I'm having trouble remembering if I put a new cotter pin in any of my castelated nuts on my rear axles when I was rebuilding all the stuff back there. I don't remember using a cotter pin at all. Can you point me towards where you found a roofing nail? Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
So... Announcing publicly that I have a major engine issue and having it documented in the annals of FCar discussions benefits me in what way? Other than it being an instant red flag to anyone that does a bit of research who may be interested in buying the car (over my dead body) in the future? I guess when I post pics of an empty engine bay and empty cylinders I'll earn your virtual credence. “Reality is merely an illusion, albeit a very persistent one.” – Albert Einstein I guess I'm not hiding anymore ;-)
Dr. K, FWIW, I wish you well with this car. I hope that it does end up meeting your expectations when all is said and done and I hope that you have many happy miles and years with this GT4. PDG
Ture words indeed. I guess that some people think that by getting a PPI every little thing on the car will be checked and all they have to do is read the report. If you go and look at the car yourself then you will get a general feel for the condition of the car. I can check all the switches, controls ect to see how/if they work, don't need to spend $$ for some guy to tell me that, but I will spend $$ to have a compression test done, and the results of each cylinder recorded, plus putting the car on a lift and checking the frame, undercarrage, ect. IN the end its just more information to help you make an informed decision.
Use PPI for what is worth. Inspect the car in person. Cold start it, listen to it, play with all buttons and switches, and take it on the highway. Cars that are neglected based on paint and leather are indications that the car might not be well cared for mechanically. Good luck Dr Kananga and hope you will be able to enjoy your Ferrari very soon.
And PAY the extra for the leakdown if that's what you want. Otherwise it doesn't get done. You omit also that the mechanic drove 1.5 hours each way to inspect the vehicle, and spoke with you on several occassions about it.
Since I did the PPI here, I feel qualified to comment. Just for kicks, check the OP's profile and timeline of posts. Seems that a fouled plug (wow! never seen that on a Dino!) got the car running, never did mention any repairs to fix the leakdown he quoted. I stand behind my work, that car was described as seen, and this after the purchaser had himself seen it, all issues were mentioned, including the worn door hinges, and he acknowledged most himself. No wonder we are all bailing on this forum and the seemingly more typical purchaser of an old Ferrari. And this is total proof of the stupidity of doing any PPI for people. I'm done on those for evermore.
One thing that's going on... It's the people who start with unrealistic expectations who are disappointed and complain in public. I sometimes think that two pre-purchase inspections are needed, one of the car and one of the purchaser.
I also call bull**** on the O.P. Brian has worked on my Ferraris for years now and his work has always been exemplary. I've recommended him to my friends and colleagues and they all agree. O.P. is full of it.
As I fancy myself an honest and upfront person, it exasperates me like no other when others are not the same and it is insinuated that I may be a liar. As this is what appears to be happening here, allow me to address. I had no interest in exposing Brian, but since he did it himself, here we go: I will use two examples that are COMPLETELY superficial and CAN'T be missed even by the most senile eye: There was a significant dent in the front bumper (I knew about this already) and my passenger door need to be lifted two inches to close properly. In the PPI document (attached), there was mention of the bumpers being "ok" with some "distortion" and "splits" in the rubber. One would think a crease in the bumper would be mention IF someone was ACTUALLY doing a PPI they were paid to do. There was also a reference to the driver side (not passenger) door having some "play" in the hinge pins and "slight" play on the passenger side; HARDLY the case in real life. Also, if the guy is going to complain about some driving to do something he is being paid to do and agreed to do, how can one expect him to take the time to be thorough in inspecting a car without lamenting during the entire process, maybe missing something like THE PASSENGER SIDE DOOR DOESN'T CLOSE WITHOUT LIFTING IT UP!?!? I am not saying that Brian is a bad guy. I am not saying his work (other than my PPI) on other autos is bad. I am simply saying that the PPI that was presented to me appears as if he never even seen the car. Regarding the cylinder leak: it does not have to be addressed immediately and, unless I plan on tracking the car (I don't) I would not notice a difference after repairing it. Regarding everything else I thought was important enough to mention that was not mentioned: does not matter. I am happy and I will get to it eventually. Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
I'm still trying to figure out why you went out to see the car, yet did not go over the items mentioned in the PPI. It says there is play in the driver's side door and a slight bit in the passenger door. Why did you not bother looking at these things when you saw the car in person?
The purpose of the PPI was to have a professional give me a proper breakdown on the car. I knew nothing about these cars. Yes, I see a dent in the bumper. Yes, I see the door hinge needs adjusting. I used those two examples as they can't be missed even if you were me, yet they were not mentioned in the PPI. I am only defending myself as the general consensus is that I am "full of it" which could not be more the opposite. Again, Brian was never mentioned cause my beef was with the experience of the PPI. Once he went on the attack, it was my duty to protect my reputation as a member of this forum. Sent from my iPhone (which probably means I'm sitting at my car confused)
DrK, I am sorry you feel you had a bad experience with the PPI. Buying a Ferrari is supposed to be a joyful thing. I would put the bad behind and move forward with what you have. Enjoy your car and have fun. You only get your first Ferrari once. -dsd
"Play in hinge pins driver side, very slight passenger." copy/pasted from the PPI, how are they not mentioned? If they weren't mentioned at all, I'd agree with you, but it's right there.