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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
