Hi, I'm looking at a 550 at Continental Motorsports and was wondering if someone could recommend me an independent to do a PPI. The car was serviced recently at Lake Forest (major + belt), so I guess my preference would be a PPI from someone other than Lake Forest. Is there anyone in the area who has a good knowledge of 550's who could be recommended? Thanks in advance. Tom
Tom, those are THE 2 dealers in chicagoland. I heard of an independent called "Autosprint" (?spelling). but never used them. If it consoles you, these 2 dealerships are autstanding and usually only have the nicest cars. If I were you, I would send it to Lake Forest to look at. Or, even better, call LFSC and have them send you the full docs on any work done - they have it in the computer. Continental can do the same. Likely a very safe purchase...
I just bought a car from inventory at Continental and have delt with them personally for years. And a pal of mine just bought from LFSC (he has known them for years as well). I agree that you have little to worry about at either place.
When I was shopping for a TR, I went to Continental and saw one they just got in. It had a cracked rear window and some other issues. They told me that it was not a car they would want to sell to a customer, and they'd probably wholesale it at auction. This was a nice response as opposed to trying to sell me a POS. They then contacted me when they got a good one in, and although I paid on the high side of the market, the car is mint, has service records, and I was very happy with the purchase.
You really do not even need to get a PPI if you are buying a car from LFSC or Continental. They have both been in the business for a VERY Long time, The Mancuso family, who own LFSC, have been in the Automobile business here in the Chicago area for something like 75 years. And both dealers have impeccable, sterling reputations that they would not want to tarnish by selling even a marginal car. Don't waste your time or money on a PPI. You can buy a car from either dealer with confidence.
A PPI is a "pre-purchase inspection." It should be performed by a competent and knowledgeable Ferrari specialist and cover things such as engine compression, leakdown, transmission operation, etc. They usually cost about $500 and are paid for by the buyer. It represents good insurance since big problem cars can be avoided or have the cost of repairs factored in to the price.
Neither dealer (LFSC nor Continental) is willing to trash a very good reputation to make a quick 5-10K on a ratty car. Both places have very nice cars. I was sitting in a 964 @ LFSC the other day, and the service manager said it was just sold, and the guy who bought is not concerned about the oil leaks (which plague early 964s)... so they are honest about what they have. One or the other may have already done some if not most of the PPI when servicing or evaluating the car for sale.
If you really want a PPI... Autosprint - Talk to Giovanni @ 773-685-0930 They are on West Addison in Chicago Euro'Quipe - Talk to Kurt @ 630-773-3774 They are in St. Charles I can also do it. <-----Best Choice Jim @ LFSC 847-295-6560 Ex. 256
LFSC is undoubtedly the best, most competent and priniciple folks I have ever dealt with.....I hold them in extreme high regards. Good luck to you.
Kurt at Euroquipe did the last major service and inspection on my 328 and I was happy with his service. They documented their work with photos which was a nice touch. When I was looking for a car LFSC service said they would charge approx. $400 for a basic look at the car, and most likely over $1000 for compression, leakdown, etc.
A leakdown/compression would be 3.5 hrs. A PPI/safety inspection is 1.0 or 2.0 hrs. (depending on customer wants, service history, cars use (daily,tracked or rallied), model year, model quirks...) So you are looking at $800.00 (highend) for the inspections together. Jim
All I know is what the guy on the phone told me. He said the cost could easily climb to $1500 or more. They did say they wouldn't bother with a PPI on a 328 if the car had records, ran strong, and had no obvious parts falling off (I'm paraphrasing a bit there).
I paid Ron Tonkin's Ferrari service dept. $465 last year for a complete PPI on an F355, including compression and leakdown tests and covering everything on the Ferrari Certified Pre-owned Program Inspection Certificate. I realize the F355 is an 8-cylinder car but a figure of $1000 just sounds like too much.
