Stradale / chassis damage checking?

Hi,

I'm looking at a Stradale with the options and colors I'm looking for, which is great - but the car has been involved in a 'minor accident' - getting rear-ending on the Nurburgring. The chassis shouldn't have been damaged and all affected parts should be replaced. The accident weren't 'serious enough' to activate the airbags.

My question is, can I be reasonable sure that the car is 'structually sound' if a inspection says it is fine? - eg. I've heard about regular/other cars that have been 'knocked uneven' after being rear-ended and that are impossible to fix - but also that it is measurable/detectable ?

- what else should I pay special attention to in this regard?

Would appreciate your input, thanks!

- Dennis

 

Put it on a lift and inspect it from underneith. You should be able to tell if the structure was damaged/repaired.

Also, does the seller have any pictures of the damage, or a repair bill that indicates what was fixed?

 

Dennis,

Actual accident damage pictures would be a must in this instance.

For instance are we talking about rear grill/tail-lamps and bumper damage only?

If it went in beyond that area you could be talking about rear structural damage, because of the craddle surrounding the engine. If that got shunted forward I would hate to think of the consequences.

If there is a very significant difference in the price between it and a non accident damaged car, then it would be worthwhile having it examined by Ferrari.

If the price differential is not very significant, then forget about it.

 

thanks for the feedback guys - I appreciate it!

I have seen pictures - and from them it appears to be just bumper/body work (which has been done well it seems) - no visible damage near the 'frame' of the engine.
But I can't tell for sure if 'something might have shifted' in the car from those pictures, I wouldn't want a car that have a chassis that have been knocked uneven - or anything else that a non-mechanical guy like me don't have a clue about checking before it is too late. A replaced bumper I don't see as a problem - that is just a fresh part (with no stone chips - and as I intend to take the car to the track I'll probably have to get things touched up or replaced myself later.

The repairs were done by a Ferrari authorized mechanic - but they are also the guys that 'act as the seller' for the car, they will offer a guarantee - but might also be a bit biased.

- but if I get it inspected by another Ferrari mechanic and they give the 'thumb up' - then I can be reasonable sure it is okay? - can they measure/detect any potential weak spots?

 

The physics of accidents can be amazing. A shot in the rear can cause damage in remote places elswwhere on the car; front suspension comes to mind first. A guarantee from the seller is critical IMHO in case you notice something a little funny after driving the car a while.

Ken

 

Have it checked by a bodyshop with a laser frame alignment machine. Genesis is a good machine and will find things the human eye will not catch.

 

thanks - I'll check up on the front suspension and see if I can find a place with a laser frame alignment machine!