Ferrari Mailing List: Re: Servicing Costs - 512TR

[Britt2Asa (Britt2Asa]

Its interesting that the prices below are broadly what it would cost to do  
this work here in the UK at a dealer/very good independent considering the  
current exchange rate is 2.10 dollars to the pound. here in the UK you would  
have 17.5% tax and the vastly more expensive cost of running a business so I  
guess you could say its actually cheaper to run a Ferrari here relative to the  
UK.
 
One thing I never hear you guys in the states mention is the effect on the  
value of the car of not using a dealer. When I moved here from Florida I 
quickly  learned that not having a dealer stamp in the service book of your car 
was 
a  guaranteed way to lose a lot of resale value on your car (all cars, not 
just  Ferrari). Nobody and I mean nobody would buy a prestige car (German, Jag, 
land  rover, ect) that was not dealer serviced unless it was at least 7 years 
old. It  is ingrained in the used car values that if you don't have the main 
dealer do  the work you value the car is if it has been abused. Home service 
doesn't  count.
 
On older Ferraris like my 400i where the dealer doesn't even know how to  
work on them you are OK if you have the work done by a well known specialist of 
 
which there are about 20 here in the UK which are highly regarded. Obviously  
work done by DK Engineering is as good as anybodies in the eyes of a buyer. If 
 however you had a 512TR and it WASN'T serviced by a main dealer most buyers  
would be put off and expect the price to be discounted hugely. The idea of 
doing  the work yourself regardless of your competence; since there is no proof 
it was  done I guess, would have the same as neglecting the car totally.
 
Strange but that's how it is. On my Alfa Spider I am taking the chance and  
do my own services because it is a 7k pound car but for the Ferrari regardless  
of how easy it is to change the oil I always have to take it to a specialist  
just to prove it was done!
 
Britt
 
 

After  previously being badly "burned" by an independent mechanic who 
performed major  service on my car in a seriously negligent manner (though with 
hindsight I was  admittedly quite stupid to have used him), I now prefer to use 
an 
authorized  dealer even though I am aware of some established independent 
Ferrari  specialists in my area with excellent reputations, who probably could 
perform  any work somewhat less expensively.

Could any of you tell me whether  the proposed dealer charges below are 
clearly excessive (e.g., at least 50%  more than what is likely to be charged 
for 
the same work by an excellent  independent mechanic)?

One year service: Change engine oil &  filter, lubrication, flush 
brake/clutch hydraulic systems. $451.50 plus parts  
Two year service: above services plus - change coolant, change transaxle  
oil. $645.00 plus parts
Five year service: replace timing belts and  accessory belts. $3096.00 plus 
parts 

It has been more than two years  since I had the two year servicing last 
performed, and more than six years  since the five year servicing, so both are 
recommended.  I have probably  averaged 3,000 to 4,000 miles annually during 
those periods.

Thoughts  (other than I should learn to do at least some of the work  myself)?

Thanks,
Larry