2017 California - first buyer concerns

Remember that a Carfax is as good as the companies that sell them the info.

I’ve actually had mild body work done on cars out of pocket, and if you go to a body shop that doesn’t report to Carfax, it’ll never show up.

You might want to do some searching of the VIN on the internet and possibly VINWiki and see if anything comes up.

 

Have it inspected by a professional with a paint meter.

 

Looks to me like the bumper facade was replaced and they didn't match the paint correctly. I would definitely have it inspected before you commit to buy.

 

That is a significant colour variation that should not have left the paint shop. The misalignment also raises further questions as to the quality of repair. You should have a professional assess the vehicle for collision damage. If the bumper respray is a result of some type of accident then if they can't match the paint nor fit the panel then any repairs would be sub standard. If the bumper respray is simply a result of scrapes and chips then take the cost of having a professional respray done off the price. Maybe the second owner had an accident and is now selling after the repairs have been completed. Don't let the dealer pressure you this a big purchase and you can always find another one without a cloud over its history.

 

That colour match isn't even close! I'd refuse the deal until a proper one is fitted.

 

Do yourself a favor, go buy a car from a Ferrari dealer with a warranty. You might pay a bit more now but you don't want to your first Ferrari to be your last. I would be glad to introduce you to my dealer.

 

Exactly this. First Ferrari - you don't want nagging doubts. You want to be our there enjoying your car...T

 

I would ALWAYS have an independent and good quality PPI done, even when buying used from a Ferrari dealer with a warranty (IMHO based on real time experience Ferrari dealers are used car dealers just like all the rest, no better, no worse). This car has obvious issues and you need to be able to fully understand them in order to make a decision. May be a great car with a minor readily fixable issue, maybe not.

 

I dont know why everyone is making this such a big deal. Front bumpers get painted all the time. Silver is a hard color to match. Also, it isn't uncommon for the factory to not have plastic bumpers match on a aluminum car. Look at any xk8.

That being said... Ferraris typically don't have that problem, but many of them also get repaired in transit as well.

People are correct, have the car inspected. It will tell you the whole story. Worst case they try to sell you a different better california for a better price... or a better value.

But if the bumper was painted which it most definitely has... its not the end of the world.

Also, a paint meter isn't going to work on a bumper cover so thats not going to tell you squat.

 

Lovely car.

Outstanding color combo.

Welcome to The Obsession.

 

Indeed. Very tasty looking Cali.
Enjoy.
T

 

Paint over metal , paint over plastic. Different shades
I have a 3 layer paint Bianco Fuji on my Cali and the shades is different and a $30K extra cost . The headlights do not always fit properly from side to side
Seen that in Cali, 458 and other Ferrari

Enjoy the car

 

I can certainly see your concerns. If it bothers you too much, have the plastic bits wrapped in flat black. That would also protect the original finish from rocks and errant squirrels.

 

I think the best solution is for you to make sure you are in the driver’s seat as often as possible.

Slight color mismatches aren’t visible from the best seat in the house.

 

Precisely. Find a twisty road, throw it in manual /sport mode, hit the accelerator, & the cares of the world just fade away!
T

 

gorgeous car man!

 

I had the front bumper resprayed on my Grigio Titanio 430 after repairing the chin scrapes. Color match is perfect. So it can be done on a grey car.

With that said I would ask, why is this one the one? The California isn’t exactly a rare car so I’m sure there’s plenty of options out there. The color isn’t that rare either, as I’m pretty sure I’ve seen a few in that combination.

How does the price compare? If it’s way below market for a 2017, perhaps this is why. If you’re good with that, have at it. If it bothers you, keep looking.