What's in a PPI? | FerrariChat
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What's in a PPI?

Discussion in '308/328' started by MondialMondo, Jan 25, 2006.

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  1. MondialMondo

    MondialMondo Formula Junior

    Oct 9, 2005
    392
    USA
    Full Name:
    MondialMondo
    #1 MondialMondo, Jan 25, 2006
    I hear from a lot of people on this forum that it is critical to have a PPI done before purchasing a Ferrari. But what does that really involve? Does the PPI guy look at the electronics, mechanics, bodywork and do a test drive? If the PPI guy has never before inspected a Ferrari, or even more specific, a Ferrari Mondial, then what is the value of a PPI? There are some issues that specifically pertain to specific Ferraris more than to any other cars (Mondial=electronics). If he doesn't know how to look for them, how will he find out? Or must I be the one to provide him with the details on what to look for?

    Would he look at the mechanics just as much as he would look at the paintwork? Although I have a fantastic mechanic, he would not be able to tell where paintwork has been done on a car if it has been done well. Therefore, what background should the PPI person have?

    I realize I keep on rambling... To summarize my question: what gets inspected during a PPI and who should do it?

    I sincerely appreciate any feedback people can provide.

    Regards
     
  2. greyboxer

    greyboxer F1 World Champ

    Dec 8, 2004
    12,676
    South East
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    Jimmie
    #2 greyboxer, Jan 25, 2006
    I can't give you a technical answer but I can suggest how to get a quick answer : use the 'search' function - this should give you several threads with answers
     
  3. Mike C

    Mike C F1 Veteran
    Lifetime Rossa Owner

    Aug 3, 2002
    6,081
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    Mike Charness
    #3 Mike C, Jan 25, 2006
  4. jimwalking

    jimwalking Formula Junior

    Jan 3, 2006
    489
    #4 jimwalking, Jan 25, 2006
    A Ferrari PPI should be done by either a Ferrari dealership or an independent that specializes in Ferrari repair. Every Ferrari has quirks and they are very expensive to fix. A person with decades of Ferrari service history will know what to look for in any specific model. A good PPI will cost you $500+, but will hopefully save you from a $10,000 repair bill.

    Buying the wrong Ferrari can be a life's lesson about not skimping.
     
  5. WILLIAM H

    WILLIAM H Three Time F1 World Champ

    Nov 1, 2003
    35,532
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    HUBBSTER
    #5 WILLIAM H, Jan 25, 2006
    I would want to know about rust, have the engine get a compression test, get a test drive, check all the fluids & filters, get digital photos of the car's details sent to me. Also find out when the last service was done & by whom
     
  6. MondialMondo

    MondialMondo Formula Junior

    Oct 9, 2005
    392
    USA
    Full Name:
    MondialMondo
    #6 MondialMondo, Jan 25, 2006
    Thank you for your responses. I now have a much better idea of what to look for in a PPI. The purchase process is just so tricky; so many things to watch out for. Spending $500 on a good PPI to me seems well worth the money.

    Regards
     
  7. sguinn

    sguinn Karting

    Nov 12, 2005
    151
    Arkansas
    Full Name:
    Spencer Guinn
    #7 sguinn, Jan 25, 2006
    My PPI took almost 6 hours, and they would not perform it unless I was present. It was a great experience from a learning standpoint. This is my first Ferrari, and they did not mind me hovering about and asking questions. They also have a 5 page checklist with notes on each part. I felt secured by this standardized approach. I am a very organized person, and I think something could very easily be overlooked without it.

    Find someone very familiar with your car. My guys have seen hundreds of 308s, and they can tell immediately if something is wrong or has been modified/changed.

    Mine was performed a Norwood in Dallas (for a shameless plug). If anyone is withing shipping range to them, I highly advise it.
    Spence
     

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