Ferrari purchasing question. | FerrariChat

Ferrari purchasing question.

Discussion in 'Ferrari Discussion (not model specific)' started by Azar, Nov 28, 2019.

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  1. Azar

    Azar Rookie
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    Nov 28, 2019
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    Pouya Azar
    Hello all, I’m new to this forum, I don’t have a Ferrari, more of a Porsche guy, but am helping a friend purchase his first Ferrari.
    He’s s trying to buy a 1989 Ferrari TR from a Ferrari dealer but the dealer won’t take the car to an independent Ferrari specialist for a PPI, they will however allow someone to check the car onsite. The independent guy says he can do a general look over at the Ferrari dealer but will only do a full PPI at his own shop. Is this normal? Do Ferrari dealers not take their cars for a third party PPI?

    thanks in advance for the advice!
     
  2. DocPaulo

    DocPaulo Rookie

    Oct 12, 2019
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    ROMMEL MESOLA
    Probably liability concerns.. what if something gets damaged, or stolen...
     
  3. Azar

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  4. RonH

    RonH Formula 3

    May 29, 2016
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    Ron H
    I am not a lover of Ferrari dealers in terms of buying used cars. I had one in the past do a PPI and they missed an obvious problem that was readily noticeable when the car was driven. Their excuse was that they don’t drive the car as part of the PPI! Also, my experience is many of them don’t allow you to test drive the car. Again, the liability and damage risk crap— That is what they have insurance for. They need to understand that you have the money and they want it. Therefore you have the leverage and they have to respond to reasonable requests. Showing them your back as you walk out the door does wonders for an attitude adjustment.

    I would not buy a car unless it could be test driven. I would also not buy a used car from a Ferrari dealer unless it can get a full blown independent PPI. Just saying—-these guys are not your friends!
     
    willrace and EastMemphis like this.
  5. Azar

    Azar Rookie
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    Agree, thing is, I told them it’s a deal breaker and they apologized and offered to return the deposit. ‍♂️


    Sent from my iPhone using FerrariChat.com mobile app
     
  6. DocPaulo

    DocPaulo Rookie

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    And it may possibly have issues they dont want to deal with.. probably wanting a collector that will never drive it who will pay collector premium...they are out there
     
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  7. EastMemphis

    EastMemphis Formula 3
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    May 25, 2019
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    I'd up that a notch and say "I would also not buy a used Ferrari unless it can get a full blown independent PPI."

    No matter who you buy the car from, it has to have an independent PPI. If the car has already had a PPI by the seller, only accept it if you can talk to the tech who did the PPI and be satisfied it's valid.
     
    RonH likes this.
  8. Azar

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    Ok interesting, thank you all for the advice! They have agreed to an independent PPI but has to be done at their facility, I’m thinking that‘s a good sign. No?


    Sent from my iPhone using FerrariChat.com mobile app
     
  9. BOKE

    BOKE Beaks' Gun Rabbi
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    Better than a no to a PPI. You may want to start a thread in the Boxers/TR/M forum for more expert Testarossa advice.

    If you post the VIN you may find someone on FerrariChat that knows the car.
     
  10. Azar

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  11. C1C7M

    C1C7M Karting

    Jun 11, 2018
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    If your friend provides proof of funding for the potential purchase and then finds a local, reputable shop versed in Ferraris, then I’ll bet that the dealer becomes very accommodating.
     
  12. Azar

    Azar Rookie
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    Thanks for your response! So he showed proof of funding and put $5k down but they still refused and offered to return his deposit. They say it’s their policy to only allow third party inspections at their facility. I’ve never bought a car without getting a PPI at a separate facility but I’ve also never dealt with this price point. I’m thinking, given that they are allowing a independent inspection at their shop, perhaps that’s just how they do business.


    Sent from my iPhone using FerrariChat.com mobile app
     
  13. vrsurgeon

    vrsurgeon F1 World Champ
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    So when I bought my 360, the first seller told me they want a $5000 deposit to release the car offsite to do a PPI with the guy I recruited to do it (Murray Bacchus- awesome guy!). The car had been sent to a second dealer to sell it due to these shenanigans. The second dealer of course said "no problem, I know murray for years! But you pay transport to do it.." Of course I bought the car from them.

    It's a dealership. If they feel that comfortable that the car is EXACTLY as they say it is, as it is represented... then they should have no problem with a 24 money back guarantee like Carmax right? You buy the car, inspect it, and if it is NOT as they represent.. then you should be able to send the car back right? Or better yet, they should feel comfortable putting a warranty on it, their word right? If they allow a PPI on their premises, will they allow the use of their lift for said inspection (riiiiight this will happen).

    If a dealer tells you that you must buy a car and trust their representation of it, and if it's not as they represent and you find out AFTER you buy it "they'll make it right"... I'd tell them to stick it where the sun don't shine. This is what will happen. It will look good.. but there will be an issue you can't see with a cursory exam (diff maybe? maybe something else?).
    You'll find this out AFTER they have the money. And they will tell you "we'll make it right". And then they'll stop returning your calls And then they won't be in.. and they'll drag it out as long as they can until you give up, or until taking it to small claims is more cost to you than fixing it and enjoying it yourself. And you'll come on FChat and rant about it, but you won't be able to name the dealer.. or you will and nothing will change. Worse, some posters here will claim it was your fault for not getting an INDEPENDENT PPI.

    If they make it hard to get an independent inspection, walk and find another car who will.

    Actually, if I felt *frisky* I'd take a certified check for the whole amount AND a dinner out for the sales rep and hold it up to their face. When they say no off site inspections.. I'd tear it up right in front of them and walk out.. heck I'd even film it and put it on YouTube.
     
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  14. Rossocorsa1

    Rossocorsa1 F1 Veteran

    May 14, 2017
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    #14 Rossocorsa1, Dec 14, 2019
    Last edited: Dec 14, 2019
    I know it’s fashionable to criticize dealers, but why is the independent inspector being so difficult? The OP didn’t say the dealer won’t allow a thorough inspection. The dealer offered to have him come into their shop and conduct a PPI. Seems very reasonable to me. I once considered a 355 for sale at a Ferrari dealer and I had an independent come into their shop. They have lifts, etc. They were very accommodating. Tell the independent inspector not to be so difficult and go do the inspection, or find someone else. Problem solved.

    My advice - set aside all these chest pounding comments. If your friend really likes the car, find a less prideful independent go to the dealer and conduct an inspection. Why let a car he desires slip through his hands just because of something stupid like that? Nothing obligates him to buy the car.
     
    EnzoItaly likes this.

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