Considering a California

I was in the same boat as you recently and I was able to acquire a preowned Cali 30 with HS package. To answer your questions...

1. Rear seats of the Cali seem smaller than a 911. But you should be fine if front passenger gives some space to your 10-year old behind him/her.

2. I think policies vary on each country. For the 7 year maintenance plan, it only covers consumables and I had to pay labor fees. While for general warranty, the dealer did offer an extended warranty package.

3. I've only tried an R8 in V8 although I've driven late model Gallardos which use the same V10 and transmission. While power is good, after tasting dual clutch transmissions (PDK, DCT, etc), at least for me, a single clutch feels quite dated and clunky especially for a powerful car. For older sports cars, I'd probably even prefer a manual. So between the Cali 30 and previous V10 R8, unless cost or reliability are concerns, I'd surely go for the Cali.

4. I think this is more of a personal choice. If a pre-owned FF was available at similar prices as the Cali 30 where I'm from, I actually might consider it as I've never had a V12 and the interior looks more sophisticated. Anyway, I am enjoying the Cali as it's actually quite a comfy ride. It's not hyper fast but the exhaust note alone makes you fall in love with the brand. Maybe I feel this way because I'm new to the brand but I guess I'm enjoying the moment.

 

Just curious how reliable is a Cali? I'm thinking of one for the future. I've driven Mercs for my daily drive, I"ve got an old 911 (1968 build) and all my cars for the past 20 years have been really reliable (in fact, when I was working in the auto industry, the target build life of a car was 150,000 miles). Are Ferrari's built to this standard now?

 

My wife and i rented a 2016 Cali T for a week while in vegas. I was very surprised how well mannered it was on the street, and my wife loved how comfortable she was in the car. Al that said the car we used had 36k on it and we added another 2 k on it in a week. It performed flawlessly. cant speak as to how well the radio works as we never turned it on, and never used the GPS either used mine since i already knew how to use it and had stuff already marked.

Overall I was quite happy with the experience, and have been looking at earlier models. From what i can tell the earlier ones are about 100 hp less and have a more dated radio (similar to what is in my Ram truck and my wifes Town and country) and have looks that pay homage to the 250 California from the 50's. I actually like the looks of the 90 -14 cali but like the more modern hood personally.

The only thing I wonder about is availability of parts in 20 more years for these. By all accounts the California is more an everyday car and most people seem to agree. Im thinking it will be what I wind up purchasing and im planning to start my serious searching in around a year after i pay off my truck. Ive already been tucking money away in anticipation of a future purchase. Im kinda hoping that since the Portofino was announced that prices of the cali 30 come down a bit more since i have a wife imposed cap on what im allowed to spend on "toys" so i might be able to get more car for the money but my crystal ball is a little fuzzy so we will see.

 

Annual maintenance is free for 7 years from the in-service date of the car, but must be performed within 30 days of that day on either side, I believe ... so if you miss a maintenance, you can't make it up for free.

The original warranty is 3 years from the in-service date of the car. That can be extended for one or two years for full coverage ... but only if the original warranty has not expired. I don't know if you'll find a 2014 that has not expired yet. You can still buy the New Power extended warranty on an annual basis, as long as the car passes inspection and is up-to-date on scheduled maintenance. This covers major components and is worth having, in my opinion, although it is not as comprehensive as the new warranty -- I extended my 2013 for two years and it's up at the end of next June, so I will buy the New Power at that point, assuming no one buys my car as I have had it up for sale, though I am wondering why lately : )

My car has been very reliable, aside from a problem with a convertible top sensor that was causing "roof failure" errors when the top was fully up or fully down. Once they figured out which sensor it was, the car has been fine, but it took them a few tries. That I blame more on the technician at my dealer than I do on the car. As far as engine, brakes, gearbox, etc., no issues ... but I still think the warranty is a good thing to have for peace of mind.

I looked at the new R8 ... it left me a little flat, it looks a little too much like a TT and not special enough. I can't say enough how comfortable and nice it is to own the California 30 ... I just drove a mint 2015 911 Turbo S cabriolet and even though that car is scary fast it felt heavy and not nearly as much fun to drive as the Cali 30 -- the Cali 30 feels light, with razor sharp handling and the sound of the motor puts the Porsche to shame.

I have also driven an FF recently and as wonderful as the V12 is, and the extended utility of the car, I would not trade it for the top-down experience and sound of the Cali 30 ... driving a Ferrari in the open air is just a terrific experience.

 

You can buy the extended warranty for about $4400 per year ... insurance will vary by your location and driving history but mine (in Rhode Island) is about $3k. Maintenance is free.

I would argue that the California -- if it is in a more understated color (mine is grigio titanio -- a dark silver) than, say, red -- is more under the radar than a new R8 which presents more as an exotic.

The FF is a marvelous car but has relatively limited appeal ... the fact that you can buy a near-$400k sticker 2014 FF certified with 7k miles from a Ferrari dealer for $175k ... they have fallen a long way from new. So have the Californias, but not quite that drastically. Both will bottom out eventually. But I think the California will always be easier to sell. The FF is heck of a lot of car for the money now if you're going to keep it, but then again the warranty costs more on the 12 cylinder cars, and eventually the maintenance will be more expensive.