The idea of daily driving a Ferrari may seem outrageous to some, but the California model has proven itself as a shockingly versatile option for a regular supercar. I recently watched a fascinating review on the real-world experience of owning a 2010 Ferrari California, and wanted to provide some expert commentary and analysis for potential owners.
Overview Of The Ferrari California
The Ferrari California represents a major shift for the Italian automaker towards usability and driveability versus solely maximizing track performance. Debuting in 2008, the California features a number of modern amenities that make it shockingly livable in regular use.
For starters, the California utilizes a 7-speed dual-clutch F1 gearbox for lightning quick shifts. It was the first Ferrari road car to utilize such a transmission, providing ease of driving uncommon in supercars. The vehicle also sports carbon ceramic brakes for incredible stopping power.
From a performance standpoint, the California can rocket from 0-60 mph in just 3.8 seconds thanks to its 4.3L naturally aspirated V8 putting out 453 horsepower. Notably, this makes the California quicker in a straight line than the legendary Ferrari F40. Around a track, a California set an unofficial lap record at Laguna Seca, proving it has serious performance credentials as well.
So while the California may mark a move to a more street-friendly Ferrari, it retains very strong pedigree and racing DNA from the legendary automaker.
Buying A Well-Used Ferrari California
The review I watched provided great behind-the-scenes insights from the actual process of purchasing a used 2010 California with over 72,000 miles. The video host ended up buying the vehicle for $67,000 USD, but noted it needed some degree of work. This bargaining tactic likely saved over $10,000 versus purchasing a cleaner example.
The specific car bought suffered from a few mechanical gremlins – the power steering fluid reservoir had a crack causing a leak, the suspension system had problems causing a warning light, and there were a variety of dash indicator lights active.
However, for the buyer with capability to handle repairs themselves with their own shop, these issues presented a solid negotiating tactic to lower the price. While a typical seller would price such a vehicle closer to $80,000, highlighting the problems helps create a mental anchor point to talk the price down.
There‘s always risk involved when buying a high mileage sports car with existing problems. However, for a knowledgeable buyer, the potential deal achieved here likely outweighed the headaches. Even factoring in $10,000 or more in repairs, the total cost would remain reasonable for such an exotic modern vehicle.
Initial California Maintenance
Any older luxury vehicle is likely to need some degree of maintenance and repairs, especially past 70,000 miles. In this case, upon taking delivery of the vehicle, the new owner immediately had to replace the problematic suspension shocks.
The factory magnetorheological shocks on the Ferrari California represent advanced, complex technology. But that sophistication comes at a cost – replacing all four shocks was a $6,000 to $7,000 job according to the reviewer.
This highlights the ongoing cost of ownership implications of buying a used Italian vehicle without warranty coverage. While a typical luxury car may need a few hundred dollars in repairs annually, maintaining something like a Ferrari can routinely cost thousands of dollars per year.
Outside of repairs, basic maintenance is also pricey – new brake pads and rotors generally run around $4,000, for example. Further adding to costs, recommended interval major services at dealers average $5,000. And that ignores potential engine-out repairs reaching into the 5-figures for rebuilding gearboxes, starters, etc.
So any potential Ferrari buyer needs reasonable expectations around operating and maintenance budgets after purchase. Financial experts recommend budgeting $10,000 per year for these vehicles.
Spotlight On A Unique 2010 California
The specific 2010 California purchased in the video represents a beautiful vehicle, especially given its high mileage. The car came with a black on black color scheme – black exterior over a black interior. This oozes understated luxury.
Building upon that stealthy look, the interior utilizes supple "Daytona" style seats with yellow contrast stitching. Yellow accents appear throughout on seatbelts and other trim pieces as well. These pops of color present a very unique, custom appearance that sets the car apart.
The black over black palette gains heat-reflection properties from the contrast stitching and trim. Further, black hides any exterior blemishes – important on a decade old vehicle. Modern matte vinyl wrap jobs currently invoke a similar aesthetic on supercars. But there‘s something classic about this particular spec when achieved in factory paint.
Overall, this California presents a sinister, subtle Weeknd-esque vibe. The iconic Cavallino Rampante Ferrari logo etched into the wheel centers remains the only indication of the car‘s fire-breathing capabilities…for those in the know.
Surprisingly Great As A Daily Driver
The single most stunning revelation from the review centered on using the California as an actual daily driver. Digging past the impressions of a high-strung Italian exotic, the experience proved shockingly positive from a livability standpoint.
Despite the aforementioned suspension issue and litany of dash warning lights, real seat time in the California delivered excellent driveability. The F1 transmission quickly fades into the background without head-jarring shifts. The engine revs smoothly with abundant torque. Open up the triple-layer insulated convertible roof and headroom feels similar to an SUV.
In fact, aside from grabbing attention at the gas station and utterly demolishing back roads, the California blends into regular traffic. Surely hitting the engine start button to hear a Ferrari V8 bark to life never gets old. But outside such novelty, living with the car remains comfortable and familiar. Enough so to make it a plausible primary vehicle.
Undoubtedly, some maintenance concerns still weigh on the mind for such a cornerstone piece of driving joy. And nobody wants to be stranded roadside if something goes awry mechanically. However, the California allows owners to rationally justify the experience more akin to a Range Rover than stereotypical Italian money pit. Plus it will shred tires and handle canyon roads with race-bred agility forever putting SUVs to shame…
Final Thoughts
The Ferrari California makes a shockingly well-rounded case at succeeding as a daily driver versus being relegated to weekend toy status. Much of this versatility comes from increased ride comfort and usable performance versus single-minded track focus.
Without doubt, owning a vehicle with the prancing horse badge still requires an ongoing cost consideration. And seeking out well-maintained cars with service history is mandatory to contain expensive repairs. However, the California model offers strong reliability and longevity for the brand if properly maintained.
The buying experience also confirms that acquiring high-end sports cars with some degree of wear or damage can seriously reduce purchase prices. Savvy negotiating tactics allow significant savings even on already depreciated luxury vehicles. Of course this only works dealing with honest sellers accurately representing issues.
In summary, for individuals with means hoping to add everyday Italian exotic car flair, the California makes a proper case versus picking solely on reputation. There are certainly even tamer options than the California to appease practicality. However, nothing else seriously tempts with a genuine Ferrari badge at a rapidly diminishing price point. The California now offers outrageous V12-rivaling performance in a livable package worthy of consideration.