Tell me about the Ferrari California

[Turbo_pro]

I'm considering adding a Ferrari to my collection (to drive for fun not a garage queen)
and the California seems like a pretty cool car. Not being a Ferrari guy (except F1 and Vettel) so I'm looking for input on a 2011-2014 model.
Of course RED!

Any issues?

[Deschodt]

Issues? Resale ?

Only saying this because Ferrari sent me invites every week to come test drive one for a year. From what I read, it's not their most popular model. It's the one they make you buy before you can buy a better one, apparently (I hate that sales model)... Even the CEO of Ferrari said something about it not being a proper Ferrari recently in an interview. He might have been more subtle but he said it.

I eventually went to their event and test drove one with zero intention of buying, in that price range I'd rather buy a house... Felt like a fancy Jag F-type with a more Ferrari like engine noise. Definitely a GT, not my thing, but no slouch. It's a nice car to be sure, I remember C Harris mentioned the Mk2 was much improved. So my main beef would be it seems to be the least desirable model of the line, it looks too much like an FType from the front, and that could impact your resale value. In porsche tems, it'd be like buying a base 718 4cyl PDK instead of a manual 991 GT3 or something. Other than that, i got nothing...

[enzo1]

California - FerrariChat.com

[Turbo_pro]

Good info so far.
My concerns were more about maintenance issues than "is it a real Ferrari?"

I have a Lotus, Corvette and GT3 that I drive for fun and I really like the look and feel of the low end Ferrari California. Not really that concerned with resale.

[wildthing]

Sure looks nice. Can't comment on maintenance. I was not an early investor in GOOG or AMZN or NFLX.

Maybe if I win the PowerBall or MegaMillions this weekend. But then again it's not in my top 10, nor is any other Ferrari...

[black_falcon]

Beautiful car, I think Ferrari has really honed their skills in the last decade in regards to usability and reliability. I wouldn't think twice about a California as a fair weather DD.

[LWJ]

My buddy has one. Loves it.

[Noah930]

I think there's one for sale at the Range Rover dealership down the street from my office (in Encino). Been sitting there in front of the parking lot for the past month or so.

[Ferraripete]

collection? not a collectable by any measure. buy secondary market so as to minimize depreciation pain. only a few of the early cars were produced in a 3 pedal config...I would hunt for that but expect to pay a premium over the dct.

styling is hit or miss...ones loves it or hates it. I can think of better Ferraris and better rag tops thus I would never own. but each to their own.

enjoy the hunt.

[Sarc]

The globalization of design saddens me.

I envy the British; they get Chris Harris, Tiff, etc. and we get....that guy.

[HardDrive]

I would spend less and buy a 360 over a California all day long. I think the California looks generic.

[Ferraripete]

Originally Posted by HardDrive

I would spend less and buy a 360 over a California all day long. I think the California looks generic.

the 360 is no looker either imho but again each to their own. Sergio pinninfarina is sadly missed

[masraum]

Originally Posted by Sarc

The globalization of design saddens me.

I envy the British; they get Chris Harris, Tiff, etc. and we get....that guy.

Hahah, I'd never seen one of his videos. It was pretty bad. I think Jason Camissa from MotorTrend does a pretty good job and would be great on a TV show. I'm less enamored of his hipster looking partner, but the two do have a little chemistry when filming together. They are about as close to the Original Top Gear trio as I've seen.

[daepp]

Originally Posted by Sarc

The globalization of design saddens me.

I envy the British; they get Chris Harris, Tiff, etc. and we get....that guy.

Yeah.

And don't forget Alain.

[sc_rufctr]

Owning this car would be a bit like dating a stripper. Looks good on paper but not so much in real life. They really are just cars.

Having said that. That car does look like a lot of fun! You only live once.

Or you could also look at a late model Maserati!

[Ferraripete]

Originally Posted by sc_rufctr

Owning this car would be a bit like dating a stripper. Looks good on paper but not so much in real life. They really are just cars.

Having said that. That car does look like a lot of fun! You only live once.

Or you could also look at a late model Maserati!

while the Ferrari is an over styled hairdresser car...it will eat that gran turismo for lunch. the gt should not be an option.

[sc_rufctr]

Hairdresser car? I don't see how any hairdresser could afford it unless they owned a chain of salons.

[Sarc]

Originally Posted by daepp

Yeah.

And don't forget Alain.

Absolutely. Tiff as well.

[WPOZZZ]

I had two Calis pass by me this afternoon. The may be the entry level Ferrari, but they are still nice! Wow, I just did a search and they are rather affordable compared to other modern Ferraris!

[javadog]

A friend of mine has one. He has a pretty decent car collection, including a bunch of recent Ferraris and seems to enjoy his. I think it's nice looking in person, it makes nice sounds and is fast enough to suit anybody.

My advice would be to spend some time behind the wheel of one or two examples. If you like driving it, buy one. I wouldn't give two ****s about what the magazines think about it, or anybody that dismisses it as an "entry level" Ferrari. There really is no such thing any more. I understand how the dealers sell the cars, but I tend to think of each model as appealing to a different sort of driving experience. This car is more suited to a weekend trip for two than one of the rear-engined V8 cars. If that interests you, then...

JR