Is this a valid VIN? ZFFZR49J000111194 | FerrariChat

Is this a valid VIN? ZFFZR49J000111194

Discussion in '456/550/575' started by bill59, Dec 16, 2024.

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  1. bill59

    bill59 Karting

    Oct 26, 2010
    205
    bean town
    Full Name:
    bill h
    This is a 1998 550M for sale. There is no evidence it went to Japan but its records only start in 2013 in France. I’m curious about the correction position being correct. Many thanks. Bill
     
  2. Ferrari55whoa

    Ferrari55whoa F1 Rookie
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    Dec 21, 2005
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    Eric
    #2 Ferrari55whoa, Dec 16, 2024
    Last edited: Dec 16, 2024
    Bill, there is a neat tool at red-headed.com
    Looks like you are digging in the right area. I'm would have bet the car wouldn't be allowed in CA but the BaT posting says it was for awhile....and I guess seller just posted those photos showing the emissions are CA compliant. Interesting


    We had been talking about this car over here.... https://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/posts/149934186/
    Image Unavailable, Please Login
     
  3. bill59

    bill59 Karting

    Oct 26, 2010
    205
    bean town
    Full Name:
    bill h
    Thanks for the referral. I was on f-register, trying to decipher the chart. The seller really wants to sell. The buyer (me) is thinking 13-14 years in Japan, what could go wrong? I’m out but I learned some things. Thanks. Bill
     
  4. Ferrari55whoa

    Ferrari55whoa F1 Rookie
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    Allegedly cars in Japan are well cared for given their annual (?) inspection process?
     
  5. Rifledriver

    Rifledriver Three Time F1 World Champ

    Apr 29, 2004
    36,770
    Cowboy Capitol of the World
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    Brian Crall
    #5 Rifledriver, Dec 16, 2024
    Last edited: Dec 16, 2024
    100% WRONG. I will never allow a client to get a car from Japan or take one in for service. No car with a Japanese history will ever be allowed in my shop.

    Their mandated service is so expensive that most cars are just replaced rather than undergo it. The entire program is designed to protect and support their auto manufacturing industry. As a result the entire country never really developed a good quality auto repair industry. I have seen many from Japan and every one was a horror show.

    Really bad idea.

    I know posts like this are never paid attention to so I will tell you now, when you get the car I will say I told you so.
     
    NYC Fred likes this.
  6. Ferrari55whoa

    Ferrari55whoa F1 Rookie
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    Dec 21, 2005
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    I appreciate the insight but don’t worry about me I wouldn’t buy an import.

    My 550 came with a valid CA smog cert…, I paid the taxes like a good boy…did my 1st smog cert and I’ve got my next notification for smog cert submittal in my pocket today actually….time flies!

    For anyone interested….for my 2000 550 the state of CA requests $744 for my annual registration on the renewal notice. 8-(

    I get why people want to find Japanese or import “deals” or find and flip.
     
  7. Rifledriver

    Rifledriver Three Time F1 World Champ

    Apr 29, 2004
    36,770
    Cowboy Capitol of the World
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    And 90% who buy cheap imports like that end up selling in short order with great dissatisfaction with the brand. Stupid approach.

    Not only that but Japan is loaded with cars stolen from all over the world. They have a very casual attitude for documents on used cars imported to the country.

    My Texas renewal is $74. Doesn't matter what it is.
     
  8. Ferrari55whoa

    Ferrari55whoa F1 Rookie
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    One more good reason all the Californians are moving to Texas! ;-)

    I don’t want this to get political but the renewal for my daily driver 2023 Ford Lightning was over $1k that’s insane.
     
  9. ///Mink

    ///Mink Formula Junior

    Sep 5, 2006
    818
    Fair Oaks, CA
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    Tom Mink
  10. Ferrari55whoa

    Ferrari55whoa F1 Rookie
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    Maybe mine is higher because I live in the Santa Cruz mountains so there is a “capitalist pig” fee?
     
  11. bay

    bay Formula 3

    Mar 13, 2011
    1,268
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    Bernard
    #11 bay, Dec 17, 2024
    Last edited: Dec 17, 2024
    ZFFZR49J000111194 valid for me . Origine Japan
    I have some information about him in my register .
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  12. bay

    bay Formula 3

    Mar 13, 2011
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    There are other, more interesting opportunities in Europe .
     
  13. Ferrari55whoa

    Ferrari55whoa F1 Rookie
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    @bill59 i ask with sincerity….how does the recently posted paint numbers for the car make you feel?
     
  14. Mirek

    Mirek Formula 3
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    Oct 20, 2019
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    Yup $618 for the annual CA registration for my 2003 MGTA.
    Playing within the lines here sucks.
     
  15. Rifledriver

    Rifledriver Three Time F1 World Champ

    Apr 29, 2004
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    You can never fully appreciate how badly California sucks until you move back the the USA

    In California my small business had 8 licenses to operate. Most with an annual fee and some with annual inspections.

    Texas? 1. And its free.

    I am responsible in perpetuity for any environmental mess that somehow might be connected to me even if not my doing. I could go on. After 58 years I am ecstatic to be gone and avoid when possible setting foot in the place.
     
    SAFE4NOW likes this.
  16. Ferrari55whoa

    Ferrari55whoa F1 Rookie
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    All us goofballs playing by the rules need to have a permanent residence in Montana ;-)
     
    Mirek likes this.
  17. bill59

    bill59 Karting

    Oct 26, 2010
    205
    bean town
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    bill h
    I don’t really have any strong feelings. Since the car was looked at, it’s good for what it’s represented to be.
     
  18. bill59

    bill59 Karting

    Oct 26, 2010
    205
    bean town
    Full Name:
    bill h
    @bay and @Rifledriver I appreciate the comments. I never anticipated buying a Japan car. Especially after browsing the fire sale type ads on the web that promote Japan located cars. And the present car thru me for a loop. There was no hint of its history. I had to extract it piece by piece. I suggest anyone looking for a car to skip over this one. As it was said, there are better opportunities. Some real characters seem to get ahold of these cars, and not in a good way.
     
    bay likes this.
  19. Rifledriver

    Rifledriver Three Time F1 World Champ

    Apr 29, 2004
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    Brian Crall
    We were paying a few thousand to California every year. Now we pay a couple hundred. No SMOGs either.
    My other half dropped her pharmacist license because the renewal went to the moon. Jerry during his second reign of terror turned a bunch of state agencies designed to be self funding into cash cows.
     
  20. bay

    bay Formula 3

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    Bernard
  21. bill59

    bill59 Karting

    Oct 26, 2010
    205
    bean town
    Full Name:
    bill h
    It’s interesting you post this now. I stopped looking at Swiss cars after seeing strong opinions about the Swiss car sellers. The thing that bugs me about these ads more than anything, is the lack of information in these ads. Anyone in Swiss land want to look at it for me;)?
     
    bay likes this.
  22. bay

    bay Formula 3

    Mar 13, 2011
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    @bill59 More information requested in Switzerland ;)


    Another opportunity Ferrari 550 Maranello 11/98 44000 kms 127900 € Available information ;)
     
  23. Ferrari55whoa

    Ferrari55whoa F1 Rookie
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    Dec 21, 2005
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    Bill, Congrats on the win a few moments ago. Hope you enjoy it and it will be great to hear more on your adventures with it when you pick it up or have it delivered.

    Enjoy it in good health -- Eric

    p.s. for anyone only loosely watching it was here on BaT hammered for $153k plus fee.

    https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1998-ferrari-550-maranello-19/

    and

    https://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/posts/149934403/
     
  24. bill59

    bill59 Karting

    Oct 26, 2010
    205
    bean town
    Full Name:
    bill h
    Thank you
    Thank you Eric. I feel the need for speed!
     
    Ferrari55whoa likes this.
  25. bay

    bay Formula 3

    Mar 13, 2011
    1,268
    Belgium
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    Bernard
    Congratulations @bill59 for your Ferrari 550 Maranello Argento Nurburgring / Nero ;)
     

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