PPI question

I know everyone says to get a PPI before purchasing a used Ferrari.

Can someone elaborate a bit more on the following:

- is there a certain nationwide company that "knows Ferraris" well - I would imagine hiring a random car inspection company is not a good idea?

- does anyone have recommendations for inspection companies?

- what exactly should the inspector give me at the end of the inspection? is there a standard form or list of metrics that I must demand to see? in other words, what kind of data/forms should a PPI give me?

- how much should a PPI cost for a Ferrari?

- does a PPI involve "test driving" the actual car or can the inspection be done by turning engine on (but not running actual car in road)?

- has anyone used the "inspection company" that appears on ebay? are they good? do they know ferrari or who knows?

Thanks!!

 

Locate the car you're interested in, then you can enquire here as to a nearby reputable tech. You'll obviously want someone who has no interest in the sale of the car, so you can get an objective opinion. I would go for a local expert -- haven't heard of a national PPI company, although if the car's valuable enough I know of at least a couple guys who travel (on your nickel) to inspect Ferraris.

Expect to spend $500+. You should get a detailed report of everything from body/frame damage to compression/leakdown test results to verify the condition of the engine.

One thing to keep in mind is that the "little stuff" on a Ferrari can cost a lot. I know, for example, that the driving light assemblies on 328s run over $1000 each, if you can find them. Also, the power window switches are no longer available. Parts like that are incidentals on a used Honda or Merc, but need to be taken into account on an old Ferrari.

 

Also if you can get someone local to the car who knows/owns/is familiar with that model to check it out for you, that would also give you some objective buying information. Maybe post in the regional section of where the car is located. Someone may know the car in question, or the owner, or have some insight on the dealership, etc.

I would expect to spend $500-$800 for the PPI itself--have them test and check EVERYTHING. You want to know as much as possible.

The PPI I got from Algar in PA was one page long with the following subsections:
- ENGINE (+ compression)
- TRANSAXLE
- SUSPENSION / STEERING
- BRAKING
- UNDERCARRIAGE / FRAME
- EXTERIOR / PAINT
- ELECTRICAL
- MISC.

Good luck to you!

 

What would be a reputable nearby tech for Long Island? (e.g. near Cannillo)?

Also, following blockhead's comment, should I tell shop that I need PPI to include the following:

- ENGINE (+ compression)
- TRANSAXLE
- SUSPENSION / STEERING
- BRAKING
- UNDERCARRIAGE / FRAME
- EXTERIOR / PAINT
- ELECTRICAL
- MISC.

OR can you just say, "I want a PPI" and all shops and mechanics everywhere know exactly what should be included on this?

I would assume different shops include different breakdowns or not really? Basically the gist of this question is, "Is it smart to tell the shop exactly what you require in the PPI or not really?" And if you should tell shop exactly what you need to see, then is the list above sufficient or anything else?

 

To help with this thread, about how what are you looking for and where are you located?

 

I used one of these Ebay services many years ago when I bought a three year old 996. Cost about 150 or so. They missed EVERYTHING. Neglected to let me know the car had been repainted, panels replaced etc. Absolutely do not use these services unless you are talking about a $20K car, and even then I'm not sure.

I was looking at a 360 and got a PPI from a mechanic. About $250-$300 and about 2 pages long. Gave me the very basics - but enough information to pass on the car (body damage; worn brake pads and worn clutch). Another PPI for a different car (430) from an authorized dealer was $900 and was about 15 pages long, with a lot of technical stuff that required the mechanic to explain it to me - they were able to deduce the car was never abused based on the %clutch overheat time. The dealer uses the same checklist to certify a used Ferrari, if you wanted to get an extended warranty. I strongly recommend an experienced ferrari mechanic or an authorized dealer.

 

I am in Chicago.

However I think the car will probably live in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Thanks in advance.

 

PPI means different things to different people, so I would be very specific about what you would like the inspection to cover. With a Ferrari, it is invaluable to find someone who not only knows Ferraris well, but your specific model and year well also. I would consider a Ferrari dealer for a newer car but would take an older car (say, 10+ years old) to a qualified independent who has been recommended as knowledgeable about the older cars.

For the engine, a compression test is mandatory and ideally a leakdown test is very helpful to let you know the condition of the car. A road test is valuable to judge the engine's performance across a range of speeds under load, vibrations and tracking of the car, steering, braking performance, funny noises etc.

I am on vacation and away from a lot of my resources but there are several shops on Long Island who can perform a PPI on a car at Cannillo's. Search this site as this question has been asked a few times recently, IIRC.

Post an inquiry about the specific car (serial number) on the relevant model forum on this site. Chances are someone will know something about the history of the car that may be useful to know.

Also, if possible, try to be present when the inspection is performed, especially if you know a little about auto mechanics and plan to do some of the maintenance yourself. You will see any issues first hand at the time and can ask follow up questions right away and you also will learn a huge amount about your (potential) car.

Good luck!

PS I just found this on Tom Yang's website (he has a fantastic forum centered around the vintage V12 Ferraris but the items here are pertinent to any model and year):


http://www.tomyang.net/cars/FerrariBuyersGuide.htm

Ferrari Buyer’s Checklist
Serial # _________________}
Engine #________________}These numbers will help you obtain

Trans #_________________}origin documentation from Ferrari SpA

Diff #_________________}

Body #_________________}


Safety:Seat belts, lights, turn signals, brake lights, horn, hi beam indicator, rev lamps, locks

Engine:

Cooling: Water pump, hoses, leaks, and fans

Electrics: distribs, plug wires, plugs, battery, fuses, etc

Belts & Chains: rubbing, chafing, sqealing, last changed

Fuel: Pump(s), filter, tank, carbs, carbs synched, linkage, (fuel inj)

Oil: Pressure, temp, (radiator), leaks, changed last

Valves: clatter, last reset, guides

Compression: check each cylinder, & each bank if common side fault

Leak down test, smoke on accel, decel

Timing: tuned, last done

Exhaust system: Headers, pipes, mufflers, hangers

Fluids: brake, clutch, oil, water, w/washer

Trans & Diff:

Smooth (Synchros), tight, linkage

Oil, leaks

Clutch: mileage, cable/hydraulics, actuation

Chassis:

Straight, rust, damage

Suspension: damage, grease joints, tie rod ends, bushings

Brakes: master cyl, fluid, disc & pad condition, calipers, pistons

Wheels: condition incl spare, bolts/knock-offs, balanced

Tires: tread depth & even wear, sidewall abrasion, spare

Shocks: condition, balanced, towers, connections

Springs: condition, ride height even

Body:

Damage

Repairs

Trim

Paint

Rust, check under spare

Windows & cranks/lifts

Interior:

Instruments

Lights & switches-interior & exterior

Switches

Accessories

HVAC

Seats: adjustment fore/aft & seatback adjusts

Surfaces: leather, wood, plastic

Tools, keys, manuals, service & owner history

 

This is very helpful!

I will post again when I need a local specific recommendation for a mechanic to perform a PPI.

 

Good post but I disagree about asking if someone knows about a specific car. I lost out on a good deal from other forum members swooping down and taking it. I've seen it repeatedly from other posters, asking about a car only to report back that someone purchased it already. Might only be a coincidence,maybe it wasn't another fchatter, but I've seen it at least on 3 different threads.

 

Point taken. Maybe that advice should only be used on cars that are publicly for sale, such as on eBay or on a dealer's website. If it is a barn find of a rare car, keep your lips sealed until the title changes hands!

 

lol

i just googled ppi ferrari

http://www.google.com.au/search?sourceid=navclient&ie=UTF-8&rls=GGLJ,GGLJ:2006-44,GGLJ:en&q=ppi+ferrari