Ferrari California buying advice

Which do you prefer - light or dark interior - also check recent mileage eg last 3 years to get a feel for most recent use pattern (higher/lower) - lots of other California advice here in this section - probably starting with get a PPI - then decide if you want a full Ferrari warranty which will necessitate an inspection at a main dealer (dark interior car may get by due to recent main dealer service)

 

The car's overall condition, color, options and service history should take precedence over mileage if you're not looking to resell. If you're set on buying the Ferrari warranty, you'll be covered for the top $$ repairs such as DCT and Roof (which both low and high mileage cars are equal candidates). If you bought the low mileage one but for example the interior color wasn't really what you wanted, at some point, in your mind, you'll be wishing you had chosen what you really wanted in the first place.

 

^Good advice.

I'd prioritize what's important in terms of must-have and would-be-nice. For my wife and I, finding a color that we wouldn't see every day was important, CPO, authorized dealer, and good service records were in the must-have category. Would-be-nice items were things like stitched cavallino, spare tire kit, etc.

I'm guessing this will be a weekend / fun car and not a DD. If so, I wouldn't compromise on the must-have list, but be flexible on would-be-nice.

The mileage for both - assuming those are not km - are both OK. The Cali can handle miles. My 2011 has 50K km. It's been a blast to own.

Good luck. The hunt is just the first part of the Ferrari experience.

T

 

Good question. I recommend viewing/driving both cars. Don't be afraid of the higher mileage car if it has been well maintained. I purchased my car with 20k miles. Ran great year one. This year - needed tires, power top repair, de-carbon of the intake/injectors. This was 7k by itself. If the higher mileage car has had the de-carbon service performed - you'll be good on that for another 30k miles. If not - this service will likely be due - so this car just became 7k more expensive (in theory). Check top operation for both cars as well. Multiple cycles. Good luck with your decision.

 

My advice would be take your time and get exactly what you want otherwise you're just going to be shopping again soon...

My 14k mile cali has cost me a lot in maintenance the past couple years, service history is more important that mileage. Carbon cleaning and suspension specifically, other things like the tranny and top are hit or miss...

 

I own a 2013 Cali30 HS. It really is a fantastic car (design, beauty, presence, handling, exhaust, performances that are still on top of the world compared to almost every sports cars sold new today, quick shifting, hard top coupe as well as convertible, …). 1 person can fit in the back (behind the passenger’s seat) as long as it’s a child (longer trips) or an adult (less than 5’7”) for short trips.

* Yes, service history is important, you want to make sure that the car has been well cared of and has received its annual checkups + done by reputable professionals.

* If you can, buy a CPO from an authorized dealer, it generally adds peace of mind + an official warranty (mine came with a 2-year power15 warranty). If the purchase is not from an F dealer, always have a PPI done to check the vehicle.

* If you can spend a little bit more, get a 2013 (more powerful than 2012, improved performances and handling)

* What to check? Mostly the top + DCT

 

It sounds like your garage might look like mine soon. I have 2011 R8 V10 Spyder & 2011 California (red R8, black on black Cali)

As others have mentioned, get a PPI & warranty - it will pay dividends. And mileage shouldn’t scare you, mine was higher mileage (20+ K), but the car has truly surprised me with how trouble free it is. ABSOLUTELY get a good tender for the battery (CTek)and religiously use it when garaged. Mine has been one of the pleasures of my lifetime.

Cheers, and good hunting!


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Hi, what needed to be done on the suspension on your Cali?

 

Magneride shocks are leaking, replace, rebuild or go aftermarket....still deciding. I'm wary of putting non OEM parts on a Ferrari even if it's a California but the aftermarket actually looks like a much better option, not sure what to do...

 

Congrats! Now we're going to need pictures!
T