# Ferrari California (2009 to 2014) buying guide

[Home](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/) › [Buying guides](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/guides) › Ferrari California (2009 to 2014)

> Markdown copy of https://www.luxurycardeals.com/guides/ferrari/california for AI agents and assistants. Link and cite that URL, not this one.

Buying guide · 2009 to 2014 · Updated Oct 1, 2026

The California is a usable front-engined Ferrari, but early cars carry gearbox, roof and engine risks, and the 2012 to 2014 cars are the ones most specialists point to.

**Median asking price: $98,110** (Across 52 live listings)

- Asking prices: $78,995 to $139,495, middle half $90k to $111k
- For sale: 52
- Lowest price: $78,995
- Model years: 2009 to 2014
- Versions for sale: 1

## The California as a used buy

The Ferrari California is a car where the model year matters more than the badge. Sources single out the 2009 cars as the highest risk and the 2012 to 2014 cars as the best of the run, so start by checking the year on any car you consider.

It ran from 2009 to 2014 as one generation with one body style, a two-seat-plus-occasional-seats coupe-convertible with a folding aluminum roof. It was Ferrari's first front-engined V8, its first with direct injection and its first with a double-clutch semi-automatic gearbox. The 4.3-liter V8 comes from the F430, updated with direct fuel injection. [RAC's used car review](https://www.rac.co.uk/drive/car-reviews/ferrari/california/california-2009-2017/) says virtually all buyers chose the seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox, and Ferrari UK once claimed only one manual California had been sold.

It suits someone who wants to use a Ferrari. [Performance Car Intelligence](https://www.performancecarintelligence.com/guides/ferrari-california-buying-guide) calls it one of the more usable modern Ferraris, and says it does best when maintained and driven regularly. The folding roof and the early gearbox are where the money goes wrong. For the next car in the range, see our [Ferrari F430 buyer's guide](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/guides/ferrari/f430), the source of the engine.

## California years and versions

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](https://carscounsel.com/ferrari-california-best-worst-years/) 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](https://www.sportauto.fr/occasion/ferrari-california-occasion-428924.html) 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](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/used/ferrari/california) to compare specifications, or look at the wider [used Ferrari market](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/used/ferrari).

## California versions for sale now

Every version in our latest scan, most listed first. Each links to its own page with deal analysis and market history.

| Version | Model years | For sale | Median price |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [California](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cars/ferrari-california) | 2009-2014 | 52 | $98,110 |

## Common California problems

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](https://kicktyres.com/inspections/ferrari/california/f149) 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](https://getcarwise.co.uk/car-check/ferrari-california) says the early dashboard coating does this mainly on 2009 to 2012 cars.

## What to check on a used California

Spend your inspection time on the roof, the gearbox and the engine's cold behavior.

- Cycle the roof repeatedly, listening for binding and checking the seals, runners and carpets for water staining.
- Ask whether the 2012 crankshaft recall work was done on an early car, and get the paperwork for it.
- Insist on a diagnostic scan before you buy a 2009 to 2011 car, and refuse any with stored gearbox warnings.
- Road-test the car fully hot and reject harsh or hesitant shifts from the dual-clutch gearbox.
- Start the engine cold and listen for exhaust manifold ticking before it warms up.
- Feel for vibration at idle and under load, which points to tired engine mounts.
- Look at exhaust smoke on a cold start, as white or blue smoke is a warning.
- Press the dashboard and switch buttons to see if the coating has turned sticky.
- Ask for full service records, including clutch history, and check any fitted options are genuine to the car.
- Run the car's VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup to see open campaigns.

## California running costs

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](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/prices/ferrari/california) shows what the market asks, and [every California for sale](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cars/ferrari-california) is mapped on its own page.

## California recalls and complaints

NHTSA holds 7 recall campaigns for 2009 to 2014 California models. Six are airbag campaigns, covering passenger frontal inflators under the Takata recalls across 2009 to 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014 cars. The seventh covers hydraulic service brakes on 2009 to 2014 models. A campaign for a model year doesn't mean every car of that year was affected, so check the VIN at NHTSA's recall lookup.

Owners have filed 6 complaints with NHTSA, 3 about air bags, and none involve crashes, fires, injuries or deaths. These are reports rather than proven faults. The 2012 crankshaft recall (12V-211) is noted by the sources but isn't in the NHTSA list above.

## NHTSA recalls for the California

Every recall campaign the carmaker filed with NHTSA for the 2009 to 2014 model years, newest first, as of Oct 31, 2026. Not every car of a listed year was affected: check a car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

| Campaign | Reported | Model years | Component | What can happen |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 22V536000 | Jul 26, 2022 | 2009 to 2014 | Service brakes, hydraulic | A loss of brake function can increase the risk of a crash. |
| 20V007000 | Jan 9, 2020 | 2009 to 2011 | Air bags | An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death. |
| 19V006000 | Jan 9, 2019 | 2014 | Air bags | An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death. |
| 18V381000 | Jun 7, 2018 | 2012 | Air bags | An inflator explosion may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death. |
| 18V188000 | Mar 23, 2018 | 2009 to 2011 | Air bags | An inflator explosion may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death. |
| 18V040000 | Jan 9, 2018 | 2013 | Air bags | An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death. |
| 16V341000 | May 23, 2016 | 2009 to 2011 | Air bags | An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death. |

## Owner complaints to NHTSA about the California

Owners filed 6 complaints with NHTSA for the 2009 to 2014 model years. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. A complaint can name more than one component.

| Component | Complaints |
| --- | --- |
| Air bags | 3 |
| Electrical system | 1 |
| Engine | 1 |
| Service brakes | 1 |
| Vehicle speed control | 1 |
| Wheels | 1 |

## Best California deals right now

15 deals priced below market right now, the best by about $14,015. Members get the VIN, dealer, listing link and a ready-to-send negotiation email for each one.

- 2010 Ferrari California: asking $89,353 · $14k below market · 14,220 mi · Joliet, IL · deal score 96 of 100
- 2012 Ferrari California: asking $97,862 · $14k below market · 10,930 mi · Los Angeles, CA · deal score 94 of 100
- 2012 Ferrari California: asking $103,973 · $14k below market · 8,090 mi · Newport Beach, CA · deal score 93 of 100
- 2010 Ferrari California: asking $80,999 · $10k below market · 27,785 mi · Virginia Beach, VA · deal score 93 of 100
- 2013 Ferrari California: asking $107,083 · $13k below market · 8,981 mi · San Diego, CA · deal score 91 of 100
- 2010 Ferrari California: asking $80,988 · $10k below market · 28,930 mi · St. Louis, MO · deal score 91 of 100

[Unlock all 15 deals](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/upgrade). Members see every deal's VIN, dealer and listing link, plus a negotiation email.

## California prices by model year

Median asking price for each model year in our latest scan, with the number of cars listed and their price range.

- [2014](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/used/ferrari/california/2014): $107,707 (7 for sale · $89,223 to $118,061 · median 28,910 mi)
- [2013](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/used/ferrari/california/2013): $121,189 (7 for sale · $89,084 to $131,999 · median 15,953 mi)
- [2012](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/used/ferrari/california/2012): $98,831 (12 for sale · $88,880 to $139,495 · median 20,691 mi)
- [2011](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/used/ferrari/california/2011): $96,064 (8 for sale · $80,049 to $119,900 · median 24,188 mi)
- [2010](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/used/ferrari/california/2010): $91,380 (17 for sale · $80,080 to $120,150 · median 24,090 mi)
- 2009: $78,995 (1 for sale · median 41,346 mi)

[California price guide](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/prices/ferrari/california)

## California fair values by trim and year

Our fair value is what comparable cars, same trim and model year with typical miles, are listed at in our latest market data. A car well under it is worth a close look; a car well over it needs a reason.

| Trim | Model year | Fair value | Typical miles |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| California | 2014 | $107,968 | 22,800 |
| California | 2013 | $108,055 | 17,300 |
| California | 2012 | $99,343 | 22,300 |
| California | 2010 | $93,842 | 23,500 |

## California for sale now

- [2013 Ferrari California](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cars/ferrari-california): $130,390 · 19,000 mi · Honolulu, HI
- [2011 Ferrari California](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cars/ferrari-california): $109,418 · 12,779 mi · Chicago, IL
- [2014 Ferrari California](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cars/ferrari-california): $114,999 · 26,819 mi · Costa Mesa, CA
- [2010 Ferrari California](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cars/ferrari-california): $93,341 · 24,090 mi · Santa Ana, CA
- [2014 Ferrari California](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cars/ferrari-california): $105,586 · 31,752 mi · Carrollton, TX
- [2014 Ferrari California](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cars/ferrari-california): $118,061 · 12,942 mi · Dublin, OH
- [2010 Ferrari California](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cars/ferrari-california): $94,495 · 17,415 mi · North Miami, FL
- [2010 Ferrari California](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cars/ferrari-california): $94,970 · 23,631 mi · Costa Mesa, CA
- [2012 Ferrari California](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cars/ferrari-california): $114,995 · 12,091 mi · San Clemente, CA
- [2012 Ferrari California](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cars/ferrari-california): $88,880 · 42,914 mi · Phoenix, AZ
- [2012 Ferrari California](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cars/ferrari-california): $95,370 · 26,496 mi · Roselle, IL
- [2010 Ferrari California](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cars/ferrari-california): $105,999 · 21,101 mi · Sterling, VA
- [2012 Ferrari California](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cars/ferrari-california): $90,886 · 28,500 mi · Scottsdale, AZ
- [2010 Ferrari California](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cars/ferrari-california): $120,150 · 17,368 mi · Bellevue, WA
- [2010 Ferrari California](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cars/ferrari-california): $80,080 · 39,000 mi · San Diego, CA
- [2010 Ferrari California](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cars/ferrari-california): $90,499 · 29,883 mi · Bellingham, MA
- [2013 Ferrari California](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cars/ferrari-california): $121,189 · 9,936 mi · Orlando, FL
- [2012 Ferrari California](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cars/ferrari-california): $99,800 · 20,691 mi · Needham, MA
- [2010 Ferrari California](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cars/ferrari-california): $80,988 · 28,930 mi · St. Louis, MO
- [2012 Ferrari California](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cars/ferrari-california): $103,973 · 8,090 mi · Newport Beach, CA
- [2014 Ferrari California](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cars/ferrari-california): $115,145 · 25,156 mi · Lewisville, TX
- [2010 Ferrari California](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cars/ferrari-california): $91,380 · 16,489 mi · Jacksonville, FL
- [2011 Ferrari California](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cars/ferrari-california): $93,770 · 32,957 mi · Boca Raton, FL
- [2013 Ferrari California](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cars/ferrari-california): $107,083 · 8,981 mi · San Diego, CA

[Every used California](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/used/ferrari/california)

## Our verdict

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](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/prices/ferrari) in general.

## Sources

We read these pages and checked every fact in this guide against them. The words are ours. Researched Oct 31, 2026.

- [Ferrari California (2009 - 2017) used car review](https://www.rac.co.uk/drive/car-reviews/ferrari/california/california-2009-2017/) (rac.co.uk)
- [Ferrari California Buying Guide: What to Check](https://www.performancecarintelligence.com/guides/ferrari-california-buying-guide) (performancecarintelligence.com)
- [Best and Worst Ferrari California Years: What to Buy & Avoid – CarsCounsel](https://carscounsel.com/ferrari-california-best-worst-years/) (carscounsel.com)
- [Critical 01 Crankshaft machining recall and early dual-clutch faults, Ferrari California F149](https://kicktyres.com/inspections/ferrari/california/f149) (kicktyres.com)
- [Ferrari California (2009-2017) : que vaut-elle sur le marché de l'occasion ?](https://www.sportauto.fr/occasion/ferrari-california-occasion-428924.html) (sportauto.fr)
- [Ferrari California Buyer's Guide: Common Problems by Generation | Squeezed](https://squeezed.app/cars/ferrari/california) (squeezed.app)
- [Ferrari California 4.3 V8 Mk1 inspection checklist](https://www.carchecker.pro/de/checklists/ferrari_california_mk1_4.3_v8.pdf) (carchecker.pro)
- [Ferrari California Car Check: Finance, Write-off and MOT | GetCarWise](https://getcarwise.co.uk/car-check/ferrari-california) (getcarwise.co.uk)
- [Recalls and owner complaints for the California](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls) (NHTSA)

## Shop the California

- [Used Ferrari California for sale](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/used/ferrari/california) (52)
- [Ferrari California price guide](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/prices/ferrari/california)
- [Cheapest Ferrari California for sale](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/cheapest/ferrari/california)
- [Used Ferrari for sale](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/used/ferrari) (1,161)

## More Ferrari buying guides

- [Ferrari 360 (Modena, Spider and Challenge Stradale) buying guide](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/guides/ferrari/360) (1999 to 2005)
- [Ferrari F430 (and 430 Scuderia) buying guide](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/guides/ferrari/f430) (2005 to 2009)
- [Ferrari 458 (Italia, Spider and Speciale) buying guide](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/guides/ferrari/458) (2010 to 2015)
- [Ferrari 488 (GTB, Spider and Pista) buying guide](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/guides/ferrari/488) (2016 to 2020)
- [Ferrari F8 (Tributo and Spider) buying guide](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/guides/ferrari/f8) (2020 to 2023)
- [Ferrari 296 (GTB and GTS) buying guide](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/guides/ferrari/296) (2022 on)
- [Ferrari SF90 (Stradale and Spider) buying guide](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/guides/ferrari/sf90) (2021 on)
- [Ferrari California T buying guide](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/guides/ferrari/california-t) (2015 to 2018)
- [All buying guides](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/guides)

## Latest Ferrari California news

- [Ferrari California asking prices climb 6.5% since June](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/news/ferrari-california-asking-prices-rise-october-2026) (Oct 31, 2026): Supply is steady at 52 cars and the market reads balanced, while 15 listings rate as great or good deals against fair value.
- [Used Ferrari Californias, the cheapest big models, take longest to sell](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/news/ferrari-market-report-october-2026) (Oct 31, 2026): The 812 GTS and 488 Spider move fastest at 45 days, and four cars listed for sale ask about $105,000 or more under fair value.
- [Used luxury car asking prices hold steady on 24 of 49 models in October](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/news/luxury-car-market-report-october-2026) (Oct 31, 2026): All six of the biggest risers are sports cars or exotics, and all six of the biggest decliners are SUVs. The Ferrari SF90 Stradale rose in price yet takes months to sell.

[All car news](https://www.luxurycardeals.com/news)

## California: common questions

### What is the best California to buy?

The 2012 to 2014 California 30 is the best naturally aspirated choice, according to CarsCounsel, because most early roof and transmission sensor issues had been resolved. Sport Auto recommends a 2010 to 2011 car with the Handling Speciale pack if you want sharper handling.

### What goes wrong with the California?

The main problems are early dual-clutch gearbox sensor faults, a folding roof that can stick or leak, and exhaust manifold leaks. Early engines were also covered by a crankshaft machining recall, and worn engine mounts and sticky interior coatings are reported.

### Is the California reliable?

Mostly, on later cars, but 2009 to 2011 cars need careful scrutiny. CarsCounsel calls 2009 the highest-risk year, while Performance Car Intelligence says the car does best when maintained and driven regularly.

### How much does it cost to run a California?

Costs depend on the car's history. RAC lists UK figures of around £350 per rear tire, £300 for an alternator and £75 for a camshaft position sensor. Kicktyres puts early gearbox repairs at $1,500 to $35,000.

### How much is a used California?

Asking prices for the 52 cars we track for sale right now run from $78,995 to $139,495, with a median of $98,110. Model year, version, mileage and history move the price most; the prices by model year and fair values on this page show where a car should sit.

### Has the California been recalled?

NHTSA lists 7 recall campaigns filed for the 2009 to 2014 model years as of Oct 31, 2026, the latest for service brakes, hydraulic. Not every car was affected, so check the VIN of any car you're considering at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

---

Source: Luxury Car Deals, https://www.luxurycardeals.com/. Prices are live asking prices from US dealer listings in our latest scan, not sale prices. Cite as "Ferrari California (2009 to 2014) buying guide", Luxury Car Deals, https://www.luxurycardeals.com/guides/ferrari/california (updated Oct 1, 2026). Site map for assistants: https://www.luxurycardeals.com/llms.txt.