PPI for a Certified 488 GTB at Ferrari Dealer: Technician or Body Shop? | FerrariChat
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PPI for a Certified 488 GTB at Ferrari Dealer: Technician or Body Shop?

Discussion in 'Ferrari Discussion (not model specific)' started by rossocorsa33, Apr 22, 2024.

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  1. rossocorsa33

    rossocorsa33 Rookie

    Feb 8, 2013
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    Eric G.
    #1 rossocorsa33, Apr 22, 2024
    Hi, I'm looking at a 2018 488 GTB with 15K miles that is Certified at a Ferrari Dealership in the Midwest. I am purchasing remotely from Mid-Atlantic.

    I know the conventional wisdom is to have a knowledgeable, neutral-party technician do the PPI.

    I plan to purchase the 2 year warranty if I get it. The fact that they will warranty the car gives me peace of mind about the major mechanicals. So, I'm more concerned if there has been any collision repair to the body, if the clearcoat is thin from over-polishing, etc (my first car was a CPO BMW that after weeks of owning I finally noticed signs of a rear collision repair).

    Knowing this, would it make sense to have a reputable body shop inspect the car instead of a technician? I feel like they would be able to tell if a panel has been repainted, etc. much better than an average technician.

    The only downside I can think of is if the consumables are bad and the selling dealership is hiding that. Those would not be covered under warranty (brakes, clutch).
     
  2. Shark01

    Shark01 F1 Veteran

    Jun 25, 2005
    6,484
    #2 Shark01, Apr 23, 2024
    The best answer for your concern is both. However, over the 5-6 of these I’ve done, a good mechanic has always had enough knowledge to know when something wasn’t right body wise.
     
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  3. PaulK

    PaulK F1 Rookie
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    #3 PaulK, Apr 23, 2024
    Try to find out as much as you can. Was the car serviced by them the whole time? Can you speak with the mechanic? Has it been in the state the whole time? How many owners? What about the car fax? Did you Google the vin?

    A reputable dealer will disclose the accident... Assuming they know about it. When my friend sold his CS they even put it in the description where it was repaired.
     
    rossocorsa33 likes this.
  4. FrancisK

    FrancisK Formula 3
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    Oct 22, 2021
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    #4 FrancisK, Apr 23, 2024

    Not that it's a massive indicator either way but I wouldn't put much stock into the warranty meaning it's in good shape. It pretty much only means there are no warning lights present and even then maybe not that, my dealer reset my airbag light to get my warranty renewed and my car needed shocks, injectors and a carbon cleaning at the time which I did later.
     
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  5. rossocorsa33

    rossocorsa33 Rookie

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    Eric G.
    #5 rossocorsa33, Apr 23, 2024
    Thank you for the advice, @Shark01, @PaulK, @FrancisK. Fair point about the warranty not actually meaning it's a thorough examination.

    Great advice to google the VIN. According to a lawsuit, this car's previous owner experienced 2 brake failures within 6 weeks of each other in 2 separate 488 GTBs. The car I'm considering was a replacement for the first that rolled into a pond after the brakes failed.
     
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  6. rossocorsa33

    rossocorsa33 Rookie

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    Eric G.
    #6 rossocorsa33, Apr 23, 2024
  7. PaulK

    PaulK F1 Rookie
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    #7 PaulK, Apr 24, 2024
    Well I didn't expect that when giving googling the vin! I only read a short part of it. It looks like the brakes failed in the car but nothing bad happened?
     
  8. SF1000

    SF1000 Karting

    Aug 2, 2021
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    #8 SF1000, Apr 28, 2024
    Great point
     
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  9. rossocorsa33

    rossocorsa33 Rookie

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    #9 rossocorsa33, Apr 28, 2024
    Yes, this car did not end up in the pond like the previous one did in that photo.

    I never heard back from the Sales Associate once I asked about the service history on the car. He had been very responsive until then.
     
    Doug. likes this.
  10. Doug.

    Doug. F1 Rookie
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    Apr 16, 2004
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    #10 Doug., Apr 28, 2024
    The warranty should absolve your thoughts of mechanical issues. Covered.

    Consumables are consumables. Have the dealer measure the rotors and check the clutch wear, then send you pictures/printouts.

    If they won't do that, I personally wouldn't buy from them but if that won't deter you from the car then get a PPI done.

    But you're talking what, $500 plus a tow just for those two things that don't take long at all to find out?

    Get a CARFAX report on the car.
     

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