When a PPI isn't enough! Who do you call? | FerrariChat
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When a PPI isn't enough! Who do you call?

Discussion in '288GTO/F40/F50/Enzo/LaFerrari/F80' started by Tipo815, Jan 7, 2010.

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  1. Tipo815

    Tipo815 F1 Rookie

    Nov 1, 2003
    3,565
    Newport Beach, CA
    Full Name:
    Jeffrey
    #1 Tipo815, Jan 7, 2010
    Being an enthusiast I’ve been fortunate enough to own some truly wonderful exotics. Unfortunately, the time and effort to acquire these cars has always been measured in hours and days and the one aspect that has always plagued me was the inspection portion of the acquisition.

    A PPI has always been the standard by which we measure a vehicle’s “worthiness.” Unfortunately, PPIs are mostly mechanical in nature – compression, leak down, clutch wear, brake wear, etc. A good shop might throw in their “opinion” of the overall condition of the car – “body looks good, no scratches, no dings, etc.” But how many times has a car arrived where the pictures were misleading or someone’s claim of “clean” or a “nine of 10” was really “average” or a seven out of 10! It happens all the time. Photos can NEVER take place of seeing a car in person.

    The hurdle with the inspection process is finding the time to go do a personal inspection! It’s further exacerbated when the car is on the other side of the country! Then there is the issue of expertise. How many of us really know what we’re looking at? Nevertheless I’ve always been one to go through the necessary motions to personally inspect any car I was interested in regardless of the hassle. I always felt like no one could/would be detailed enough to satisfy my inspection criteria. That is until now.

    Most of you know this person by reputation and respect him for his knowledge. One could almost say that he is a bit “insane” - in a positive way of course! What happened recently happened by chance. I located a highly desirable car that I did not want to waste time on seeing. Unfortunately I was 10,000 miles away for the holidays. I called this particular individual to see if he had the time, energy, and desire to hop on a plane with 24 hours notice to go inspect the car. I would cover his expenses and pay him a fee for his time.
    Next thing I knew he was on a plane with a comprehensive “inspection list” heading to the other side of the country. He was picked up at the airport and transported to the vehicle’s location where he spent the next six hours combing over every detail of the car. We spoke on the phone before, during and after the inspection.

    Upon his return I expected to meet him to verbally discuss his findings and to take delivery of the photos. I expected nothing more. What I received was something that went over and above the call of duty in the way of a professionally written/bound “inspection report” accompanied by 500 photos of every angle, nook and cranny of his inspection. Furthermore he was able to obtain copies of all the service records, a SD2 printout, and other invaluable information that I would have otherwise thought unobtainable! In other words – he provided me with everything (and more) than I might have acquired myself had I been inspecting the car!

    Thank you Carbon for your diligence, expertise, and comprehensive report on the car! It goes BEYOND PPI in the sense that a PPI would not have given me nearly the comprehensive physical condition description your report provided me. Everything was covered including a description of the paint, body, undercarriage, interior, leather, glass, manuals, accessories, tools, keys, records, etc. Truly an excellent job!

    What this led me to think about is that a service of this nature is invaluable. Others should know about it! Whether you’re spending $60k for a 355 or $350k for a 599 – it’s well worth the small expense to have someone with the expertise and attention to detail act on your behalf as the buyer to inspect the car. A PPI is only one element of the process. A lot can be said about the overall condition of a car as it tells a story of how the car was cared for and the manner in which it was likely treated.

    I hate for this to sound like a “Carbon for President” promotion but I believe that a service like this is something that others would love to have. With his knowledge and expertise and willingness to do something like this is invaluable to those of us who don’t have the time, desire, or ability to hop on a plane to go inspect a car. I cannot say enough about his communication, report, photos, and everything he provided me in the way of an inspection service. You know where to reach him! Thanks again Carbon! :)
     
  2. AJ

    AJ Formula 3

    Jun 23, 2008
    1,856
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    Aaron
    #2 AJ, Jan 7, 2010
    Good man, Carbon!

    Jeffrey, I hope you're talking about the car I think you're talking about ;)
     
  3. Napolis

    Napolis Three Time F1 World Champ
    Honorary Owner

    Oct 23, 2002
    32,118
    Full Name:
    Jim Glickenhaus
    #3 Napolis, Jan 7, 2010
    Carbon is the Man.

    You should see the report he did for me on Scarlett Johannson.
     
  4. GuyIncognito

    GuyIncognito Nine Time F1 World Champ
    Silver Subscribed

    Jun 30, 2007
    99,804
    #4 GuyIncognito, Jan 7, 2010
    I'm sure he did an undercarriage inspection there too... :)
     
  5. ExoticSpotter

    ExoticSpotter Formula Junior

    Jun 1, 2008
    685
    #5 ExoticSpotter, Jan 7, 2010
    That's an awesome story...and I'm happy to hear his obsession has paid off at least this time.
     
  6. Peloton25

    Peloton25 F1 Veteran

    Jan 24, 2004
    7,646
    California, USA
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    Erik
    #6 Peloton25, Jan 7, 2010
    500 photos, and we don't even get one? :(

    Story was great though. Kudos to Carbon! :cool:

    Sounds like we all have something new to look forward to as well assuming you liked what you (errr... Carbon) saw.

    >8^)
    ER
     
  7. Hawaii

    Hawaii Formula Junior

    Jan 28, 2007
    847
    Maui
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    Emery
    #7 Hawaii, Jan 7, 2010
    Did you buy the car??
     
  8. Tipo815

    Tipo815 F1 Rookie

    Nov 1, 2003
    3,565
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    Jeffrey
    #8 Tipo815, Jan 7, 2010
    In the process! Unfortunately I can't say "done" until it's done! :)
     
  9. amenasce

    amenasce Three Time F1 World Champ
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    Joe Mansion
    #9 amenasce, Jan 7, 2010
    It's an Enzo isnt it ? :)
     
  10. joe sackey

    joe sackey Five Time F1 World Champ

    May 23, 2006
    57,525
    Southern California
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    Joe Sackey
    #10 joe sackey, Jan 7, 2010
    Jeffrey, I'll just say it for you: Carbon For President!
     
  11. Bill S

    Bill S Formula 3

    Oct 2, 2004
    1,995
    #11 Bill S, Jan 7, 2010
    Jeffrey, that is very kind of you to take the time to acknowledge Carbon's incredible knowledge and passion for one of the finest automobiles ever produced. He even interviewed me, and I didn't know the interview was for you!

    I look forward to hearing more about your experience, and I also look forward to sharing some new (and maybe familiar) experiences with you!
     
  12. Peloton25

    Peloton25 F1 Veteran

    Jan 24, 2004
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    Erik
    #12 Peloton25, Jan 7, 2010
    Ahhh - reading between the lines here - sweet! Hope it's not the "resale" color. ;)

    And if it is not, I am sure Carbon appreciated the task and his trip even more. :D

    >8^)
    ER
     
  13. geno berns

    geno berns F1 Rookie

    Oct 26, 2006
    3,006
    Midwest
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    Geno
    #13 geno berns, Jan 7, 2010
    Last edited: Jan 7, 2010
    Jeff-
    Photos and a PPI at best will tell you about 70% of the story. Photos will almost always misrepresent the way things really look versus seeing the car in person. Photos usualy make the car look better than it realy is. How many of us been diapointed when a car gets delivered? You say to your self, never again will I buy a car sight unseen. A PPI done by capable people will not always discover all the flaws and does not gurantee you that proper due dialagance was actualy used. I have been astonished on how much gets missed. Than there is always a chance for a biased opinion when the outfit performing the PPI has an established relationship with the seller, but you just don't know that. And when it comes to the cosmatics, well all bets are off! Most outfits performing the PPI will either have no comment, tell you that they are not a body shop or make sure you know it's just their opinion on the matter. Inspecting a car in person is a must. If one does not have the proper experiance, than a person like Carbon is a blessing. Especially if you're a CEO of a conglomerate and simply can't leave the fort unsupervised to travel to inspect your next toy! An absolute must before spending the kind of dollars these cars cost and the repair costs that can arise if a proper PPI in not done. Thanks for sharing your experiance.

    Geno.
     
  14. 134282

    134282 Four Time F1 World Champ
    BANNED

    Aug 3, 2002
    40,647
    California
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    Carbon McCoy
    #14 134282, Jan 7, 2010
    First and foremost, Jeffrey, I want to thank you, very much, for this praise, and for the opportunity that you gave me. It was a real pleasure from beginning to end and I'm looking forward to future opportunities.

    Beyond PPI is officially open for business.

    Without getting into too much detail, everyone involved was, to say the least, awesome. I look forward to the conclusion of this event.

    Jeffrey, thanks again, for everything. When everything is all done, I look forward to following this thread up with lots more detail.


    In the mean time, Beyond PPI is officially open for business. Seriously. :)
     
  15. Peloton25

    Peloton25 F1 Veteran

    Jan 24, 2004
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    Erik
    #15 Peloton25, Jan 7, 2010
    Does Beyond PPI also do on-road testing?

    If so, this sounds like a tremendously fun gig to have. :cool:

    Congrats man - you were obviously thrilled.

    >8^)
    ER
     
  16. GuyIncognito

    GuyIncognito Nine Time F1 World Champ
    Silver Subscribed

    Jun 30, 2007
    99,804
    #16 GuyIncognito, Jan 7, 2010
    I'm looking at a used Taurus in E. St Louis, what are you doing this weekend? :)

    seriously though, props to your passion, knowledge and diligence and good luck on the new venture!
     
  17. stokpro

    stokpro F1 Rookie
    Lifetime Rossa Owner

    Jun 25, 2003
    4,383
    Himalayas
    #17 stokpro, Jan 8, 2010
    Carbon, well done my friend, well done!! I may be contacting you to do a "Beyond" PPI on a striped Strad in the NE. Hope you don't mind snow. :)
     
  18. Tipo815

    Tipo815 F1 Rookie

    Nov 1, 2003
    3,565
    Newport Beach, CA
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    Jeffrey
    #18 Tipo815, Jan 8, 2010
    Last edited: Jan 8, 2010
    He just came back from snow! LOL! He's an east coast guy anyway so he doesn't mind it. Makes him feel right at home! :D Seriously, if you're going to spend this kind of money on a car it's imperative to either see it yourself or to have someone with Carbon's abilities inspect the car on your behalf. A mistake at this level is not a joke! BTW - You'll love the CS! It's a car that keeps on giving everytime you drive it! :)
     
  19. 246tasman

    246tasman Formula 3

    Jun 21, 2007
    1,446
    UK
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    Will Tomkins
    #19 246tasman, Jan 8, 2010
    Did you decide to proceed?
     
  20. stokpro

    stokpro F1 Rookie
    Lifetime Rossa Owner

    Jun 25, 2003
    4,383
    Himalayas
    #20 stokpro, Jan 8, 2010
    Good to know. Excellent original post Jeffrey. And btw, thanks for providing the info on that Rosso Scuderia striped CS last week that ended up not being yours & Rob's former Strad. Would've been a hoot if I ended up with that CS! :)
     
  21. 134282

    134282 Four Time F1 World Champ
    BANNED

    Aug 3, 2002
    40,647
    California
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    Carbon McCoy
    #21 134282, Jan 8, 2010
    Indeed I was thrilled. I feel like I've struck gold whenever I have the opportunity to do something that I enjoy.

    Road testing was not required on this trip. But I'm flexible. :D

    Is it an SHO?
    Thank you, Chas!

    Thank you! No, I don't mind snow - but I did hit Jeffrey with a 'holy **** it's cold out here!' surcharge. :)

    LOL!
     
  22. Speedracer38

    Speedracer38 F1 Veteran

    Oct 11, 2004
    5,187
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    Jason Thorgalsen
    #22 Speedracer38, Jan 8, 2010
    Good job Carbon!! I can't wait to see what your picking up next Jeffrey :)
     
  23. Ferrarista3

    Ferrarista3 F1 Rookie

    Oct 30, 2007
    4,595
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    Carlo
    #23 Ferrarista3, Jan 8, 2010
    Awesome!

    Carbon is a great guy. I PM'ed him an a couple of occasions for some random bits and pieces of info and he has always been extremely kind in all of our brief exchanges. He's the personification of a true enthusiast and I'm sure that life will reward him with many more things to smile about ;)
     
  24. RufMD

    RufMD F1 Rookie
    Owner

    Jan 31, 2004
    3,246
    USA
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    Jas
    #24 RufMD, Jan 8, 2010
    Nice work Carbon, passion in work always shows :)
     
  25. Napolis

    Napolis Three Time F1 World Champ
    Honorary Owner

    Oct 23, 2002
    32,118
    Full Name:
    Jim Glickenhaus
    #25 Napolis, Jan 8, 2010
    Still looking at the close up photos and results of pressure testing.
     
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