Looking for first Ferrari

Cali T is an excellent choice, its a coupe, its a convertible, can be daily driven, and is very quick! Only regret you might have is not getting your Ferrari sooner!

 

Welcome - you re not the first to buy a used California so it is likely others have asked and answered similar queries - its worth spending some time browsing this section

 

Hey SD neighbor! Our stories are similar though we ultimately chose to go with a new "entry level" model. We took delivery this week!
Pics here: https://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/threads/when-corona-was-only-a-beer.619067/

Private message if you'd like to chat.

 

In my humble opinion, the earlier Cali T and later (NA) Cali 30 - each of which came w/ a Handling Speciale package - are the way to go for a first foray into the wonderful world of Ferrari from a price to performance ratio. Circumstantial evidence on F-chat suggests that the two major worries of earlier, first-gen Calis - like DCT sensors & hard top woes - are much reduced. I would say test drive as many as you can, in order to get a feel for what is/isn't normal in terms of performance, level of wear, etc. Focus on cars with good service records. I am sure SD has an active FCA chapter, so talk to locals (I see you already have one willing to chat) who may have a Cali. F-chat threads as @greyboxer pointed out are a great resource. I did a ton of reading here on F-chat before the wife & I bought our Cali 4 yrs ago.

As to the "buyers remorse" aspect. I would say, sit down with your wife, have a realistic look @ your financials, the costs to purchase AND maintain a Ferrari, and if all that looks good, you got your basics covered, jump in with both feet! The question my wife asked (and answered) was - if this Cali blows up tomorrow & is a total loss will that negatively impact our ability to put food on the table? Her answer - Reader's Digest version - "F*** no! So, get off your butt & buy a Ferrari!"

Don't feel the need to rush the decision, as the hunt for "the one" is fun too. You can spend time on F-chat learning more about the various models. Another bit of free advice, talk to the locals about the various options for servicing your Ferrari. To me, that's as important - if not moreso - as having a good purchase experience. If servicing your F-car is a PITA, well then why bother. Totally detracts from what should be fun.

Finally, since your wife is jettisoning her Merc for this endeavor, make sure to bring her long for the test drives. My wife loves the Cali as much as I do, and so that just amps up the fun factor.

Good luck!

T

 

I vaguely recall a few threads about problems with the top, some about the Navi system, but by and large, insofar as F-chat is concerned, the T seems pretty reliable...T

 

Very reliable car. Very comfortable. Too easy to drive. Stereo needs a sub box but otherwise far and away the best sound system of any of the ferrari's I've owned. With a '15 you're still under prepaid maintenance and they do a pretty go inspection each time. These are great cars, looks great in dark metallic reds like Fiorano.

 

Its not IMHO, as you wont see it much at legal speeds. I do however like it and I love it for the looks, carbon fiber steering wheel, paddles etc.