What to look for when buying a used California? | FerrariChat

What to look for when buying a used California?

Discussion in 'California/Portofino/Roma' started by espvh, May 16, 2021.

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  1. espvh

    espvh Formula Junior

    Nov 11, 2005
    553
    NEW YORK!
    #1 espvh, May 16, 2021
    Hi all, looking to get back into a Ferrari and am thinking about a California. Probably an earlier model, 2010-2012. So what should I look for? Common problems/issues if any, personal experiences, tips, ideas, etc.

    Thanks in advance!
    In NY
     
  2. tomc

    tomc Two Time F1 World Champ

    Apr 13, 2014
    25,887
    DFW, Texas
    Full Name:
    Tom C
    #2 tomc, May 16, 2021
    Welcome. Get as complete service records as you can. The two big ticket items are the transmission sensors and the hard top convertible. Engine mounts seem to be another issue that pops up. Additionally, check the age of the tires, the battery and the battery tender...T
     
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  3. XSpeed

    XSpeed Formula Junior

    Jan 6, 2019
    408
    Full Name:
    SX
    #3 XSpeed, May 16, 2021
    Maybe consider a California T with Handling Speciale instead. Pricing is not much different but it is a much better option.
     
    espvh and Shark01 like this.
  4. jsh458ft

    jsh458ft Formula Junior
    Silver Subscribed

    Dec 9, 2020
    330
    PA
    #4 jsh458ft, May 17, 2021
    A 2010-12 California will probably cost him $100K even CPO. A California T with Handling package will be at least $160K, probably more. I have to disagree with the "not much different" comment. I'm in the middle buying a 2013 California with the Handling package at $131K CPO.
     
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  5. espvh

    espvh Formula Junior

    Nov 11, 2005
    553
    NEW YORK!
    #5 espvh, May 18, 2021
    Thanks guys, so, transmission sensors, hard top convertible, engine mounts, anything else to look for? And, to stay in the budget, it needs to be an early model.
     
  6. tomc

    tomc Two Time F1 World Champ

    Apr 13, 2014
    25,887
    DFW, Texas
    Full Name:
    Tom C
    #6 tomc, May 18, 2021
    Sticky parts on the interior, shrinking leather especially the dashboard, and check the age on the battery and tires...T
     
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  7. espvh

    espvh Formula Junior

    Nov 11, 2005
    553
    NEW YORK!
    #7 espvh, May 18, 2021
    Reminds me of the issues my 360 had, lol
     
  8. Bill Phillips

    Bill Phillips Formula Junior
    Silver Subscribed

    Nov 4, 2019
    478
    New Orleans
    Full Name:
    Bill
    #8 Bill Phillips, May 18, 2021
    If you can find a 2013 Cali-30 within your budget you really will be better off in the long run, both in total cost and enjoyment / satisfaction.
     
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  9. espvh

    espvh Formula Junior

    Nov 11, 2005
    553
    NEW YORK!
    #9 espvh, May 18, 2021
    If I could I would, maybe if I get more for my Viper ACR! lol!!
     
    Bill Phillips likes this.
  10. alex

    alex Formula Junior
    Silver Subscribed

    Dec 19, 2003
    675
    Crystal Lake, Illinois
    Full Name:
    Alex
    #10 alex, May 18, 2021
    Ah, yes, shrinkies!:eek:
     
  11. Oitbc

    Oitbc Rookie

    Mar 25, 2021
    47
    Full Name:
    Phil Thomas
    #11 Oitbc, May 19, 2021
    Yes was the issue with sensors linked to brittle cable ties? I know it was fixed in the 2013 model which is why I went Cali 30 with handling package. Double stack exhausts just aren’t done enough in my eyes and the Cali T changed away from them.

    I have a very useful checklist from Ferrari I will endeavour to see if I can get to you. Apologies new to the forum.
     
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  12. Oitbc

    Oitbc Rookie

    Mar 25, 2021
    47
    Full Name:
    Phil Thomas
    #12 Oitbc, May 19, 2021
    Beach Boy, Bill Phillips, espvh and 1 other person like this.
  13. tomc

    tomc Two Time F1 World Champ

    Apr 13, 2014
    25,887
    DFW, Texas
    Full Name:
    Tom C
    #13 tomc, May 19, 2021
    Yes.
    Enzo Ferrari: "You pay for the engine and we throw the other stuff in for free."
    Tom's Grandma : "You get what you pay for!" :D
    T
     
    alex likes this.
  14. alex

    alex Formula Junior
    Silver Subscribed

    Dec 19, 2003
    675
    Crystal Lake, Illinois
    Full Name:
    Alex
    #14 alex, May 19, 2021
    If it doesn't have shrinkies, it's not a REAL Ferrari!:D:D:D
     
    tomc likes this.

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