Thinking of a California 30

Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login I just traded my 997 Turbo Cab for a 2013 Cali 30.

I have been a Porsche guy for 20 years and have owned 5 sports cars (Boxster and 4 911’s) and Still have a Cayenne S.

I was looking to upgrade and compared the 2015 911 Turbo Cab and a 2013 Cali 30.

The 911’s have been trouble free through all of my models, just basic maintenance, the Turbo Cab was a great car for everyday use if you wanted and then it had all the performance when you really wanted to drive it.

I really liked the 15 Turbo but it was SO familiar to me the Cali 30 was something new and different.

I had reconstructive back surgery about 10 years back and suffer from severe pain and have problems getting in and out of the other Ferrari choices. (No 430,458,488 for me)

The California has a softer ride than my 997 on its softest setting , Im a big guy and the Cali was a little tighter fit but still comfortable. The Tech and interior functions were more sophisticated in the 911 but the Cali was just more exciting.
The sound of the exhaust, the feel of the front end power is very different. I like the engine torque and how the naturally aspirated engine builds.

Overall they were both great cars but the look, feel and rarity made the California a more special purchase.

 

^ I own a 2011 911S and a 2011 Cali and I echo those statements. Both are great cars IMO, different enough to be enjoyed back to back for different reasons...T

 

Edit - where are my manners? Sharp looking Cali!!

 

Yes, I had to make sure the car was in working order, otherwise the next order would get back at me. Surprisingly, among the various issues I had, one was leaking on the aftermarket Capristo exhaust's O2 sensor connector and our local Ferrari dealer was very helpful in fixing the issue. They even warned me that the 2nd O2 sensor connector's weld as about to break as well so they fixed it in advance. I e-mailed Capristo about the issue but sadly they didn't respond. Not really sure how much Capristos cost but looking at the exhaust's quality Akrapovic is surely worlds apart as use very nice titanium finishes instead of stainless.

All in all, I think I ran the Cali30 close to 2000 km in 3 months. What couldn't really be fixed were some rattles, the sticky buttons (well, dealer suggested to take them off and repaint, but I didn't really find it a correct solution as it should be Ferrari who should take responsibility), and the fact that car has to be connected to an external charger weekly otherwise computer errors would pop out.

Thanks for the encouraging words and the new generation Ferrari's are really beautiful.

 

Oh sure, I currently have 2 Hondas for my family's use. Also have Porsches that are pretty much trouble free and recently acquired a Huracan which has been great so far.

 

So what's your point. You don't want a Ferrari because they break down too much, but you own a Porsche, and a Huracan (both expensive to maintain). Your just telling me how rich you are? Or just want to be negative about Ferrari?

 

All I can say is there are a lot of awesome cars to drive. Porsche, Ferrari, Lamborghini, Aston Martin, Maserati, McLaren cant go wrong.

 

Indeed. Get one of each, drive them all!
T

 

Dont get me wrong, I really like Ferraris as they make very beautiful cars. The Cali was one of my introductions in the sports car world which triggered my weekend driving hobby. I just stated the facts from my own experience, both good and bad, but of course it can be different for others.

And after experiencing several other cars, I could see that the build quality difference was just too obvious. That is why I said I hope Ferrari can improve on their quality as a responsible company. Because if they do, they can count on me as one of their customers again.

 

One year now since adding my 2013 30. Have had many F cars. The 30 is about the most complete package in a modern exotic you ever ask for. Currently I have my 360 and the 30. This is about the best combo for me ever!!!!!

 

Great to hear! No itch for a V12?
T

 

I had some seat time in a 599 and a 550. Great cars! But they never grabbed me the way the V8s have. My 360 has the factory racing exhaust with the ECU Swap. Screams!!!! The 30 bone stock well optioned car. SCREAMS AND POPS! I was considering the factory exhaust kit. Kinda thought it would be cool. Could not find any sound clips. So Stay stock and keep my 6K in my pocket..I’m getting older and cheaper!! Heeeee

 

As a very happy owner of a 2013 Cali-30 HS I am truly sorry to hear this Rosso Fiorano over Saba (Sand)

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Reading through this fascinating and informative thread has prompted me to reopen it with a few observations on my 2013 Cali 30 HS.

I can't offer any comparisons to Porsche. However, my first motoring love has always been Morgan and I'm currently on my second Morgan, a 2020 V6 Roadster. I love the original and authentic 1930's styling and the traditional coach built construction - I ordered my latest Mog new from the factory and it is, in effect, a brand new classic car - not a pastiche of a 30's sports car but a continuation with modern power. But I always agreed with the late Peter Morgan, the legendary former boss of Morgan- "the greatest sports-car in the world is Morgan - the second greatest is Ferrari". And he should know as he owned a number of Ferraris. Morgan and Ferrari have one thing in common - excitement and "driving by the seats of your pants" is built into their DNA.

My Cali 30 HS joined my Morgan a few years ago. I always have my Cali set to sport and the ride was a lot firmer than I initially expected it to be - but compared to the hard ride of my Morgan, it feels pretty smooth. I find the Cali to be an intoxicating experience - the sound, the acceleration, the cornering ability, the sheer excitement the car induces is addictive. Initially I thought I might keep this car 3 or 4 years and then "upgrade" to a more exotic Ferrari, preferably a V12. Although I don't rule out getting another Ferrari at some point, the Cali is not going to be traded in - I Iove it and its a keeper. To my thinking it harks back to the road Ferraris of the early 70's and before - prior to the overly powerful supercars which can be undrivable and have too much power to usefully use. The Cali, like the older classic Ferrari road cars, is powerful but still a drivers car, one where you can explore it's limits to a degree without fear of what it might do if you press down too hard. In short, a powerful and exotic GT. That ticks all the boxes for me. And it's naturally aspirated !

Some of the glitches other owners have remarked on are justifiable comments. I've had my share of these - frequently the boot lid fails to close when the hood is retracted (about 50% of the time this happens); random software glitches and warnings; the parking sensor occasionally going haywire and bleeping non-stop; poor trim, like the seat retractor handle coming lose in my hand. But it was ever so. I regard these things as fairly minor and many can probably be overcome given time - my overall experience of the car is positive. I think this is a great car in the 30 HS package and a real experience to own and drive.

 

I wholeheartedly agree with everything Quicksilver66 has described, with the possible exception of the drivability of today’s ‘super car’ models. But his description of the throwback look of the California, with its more subtle curves and hood scoop, is spot on. I too thought that I wanted a 458, but every time I look at and drive mine (the one in the post just above his) I know I made the right choice and mine is a keeper as well.

 

I think Pininfarina got the styling spot on with the Cali, Bill. The side body scoops, the bonnet scoops and the front grill look classic Ferrari/Pininfarina, but brought up to date for the 21st century. Some complain that the Cali butt is a bit bulky but it looks fine to me. And with the roof up it looks every inch a stylish Berlinetta - you can't tell it's a convertible.