I Bought a Cheap Wholesale Ferrari and it came with a Strange Noise...

Samcrac

20 May 202417:35

Summary

TLDRIn this video, the narrator recounts their experience with a cheap Ferrari California, which turned out to be a costly mistake. Despite initial appearances, the car had a faulty transmission that could cost up to $50,000 to repair. The narrator also highlights other minor issues like cosmetic damage and interior flaws, emphasizing the poor build quality for such an expensive car. They share their journey of diagnosing the problem, attempting a gearbox adaptation, and ultimately deciding to sell the car due to the high repair costs. The video serves as a cautionary tale about the hidden costs of owning a luxury car and the unreliability of certain Ferrari models.

Takeaways

😅 The narrator had a bad experience with a cheap Ferrari that had a noise issue costing $50,000 to fix.
🔧 Despite past success with DIY fixes on other luxury and exotic brands, Ferraris seem to be problematic for the narrator.
🗝️ The Ferrari's key was in poor condition, which should have been a warning sign of more issues.
🚗 The purchase of the Ferrari was impulsive and based on a low proxy bid that surprisingly won the car.
📈 The market value of the Ferrari California had been high, but the car in question had issues that lowered its price significantly.
🔍 The auction house provided valuable data on car sales, helping the narrator understand the market better.
🛠️ The Ferrari had a noisy transmission issue that turned out to be a common and expensive problem with the specific gearbox model.
💡 The narrator tried a gearbox adaptation to fix the noise issue, but it led to more serious transmission problems instead.
📚 The video referenced 'Hollywood Mechanic' Micah's videos as a resource for understanding the gearbox issues.
🚫 Ferrari's lack of assistance with out-of-warranty gearbox issues contrasts with Mercedes' extended warranty on similar issues.
🛑 Besides the transmission, the Ferrari had other minor issues like cosmetic damage and electrical problems, but these were manageable.
📈 The narrator managed to sell the Ferrari without loss, indicating that despite the issues, there is still a market for used Ferraris.

Q & A

What was the main issue with the Ferrari that the narrator bought?
-The main issue with the Ferrari was a noise coming from the rear, which was later identified as a problem with the seven-speed power shift transmission, known to have multiple complex and expensive issues.
What is Car Keys Express and how did it help the narrator?
-Car Keys Express is a service that provides replacement car keys at a fraction of the cost of dealerships. The narrator used it to get a replacement key for his Camaro without visiting a dealership.
What is the cost difference between getting a replacement key from Car Keys Express versus a dealership?
-The cost of a replacement key from Car Keys Express is up to 75% less than what a dealership would charge.
Why did the narrator decide to buy the Ferrari despite knowing it had issues?
-The narrator decided to buy the Ferrari because it was being sold at a significantly lower price than retail, and he believed he could fix the issues as a project car.
What is the purpose of the proxy bids mentioned in the script?
-Proxy bids are pre-bids placed in advance of an auction. They are usually set very low, and while they rarely win the car, they generate a report showing the actual sale prices of the cars, providing valuable market data.
What was the auction's initial stance on selling the Ferrari to the narrator?
-Initially, the auction was willing to sell the Ferrari to the narrator at his high bid, which was in the 50s, because the dealer wanted to get rid of it badly.
What was the outcome of the gearbox adaptation process performed on the Ferrari?
-After performing the gearbox adaptation, the gearbox warning light came on, and the car started skipping gears, specifically second and sixth gears, indicating a more serious issue with the transmission.
Why did the narrator reach out to Micah, also known as Hollywood Mechanic?
-The narrator reached out to Micah for his expertise and opinion on the Ferrari's transmission issue, as Micah had made informative videos on the specific gearbox and its common problems.
What other issues did the Ferrari have aside from the transmission problem?
-Aside from the transmission problem, the Ferrari had cosmetic issues like rock chips and curbed wheels, a faulty headlight jewel, a non-functioning TAC backlight, a dashboard that needed leather repair, and a check engine light with a crank cam correlation code.
What was the final outcome for the Ferrari after the narrator discovered all the issues?
-The narrator sent the Ferrari to auction with a mechanical issue disclosure. It sold quickly, and the narrator broke even on the purchase.

Outlines

00:00

😅 Struggles with a Cheap Ferrari

The narrator recounts their experience with a problematic Ferrari California that cost $50,000 to fix. Despite past success with other luxury brands like Porsche, Audi, and Bentley, the narrator admits to bad luck with Ferraris, often ending up with worst-case scenarios. The story begins with the purchase of a seemingly good deal on a California at auction, only to find out later about its extensive issues. The keys were a first sign of trouble, and the narrator opted for a cost-effective replacement key from Car Keys Express, saving significantly compared to a dealership. The California's auction price was once exorbitant, but the car had fallen in value, making it an attractive buy despite its flaws.

05:03

😨 The Unexpected Noise and Transmission Issues

After acquiring the Ferrari California, the narrator encountered a mysterious noise while driving, particularly noticeable in fifth gear during deceleration and acceleration. Initially, they suspected the worn-out suspension but soon realized the noise was coming from the gearbox. Upon inspection, they discovered the car had been taped with LED lights and lacked fluid leaks, but the noise persisted. The Ferrari's seven-speed F1 gearbox, known for its complexity and cost, was identified as the source of the problem. The narrator consulted with Micah, the Hollywood Mechanic, who suggested a gearbox adaptation as a potential fix. Unfortunately, this only led to more issues, with the car skipping gears and eventually displaying a gearbox warning light and throwing multiple fault codes.

10:04

🛠️ The Ferrari's Persistent Problems and DIY Solutions

Despite the gearbox issues, the narrator also highlights other minor problems with the Ferrari, such as cosmetic damage, faulty headlight jewels, and a non-functioning gauge cluster backlight. They mention the need for leather repair on the dashboard and a check engine light due to a crank cam correlation code, which is a known issue requiring replacement actuators under the valve covers. The narrator reflects on the car's overall poor build quality for a modern Ferrari and the high costs associated with repairs, especially for a used model. They eventually sold the car at auction, disclosing the mechanical issues, and managed to break even on the purchase.

15:06

🚗 Lessons Learned from the Ferrari Experiment

The narrator concludes by sharing the lessons learned from their experience with the cheap Ferrari. They emphasize that while the idea of owning an affordable exotic car is appealing, the reality often involves significant hidden costs and repairs. The story serves as a cautionary tale about the pitfalls of buying a luxury vehicle without fully understanding the potential maintenance and repair expenses. The narrator also encourages viewers to like and follow for more project updates, reflecting on the enduring allure of Ferrari despite the challenges faced.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Ferrari

Ferrari is an Italian luxury sports car manufacturer known for its high-performance vehicles. In the video, the narrator discusses their experiences with buying and owning a Ferrari, specifically pointing out the challenges and costs associated with maintaining one. The Ferrari in question, a California model, is highlighted for its issues, which contributes to the main theme of the video about the pitfalls of buying a 'cheap' luxury car.

💡DIY magic and intuition

DIY stands for 'Do It Yourself,' referring to the act of individuals performing tasks typically done by professionals. In the context of the video, the narrator mentions using 'DIY magic and intuition' to repair and enjoy other luxury and exotic cars like Porsches, Audis, and Bentleys. This concept is central to the video as it contrasts the narrator's usual success with DIY car repairs against the problems they faced with the Ferrari.

💡Car keys Express

Car keys Express is a service mentioned in the video that provides replacement car keys at a fraction of the cost of dealerships. The narrator uses this service to get a replacement key for their Camaro, illustrating an alternative to the high costs associated with car dealerships. This example is used to highlight a positive experience with a cost-effective solution in contrast to the problems faced with the Ferrari.

💡Proxy bids

Proxy bids are pre-arranged bids placed on an individual's behalf in advance of an auction. The narrator discusses using proxy bids at auctions, often setting them very low in hopes of securing a car at a bargain price. This concept is integral to the video's narrative as it sets the stage for how the narrator ended up with the problematic Ferrari.

💡Transmission

A transmission is the component of a vehicle that allows it to change speed, torque output, or rotation direction. In the video, the Ferrari's transmission is a central issue, with the narrator describing a mysterious noise and subsequent problems that suggest a failing gearbox. The transmission's issues are a key part of the video's theme, illustrating the high cost and complexity of maintaining a luxury car.

💡Gearbox adaptation

Gearbox adaptation is a process where a vehicle's transmission is recalibrated to optimize its performance. The narrator attempts to fix the Ferrari's transmission issues by performing a gearbox adaptation, which involves using a diagnostic tool to allow the transmission to self-adjust. This process is a key part of the troubleshooting steps taken by the narrator in the video.

💡Synchronizers

Synchronizers are components within a manual transmission that match the speed of the gears to be meshed. In the video, the narrator mentions trouble codes pointing to the synchronizers after the gearbox adaptation, suggesting that these parts of the transmission are failing. This is another example of the Ferrari's mechanical issues and contributes to the video's overall message about the challenges of owning a luxury car.

💡Check engine light

The check engine light is a dashboard indicator that signals a problem with the vehicle's engine or emissions system. In the video, the Ferrari has its check engine light on, which the narrator investigates and attributes to a crank cam correlation code. This is indicative of the various mechanical issues the narrator encounters with the Ferrari, reinforcing the video's theme of the difficulties of owning a cheap luxury car.

💡Cosmetically rough

Cosmetically rough refers to the exterior appearance of a vehicle that has visible damage or wear, such as rock chips and curbed wheels. The narrator describes the Ferrari as being 'cosmetically rough,' which initially seemed like a minor issue but turned out to be indicative of deeper problems with the car. This term is used to illustrate the initial impression of the Ferrari and how appearances can be deceiving.

💡Project car

A project car is a vehicle that an enthusiast buys with the intention of restoring or modifying it. The narrator initially considers the Ferrari a good 'project car' due to its low purchase price and the potential to fix its various issues. However, the complexity and cost of the transmission problems change this perspective, demonstrating the financial and practical challenges of such projects.

Highlights

The narrator's experience with a noisy Ferrari that supposedly cost $50,000 to fix.

Narrator's history of buying and repairing luxury cars like Porsches, Audis, and Bentleys, but having bad luck with Ferraris.

The purchase of a Ferrari California with the expectation of minor cosmetic issues but ending up with more significant problems.

The discovery that the Ferrari's keys were in poor condition, which should have been an initial warning sign.

The decision to avoid dealership prices and instead order a replacement key from Car Keys Express.

A detailed explanation of how to use Car Keys Express for ordering and syncing a new car key.

The auction process and the strategy of placing low proxy bids to gather data on car sales.

The unexpected purchase of the Ferrari California at a significantly lower price due to dealer desperation.

Initial observations of the Ferrari's condition and the subsequent discovery of a noise related to the transmission.

Investigation under the car to identify the source of the noise, revealing a complex issue with the transmission.

The revelation that the specific Ferrari gearbox is known for having multiple expensive issues.

Comparison between Ferrari's and Mercedes' responses to the gearbox issues, highlighting Ferrari's lack of support.

The narrator's attempt to fix the gearbox issue by running a gearbox adaptation, as suggested by a mechanic.

The gearbox adaptation process and the subsequent appearance of a gearbox warning light and error codes.

The realization that the gearbox is skipping gears, leading to the conclusion of a failed transmission.

The narrator's decision to send the car to auction due to the unfeasibility of repairing the transmission.

A summary of the car's other minor issues, such as cosmetic damage and electrical problems.

Reflection on the overall experience and the lesson learned about the reliability of certain Ferrari models and their transmissions.