The Perfect Buying Experience - Sport Auto - Steve Barney & Team | FerrariChat

The Perfect Buying Experience - Sport Auto - Steve Barney & Team

Discussion in 'Ferrari Discussion (not model specific)' started by lencap, Jan 21, 2012.

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  1. lencap

    lencap Formula Junior

    Nov 20, 2003
    299
    Raleigh, NC
    For over 8 years I've been a forum member, and during that time I've tried to buy three Ferraris myself, without the help of a broker or dealer. I thought that the "markup" that I'd pay would let me find a better car on my own. That was not my experience, and each of the cars I agreed to purchase failed my PPI exams, often at considerable expense including travel, time and aggravation.

    I just completed my long search with the acquisition of a very fine machine through Steve Barney at Sport Auto. The car is exactly what I wanted, and Steve and his team provided above and beyond service to make my first Ferrari a memorable event from start to finish.

    I realize that there are many excellent dealers in the Ferrari world, but for those who are looking for a high quality car, serviced by a top mechanic (Tom Jones - 30 years Ferrari experience), detailed by a skilled expert (Mark Miner) and sold by an honorable, knowledgable gentleman (Steve Barney), I recommend Sport Auto for your consideration.

    I couldn't be more pleased.
     
  2. GatorFL

    GatorFL Moderator
    Moderator Owner

    Nov 18, 2005
    16,965
    Wellington, FL
    Full Name:
    Duane
    I too have bought from Sport Auto. Just like your experience, mine was a flawless transaction. Congrats on the new car--what did you get?
     
  3. forgeahead

    forgeahead F1 Rookie
    Owner

    Sep 16, 2008
    4,408
    Rocky Mount, NC
    Full Name:
    Ray
    Yeah, those guys are first rate.
    Well, what did you get???
     
  4. JoeZaff

    JoeZaff F1 Veteran
    Owner

    Aug 5, 2007
    5,459
    Philly suburbs
    Full Name:
    Joe
    Congrats! I know how hard you searched to find the perfect car and I am so glad it worked out!
     
  5. tritone

    tritone F1 Veteran
    Silver Subscribed

    Dec 8, 2003
    7,199
    On the Rock
    Full Name:
    James
    Lencap - Congratulations! Welcome to the world of Ferrari.

    Tritone


    OBTW: without any pics, it never happened......:)
     
  6. Ricambi America

    Ricambi America F1 World Champ
    Sponsor Owner

    A+ When I bought my Aston from Steve, it was an awesome experience. Easy as pie. :)
     
  7. ProCoach

    ProCoach F1 Veteran
    Owner

    Sep 15, 2004
    5,465
    VIR Raceway
    Full Name:
    Peter Krause
    Len, I'm so happy for you! Steve has been a beacon for F-car enthusiasts for decades!

    Now, what did you get???
     
  8. lencap

    lencap Formula Junior

    Nov 20, 2003
    299
    Raleigh, NC
    I purchased a 2001 360 Spider, titanium/dark navy blue top and interior, with a 6 speed manual transmission.

    A perfect car for my needs in every way, and as is typical for Steve, a true "no stories" automobile.

    Couldn't be happier.
     
  9. lencap

    lencap Formula Junior

    Nov 20, 2003
    299
    Raleigh, NC
    #9 lencap, Jan 21, 2012
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
    Some pictures are attached. Another example of Steve's attention to his clients - When I was chatting with Tom about the mechanical condition of the car (excellent), I mentioned that the only option that I would have liked that wasn't on the car is a challenge grill. Tom mentioned it to Steve, and Steve went out of his way to find a mint condition grill for me and installed it prior to delivery. The grill was not installed when the pictures were taken.
    Image Unavailable, Please Login
    Image Unavailable, Please Login
    Image Unavailable, Please Login
     
  10. Owens84QV

    Owens84QV F1 Rookie

    Oct 2, 2001
    4,486
    Somewhere in NC
    Full Name:
    Greg
    You'll have to join us @ Brier Creek every 1st Saturday of the month. Look forward to meeting you!
     
  11. RED TESTAROSSA

    RED TESTAROSSA Formula Junior

    Jul 8, 2009
    415
    So. Calif.
    Full Name:
    Randy
    Beautiful car!!!!!!!!!
     
  12. ProCoach

    ProCoach F1 Veteran
    Owner

    Sep 15, 2004
    5,465
    VIR Raceway
    Full Name:
    Peter Krause
    The color combo is great and I LoVE those modular wheels!

    See you at the track?!?
     
  13. J. Salmon

    J. Salmon F1 Rookie
    Owner Rossa Subscribed

    Aug 27, 2005
    4,367
    VA
    Misters Barney and Jones are the reason I became and still am a Ferrari owner. If only all business people were cut from the same cloth.
     
  14. ferrarioldman

    ferrarioldman Formula 3
    Professional Ferrari Technician Silver Subscribed

    Jun 19, 2002
    1,033
    Summerfield, NC
    Full Name:
    Tom Jones
    Thanks for those nice comments Len and thanks for the Prius lessons. That is a really neat car. My only problem with it was I wanted to watch the power transfer screen instead of where I was going. ;-)
     
  15. lencap

    lencap Formula Junior

    Nov 20, 2003
    299
    Raleigh, NC
    Thank you Tom!!

    FerrariOldMan is Tom Jones - the mechanic that helped to made sure that my "new" 360 is the dream car that I have been looking for for 30 years!! Before taking delivery Tom spent a LOT of time putting the car on a lift, showing me the ins and outs of the car, and making sure that everything was perfect before I took the car home. Every fluid was changed, and all of the work was done professionally and thoroughly.

    As a crowning touch, Tom took the time to create a "dip stick" for me to measure the coolant level in the car. He carefully measured the low and high levels, marked them clearly on a dowel and showed me how to use the "tool" correctly. He also showed me the correct procedure for checking oil and reminded me about the tire pressure as well (front tire pressure is higher than the rear).

    All of that after personally checking EVERY aspect of the car, and taking my wife for a ride in the car as he checked the clutch to be sure that all was properly setup for her as well. (I guess he learned that if your wife isn't happy, you may not be either).

    If your mechanic does all of these things, you too are a lucky Ferrari owner. Tom went above and beyond, and for that I am very grateful - my first Ferrari ownership experience is PERFECT - and Tom, along with Steve and Mark are the reasons why.

    Steve - Thanks again to the fine team you put together! They operate like a fine watch - precise and accurate. As a buyer in a very competitive market, where price is often the defining factor, the Sport Auto team is different - they realize that unless the customer is totally satisfied, they haven't fully done their job. Bravo!
     
  16. rmani

    rmani F1 Veteran
    Owner Silver Subscribed

    Nov 1, 2003
    7,334
    NJ
    Full Name:
    RMani
    gorgeous car. congratulations
     
  17. Steelton Keith

    Steelton Keith F1 Veteran
    Owner Rossa Subscribed

    Aug 19, 2009
    7,793
    Raleigh NC
    Full Name:
    Keith Hall
    hope to see you and your new ride at Brier Creek C+C congratulations on your purchase.
     

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