Missing service history on a 550- what would you do? | FerrariChat
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Missing service history on a 550- what would you do?

Discussion in '456/550/575' started by billwest, Mar 29, 2008.

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  1. billwest

    billwest Karting

    Feb 28, 2008
    60
    AL
    Full Name:
    Bill
    #1 billwest, Mar 29, 2008
    Guys -

    This is my first post, and I would really appreciate your help. I've read and enjoyed this forum for some time, even though I joined only recently. The camaraderie is evident, and the info on cars is great.

    My specific question is about some missing history on a 550 I'm considering. The photos look great, but the car's been made available to me through a broker, who knows as much about the car as I do. It's a 2000 model year, and the first service record that's included in the history is at 9300 miles in April 03 (car was delivered new in Jan 2000). From there, the service looks like normal stuff, including a major service in Oct 2003 at 11300 miles. Motor mounts were replaced with the new ones, as well as belt, gasket, cam seal, and idler bearing work. After that there were a couple of minor things, with the last documented service being in April 04 (new battery). The car currently has 14K miles on it. The seller reports that he hasn't had anything else done except oil change(s).

    After that, nothing. I do have a PPI scheduled on the car, and the info on this forum has been great about what to look for. In fact, I cut and pasted the list of stuff and sent to the mechanic, as I didn't want to take anything for granted.

    How concerned would you guys be about the missing history, both early (prior to 9300 miles) and since the last "major", as it was done almost 4.5 years ago. If the PPI checks out OK, would you be more comfortable? Would you make a discounted offer with the idea that you'll have to redo the major? Or would you keep looking? (As you know, there are alot of cars for sale out there right now)

    Thanks in advance for your help -

    Bill
     
  2. JazzyO

    JazzyO F1 World Champ

    Jan 14, 2007
    12,156
    The Netherlands
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    Onno
    #2 JazzyO, Mar 29, 2008
    Hi Bill,

    I wouldn't be too worried about the first service record in 2003. This is just over 3 years since new delivery, where there are not a lot of things to be expected to go wrong. Also, because it was driven regularly at the time, the car should most likely have been fine at that time.

    However, 4 1/2 years since the last major and less than 3k miles since that time has me more worried. It does not necessarily mean that there is anything wrong, but it would make me more cautious.

    If you know the seller to be reputable, AND if the PPI turns out spotless, then I would not be too concerned. If either gives you even the slightest doubt, then have a look at another car. As you say, there are quite a few out there at the moment.

    Best of luck - may you find your dream 550 soon!


    Onno
     
  3. Pcar928fan

    Pcar928fan Formula 3

    Jan 21, 2008
    1,702
    Austin, TX
    #3 Pcar928fan, Mar 29, 2008
    There were only 2700 miles put on it between the major in '04 and today. There probably was not anything that needed to be done! Shouldn't have been. BUT you are reaching the time limit on the T-belt and that is considered part of a major...maybe the major part of the major, so I would say you have at least $5k worth of service in your very near future.

    Personally, if the PPI checks out on the car it would not bother me ONE BIT to be missing that small amt of history at the start of the cars life. I am a Porsche man for now though so take the above with a grain of salt...

    Best of luck!
    James
    Austin, TX
     
  4. billwest

    billwest Karting

    Feb 28, 2008
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    Full Name:
    Bill
    #4 billwest, Mar 29, 2008
    Onno and James -

    Thanks for the replies - good stuff. I'll keep you posted -

    Bill
     
  5. darth550

    darth550 Six Time F1 World Champ
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    Jul 14, 2003
    61,144
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    #5 darth550, Mar 29, 2008
    Check all the oil lines, bushings and the AC hoses underneath. Look to see if the radiator is straight. If it has been bottomed out hard it will have moved up on either side and the welds will be broken....also check the drain plug on it as well.
     
  6. 410SA

    410SA F1 Veteran

    Nov 2, 2003
    8,511
    West Coast
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    #6 410SA, Mar 29, 2008
    If you are seriously going to buy this car, have an extensive PPI done and plan on doing a major service if there are no records to indicate it has serviced recently. The PPI will tell you if there is anything wrong that needs fixing and the major service for a four year gap is simply smart preventive maintenance. If the seller doesn't have the service records you probably have some wiggle room on the price to cover all or part of the cost of doing a major service.
     
  7. darth550

    darth550 Six Time F1 World Champ
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    Jul 14, 2003
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    #7 darth550, Mar 29, 2008
    Figure 5K
     
  8. billwest

    billwest Karting

    Feb 28, 2008
    60
    AL
    Full Name:
    Bill
    #8 billwest, Mar 30, 2008
    Thanks for the insights. It's going through an extensive PPI this week - we'll see what that turns up.

    Bill
     
  9. PCH

    PCH F1 Rookie

    Apr 7, 2004
    3,007
    #9 PCH, Mar 30, 2008
    Documented history on any Ferrari is very significant and typically plays a large role in not only the value but the sale-ability. Of course a PPI would be meaningful however, your still faced with holes in the history. Obviously this has no baring on the actual condition.
    Regarding 'a discounted offer' that would be predicated on the asking price. If the seller is asking market value without taking the above into consideration I would deduct at least the cost of the necessary services. Also, should you decide to purchase this car you may want to do some research which hopefully will fill in those holes.
     

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