Cautious first time buyer questions

[Bax__]

Hey folks

I am looking at buying my first Ferrari at the moment and I’m looking at a few F430’s, the cars I like are all being sold by specialist sports car companies in England as I want some sort of warranty. There are two dealers that have cars I’d seriously consider buying but these dealers seem to have some bad press historically. So I’m thinking about getting an inspection done on the cars before viewing them. I have two questions…

- should I even consider these companies? I obviously don’t want to name names but if anyone knows of any garages selling Ferraris that I should steer away from I’d appreciate a heads up. I guess PM rather than in public would be best.

- can any one recommend some sort of Ferrari specialist who could inspect a couple cars in the south of England for me before I make a trip down from Scotland that would also be appreciated.

Thanks

[johnnyreggae]

To me it sounds like you are using inspection slightly differently to common use - generally PPI is done once the car is selected and involves a thorough mechanical check - your use is closer to a buying agent which is unusual - nonetheless a chat with someone like Tim at Walkersport or Mark at Morethanpolish (if either are still inspecting) might help - you could also talk to Aldous at AVEngineering who might know of a customer car

[Soleith]

Never used them myself but have heard nothing but positive comments re DK Engineering from several fellow owners.

Good luck! I'm sure it will be an epic experience once you get through the jitters of the purchase and have one in your garage.

[blueg33]

If you have found a car that you want inspecting I would recommend AV engineering in Ashford.

[Spleen]

For what's it worth I bought my F430 privately and without an inspection but did a lot of reading prior as well as asking a main dealer about the car who serviced it regularly. It's true to say that people will have peace of mind buying from a dealer (I know this as I was selling mine earlier this year and a few conversations I had with dealers all said much the same thing) but don't discount buying privately as any warranty that you might hope to get probably won't be what you would want it to be. Mine did need some work but nothing out of the ordinary - balljoints and exhaust bracket/tips.

I would argue the world of buying quality 360s/F430s is relatively small, those that are truly cared for by their owners are likely to have them serviced or maintained by reputable indies such as AV, GTO, DK Engineering, etc. Might be worth asking those guys first if they know of a car for sale that they could recommend, you've nothing to lose. Likewise if you've found a car privately, ask one if them if they would be happy to do an inspection and also if the owner is happy to have it inspected. The response to the latter will probably tell you everything you need to know.

[Bax__]

johnnyreggae said:

To me it sounds like you are using inspection slightly differently to common use - generally PPI is done once the car is selected and involves a thorough mechanical check - your use is closer to a buying agent which is unusual - nonetheless a chat with someone like Tim at Walkersport or Mark at Morethanpolish (if either are still inspecting) might help - you could also talk to Aldous at AVEngineering who might know of a customer car

Thanks, yes being up in Aberdeen I don’t want to be spending a few days testing different cars, I hoped I could weed out any dodgy dealers here and use a specialist to pick the best car but maybe I’m over thinking it….

[Bax__]

Soleith said:

Never used them myself but have heard nothing but positive comments re DK Engineering from several fellow owners.

Good luck! I'm sure it will be an epic experience once you get through the jitters of the purchase and have one in your garage.

Thanks!

[Bax__]

blueg33 said:

If you have found a car that you want inspecting I would recommend AV engineering in Ashford.

Thanks!

[Bax__]

Spleen said:

For what's it worth I bought my F430 privately and without an inspection but did a lot of reading prior as well as asking a main dealer about the car who serviced it regularly. It's true to say that people will have peace of mind buying from a dealer (I know this as I was selling mine earlier this year and a few conversations I had with dealers all said much the same thing) but don't discount buying privately as any warranty that you might hope to get probably won't be what you would want it to be. Mine did need some work but nothing out of the ordinary - balljoints and exhaust bracket/tips.

I would argue the world of buying quality 360s/F430s is relatively small, those that are truly cared for by their owners are likely to have them serviced or maintained by reputable indies such as AV, GTO, DK Engineering, etc. Might be worth asking those guys first if they know of a car for sale that they could recommend, you've nothing to lose. Likewise if you've found a car privately, ask one if them if they would be happy to do an inspection and also if the owner is happy to have it inspected. The response to the latter will probably tell you everything you need to know.

Yes I guess you are right, HPI check and asking some keys questions is probably all I’d really need but after being semi serious about buying a Ferrari a few times over the past 20 years now is the time it will happen so I probably am being over cautious. I appreciate the suggestions.

[corinthian]

It’s worth a call to Stewart Roden in Edinburgh, I’ve used him to service my 430 for the past 12 years, what he doesn’t know about 430s isn’t worth knowing, (he used to race them). He’ll do a pre-purchase inspection if you want and will know of any Ferrari in the area which might come up for sale.

[sardis]

Another great resource is Jonathan Tremlett who keeps a really detailed database on Ferraris and was most helpful when I was looking for a 430 a while ago. Worth contacting him if you have narrowed it down to a specific car.

Good luck in your search, it is part of the pleasure, it took me a year to find my last car but was worth the wait.

[WCZ]

dk are fantastic, you might pay a bit extra for them but it's worth it

[Bax__]

corinthian said:

It’s worth a call to Stewart Roden in Edinburgh, I’ve used him to service my 430 for the past 12 years, what he doesn’t know about 430s isn’t worth knowing, (he used to race them). He’ll do a pre-purchase inspection if you want and will know of any Ferrari in the area which might come up for sale.

Thanks I will take a look…

[Bax__]

sardis said:

Another great resource is Jonathan Tremlett who keeps a really detailed database on Ferraris and was most helpful when I was looking for a 430 a while ago. Worth contacting him if you have narrowed it down to a specific car.

Good luck in your search, it is part of the pleasure, it took me a year to find my last car but was worth the wait.

Thanks for the info..

[Bax__]

WCZ said:

dk are fantastic, you might pay a bit extra for them but it's worth it

Thanks…

[pete_esp]

You could have a word with Stuart Roden Motors in Winchburgh, just outside of Edinburgh. They are Ferrari specialists and also store cars, they might know of a decent car coming up for sale.

[Rari]

What’s your ideal spec/budget Bax?

[supersport]

Bax__ said:

WCZ said:

dk are fantastic, you might pay a bit extra for them but it's worth it

Thanks…

I bought my 430:from DK.

It’s now for sale privately, well it will be when I put the add up. Just got it back from service today so have been out enjoying it.

I brought a 458 and so it’s not been used much. I’d forgotten just how good the 430 is. A proper drivers car.

[Bax__]

Rari said:

What’s your ideal spec/budget Bax?

Hello, budget depends n the car really, I have no set figure in mind although I told my wife it would be in the 70’s but you know how that goes

As for spec, it’s open, Grigio Silverstone or Black car, Carbon bits, Nero Interior, preferably Daytona seats, parking sensors and iPhone connection. Would like a nice exhaust and quite like the Scuderia wheels but these could be added later. The newer the car the better but not fussed if it’s an early car that’s had the bugs irons out. . Although again it’s all open, it’s my first Ferrari so open minded really and willing to pay accordingly.

[mwstewart]

Go for a 2008 car if possible, assuming F1. They drive so much better.