Online PPI - Thoughts? - Lots of Pics Attached | FerrariChat

Online PPI - Thoughts? - Lots of Pics Attached

Discussion in '308/328' started by GTHill, Jul 19, 2006.

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  1. GTHill

    GTHill F1 World Champ
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    Jul 1, 2006
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    GT Hill
    #1 GTHill, Jul 19, 2006
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
    This is a car I am considering purchasing. I am going to take it to a mechanic for a PPI, but there aren't any Ferrari dealerships within 5 hours of here. There are mechanics locally that can work on Ferrari's, but none that I know of that know what is original on what isn't so, that is where you come in.

    One of the problemst I saw was the LED light next to the shifter. That light just doesn't look original. Also, there is a old cell phone antenna on the engine lid. The owner said that there is a hole drilled there. My major concern is if it has rusted where the hole was drilled.

    I appreciate any help that you can offer. Thanks!

    Gene
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  2. GrigioGuy

    GrigioGuy Splenda Daddy
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    Nov 26, 2001
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    Snike Fingersmith
    LED is definitely not stock. Probably an aftermarket alarm system -- ask if they have need to use a trickle charger to keep the battery up. Many alarm systems drain the electrical quickly.

    What's the VIN on the car?
     
  3. don_xvi

    don_xvi F1 Rookie

    Nov 1, 2003
    2,934
    Outside Detroit
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    Don the 16th
    Yes, of course the LED is from an alarm, is it still hooked up? Sure there's a hole drilled in the decklid. So you buy the car and decide if you want to leave the antenna in place, remove it and put in a plug or fill the hole with bondo & touchup the bondo. The LED you live with, alarm or not unless you want to put an extra cavallino there. So buy the car (I'd personally get cheesed off if you tried to negotiate me down hundreds of dollars for such things) and drive it.
     
  4. GTHill

    GTHill F1 World Champ
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    Thank you very much guys. I'm not going to negotiate on these items, but I am trying to see if there is anything else you guys notice that I have not. Thanks again for the help!

    Tillman, the VIN is ZFFXA20A0G0061697. I'm not a VIN decoder expert, but from what I found out online it seems ok. I was trying to make sure that the black interior was stock, but it doesn't seem that the VIN ID's the interior.

    Thanks again!

    Gene
     
  5. GrigioGuy

    GrigioGuy Splenda Daddy
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    I checked but don't have any info on that number. US model, GTS. Interior color/exterior color isn't referenced by the VIN at all
     
  6. ALUMINUMYELLOW328

    ALUMINUMYELLOW328 Formula Junior

    May 30, 2004
    381
    Bergen County, NJ
    Full Name:
    Rhett R Arcilla
    I could be mistaken but I believe the deck lid is aluminum and may not be subject to rust. It appears to be in pristine condition, find out when the 30K major was performed. Good luck


     
  7. wetpet

    wetpet F1 World Champ
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    May 3, 2006
    10,210
    how much
     
  8. mark328

    mark328 Guest

    Jul 30, 2005
    664
    Mi
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    Mark
     
  9. Bullfighter

    Bullfighter Two Time F1 World Champ
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    Jan 26, 2005
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    Jon
    I would, too. And I didn't even want aftermarket alarms drilled into mine. But, that's me. If you're looking for an '86 328 to drive and enjoy (and not show), this might be a good car for you.

    I don't see any other big warning signs here - looks like a nice car. But the pics are kind of selective (i.e., it must have 4 wheels and I see only one in close-up, how's the driver's seat bolster, etc.) and you certainly want to get the big stuff checked out before you plunk down any cash. Also run a carfax, ask about service history/documents, etc. As you know from hanging out on this site, a documented sevice history is important, especially for a Ferrari that has been out of warranty for 18 years or so.

    Good luck with it. My 328 has been a sweetheart.
     
  10. Mike328

    Mike328 F1 Rookie

    Oct 19, 2002
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    It seems to have the often-missing plastic trim pieces (the small ones, closest to the rear) on the side view mirrors.

    On the other hand, in the photos, it's missing the little plastic cap/cover for the windshield washer fluid reservoir area. (Bet you nobody else caught that one! :) )

    The silkscreen logo on the air filter is faded (very typical at that mileage), however the red-painted intake cover seems to be in 8 or 9 out of 10 shape, good for that mileage.

    Is there something weird about the shifter, like a bushing or something 1" down from the shift knob?
     
  11. Mike328

    Mike328 F1 Rookie

    Oct 19, 2002
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    Mike
    BTW: You need to get photos from UNDER the car. How does the car look underneath? Is the oil / tranny pan covered in oil, or clean? What is the shape of the fiberglass / spoilers down there?
     
  12. Tampa328

    Tampa328 Karting

    May 10, 2004
    127
    Tampa, FL
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    Randy Stribling
    It appears that you are missing the proper spare tire. It should be a space saver with the correct stickers and knob to attach it. The Airbox shold have Ferrari stenciled on it in White. That can be re done. The spare is expensive. I will look at a few more items. What about tool sets and books? Over $500 there. Service records?
     
  13. Tampa328

    Tampa328 Karting

    May 10, 2004
    127
    Tampa, FL
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    Randy Stribling
    Me again, check the targa top. I can't tell if it has the cover and knobs to keep it in place behind the seats. Put it on and see if it fits tightly and that the rubber gasket is not gouged. Also check the windows to see if they move up and down properly and the mirror adjustment switch for the two outside mirrors works. Make sure the headlights pop up and turn signals and back up lights work correctly. The car looks good from the pictures. Just a few things to look at.
     
  14. Tampa328

    Tampa328 Karting

    May 10, 2004
    127
    Tampa, FL
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    Randy Stribling
    Ok, this is the last one. The distributors are supposed to have rubber boots over them. Mine are missing also. I guess mechanics take them off when changing wires and never replace them. With the rear deck exposed to the weather the boots probably help keep the electronics dry.

    There should be a trouble light in the compartment between the seats. It plugs into the socket under the dash on the left side of the steering wheel. I don't have that either.

    Randy
     
  15. Mike328

    Mike328 F1 Rookie

    Oct 19, 2002
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    Isn't that a black rubber cover over the rear bank distributor?
     
  16. GTHill

    GTHill F1 World Champ
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    GT Hill
    Thank you for all of the great replies. I don't plan on showing the car, but I definitely don't want something that has been changed a lot from the original. With exception of the hole in the hood, it sounds like everything is checking out ok.

    I'm going to look at the car in person tomorrow. I'm going to take my camera in case there is something suspicious that I'm not sure of.

    Thanks again for the input. Is it ok to have that really nervous feeling when thinking about buying a Ferrari? Half nervous good, and half nervous bad. :)

    Gene
     
  17. GrigioGuy

    GrigioGuy Splenda Daddy
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    Yes, and it gets worse after you buy it
     
  18. Bullfighter

    Bullfighter Two Time F1 World Champ
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    Jan 26, 2005
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    Lol.

    Just be OK with saying "no thank you" if it's not the right one. The mystique tends to blind people to the fact that there are 20 other red 328's for sale right now. Wipe your forehead, find out how good the car is, and be prepared to walk away. They all look gorgeous. The next one that comes along will look gorgeous. The power to say 'no' is the ultimate car-shopping tool, even with exotics - maybe especially with exotics.
     
  19. Bandit

    Bandit Formula Junior

    Dec 21, 2003
    493
    Central MS
    Full Name:
    Mike B.
    That car was for sale in January 2005 from Evans Motors in Little Rock. Those are the exact same pictures used in the orignal eBay ad except for the one picture from the side. Might want to find out if the car has been sitting for the last 18 months, and if so why?
     
  20. GTHill

    GTHill F1 World Champ
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    Tillman,
    Does the bad nervous get worse too? :)

    Bullfighter,
    Good tips. I didn't marry the first girl I kissed and I probably shouldn't buy the first Ferrari I get serious about. But what if she is the one?

    Bandit,
    It is still for sale from the same place. The owner of Evans motors is the owner. It isn't even at the dealership. It is interesting that it has been for sale for that long. He did mention to me that if it didn't sell, he would just keep it and move on (getting another car, Porsche). From talking to him it seems that he just has a lot of cars to drive (owning 3 dealerships and all) and this one just doesn't get driven all that much.
    It does need servicing, but due to time, not mileage. From what I have read a car sitting can be just as bad for it as driving it.


    Like I said, I am going to take a look at it tomorrow. I'll report back then as to what it feels like in person. But like Bullfighter said, it will be gorgeous and I'll want it. Ug, that nervous feeling again. Thanks again everyone.

    Gene
     
  21. barcheta

    barcheta F1 Rookie

    Nov 15, 2003
    3,738
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    Jim
    A friggin men! :D
     
  22. walawdog

    walawdog Formula Junior

    Nov 9, 2004
    829
    Bluefield, WV
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    Anthony
    Hmmph, women......
     

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