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Need PPI referral in Boaton area

Discussion in 'New England' started by Designstar, Oct 31, 2010.

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  1. Designstar

    Designstar Karting

    Oct 30, 2010
    112
    Carlsbad, CA
    Full Name:
    Micheal
    #1 Designstar, Oct 31, 2010
    I am looking at a possible purchase of a 328 in the Boston area and want to get a PPI before I get on the plane to see it. Can anyone recommend who would be the best person to contact about doing the inspection in this area? Thanks.
     
  2. Papa G

    Papa G Formula 3

    Dec 29, 2003
    1,406
    #2 Papa G, Oct 31, 2010
    -Ferrari of New England (Norwood, MA)

    -Boston Sportscar Company (Weston, MA)

    -Independent Ferrari Service (IFS) (south Easton, MA)

    All three have a great reputation in the area
     
  3. Designstar

    Designstar Karting

    Oct 30, 2010
    112
    Carlsbad, CA
    Full Name:
    Micheal
    #3 Designstar, Oct 31, 2010
    Thanks Papa G

    The car has been serviced at IFS and the seller has given me the name of the mechanic who has always worked on the car. Would you suggest just calling and discussing the history with him, calling him and getting a PPI done from one of the other establishments you listed, or just getting the PPI done from one of the otherestablishments you listed?

    The seller has all the records. Any advice on what to ask the mechanic if I speak to him? Is there sort of a top 5 questions I want answered? On the PPI, what is a fair price to pay for the service?

    I have never done a long distance purchase before and want to make sure I don't miss anything and handle the process as best as can be. Thanks for all your advice.
     
  4. Papa G

    Papa G Formula 3

    Dec 29, 2003
    1,406
    #4 Papa G, Oct 31, 2010
    I'm hoping some 328 owners will chime in but:

    Yes, absolutely talk to the mechanic; they know the car and if you feel that you're not comfortable, then get a PPI from someone else. PPI price can vary on how much is done as there is no strict check-off list on what to do, but I'm confident that any of these guys are very thorough. I'm guessing $300-$500.

    There's a sticky in the 308/328 section on what to look for when buying. Make sure the service history is up to date, good 2nd gear synchros, minimal wear on the drivers seat side bolster, no oil/coolant leaks, etc.

    There were 3 recalls that I've read about and should've been addressed by now:

    Flexible Oil Lines
    Feul return hose
    Front Lower suspension arm forks

    Good luck
     
  5. dipstick1

    dipstick1 Formula Junior

    May 24, 2004
    312
    Connecticut
    Full Name:
    Peter Lombardo
    #5 dipstick1, Oct 31, 2010
    If IFS has done the service work then it would be safe to say that mechanically the car should be very good. Mechanically the 328 is very stout, little goes wrong. Belt service history is important, but also don't forget the body/paint condition.
    All the places suggested are good choices for a PPI , the cost should run 350-500 depending on the shop and if a leakdown/compression test is included. I would review the service records form the current owner then call the shop and discuss. I am only in Connecticut , but maybe you could find a closer Fchatter to take a look at the car.
     
  6. Designstar

    Designstar Karting

    Oct 30, 2010
    112
    Carlsbad, CA
    Full Name:
    Micheal
    #6 Designstar, Nov 1, 2010
    I have been doing my homework, going to see local 328s, reading all the buyers guides, talking to owners and reviewed the 3XX buyers primer on this site many times. This place is an amazing resource.

    The seller has informed me the cars has complete records. I have learned not to purchase a car without them. The body and paint, from the images I have been sent, look very good. There seems to be the typical wear along the driver left side bolster but I cannot tell if it just needs a cleaning or it's something more substantial. The buyer states there is 2K miles on new new belts and clutch. The car has 23K miles on it.

    Dipstick- you mentioned reviewing the service records. Are you suggesting I ask the seller to make copies and forward them to me now or review them when I go to see the car? Reviewing them and then talking to the mechanic before getting on the plane sounds like a great idea. Is asking the seller to forward copies of the records for review something I can expect him to do? I would think it depends on how motivated he is to sell the car. Let me know what you think. Thanks.
     
  7. dipstick1

    dipstick1 Formula Junior

    May 24, 2004
    312
    Connecticut
    Full Name:
    Peter Lombardo
    #7 dipstick1, Nov 1, 2010
    It sure would be easier to review the service records in advance of a visit. Of Course if its a big file, it may be a bit to ask for photo copies of everything, but even to have a half a dozen pages of the major stuff faxed to you maybe helpful. I guess you would have to feel out the seller on that one. I think sometimes people get a little hung up on the paper stuff and forget the emotional stuff, buying a ferrari is a great experience and a emotional one. Its like falling in love with a beautiful women, you overlook the minor flaws.
     
  8. 335s

    335s Formula Junior

    Jan 17, 2007
    870
    SF Bay Area
    Full Name:
    T. Monma
    #8 335s, Nov 7, 2010
    Im in Northern California...I am principally a "race car" oriented firm, but even I have heard of, and am familiar with John and his wk product.
    His reputation is stout and robust-I have dear dear frieinds who have him do their Challenge cars... the se are SERIOUS guys...
    I would urge you to do what I do with ALL cars, and that is to do your customary and normal due diligence, but, FWIW...the probability is that the car is what the car is...
    If it is "just a car", then expect such, not a 1500 mile time capsule at 25K mile prices...
    An HONEST car-serviced well, with an NO BS story as to body/chassis condition is what you should focus on IMHO...
    John will tell you the straigt story-based in my pals experiences...
    Its probably a sound car...do the homework however..yes, scan copies of history is the starting point.
    CIAO!
     

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