First time Ferrari owner - bought a Cali 30

[swanseaboydan]

Calis don’t need lift kits and go over speed bumps easily - big plus for a lazy driver like me . . I would forget to use the lift kit if I had a lower car and end up ramming it into the local speed bumps ( which are so large they should be on the OS maps . . )

[Oitbc]

Mattjevans said:

Agreed, I’ve never understood the knocks. Very fast car and sounds fabulous. I’m going the FF route myself but a Cali 30 would have been a close second choice.

I had a long good look at a green FF the main dealer in Lyndhurst had. As it made more sense for the 4 of us, had a great engine and 4wd but I just wanted the convertible in the end. Even watched the Chris Harris review but couldn’t convince myself.

[Oitbc]

swanseaboydan said:

Congrats ...

The California 30 is a super convertible, use it all the time and if you are ever in South Wales - message me and we’ll meet up for a cruise !

Don’t know if I’ll make it down there but if I do I’ll let you know 😊

[DT398]

Polarised sunglasses will (mostly) get rid of the reflection of the white stitching.

[mikewilliams79]

DT398 said:

Polarised sunglasses will (mostly) get rid of the reflection of the white stitching.

Didn’t know that

[ANOpax]

Oitbc said:

I had a long good look at a green FF the main dealer in Lyndhurst had. As it made more sense for the 4 of us, had a great engine and 4wd but I just wanted the convertible in the end. Even watched the Chris Harris review but couldn’t convince myself.

Horses for courses.

[jon66]

Oitbc said:

Mattjevans said:

Agreed, I’ve never understood the knocks. Very fast car and sounds fabulous. I’m going the FF route myself but a Cali 30 would have been a close second choice.

I had a long good look at a green FF the main dealer in Lyndhurst had. As it made more sense for the 4 of us, had a great engine and 4wd but I just wanted the convertible in the end. Even watched the Chris Harris review but couldn’t convince myself.

Pretty much the same process I went through...in so many ways the FF was the more practical choice due to space in the rear (not to mention the glorious V12) but the attraction of roof down motoring (in a Ferrari) was the deciding factor so the California it was and I’ve never regretted that decision.

[phib]

Well firstly congratulations!! Looks lovely.

I’ve been deliberating buying one for way too long now !

I’ve heard lots of positives on them from owners over the years and lots of horror stories when I spoke to the specialist that looks after my 355.

Needless to say I’m off to see one on Monday.

I’m very near ascot (chobham) so hope to see it about.

Phib

Edited by phib on Thursday 8th April 20:34

[Lob355]

I’m in lightwater might see you around

[vanman1936]

Few specialists I have spoken to say they are very reliable and a good daily. Defo on the cards for when I have little ones and need the space for them.

Re white stitching, couldn’t a quality interiors business dye it black in the dash?

[Oitbc]

Lob355 said:

I’m in lightwater might see you around

and phib, I'm over in Bracknell and potter between Reading and Virgina Water a fair bit - good to see you both

[Oitbc]

vanman1936 said:

...
Re white stitching, couldn’t a quality interiors business dye it black in the dash?

Might chat to Trimmania who did some excellent work on my old a8 w12

[ANOpax]

Oitbc said:

Might chat to Trimmania who did some excellent work on my old a8 w12

Have you tried living with the white stitching for a while? We have it on one of ours and it annoyed me at first but I’ve learned to filter it out and barely notice it these days.

It was the same with my wife’s old V8 Vantage.

Edited by ANOpax on Friday 9th April 06:51

[Oitbc]

phib said:

Well firstly congratulations!! Looks lovely.

I’ve been deliberating buying one for way too long now !

I’ve heard lots of positives on them from owners over the years and lots of horror stories when I spoke to the specialist that looks after my 355.

Needless to say I’m off to see one on Monday.

I’m very near ascot (chobham) so hope to see it about.

Phib

Edited by phib on Thursday 8th April 20:34

I’m sure you don’t need me to tell you there are some dodgy examples out there and people who are creative with the truth about their cars. I had one tell me it was taxed for a year, just serviced and had Ferrari power warranty for another 9 months and when I called Ferrari dealer they said nope. Hasn’t been serviced for 18 months. Power warranty run out 6 months ago and last mot 13 months before.

Hope it’s a good one. I lucked out as chap bought from Ferrari and after 300 miles didn’t like it so his mate sold it for him to me via his garage. All dates and stamps checked out. Warranty with Ferrari until sept 22. He was happy to take to a specialist for me to get a full report on it - who couldn’t find anything wrong with it.

[phib]

Sorry to go slightly off topic ( I probably should start a new topic) Did you guys decide the 30 was a better & more reliable car than a standard one or just fancy a 30 ?

Im torn between a £65k 2010, a 30 ( a friend has for sale) or pusing it to a T.

I am only on the start of my buying journey, is it worth just finding one with extendable ferrari warranty ?

Sorry so many questions

Phib

[swanseaboydan]

Hi phib- I had 2 years of a California before getting my call T - In my opinion the Cali T is worth the extra money but I do miss the noise of the non turbo. Whatever you buy it is worth getting a Ferrari warranty. I simply got mine looked over by Ferrari to make sure it qualified for a warranty before buying it as I was buying from an independent trader. If you like the Ferrari sound make sure you get sports pipes on the Cali T but not needed on non turbo Cali . The 2 k odd I spent on the warranty on the older Cali was well used including a gearbox job that would probably have cost me 6 grand.
I prefer the shape of the Cali T when I see them side by side. Hope this helps. If money is tight though - a non turbo with a warranty will be an awesome car - buy soon and enjoy the spring and summer !