. He didn't take the engine out or anything major like that, but I think his review was thorough and it made me feel more secure in the purchase. Ultimately, what you are buying is a little peace of mind. How much is that worth to you? If you're spending somewhere north of $30,000 to buy a car, a few hundred bucks shouldn't be a big deal for the PPI (if you're getting a good one).

    Good luck, and post pics of your car if you buy it!!

    Cheers,
    J.
     
  3. sherpa23

    sherpa23 F1 World Champ
    Owner Rossa Subscribed

    May 28, 2003
    10,008
    Rocky Mountains
    Full Name:
    Bastuna
    I've paid as little as $350 and as much as $600. They have always been extremely high quality detailed reports- for both the cars that came out with good marks and the cars that I have passed on.
     
  4. KatMan

    KatMan Formula Junior
    Silver Subscribed

    Apr 2, 2006
    498
    Silicon Valley
    Full Name:
    Stan K
    if you go the 80 - 82 way, be real careful. i had an 82 and it was a prodigious oil consumer ( 1 quart every 175 miles ). i hear there was some sort of a recall on the engines of those early injected cars. one thing you can do is to make sure that the car had the engine replaced. someone told me that fna would know that information.
     
  5. DougS026

    DougS026 Formula Junior

    Oct 4, 2005
    325
    Long Island, NY
    Full Name:
    Doug S
    I paid $500 at a specialist shop. They spent several hours going over every detail including on a lift. They were kind enough to let me poke around with them. They also took it for a test drive with me in the passanger seat. At the end they provided a written report.
     
  6. wetpet

    wetpet F1 World Champ
    BANNED

    May 3, 2006
    10,210
    depends were you get it done. most of the big ferrari dealers are in the $600-$800 range for a really thorough one including compression and leak down test. as little as $350 for less detailed.
     
  7. johng

    johng Formula 3

    Oct 23, 2004
    2,298
    northern va
    Full Name:
    john g
    i paid a little under $500 from an independent for a PPI and compression and leakdown tests.

    john
     
  8. wernerg

    wernerg Karting

    Jun 29, 2006
    50
    Danville CA
    Full Name:
    Werner Goertz
    frankly, given the price of maintenance, I was actually expecting four figures for a PPI... and I would have paid that, too, just for the peace of mind.

    thanks to all those who responded.


    Werner

    P.S.Will definitely post pix when I pull the trigger. Hopefully, very soon.
     
  9. RAMMER

    RAMMER Formula 3

    Feb 20, 2004
    1,187
    Miami
    Full Name:
    Rammer
    I paid $350 and got a detailed report with pictures as the car was far away. The mechanic finished the report by saying.....If I had the money to buy this car....I would. That gave me peace of mind and the car has been terrific. Better than expected. I still cant belive I spent that much money on something I had not seen.
     

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