Hi Texas F-Chatters, I'm looking at an F355 in the Austin area. Being in California, I think I'll need some help going over this car in detail. Is there any specialist in the area that can travel to the seller and do a full PPI including compression and smoke test? I had wanted to have Moorespeed do it, but Seller is unwilling to leave the car overnight. Moorespeed told me they cannot do travel inspections. Any tips or leads would be appreciated! Cheers, Chan from California
Tall order. If the owner is in austin, then he should know moorespeed's reputation and they have lots of space in their new location. You might try these guys Elite motor sports. 11906 Anderson Mill Rd, Austin, TX (512) 452-9068 Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD
Couple of reactions... when I had my car (430) PPI'd, the guys doing the work requested having the car overnight in the interest of being thorough. Leaks, cold start, etc. Seller (dealer) didn't have a problem with that - but the shop I used was well-regarded (and in Houston). I would think Moorespeed to be the most well-regarded here in Austin. If the seller won't go for the overnight I'd keep looking, especially given that it's a 355. You don't want a problem car...
Hmmm. I wonder whose 355 in this area is up for sale... I wonder if we know the car (not in PPI detail, just in general). The local FCA is filled with 360s, but there aren't many of us 355s around... at least not those who participate. Chan, color/interior?
Interested to know the color combo myself. I know of one purchased from an fchat lurker in the area earlier this year, but unsure if that's the one.
Thanks all. Red/black GTS. I too had read many rave reviews about Dave at Moorespeed just by a simple search. Also, the shop advertising for the seller wanted to charge per hour for the time spent at inspection. Sphere Motorsports in Houston was willing to travel out, but at significant extra cost.
"Also, the shop advertising for the seller wanted to charge per hour for the time spent at inspection." This says it all. I would not pursue this car. I do several PPI a month, mostly non-Ferrari. I always tell my clients that are car shopping, if the seller is not willing to cooperate and puts up roadblocks on a PPI to prove they are selling a worthy product, then just move on. Too many sellers do take care of their cars and will help instead of hinder the process.
I sent you one back but it doesn't show in my PM box that the message was sent. Let me know if you got it or not.
Exactly. I well remember the Testarossa that I was looking at from Danny Shmidt in Kansas City. Unbelievably, they refused to allow ANY PPI (overnight or not) unless I put down a 10% deposit on it in advance. To which I asked - and just exactly how am I going to get that deposit back if it fails the PPI??? Needless to say, I not only walked but also told them what they could do with their car and ridiculous policies. There are many more 355 cars out there for sale under reasonable conditions.
PPI by the hour, I think I know the shop you are going through. Can you PM me information on the car and shop?
PM sent. Appreciate the advice from all. Great community here and we love being cadets of investigative journalism! I will probably heed the advice here and stay away from that car. Wasn't able to negotiate to within my budget--it needs a major. Cheers!
