My 458 really is a Lemon (sadly)

What has been FNA's response to all this?

 

It sounds like you're having more dealer issues than car issues. I find it hard to believe the dealer won't fix things like the interior, paint, or the tow hook -- no matter how butchered it was. I've never heard of a tow hook problem before. That's weird.

What does the dealer say about this? It seems pretty easy to show the problem(s). Are they just not responsive? What's the reason they can't make you happy? Ineptitude? Attitude? Poor work habits? A lack of confidence in them? Slow response? A lack of concern?

It's a pity you're having these kinds of problems. Most of us have not had this. I suppose you're the unlucky one. If you can post some pics of what you're looking at in these aesthetic issues, it would help us to figure out a solution.

Hope it gets worked out.

 

It does sound like a "Dealer" issue. I have the utmost confidence that if I had the types of problems you are describing with your vehicle, my dealer would do everything in his power to make things right. Keep us abreast of the ongoing saga as well as the outcome. Hoping it works out to your satisfaction.

 

It's up to the dealer. I agree on that. FNA is not going to take a car back because of something the dealer did.

As to the lemon laws, there are some really specific things that have to happen to force them to take it back. I don't know what that is but you should check with a lawyer in your state. Each state is different. For example, just because the dash went out twice isn't a reason for them to take the car back. It is working now.

If it doesn't violate the lemon laws, they can't be forced to take it back.

To me, you should work this out with the dealer, not FNA. If you want to get something done, then that's where I would start.

 

It is really bad you are having so much trouble.

I have had a little problem with my 458 but the dealer fixed it very fast. They are an hour away from where I had the problem but thry had someone at my car in 12 minutes.

So I suspect it may be your dealer. Is there a Ferrari service rep number in the back of your manual? If there is they usually will meet you at the dealer and get it worked out. On these type of issues there can be two sides to the story.

good luck

Lee

 

the tow hook problem is pretty common, at least among those that have used it. many don't use it so they may not even know the hook doesn't screw into the eye very well, if at all, or scrapes up the bumper. mine didn't work either (I use it to winch into a trailer). The dealer fixed it, not sure exactly how, but it didn't involve cutting into the bumper. Now it works well.

I've seen several paint issues too, which is why I won't be ordering a tricolor or nero even though I generally like them.

 

This dealership is pretty big and well known. It may be helpful to get some "locals" involved. Anyone on this forum deal with Scottsdale and even if not living in the area, "we" might (collectively) let them know something needs to be done. Without any disrespect, before I would get involved I need to understand both sides of this story. However, taken at face value, this is worse service than one would expect from a used car dealer. Best

 

Aside from sympathy, it is not clear how this Forum can help with your problems. On some occasions in the past, when there has been a dispute, both parties have participated in a Forum discussion, and progress was made. Perhaps the large number of owners and other interested people were able to influence the outcome. But in the absence of any input from the dealer, this kind of scenario is not going to happen.

 

Sorry to hear that and the best of luck in getting your issues resolved. Knock on wood I have had zero issues with mine.

 

Wow, I work at a Ferrari & Maserati dealer, and reading what your writing, I think someone should've been fired. Delivering a 458 with bolts improperly screwed and wires hanging around? That's just pathetic and WAY below the standards of any authorized Ferrari technician... Anyone being that sloppy around where I work would have their bags packed 5 minutes later.

Best of luck towards getting your car returned, and fullfil your 458-experience with something new!

 

I'm sad to hear of your hassles and I do hope that things will work out in the end.

 

Find out from the dealer when the area rep is scheduled to be there and be there with the car.
Perhaps a visit with the local newspaper would get the ball rolling.

 

Ferrari of Scottsdale is the worst in my opinion. Poor customer service and zero knowledge. I would never do business with them again. I have had a huge horror story with them.

Good luck to you!

 

Well, I can see several things here.

1) no one wants bad PR. For sure, eyes in various places are reading this. It may hurt also. Sometimes these things are a double edged sword.

2) it's someone for the OP to talk to. Sometimes that helps. Primal scream and all...

3) none of us would like to see this happen to them. So, it's good to try to get someone to prevent it in the future. And, for those who have not had dealer problems, it makes us more appreciative of our good service.

4) some of us may have had similar problems with this situation or this dealer and may have some advice on what to do or expect.

There's nothing wrong in posting the truth. If it's not the truth, then its just plain wrong.


Dealer problems are not only associated with F car dealers. But, it's a small community and we'd like every dealer to be as best as possible when dealing with customer complaints and issues.

 

A. Isn't Scottsdale Ferrari a sponsor here?

B. This is not the first time I have heard negative things posted about them. I'm obviously interested in the outcome of this as I am moving to Phoenix soon with my 355 and will obviously need someone to service it.

I hope your 458 gets sorted.

 

To the OP:

I want to believe good, solid people run the dealership in Scottsdale. (I know good, solid people are at FNA.)

I also want to believe that the people at the dealership (and FNA) want to give customers what they deserve. My guess is the dealership believes they have gone above and beyond for you. (Although, you feel they have done far too little.)

IMO, the first step in obtaining a new car is to understand why the dealership and FNA think you don't deserve one. Once you understand their position, you will be able to more effectively negotiate what you want.

I hope it works out for you.

 

I am not an owner, though every time I have gone into the showroom or the service area I have been treated with respect although I do have an issue with one of the employees in the service department for yelling and being disrespectful. I understand he was doing his job, but you never yell at anyone.


Brock, there are independent service shops such as Alex Traverso and another name which I am forgetting. If you ask in the AZ section, those names will pop up. They will most likely be cheaper than the dealer as well.

 

My car is both tricolour on the roof and Nero Stellato and although I'm very picky about my paint jobs I think Ferrari did a good job on mine. It is certainly much better than the new Porsche 991 that I inspected yesterday. Perhaps I was lucky, perhaps one is unlucky if one has problems. I do know that paint issues come up regularly, but you also only hear the bad stories, and not the good. I personally think the risk of something going wrong is not too great.


Onno

 

I hope things get sorted out soon and to your satisfaction.

 

I have followed this thread and empathize, but have questions.

1. Does the dealer dispute the front bumper "damage"? Did you take pictures?

2. Does the instrument cluster work now?

3. Are there problems remaining?

I believe any one of us would have been as frustrated and angry as you are if we bought a 458 and had a similar experience. However, doing something about it is another story. If the car is running ok now, what can you say?

Not being the least bit judgmental , I am trying to understand what you/we could present to an objective arbitrator other than the fact that it required multiple visits to the dealer to repair a car that should have worked the first time. Best