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I don't understand your question. Or are you asking a question at all.

Are you saying that even though the California was meant to be an entry level Ferrari, that it is still overly ostentatious?

Or are you asking how long does it take for a first time owner of a Ferrari to get over the thrill of owning a car that 99.9% of the world would be jealous of?

 

The California is definitely an understated Ferrari, especially in the "right" colors - TDF blue for me. You can fly under the radar many times just based on looks, but once the shopping center HEARS you coming, like for me the other day, you will draw a small crowd - in this case, a group of teens on skateboards.

 

I agree that you might fly under the radar with the TDF Blue. There is one here in the Toledo area and it is somewhat hard for even me to spot. As soon as you step on it though it will give you away.

It is unfortunate that EVERYONE on earth can't have a Ferrari, the left wingers might want that but fortunately real economics simply won't allow that.

What is most important is with probably 75,000 miles in a modern Ferrari Cali or FF, either red or silver, I have had one idiot give me the 'bird' and literally thousands give me thumbs up with big smiles! The idiot that gave me the bird was driving a HUGE new pickup truck and who knows what his problem was that day. EVERYONE else is excited to see a Ferrari, taking pictures and usually asking permission to take a picture!

I no longer worry about where I park it and enjoy sharing the Ferrari Experience as often as I can.

Rick

 

I still worry about where to park, but echo that everyone who has noticed gives thumbs up and is very positive.

 

I purposely spec'd a white on cuoio '13 car to make it less conspicuous but it still draws attention. Luckily it's all been positive. The only negative part was that sometimes people like to follow you to get a closer look. Guys, teenagers and young boys were the most vocal although women, especially young hot ones were also open with praise. I think women simply don't want to come across as car nerds but do like the look and sound of the cars, so long as you are driving sensibly and not being an as$. Guys had the funniest remarks and young boys were the most knowledgeable - they can spot your car and identify it a mile away. Even the cops here seem to be friendly about it. I just wave to them and say "thank you!".

When I'm not exploring the back roads I run short shopping errands outside the rush hours with my car and always park it outdoors away from high traffic areas when I can as well as make sure there's ample room to avoid door dings. Haven't had a problem so far.

 

I have found that these cars make almost everyone happy to be around them. They bring joy to others as well as to you, the owner. Sometimes that gets awkward when people want to "flirt" with you on the road, but in general it is harmless. Yes, you can adjust the amount of flamboyance with your choice of exterior color, but the cars will always draw attention, and I would not make a color choice only on that basis. With ownership also comes a responsibility to drive them responsibly when you are in traffic. It bothers me a lot when I see or hear of someone showing off the car or driving like an idiot in traffic.

So if you are attracted to these cars, such as the California, get the one that you are most attracted to in the color that you want... and enjoy the ride. And be responsible.

 

=+1

 

Inadvertent damage mostly. I know there is always the risk of malicious people doing something but I'm more worried about runaway shopping carts! The risk probably depends on where you live.

 

Yes, the white-cuoio combination was actually not my originally preferred colours. I had a horrible time deciding on a colour combination and as the decision date drew closer all I knew was that none of my original colour choices would work.

Luckily, I came across someone else's white California when I was walking through the dealer's parking garage. I received some good advice from my salesman and his manager about interior colours and trim which helped me visualize the overall effect I wanted. From there it became very easy to "own" the look and for me to work some details in. I love the final results - for me, it's very close to being perfect.

One thing I regretted not asking for was whether the trunk lining could be done in leather or something more sumptuous than the felt material. It just didn't occur to me. It's not something that comes to mind unless you have seen customized Californias and actually look over a sample car as you spec your order - so that's something I would suggest, that you walk around a showroom car and look at every detail as you fill in your specs. You can ask for options not listed in the standard options list. This is where experience really helps.

 

You could say this about any car over a certain value. I certainly did not buy a Ferrari with this concern in mind. In fact, quite the opposite as I was more interested in performance. My choice of the California had everything to do with this and the convertible roof. The new one is eagerly anticipated.

Why buy any luxury item? House? Car? Boat? Last I checked I could be dead today, tomorrow, or 40 years from now. But one thing I am sure about - death is inevitable. No need to worry about symbolism as long as you balance yourself by reaching out to those less fortunate. And, as mentioned already by others, all of my experiences with the Ferrari have been positive - people really do love this brand and it's fun to have a part in it.

 

I always park my Ferraris where everyone else parks their cars. If there is a curb on one side I will take that to protect one side. I got my first Ferrari in 2009 and take them everywhere, with maybe 75,000 total miles in them with zero door dings.

I have had two cars keyed over the last 30 years, both by people that I know although I never found out exactly who it was that did the keying but the cars (a Porsche 928 and a Cadillac) were in a controlled location where ONLY someone that I know could have done it. Somehow the general public seems to know there is something special there and they leave it alone.

I must admit though that I have NEVER visited the largest mall in Toledo where they have gangs of kids running around.

Rick

 

Rick,
What do you think about valet parking? This kinda scares me more than Walmart!

 

There may be a regional/cultural factor involved. In SoCal people may not have that MidWest respect for property. Someone gouged the side of my X5M with the door of their old Prius. It looked deliberate.

 

What a pity today we have to worry about being ostentatious or not.

Can't we just be auto enthusiasts?

 

My Maserati old one was at the Grocery Store and was deliverately keyed. I think it is very sad that people have a jealosy and take it out with anger and agression on our cars.

 

Very sorry to hear that.

I was in Miami staying at the Loewes Hotel and saw a nice metallic yellow Lamborghini which was keyed all the way down one side.

Mean, jealous, stupid, un-talented people do this sort of thing

 

I gave the keys of my Cali to a valet once ... but he was only taking the car about 50 feet a so I knew I had little to worry about.

I was visiting a DeLorean dealer in Miami in the early 80's after what seemed to be a Very successful software demonstration. My partner asked the DeLorean salesman what do you do when someone gives you a big door ding, "Do you have stainless bondo?" he asked. The salesman said "This is Miami, just pull out your gun and shoot them". We still laugh about that salesman.

I use valet parking at the airport but must admit I have not driven a Ferrari there yet. They have promised to park it directly in front of their windows, never out of their sight. We will see if I get the guts.

Rick

 

Same experience with my former Cali and current 458. Not exactly 75,000 miles, but routinely park at normal grocery, hardware type stores in CT and west coast of FL...I take whatever the closest spot is available. Never a ding.

 

Gonna disagree with you on this. Haters exist throughout history. Today is no different.

Agree with NO's advice: get what you like, enjoy, be responsible.

 

Adam Corolla has a good comment on this

When he was a kid, he saw a man drive a new Cadillac down the street. His dad said, if you work hard son someday you can have a car like that.

Today if someone drives an expensive car down the street the father says: see son --That's what you get with social inequality.

I think he has a point. Attitudes have changed. Keying cars for no reason is not just hate. Its vengeance. Hate has always existed. Today it's method of showing itself is more bold and more destructive.

 

I disagree.

I think its about the same. I think the difference is the internet and its ability to spread stories.

Its true if you have a Ferrari, you will not be able to take it everywhere. Its just not appropriate, nor smart. Hence the responsible comment.

 

Perhaps. But in my town now, if you leave keys in the car - it will be stolen. If you make a driving mistake, people will flip you off. People throw trash out their window driving down the road. More murder, stealing, etc than ever in the past 50 years. I don't have to read the internet to know this. I just read the local paper and drive around. Hate has always happened, no doubt. But societies also ebb and flow in their morality. Ours has declined.