Tips for buying a new California | FerrariChat

Tips for buying a new California

Discussion in 'California(Portofino)/Roma(Amalfi)' started by Tonuse, Oct 3, 2013.

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  1. Tonuse

    Tonuse Rookie

    Oct 3, 2013
    15
    I spent a weekend driving my friends 2013 California and fell in love. I have a deposit down for a 2014 911 Turbo Cab, and quickly changed my mind.

    I am debating between buying a 2013 with low miles, versus a new 2014...any advice?

    Also, in negotiating a deal, what should I expect with regards to typical discounts...looking to buy from a dealer. The 2013 has about 1200 miles, well equipped (selling MSRP was 245K), asking 210, and the new one has an MSRP of 248K

    I recently was at a Bentley dealership and they were quick to knock off 50k on a new gtc...not sure what to expect with Ferrari seeing as this is my first experience with the brand
     
  2. Peter P

    Peter P Karting

    Dec 22, 2011
    129
    Boston area
    My two cents -- I've owned two 911's over the years, most recently a cab. I still think 911's are one of the best values for style, performance and drivability, and the new Turbo Cab looks amazing. But I always had wanted a Ferrari convertible, and last Spring, took delivery on a 2013 Cali 30. I had considered a used California, so that I could reduce the initial depreciation hit but decided that I didn't want to compromise on the combination of colors and options. The car I built had about $70k in options -- I'll never get that back, but the car is exactly as I want it. For me, that trumped the "value" decision. It sounds like with either car, the package of options you get may or may not be what you may have selected if you had been able to build the car yourself. Given that they are both Cali 30's, with the maintenance package (huge value!), and if you were truly indifferent between the two, avoiding that initial $40k +/- decpreciation hit by choosing the 2013 with only 1200 miles, could be a nice option. But a couple years down the road, I'd guess the 2014 might be worth some $15k or so more, particularly as a one owner car, reducing the relative benefit of buying the 2013. From what I've heard, dealers rarely discount new cars when ordering, but if a dealer has a new 2014 California on the lot, particularly going into the Fall season when Ferraris tend to get a little more available, I'd hope that you could have some leverage negotiating a resonable discount versus sticker, to "relieve him" from carrying inventory into the Fall and potentially Winter. Which of course raises another question -- do you live somewhere more temperate in the Winter? I live in the Northeast, and found ordering a car for Spring delivery was perfect. I traded my 911 in the Fall, got the tax credit, and didn't have the carry of a depreciating asset all Winter. Lots to ponder. I loved spec-ing my car, but if you want/"need" it now, and either of those cars matches your dream car vision, I'm sure you'll be thrilled. It is truly a fabulous car. Good luck!
     
  3. LARRYH

    LARRYH F1 Veteran
    Owner Rossa Subscribed

    Jun 3, 2011
    9,679
    virginia usa
    I have owned two Californias. They are great cars I bought both of them new because I could and really wanted to order to my exact specs.. On the other hand there is not much if any difference between a 2013 and a 2014 so that is your call. Regrading a discount I was unable to get a discount on either of the cars I purchased I have heard you might be able to get discounts on in stock vehicles ...so either way best of luck.
     
  4. Tonuse

    Tonuse Rookie

    Oct 3, 2013
    15
    Peter and Larry, thank you for the insight. Truly an exciting decision...I'm off to the dealership in the morning to see which one "speaks" to me...and if not, I may just go ahead and build one just the way I want.

    The 911 is very nice, but not crazy about the soft top. Love the coupe, but really want a convertible. I live in RI, so the top will be up most of the time. The California looks amazing top up or down!!

    Even though I've been configuring the 911 for a few months, I don't get butterflies in my stomach like I do when I think about the Ferrari...must be those years of dreaming about one when I was in grade school.
     
  5. mtarvydas

    mtarvydas Formula Junior

    Oct 26, 2011
    701
    On the Mountain
    Full Name:
    Martin Tarvydas
    I do not wish to sound rude or elitist but if you are comparing a 1 year old car vs building your own you should just take the plunge, it is already inexplainable money to most people. I get it when someone buys a 10 year old Fcar, they can enjoy the fun and the entry cost could be as low as 50% of MSRP. Don't think twice, sit down with the dealer and walk through the option list. 2014 cars, as I heard, are simple to get an allocation as others are waiting for the new Cali.

    Regardless, enjoy!
     
  6. Tonuse

    Tonuse Rookie

    Oct 3, 2013
    15
    I took the plunge...bought the 2014 mirabeau exterior, saddle interior...absolutely gorgeous...couldn't have spec'd it better myself...guys who ordered changed his mind so it literally was FOB and waiting for me!!

    take delivery next Thursday
     
  7. Tonuse

    Tonuse Rookie

    Oct 3, 2013
    15
    #7 Tonuse, Oct 5, 2013
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
  8. LARRYH

    LARRYH F1 Veteran
    Owner Rossa Subscribed

    Jun 3, 2011
    9,679
    virginia usa
    Fantastic ; I suspect you will love it. Great color combo ..
     
  9. PhilNotHill

    PhilNotHill Two Time F1 World Champ
    Owner

    Jul 3, 2006
    27,855
    Aspen CO 81611
    Full Name:
    FelipeNotMassa
    Bet you don't get much sleep until sometime after you pick up the car. ;)
     
  10. BSU

    BSU Formula 3

    Mar 30, 2008
    1,012
    TX
    That is super cool. Love the blue/tan with yellow calipers. Congrats!
     
  11. Peter P

    Peter P Karting

    Dec 22, 2011
    129
    Boston area
    Congratulations -the car is gorgeous! Really nice combination of colors. I'll be interested to see some interior shots too. From the pictures above, it looks like Ferrari of New England? If so, I really like those guys. I've found both sales and service to be superb. Good luck!
     
  12. deppi0

    deppi0 Formula 3

    Jun 30, 2010
    1,246
    London, UK
    Full Name:
    Edmondo
    Congrats! Beautiful car for sure.
    I almost bought a 458 spider in that combination...but it didn't have the sports seats so I declined.
    I think this is a perfect colour combo on the Cali.

    Enjoy it
     
  13. mjc_123

    mjc_123 Formula Junior

    Oct 16, 2010
    512
    NYC - Long Island
    congrats, beautiful car. similar to mine (tdf blue with cuoio interior). in photos, mirabeau is difficult to distinguish from tdf. enjoy!
     
  14. Tonuse

    Tonuse Rookie

    Oct 3, 2013
    15
    Thanks for all the well wishes...T-2 days till pick up. I'll post more photos when she's home.

    I did buy it from Ferrari of NE...they've been great so far, and I've only heard great things about the dealership.

    Looking forward to a fruitful relationship!!!
     
  15. Derek at FoD

    Derek at FoD Formula 3
    BANNED

    Jun 10, 2004
    1,924
    Denver
    Full Name:
    Derek Fennig
    Holy smokes, that's a gorgeous color-combo!

    It's funny though.... before you even mentioned that you're buying the car through FoNE I just knew it was a car that had to come from that region. Blue seems to be a very popular color in their neck of the woods and has been for quite sometime :)
     
  16. 430maybe

    430maybe Karting

    Oct 12, 2012
    112
    Northern England
    Full Name:
    Full Name
    Looks good like that. Well done
     
  17. ConnyF

    ConnyF Karting

    Jun 27, 2013
    173
    Europe
    Full Name:
    Conny
    Rims are awesome! Congrats! :)
     
  18. PhilNotHill

    PhilNotHill Two Time F1 World Champ
    Owner

    Jul 3, 2006
    27,855
    Aspen CO 81611
    Full Name:
    FelipeNotMassa
    pick-up day right?

    we need some pics. ;)
     
  19. Tonuse

    Tonuse Rookie

    Oct 3, 2013
    15
    Picking up the car in the morning...feel like a 10 year old on Christmas Eve...I'm tempted to go camp out at the dealership.

    Pictures soon to follow!!
     
  20. Randy R

    Randy R Formula Junior
    Silver Subscribed

    Jul 23, 2011
    351
    SF Bay Area
    Full Name:
    '14 Cal 30 TDF/Tan
    Good luck getting any sleep tonight :)
     
  21. forgeahead

    forgeahead F1 Rookie
    Owner

    Sep 16, 2008
    4,408
    Rocky Mount, NC
    Full Name:
    Ray
    Mirabeau is a beautiful color. Nice wheels. Many congrats! You'll love it every time you hop in.
     
  22. Tonuse

    Tonuse Rookie

    Oct 3, 2013
    15
    The car is incredible ...beyond words. Driving this beauty has put such a permanent smile on my face. I took my father for a drive, and insisted that he take it for a spin. The sound of the engine when it popped from 2nd to 3rd was so intense and amazing it completely sold him. When I was making the decision to buy the car, he tried to persuade me not to buy it, saying it was a lot of money, and that he didn't think it was worth it. He favored being more conservative with my money, buy something more practical he told me. After that 1 mile drive, he had me on the computer configuring a California for himself. He said to me, "after driving that car, I can not die not having owned a Ferrari!!"


    Here's my new baby...
     
  23. ebobh15

    ebobh15 F1 Rookie
    Silver Subscribed

    Nov 18, 2012
    3,654
    Great car, great color combination. Too bad you have to park it in front of such a shabby house, though...LOL
     
  24. Balsamina

    Balsamina Formula Junior

    May 19, 2010
    946
    San Francisco Area
    Full Name:
    S
    Great story and lovely looking car. Congratulations.
     

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