Used Ferrari California 2009-2017 review

Category: Sports car

There may be sharper modern Ferraris out there, but none are available for California or California T prices. 

Ferrari California T
  • Ferrari California T
  • 2016 Ferrari California T Handling Speciale review
  • 2016 Ferrari California T Handling Speciale review
  • 2016 Ferrari California T Handling Speciale review
  • 2016 Ferrari California T Handling Speciale review
  • 2016 Ferrari California T Handling Speciale review
  • 2016 Ferrari California T Handling Speciale review
  • Ferrari California T
  • 2016 Ferrari California T Handling Speciale review
  • 2016 Ferrari California T Handling Speciale review
  • 2016 Ferrari California T Handling Speciale review
  • 2016 Ferrari California T Handling Speciale review
  • 2016 Ferrari California T Handling Speciale review
  • 2016 Ferrari California T Handling Speciale review
Used Ferrari California 2009-2017 review
Star rating

What's the used Ferrari California sports like?

The Ferrari California wasn't initially welcomed with open arms. Some didn't believe it was a "real Ferrari", because it was the cheapest model the iconic Italian brand made at the time. As time went on, mind you, many people warmed to its charms.

For starters, its engine is sublime. The 453bhp 4.3-litre V8 not only sounds incredible, but it propels this convertible sports car from 0-62mph in just 3.8sec. You also have its quick-shifting dual-clutch automatic gearbox to thank for this pace.

Overview

There may be more exciting modern Ferraris out there, but none are available for California or California T prices. Exciting to drive and suitably lavish.  

  • Awe-inspiring performance
  • Somewhat practical for the class
  • Reasonably priced for a Ferrari
  • High running costs
  • Fast, but many alternatives are faster
  • A decent grand tourer, but some rivals are better

In the bends, there are sharper Ferraris out there, such as the Ferrari 488 GTB 2015-2020, but the California stiff offers up an extremely capable and exciting drive. It makes a commendable attempt at being a comfortable grand tourer, too, although there are alternatives better suited to this kind of work – the Bentley Continental GT Convertible is but one of them.

In 2014, the California was heavily revised to create the California T (pictured above). It gained a different look, as well as a different engine. Now a twin-turbocharged 552bhp V8, the 0-62mph time came down to 3.6sec. All of its predecessor's great handling qualities remain.

These qualities are enhanced in models with the Handling Speciale (HS) package. Gearchanges are marginally quicker and the ride is firmer, meaning it corners with less body lean than the standard car.

The driving position in the California and California T is especially good, with the wheel (on which most frequently used switches are mounted) positioned right where you want it.

You can get Californias as two-seaters with space for golf bags or suitcases in the cabin, or as a two-plus-two complete with child-seat mounting points. Being realistic, though, it's a two-plus-one at best. There's a 340-litre boot with through-loading into the cabin and it shrinks by only 100 litres with the folding metal roof down.

If you're interested in finding a used Ferrari California or any of the other cars mentioned here, head over to our Used Cars For Sale pages to find lots of cars listed at great prices.

2016 Ferrari California T Handling Speciale review

Ownership cost

What used Ferrari California sports will I get for my budget?

Have at least £55,000 if you fancy an early model. The T tends to go for upwards of £80,000. Final examples from 2017 can rise above £10,000.

Check the value of a used California with What Car? Valuations

Find used Ferrari cars for sale

2016 Ferrari California T Handling Speciale review

How much does it cost to run a Ferrari California sports?

MPG

You'll see 22mpg on a good day. The T bumps this figure up to 27mpg.

Road tax

The California and California T each come in at £695 per year in road tax, unless you happen to have bought one of the final examples that were registered after April 2017 – these attract a flat fee of £180 per year.

Insurance and servicing

Have deep pockets for these two things. Servicing is costly and both the regular Cali and the T sit in the maximum insurance group of 50.

Our recommendations

Which used Ferrari California sports should I buy?

The California T is noticeably more modern than the regular California, plus it's faster. However, the normal Cali is more than exciting enough and, by choosing it, you'll save £25,000 (at most).

Customers were allowed to personalise the California almost as they liked inside, so there are likely to be a range of colours and textures on the used market.

Touch-screen sat-nav, a satellite tracking system to pinpoint the car if it's stolen, tyre pressure monitoring, electric heated seats and the full gamut of Formula One-derived traction and stability aids, plus carbon-ceramic brakes are all included.

Our favourite Ferrari California: California

2016 Ferrari California T Handling Speciale review

Alternatives

What alternatives should I consider to a used Ferrari California sports?

Although the California and California T are two of the most affordable Ferraris of their respective ages, you wouldn't call them cheap – there are plenty of alternative sports cars available at their price points.

For around £50,000, you can pick up a previous-gen Audi R8 V10 Spyder. It's an extremely capable machine and one with a sonorous exhaust note, although, being an Audi, it doesn't quite have Ferrari's prestige. It's strictly two seats as well, meaning you miss out on the California's (albeit pea-sized) rear seats.

If you have California T money to spend, consider the Mercedes-AMG GT Roadster. Again, it doesn't have the Ferrari flair, but you'll be getting a newer car – for £80,000, it'll most likely be a 2018 model. Its V8 is muscular and so is its performance, so it's still plenty exciting.

For all the latest reviews, advice and new car deals, sign up to the What Car? Newsletter

If you're interested in finding a used Ferrari California or any of the other cars mentioned here, head over to our Used Cars For Sale pages to find lots of cars listed at great prices.