There was a time when I fancied a Rolex from hush-hush street costing all of hundred dirhams. Thankfully, that fancy did not last more than a few days – so I never got to know how long the watch lasted. I realised I was not the fake-it-but-just-flaunt-it kinda guy. Authentic and original mattered to me. That brings us to the question: how much does it matter to have an “Approved Certification” of a pre-owned product by the brand itself? When you are buying something worth hundreds of dirhams or eve millions, it totally matters – like a Ferrari.
How much does the certification matter?
As you know, owning a Ferrari is not really about owning a red car that moves like thunder. It is a whole lifestyle, just as refined as it is rapid. Consider the Scuderia Ferrari, Corsa Ferrari Clienti and even the Ferrari world. It is a universe by itself. So, when you buy a Ferrari, whether it is new or pre-owned, you are actually buying into a legacy. I would say, the stories that kissed the miles that went by make the pre-owned models even more so.
Therefore, at the Ferrari headquarters in Maranello, Italy and across the world at the authorized dealerships, this heritage of excellence is maintained through the Ferrari Approved Certification. The Approved pre-owned certification programme stems from the insistence on maintaining this heritage through an intricate inspection process that guarantees the ultimate satisfaction for the next owner.
As good as new
There is no difference in the operating standard of a brand-new Ferrari and a pre-owned Ferrari. Both need to live up to the high standards set by the brand and the high expectations of the owner who perhaps is acquiring a long-cherished dream. Talking about dreams, the Ferrari Approved, pre-owned initiative has brought pristine Ferrari vehicles accessible to a few more, for whom it was just an extra stretch farther. Coming back to the perpetuity of standards, these pre-owned vehicles have to undergo a programme comprising a series of wide-ranging checks and numerous guarantees that have been approved by the parent company before they are made available to seekers.
How are the standards maintained?
A total of 190 individual checks are carried out before a used Ferrari may be bestowed with an Approved “license”
The local Ferrari dealership starts with a detailed technical inspection by highly skilled Ferrari technicians who have been trained at Maranello itself. They initially verify the origin and maintenance history of these vehicles to ensure they have been properly taken care of and have no major accidents in their service history.
This detailed examination of 190 aspects includes the mechanical and electrical system as well as the state of the suspension, brakes, cooling system and steering system. Secondary checks are carried out on air conditioning, the dashboard and all safety systems. Functional aspects like the lights, wheels and tires are all made sure to be in excellent standards. Needless to say, the standards are Ferrari standards of safety, performance and reliability.
Once the comprehensive checks are completed, seasoned testers give it the final test of fire – how the car drives – to ensure it is functioning at 100 percent.
This assistance covers the parts and labour for major repairs. Another benefit of a Ferrari Approved car is that it has an unlimited mileage warranty, except for parts subject to routine maintenance such as brake pads & brake disks, tyres and other normal wear and tear. The assistance programme is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and includes assistance in the event of a breakdown, no matter where you are.
With such a comprehensive certification programme being applied, the Ferrari Approved pre-owned initiative guarantees the quality of all vehicles being sold as well as the support required to ensure a positive experience for all owners.
The entire first floor of the new Ferrari showroom on Sheikh Zayed Road in Dubai is dedicated to Ferrari Approved, the Prancing Horse’s pre-owned certification programme.
This is what makes the guarantee possible
Such meticulous assessment of the exterior and interior of each car ensuring that every aspect of the vehicle is in top condition enables a guarantee of up to 24 months. Moreover, all those who purchase a pre-owned vehicle from an authorised Ferrari dealership will receive a written analysis of all the tests performed. Another unique advantage of buying a Ferrari Approved model is the transparency, regarding the history and performance of the car. This makes it possible to verify every item of information regarding the Ferrari. Moreover, Ferrari Approved cars come with roadside assistance for up to 24 months, besides the Ferrari warranty.
