PPI Questions

Sean: I agree with doing a proper PPI, with compression and leak-down tests.... visual inspection for any leaks, seepage......checking the frame for damage........checking every electrical, FI, clutch, suspension, brake, trans issue.......etc, etc, etc,....... And then deducting accordingly. Only by doing all of this will one be insured of a "proper" car.

HOWEVER, reality is different!!!!!!!

This is an excellent example of what someone called "Paralysis by Analysis".....I really like that phrase.

I think that there are a WHOLE LOT more uneducated people (suckers, as you call them) out there looking to buy a Ferrari, than there are educated ones, like yourself. I would rather call them impulse buyers, than suckers. THAT is the problem!!!!!!!....and dealers KNOW this. It appears that the disparity between the knowledge they have, compared to yours, is growing as you acquire even more. Hence, the number in your group will even get smaller, and buying the "proper" car will become much more difficult. I would guess that the seller, in WI (close to me) sold his car to the "impulse" buyer......no PPI!!!!!!!

When trying to sell my TR recently, no one asked for a PPI......they just wanted the car at the lowest price. I have sold 7 Ferraris over the years of ownership......and not ONCE did I have to get a PPI.

To be honest, if I where to sell a Ferrari, even now, and someone came to me requesting ALL the inspections, etc, I would probably refuse. While I agree this is WRONG, I can't help to think of the hassles involved.....even if I wasn't trying to hide anything. I would rather get the impulse buyer, any day...and what he would pay would probably be more anyway. I would refuse to be nit-picked into a lower price.

As more buyers become educated, and start outnumbering the impulse buyers, only then can we demand PPIs, inspections, etc. However, I don't believe that we are there yet......and probably never will be.

My nephew is going through this very same thing with trying to buy a house in the Chicago suburbs....he analyzes price paid for the house several years ago, allows for appreciation, etc, etc, and comes up with a "fair" market value for it. He then finds that an offer was made $20k-40K OVER this price, by some "uneducated" buyer. Very frustrating, especially since my nephew is in real-estate sales himself (industrial buildings). He agrees that he is getting TOO educated to compete in the housing market.

Just my thoughts!!!!

How about if I go check the car out? I can do most of the stuff, put in on THERE lift, look for rust/damage, check over the electronics, make sure all the switches work, etc. I talked with the guy again and he was not to open to taking it out, but said I was more then welcome to go over the car with their mechanic in their facility (although, he probably figures I'm one of those "uneducated" buyers - keep those comments to yourself JRV ;)...of course, maybe he's had a few bad experiences with outside shops and he has a ZERO policy for this kind of stuff.

About the only thing I really could not check would be to tell if it's in proper tune. It may run nice, but that doesn't mean it's not rich/lean.

Then, just have him do the compression check while I stand there and watch him. Yeah, it's MY time, but that is again cheap insurance.

"....not open to taking it out...."???????? You mean you can't even test drive the car? If so, then definitely WALK!!!!!! Don't even bother.

I bought my 88 TR 5 years ago, without a test drive. When I first saw it, it was on a lift at the F dealer, getting the upgraded 512TR rear end in. After finding out who owned it, I bought it on the spot.......STILL on the lift. The dealer knew the owner, and serviced EVERYTHING concerning the car since new (he was their BEST Ferrari customer).

When I was in the market for a BBi last year, the dealer told me about a car they have on consignment, but not on their premises. They told me it was nearly PERFECT. It was to be at a Ferrari event, at some polo club the next day (Sunday). After seeing the receipts on what was done to the car, I made an offer on Saturday, even without seeing the car. Of course, this was contingent on my accepting the car, when I was to see it on Sunday. I went to the polo Ferrari event and saw the car. The dealer agreed to fix some minor issues, and I bought the car on the spot.

BOTH cars took only several weeks to find......and I am, to this date, VERY satisfied with both.

These are examples of where the dealer and I have a very good relationship. They knew me for years, and I have bought from them before. Often times, you just have to go with your 'gut feeling'.

I somewhat doubt that they will do the compression test, even if they have nothing to hide......just my feeling. I would not let someone do a compression test, or leak-down, on a car that I sell, unless it is at a dealer that I TRUST. What if they strip a plug hole.....who's fault is it???????? You would have a hard time proving it.

Inspect the car, with the mechanic, and if you still like it, then agree on a mutual price, BUT make it contingent on a test drive.......they will then HAVE to let you drive it. If you are satisfied with the drive, then pay them. Simple as that.

?? What happened to my reply..oh well.

Yes, they'll let me test drive the car and I would have THEIR mechanic do the test and I would just watch so I can verify what they tell me.