Problems at service time

[Mark999]

As you know Pete I've only just bought my 355, so not much insight to offer. Aside from the initial 3yrs, my car has been looked after by Migliore Cars in Bromsgrove. Really nice guys who specialise in older Ferrari's and Maseratis. Feedback seems to be very good and I used them myself for the PPI and to fit the Capristo exhaust. Overall I was happy, about rate seems to be reasonable and they seemed to go out of their way to keep me happy My only gripe, they didn't fit the capristo exhaust properly, the solenoid that comes with it wasn't fitted and there is a slight blow where it meets the cats (that could be down to something not related to their fitting). By their own admission, they were stretched to get my car ready and rushed it, the honesty was refreshing!

My intention is to use them for servicing and maintenance, but anything aftermarket, I'll go somewhere else (although not sure what else I would do aftermarket?)

I'm actually taking the car down tomorrow to what would be my second choice for servicing and probably my go-to for anything aftermarket: SB Race Engineering in Aylesbury. They've been so helpful on the phone and have given me confidence they can sort my exhaust for me as they have done many before (unlike Migliore) Labour rate is higher, probably as we're getting close to London. I'll let you know how I get on tomorrow and if I'd recommend them.

[Nosevi]

As you know Pete I've only just bought my 355, so not much insight to offer. Aside from the initial 3yrs, my car has been looked after by Migliore Cars in Bromsgrove. Really nice guys who specialise in older Ferrari's and Maseratis. Feedback seems to be very good and I used them myself for the PPI and to fit the Capristo exhaust. Overall I was happy, about rate seems to be reasonable and they seemed to go out of their way to keep me happy My only gripe, they didn't fit the capristo exhaust properly, the solenoid that comes with it wasn't fitted and there is a slight blow where it meets the cats (that could be down to something not related to their fitting). By their own admission, they were stretched to get my car ready and rushed it, the honesty was refreshing!

My intention is to use them for servicing and maintenance, but anything aftermarket, I'll go somewhere else (although not sure what else I would do aftermarket?)

I'm actually taking the car down tomorrow to what would be my second choice for servicing and probably my go-to for anything aftermarket: SB Race Engineering in Aylesbury. They've been so helpful on the phone and have given me confidence they can sort my exhaust for me as they have done many before (unlike Migliore) Labour rate is higher, probably as we're getting close to London. I'll let you know how I get on tomorrow and if I'd recommend them.

Thanks mate.

It does seem like there are options out there, it's just really the distance rather than the choice I guess. Migliore for instance would be a 4.5 hour round trip and SB Race Engineering would be 5. My fault for living in the depths of Lincolnshire really.

I have thought (briefly) about using a non-specialist. There's a fairly well regarded Porsche specialist just over 20 mins from my door in Horncastle. When I was there a couple of years ago one of the mechanics said he was ex-Ferrari and factory trained although he said he knows the older cars better than the newer ones now. The snag is really an admin one - she may have been worked on by a Ferrari trained mechanic but all the service history will say is she went to a Porsche indie. Does it matter?

[A348W]

I have thought (briefly) about using a non-specialist. There's a fairly well regarded Porsche specialist just over 20 mins from my door in Horncastle. When I was there a couple of years ago one of the mechanics said he was ex-Ferrari and factory trained although he said he knows the older cars better than the newer ones now. The snag is really an admin one - she may have been worked on by a Ferrari trained mechanic but all the service history will say is she went to a Porsche indie. Does it matter?

Ive used Migliore and no complaints. Similar to you I have at least 6 indies within 2 hrs, its just logistics that mean at least 1/2 day trip each way. Hence for me 20 minutes to DL who are ok end up winning out!

As to using a non specialist; personally i wouldn't. if they are willing to do their homework etc, maybe but even still, we have enough trouble with those who are suppose to be experts !!!

[Nosevi]

Ive used Migliore and no complaints. Similar to you I have at least 6 indies within 2 hrs, its just logistics that mean at least 1/2 day trip each way. Hence for me 20 minutes to DL who are ok end up winning out!

As to using a non specialist; personally i wouldn't. if they are willing to do their homework etc, maybe but even still, we have enough trouble with those who are suppose to be experts !!!

Very true. As I say, just thought about it briefly. It’s tempting, seems like a really nice setup and very convenient, but probably not worth it.

[PAUL V]

Hi Paul, good to hear from you. You have a refreshing attitude in many ways and having seen the work you did stripping down to essentially the shell and completely restoring your 348 I know you know these cars inside out…….. quite literally!

I’ll give what you’ve said some thought. I’ve definitely been guilty of what you say at times during my ownership, I can’t hand on heart say using a main dealer sometimes has been worth the ‘mark up’. I’ve also had the engine out and belts done every 4 years at the most and given the mileage I’ve done recently that seems like overkill when my other cars call for it at about 90,000 miles. Obviously different cars, belt length, revs etc but still.

As I say will give what you’ve said some though. Cheers

I think you need to add up all the £££ you have spent on servicing and what value that adds to your car at re-sale time

I think you will find you will be on the wrong side

Keeping these cars in good condition does require "work" and i am not saying ignore that , but the thousands spent on belt services you will never get this back, never !

When it comes to sale time the buyer should buy on condition and when was the last belt service done, the history on belt changes is not relevant.

You could argue if it has missed say 10 years of belt service what else could have been missed ? but that is where you are buying on condition.


I fully understand the value of that stamp in the book as i do it with my 458, but with my F430 in the 5 years i had it i did the 1st year main dealer (as it had always been done and did not want to break the cycle) but then come to my senses and the next 4 were done at good independent, this did not affect the value 1 bit.

[Nosevi]

I think you need to add up all the £££ you have spent on servicing and what value that adds to your car at re-sale time

I think you will find you will be on the wrong side

Keeping these cars in good condition does require "work" and i am not saying ignore that , but the thousands spent on belt services you will never get this back, never !

When it comes to sale time the buyer should buy on condition and when was the last belt service done, the history on belt changes is not relevant.

You could argue if it has missed say 10 years of belt service what else could have been missed ? but that is where you are buying on condition.


I fully understand the value of that stamp in the book as i do it with my 458, but with my F430 in the 5 years i had it i did the 1st year main dealer (as it had always been done and did not want to break the cycle) but then come to my senses and the next 4 were done at good independent, this did not affect the value 1 bit.

Can’t argue with any of that, Paul.

[sweeni]

I used Adam at AE Performance in Knutsford for 8 years and had zero quality issues. The owner wields the spanners and Adam is a man after a my own heart.
The good guys are out there, it’s just finding them [emoji106]

+1 for Adam. He has looked after my 550 since he did the PPI on it for me over 13 years ago.
I do also use a local garage for some work, particularly on the 308, but then the owner is an old school mate from nearly 50 years ago so we understand each other.....

[Nosevi]

+1 for Adam. He has looked after my 550 since he did the PPI on it for me over 13 years ago.
I do also use a local garage for some work, particularly on the 308, but then the owner is an old school mate from nearly 50 years ago so we understand each other.....

Cheers David, AE do seem to be a solid option.

[sweeni]

Cheers David, AE do seem to be a solid option.

One of the great things with Adam is that the guy who owns the company is the guy who wields the spanner’s and is the guy you actually talk to.

[francisn]

One of the great things with Adam is that the guy who owns the company is the guy who wields the spanner’s and is the guy you actually talk to.

Same with Mick at QV