How to evaluate service records?

Look for completion of the required annual services + any addl required services per the book. (its on the interweb somplace if you search).

"Extra" stuff done is evaluated on a case by case basis.

Heck, just having evidence that the owner(s) had it serviced is a darn good start.

Get the PPI from Andy or Alex and you should have things covered. But, of course, PPI's don't always catch everything. Its just some good info and a solid dd step when buying a $200k+ depreciating mechanical thingy.

Since this car was in AZ, perhaps one of those indy's serviced it or the dealer did. Call Russell at the dealer service dept and ask him if he would PPI it for you or if he has any records on the car (he may not give them to you, but can't hurt to ask).

 

Be careful with majors done at independent shops. I didn't know this when I bought my 575 but it included a major from an independent shop for $2500 which just basically changed belts. Apparently a real "major" is all fluids + belts + in my car would have been spark plugs too amongst other things and it should've been $6-7k. Changing belts is done in a major but lots of dealers will try to spin it off as the entire "major"

 

Look where it was done, call the shop, look at their reputation. Don’t assume what’s on the paper is 100% accurate.

Basically with a grain of salt IMHO..

You’re buying metal, plastic, leather and glass as it sits before you. If the P.O. took care of it or didn’t.. the car in front of you is what you’re buying.

 

Gerald Rouse used to say there were only three things that mattered when considering a used Ferrari: condition, condition, condition. It doesn't matter if the car has been wrecked. It doesn't matter if the PO blew the car up. All that matters is the here and now. If a Ferrari doesn't have service records, odds are it has been auctioned at least once. If so, this is when it pays to be on good terms with your Ferrari dealer because he can look them up. And, yes, I'd put more weight on service at a dealership than an independent I didn't know. BUT, I'd put a lot more weight on an indie I trust, than a Ferrari dealer. Basically, what service records tell you is somebody tried to take care of the car. But, no one is going to volunteer the service record you really want to see, e.g., fixing a car repaired after a non-reported accident.

 

Make sure any belt service addressed the tensioner seal thing-a-ma-bobs. That shortcut is common as dirt.