Ferrari California (2009 to 2014) buying guide

Ferrari showed the California at the 2008 Paris Motor Show. In 2012 it took 30 kg out of the body and added 30 bhp, lifting output from 450 to 486 bhp, according to RAC. The 2014 model year brought the California T, which has a twin-turbo 3.9 V8 and is a meaningfully different car, so it falls outside this guide.

CarsCounsel rates the 2012 to 2014 California 30 as the best naturally aspirated choice, because most of the early roof and transmission sensor problems had been resolved by then. The same source calls 2009 the highest-risk year and says 2009 to 2011 cars need careful scrutiny.

If you want a sharper drive from an earlier car, Sport Auto recommends a 2010 to 2011 car with the optional Handling Speciale pack. That pack adds MagneRide magnetorheological dampers, stiffer springs and steering with a ratio 10 percent quicker.

The option list was extensive and options can be retrofitted later, so Performance Car Intelligence warns that an option on a car may not be factory original. Ask for proof. You can browse used Ferrari California listings to compare specifications, or look at the wider used Ferrari market.

The serious faults cluster on the early cars, with the gearbox, engine recall and roof the main ones.

Early gearbox sensors

On 2009 to 2011 cars the dual-clutch gearbox problems centre on the transmission speed sensors, and rebuild kits are not readily available, which pushes owners toward replacement. Kicktyres lists fix costs from $1,500 to $35,000, and says some faults were misdiagnosed as a failed gearbox when a bad connector could be soldered back to life.

Gearbox software

Later cars benefit from improved gearbox software, according to both Performance Car Intelligence and Kicktyres. That is one more reason the later cars are favored.

Crankshaft recall

Early engines were covered by a crankshaft machining recall (NHTSA 12V-211) because they could seize. Ferrari replaced engines free of charge in 2012, so ask whether a car's engine was done.

Folding roof faults

The folding hardtop can stick, jam or fail, and repairs are costly. Water ingress has been reported. On first-generation cars, plastic guides in the roof sliders can break and make the panels bind.

Exhaust manifold leaks

Exhaust manifolds can crack or leak, which shows as ticking on cold starts. Sealing the manifold is the recurring weakness, say CarsCounsel and Sport Auto.

Cold-engine behavior

The engine does not like high revs when cold, and abuse can bring ticking or white or blue exhaust smoke.

Engine mounts

Worn engine mounts are common on higher-mileage cars, according to Performance Car Intelligence, and show up as vibration.

Sticky interior coatings

Coatings on buttons and switches degrade and turn sticky. GetCarWise says the early dashboard coating does this mainly on 2009 to 2012 cars.

RAC gives UK figures of around £350 for each rear tire, around £300 for an alternator and around £75 for a camshaft position sensor. It also notes that many cars with over 25,000 miles still have their original dual-clutch clutches, so ask when they were last assessed.

The big exposures are the early gearbox and the roof. Kicktyres puts gearbox fixes anywhere from $1,500 to $35,000, depending on whether a connector or a full replacement is needed. Performance Car Intelligence describes roof repairs as costly but gives no figure, so get a quote before you buy a car with any roof hesitation. Our Ferrari California price guide shows what the market asks, and every California for sale is mapped on its own page.

Buy a 2012 to 2014 California 30. Most of the early roof and transmission sensor problems were resolved by then, and the engine gained power while the body lost weight. If you want the sharper handling of an earlier car, look for a 2010 to 2011 car with the Handling Speciale pack, but treat it with more caution.

Avoid a 2009 car unless the evidence is strong, and insist on a hot road test, a diagnostic scan, full service records and proof that the recalls were done. Run the roof through its cycle several times before you sign, then compare cars in our listings, and see how much a Ferrari costs in general.