Contributed by Dave Steven
Retyped and Submitted to the FCA-Northwest Region by Stan Gordon.
www.ferrariclub.com
I’m constantly getting requests for this. It appeared in Ferraris.com before I put the site on hiatus. I post it here so it will become part of the archives. Based on a guide written by Lawrence Buja & Roger Garnett. Dave Steven
COPYRIGHT © 1991, Scions of Lucas (SOL). Permission to freely copy and distribute to all or portion of this checklist is hereby granted that all of the following apply: it is not made part of another copyrighted work, the source is acknowledged, this copyright notice is retained, and no aspect of the distribution is for profit.
FIRST PHONE CONTACT:
Name: ______________________________________________ (affix original ad here)
Address: ____________________________________________ (dealer, broker, private)
Time Zone Differential: plus / minus _______ hours
Phone (h) _____________________________ (f) ______________________________
(w) ____________________________ (f) ______________________________
(c) ____________________________ (p) ______________________________
email ____________________________@___________________________
Date/Time: ____________________________________________________
Model: ________________________________________________________
Serial #: _______________________________________________________
Mileage: _______________________________________________________
Color: _________________________________________________________
Interior: ________________________________________________________
Asking Price: $______________________________
INITIAL PHONE QUESTIONS
Does it run well?
Body Any Rust
Paint
Dings/Chips
Paint Work Needed
Interior Driver Seat Side Bolster Worn
Re-dyed
Tires Condition
Original Size F___________B__________
Manufacture_________________
Rims Condition/Curbed
Original size?
aftermarket
Engine
Brakes
Shocks
Clutch
Soft Top
4.What special features or options does it have?
5. Any aftermarket parts on the car?
6. Why are you selling it?
7. How long have you owned it? _____________Had it for sale? ______________
8. Is it currently registered and licensed?
9. Where is the car located?
10. Is it US or European Car?
11. If European, do you have original DOT/EPA paperwork?
12. What problems have you had with the car?
13. What gas mileage have you been getting?
14. Has it ever been hit or in an accident?
15. Has the car been raced or had track time?
16. Any major components been replaced?
17. Has there been any Warranty work done?
18. What work remains to be done or corrected?
19. Are there any missing parts?
20. Do you have any extra parts or wheels for it?
21. Are you the Original Owner?
22. Is there a traceable ownership history on the car?
23. Can the previous owner(s) be contacted?
24. Is there a complete service history on the car?
25. Who was your mechanic? name/address/phone?
26. Are there any repair or gas mileage records?
27. Oil change interval? Type of oil?
28. May I bring the car to a place where it can be put in the air for inspection?
29. Has it passed emissions recently?
30. Any interesting history?
31. What’s the least you’re willing to take for it?
32. Additional questions…
At this point you might want to schedule an appointment to see the car yourself or have it inspected by a third party. In the interim you may want to have the seller fax or send copies of certain records such as the title (both sides) and verification of major services / repairs. If the seller hesitates or insists on a deposit first by wary. See the article entitled Ferraris: deposits and other scams.
FOLLOW-UP QUESTIONS TO ASK YOURSELF AFTER YOU’VE HUNG UP THE PHONE:
What’s your gut reaction?
Does this car seem like a possibility?
Does the current owner seem like he cared for the car?
Why am I interested in buying “this” car?
Am I willing to pay a premium because someone else has already done most of the
serious work on the car?
Or
Is this a car I can buy cheap and put some sweat equity into?
What is the most that I’m willing to pay for this car?
What is the least that I think that the car can be had for?
TAKING THE NEXT STEP: CHECKING OUT YOUR DREAM CAR WHILE KEEPING YOUR HEAD
It can be said that owning a Ferrari is not a logical decision, but one of emotion. Nonetheless buying a Ferrari (especially your first) with your heart overriding your head can lead to a less than enjoyable experience in the long run. Here’s a LOGICAL checklist and some suggestions on how to go about evaluating a Ferrari without letting emotions get in the way. Remember: patience is a virtue and is often rewarded. If this isn’t the car, there will be another and don’t forget the age old caveat: If it sounds too good to be true…!
SUGGESTIONS:
PART 1. MECHANICAL INSPECTION CHECKLIST
--- TOOLS TO BRING FOR INSPECTION:
Essentials: A cynical, mechanically-minded friend, your standard tool set, Voltmeter, Compression Gauge, Tire gauge, Flashlight, Magnet, the 2 different spark plug sockets, spray lube, clean rags, clipboard, pen and hi-liter to use with a photocopy of this list, some cash, drivers license and copy of your insurance showing you are covered driving the sellers car.
Optional: tow rope, starting fluid, jumper cables, timing light, ramps, jack (floor or scissors), mirror, coveralls, rags, gas can, oil, duct tape, wire, repair manuals, misc. fuses, calculator.
PART 2. EXTERIOR AND INTERIOR INSPECTION.
--- Don’t’ start the engine yet ---
--- OWNERSHIP VERIFICATION: (Do all of the following agree and seem right?)
Name on title: __________________________________________________________
Name on registration: ____________________________________________________
Model/Year on title: _____________________________________________________
VIN on title: ___________________________________________________________
VIN on registration: _____________________________________________________
VIN on dash: ___________________________________________________________
VIN on door: ___________________________________________________________
Mileage on title: _________________________________________________________
Mileage on odometer: _____________________________________________________
Price on title: ____________________________________________________________
Asking price: ____________________________________________________________
Blue Book price: _________________________________________________________
--- IS THE CAR READY TO SELL:
OK Not-OK
____ ____ Title ready for transfer? Any liens?
____ ____ Do body numbers match those on title?
____ ____ Title in sellers name?
____ ____ Title marked Salvage or TMU?
____ ____ Do body numbers match registration?
____ ____ Current Emissions certificate, < 30 days old?
____ ____ Current registration? Current Plates?
____ ____ Current Safety certificate if req’d, < 30 days?
--- EXTERIOR WALK-AROUND:
OK Not-OK
____ ____ Check door edges and underside for rust/tears
____ ____ Check doors/hinges for stress/tears
____ ____ Doors/hoods open/close
freely? Rubs?
____ ____ Is anything obviously broken?
____ ____ Are grill/lights cracked, dented or broken?
____ ____ Car sits level? (view from all sides)
____ ____ Are bumpers dinged? Rusty? Loose? Level?
____ ____ Paint OK? Panels same shade? Cracks?
____ ____ Any of the trim or hubcaps rusty or missing?
____ ____ New Paint? Why? Any body ripples?
____ ____ Find bottom of trunk/side wells. Rust? Holes?
____ ____ Rust/repair on body? Fenders? Sills?
____ ____ Raise/lower the top. Condition? Does it leak?
____ ____ Any Bondo? Fiberglass? (magnet) Why?
____ ____ Rubber parts and seals condition? Cracked?
____ ____ Any fender dings or misalignment? Why?
____ ____ Gas Tank & fill hose OK? Rusty? Patched?
____ ____ Door/hood dings? Misalignment? Why?
____ ____ Jack OK? Spare tire good? Jack points good?
____ ____ Tires: Tread? Bulges? Cracks? All the same model/brand?
____ ____ Rims: Bent? Rusted? Cracks? All the same?
--- UNDERSIDE
OK Not-OK
____ ____ Anything dented? Bent? Welded? Why?
____ ____ Any underbody/floor pan/trunk rust?
____ ____ Any rocker panel or wheel well rust?
____ ____ Are main frame members rusted? Dogs?
____ ____ Disks grooved? Brake pads? Any leaks?
____ ____ Turn, push/pull driveshaft by hand
____ ____ Any movement or slop? U-joints OK?
____ ____ Constant velocity joints and boots OK?
____ ____ Camber? Caster? Tire wear even?
____ ____ Suspension loose? Pull on side/top of wheels
____ ____ All shocks & struts damp OK? Any leaks?
____ ____ Exhaust pipe/cats/muffler solid & original?
____ ____ Tail pipe: Grey=OK, sooty/oily/greasy=Not-OK
____ ____ Anything hanging down, taped or wired up?
____ ____ Any non-stock
suspension mods?
____ ____ All emissions/smog equipment intact?
--- UNDER HOOD
OK Not-OK
____ ____ Anything broken? Patched? Leaking?
____ ____ Is engine clean? Any rust? Stock?
____ ____ Has it overheated? Paint blistered?
____ ____ Check fluid levels. Look for leaks.
____ ____ Check fluid condition with flashlight.
____ ____ Any play in main crankshaft pulley?
____ ____ Any play in any of the other pulleys?
____ ____ V-Belts cracked? Frayed? Missing?
____ ____ Radiator corroded? Hoses cracked?
____ ____ Check coolant; run finger inside radiator neck to check for oil.
____ ____ Heater hoses stiff? Cracked? Patched?
____ ____ Vacuum hoses stiff? Patched? Capped? Missing?
____ ____ Is emissions equip original & working?
____ ____ Are catalytic converters original & working?
____ ____ Distributor, cap, rotor, and points OK?
____ ____ Wiring harness appearance? Any new electrical tape?
____ ____ Open fuse box. Any
missing? Any wiring hacks?
____ ____ Any non-stock engine modifications?
____ ____ Remove grounding cable, check for shorts
____ ____ System polarity: + or - ground?
____ ____ System voltage: _________ volts
____ ____ Battery age/voltage ______/_______volts
--- INTERIOR ELECTRICAL:
OK Not-OK
____ ____ Is anything broken? Torn? Patched?
____ ____ Carpets OK? Underlayment condition?
____ ____ Rust, rot or water
under the carpets?
____ ____ Any wiring hacks under the dash?
____ ____ Seats dirty or torn, redyed? Look under cover
____ ____ Do both seats adjust?
____ ____ Dash cracked? Headliner torn/dirty?
____ ____ Windshield cracked? Chips? Scratched?
____ ____ Windows all open & close freely? Any cracks?
____ ____ Mirrors all present and adjustable?
____ ____ Steering play? Does shaft move at all? Why?
____ ____ Brake pedal feels right? Smooth? Firm?
____ ____ Clutch pedal feels right? Smooth?
____ ____ All gauges/controls work? Stereo? Tape?
____ ____ Headlights high/low work? Lenses OK?
____ ____ Tail and side lights all work? Lenses OK?
____ ____ Brake lights all work? Any broken lenses?
____ ____ Turn signals all work? Any broken lenses?
____ ____ Windshield wipers & washer work?
____ ____ Heater, defroster, AC, and fans work?
____ ____ Safety equipment (seat belts, horn work?)
____ ____ Sound system installed competently?
PART 3: ENGINE START-UP, RUNNING, AND TEST DRIVE.
--- IGNITION ON, BUT DON’T START ENGINE:
OK Not-OK
____ ____ Temp light or gauge should come on. Connected?
____ ____ Oil warning light or
gauge should come on. Connected?
____ ____ Charge warning light or gauge should come on.
--- START THE ENGINE YOURSELF:
OK Not-OK
____ ____ Temp warning light goes out? Or gauge works?
____ ____ Oil warning light goes out? Or gauge works?
____ ____ Charge warning light goes out? Or gauge works?
____ ____ Do all idiot lights go on/out right?
____ ____ Are all other instruments working?
____ ____ Does it start easily when cold?
____ ____ Does it run smoothly when cold?
____ ____ Depress clutch several times. Noises?
____ ____ Oil Pressure: idle _________ 4000 RPM ________
____ ____ Volts/Amps: idle _________ 4000 RPM ________
____ ____ Any odd engine noises when cold?
____ ____ Exhaust condition/noises? Pressure even?
____ ____ Cap pipe with clipboard? Does it smoke?
____ ____ Any deposits on clipboard? Does it smoke?
____ ____ Turn car off. Does it restart? Restart again.
____ ____ Now pull forward. Check for leaks on ground.
____ ____ Do you have any gas? Does gauge really work?
---- TEST DRIVE (allow 30-40 minutes)
OK Not-OK
____ ____ Test the foot and hand brakes first.
____ ____ Relax, drive a bit to get used to it.
____ ____ How does car ridge? Soft or hard?
____ ____ Revs smoothly to red line? Flat spots?
____ ____ Any unusual engine noises / vibrations?
____ ____ Any drive train noises or vibrations?
____ ____ Reverse works? Rev lights go on/off?
____ ____ Trans shifts smoothly to all gears?
____ ____ Overdrive engages/disengages properly.
____ ____ Turbo engages/disengages properly?
____ ____ Any clunks, whines, rumbles, rattles?
____ ____ Clutch smooth? Slippage on hill test?
____ ____ Hand brake works? Test against engine.
____ ____ Is the low engine speed operation OK?
____ ____ Brakes strongly to stop from 50mph?
____ ____ Do brakes still work? Stops straight?
____ ____ Make 2 tight 360 degree turns each way. Any noises?
____ ____ Accelerates smoothly from dead stop?
____ ____ Are there any hesitations/flat spots?
____ ____ Does the power seem right? Hill test.
____ ____ Is it running too hot or cold? Why?
____ ____ Drive besides a long wall. Any unusual sounds?
____ ____ Is it too noisy in general at highway speeds?
____ ____ Any noises or vibrations when accelerating?
____ ____ Any noises or vibrations when coasting?
____ ____ Any noises or vibrations when decelerating?
____ ____ Any noises or vibrations when braking?
____ ____ Steering action loose or tight? Parallel park.
____ ____ Handles OK on bumps, curves and sharp corners?
____ ____ Bad understeer, oversteer, lean?
____ ____ Tracks straight with hands off steering wheel?
____ ____ Brakes straight with hands off steering wheel?
____ ____ Brakes still work? Pulls? Pulse? Drag? Noises?
____ ____ Having fun yet? Comfortable? Does it fit you?
____ ____ Do the heater, defroster and AC work right?
____ ____ Are all the instruments & lights still working?
____ ____ Now let it idle a while. Is temp stable/OK?
____ ____ Any exhaust, gas or coolant odors? Pull forward.
____ ____ Turn it off. Go back to check ground for leaks.
Have friend get out and watch the car driving or ideally have him follow behind:
OK Not-OK
____ ____ Tracks straight? Frame bent?
____ ____ Smokes?
____ ____ Wheels wobble? Any noises?
____ ____ Leans? General impression?
--- POST DRIVE:
OK Not-OK
____ ____ Open hood. See or hear anything unusual?
____ ____ Does engine seem too hot?
____ ____ Check for fluid leaks after shutdown.
(oil, coolant, hydraulics, trans, fuel, differential)
____ ____ Check oil cap and dipsticks for signs of water.
(oil off-color, brown/grey/white or bubbly)
For the truly paranoid:
OK Not-OK
____ ____ Compression test: (disconnect coil, remove ALL plugs)
1. Dry:
1___2___3___4___5___6___7___8___9___10___11___12___
2. Oiled:
1___2___3___4___5___6___7___8___9___10___11___12___
3. Plug condition? (OK? Burnt? Oily? Sooty?)
1___2___3___4___5___6___7___8___9___10___11___12___
____ Does it restart when warm? Why not?
(Federal regulations require you to state the odometer mileage upon transfer of ownership. An inaccurate or untruthful statement may make you liable for damages to your transferee, for attorney fees, and for civil or criminal penalties, pursuant to Sections 409, 412, and 413 of the Motor Vehicle Information and Cost Savings Act of 1972 (pub. L. 92-513, as amended by Pub. L. 94-364) and applicable state laws.)
I, the seller _________________________________, state that the odometer mileage on the vehicle described below now reads ________________________ miles/kilometers.
Circle ONE only:
(1) I hereby certify that to the best of my knowledge the odometer reading as stated above reflects the actual mileage of the vehicle described below.
(2) I hereby certify that to the best of my knowledge the odometer reading as stated above reflects the amount of mileage in excess of designed mechanical odometer limit of 99,999 miles/kilometers of the vehicle described below.
(3) I hereby certify that to the best of my knowledge the odometer reading as stated above is NOT the actual mileage of vehicle described below and should not be relied upon.
________________________________ ____________________________ ___________
Make Model Body Type
________________________________ ______________________ _________________
Vehicle Identification No Year Dealer Stock No.
Circle ONE only:
(1) I hereby certify that the odometer of said vehicle was not altered, set back, or disconnected while in my possession, and I have no knowledge of anyone doing so.
(2) I hereby certify that the odometer was altered for repair or replacement purposes while in my possession, and the the mileage registered on the repaired or replacement odometer was identical to that before such service.
(3) I hereby certify that the repaired or replacement odometer was incapable of registering the same mileage, that it was reset to zero, and that the mileage on the original odometer or the odometer before repair was _______________miles/kilometers.
_______________________________ _________________________________________
(seller 1’s signature) (date) (buyer 1’s signature) (date)
_______________________________ _________________________________________
(seller 2’s signature) (date) (buyer 1’s signature) (date)
Seller: Buyer:
Phone: Phone:
Address: Address: