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Photo: xYoshii_, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Used Ferrari California / California T F149: the buying guide

Sports / luxury · 2008–2017 · Petrol

✓ 26 sources cited · updated on 15 October 2026

Buy with care
Reliability
3.5/5
Estimated monthly cost
€1,694/month
Indicative prices
€94,990 – €159,000

7 known faults

Photo: xYoshii_, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Photo 1 of 5

Ferrari California / California T F149, front three-quarter view

Photo: xYoshii_, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Verdict

Buy with care

Retractable hard-top coupé-cabriolet, first with a naturally aspirated 4.3 L V8 (460 hp, then 490 hp) and from 2014 with a 3.9 L twin-turbo V8 producing 560 hp (California T), always with a 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox. Buying guides agree on what to check: the roof mechanism, the gearbox sensors on the first cars (2009-2011), the battery and the status of the manufacturer's safety recalls (fuel line on some 2016 California Ts, airbags, brake fluid reservoir cap). A visit to a Ferrari specialist and a complete service history are essential.

Reliability
3.5/5
Indicative prices
€94,990 – €159,000
Monthly cost
€1,694
Euro NCAP
Not tested

Which version to choose

Versions to favour: California T 3.9 V8 biturbo 560 ch double embrayage 7 rapports.

  • California 4.3 V8 460 ch double embrayage 7 rapports

    Petrol · Automatic · 460 hp · 13.1 L/100 km · Crit'Air 2

    Launch version (2008): 4.3 L V8 of 460 hp and 485 Nm, 0 to 100 km/h in 3.9 s (AutoScout24). Combined consumption of 13.1 L/100 km recorded on listings (AutoScout24). A manual gearbox was available as an option, but very few customers ordered it (AutoScout24).

  • California 4.3 V8 490 ch (mise à jour 2012) double embrayage 7 rapports

    Petrol · Automatic · 490 hp · Crit'Air 2

    2012 update: 490 hp and 505 Nm, 0 to 100 km/h about two tenths of a second quicker (AutoScout24).

  • California T 3.9 V8 biturbo 560 ch double embrayage 7 rapports

    ✓ Recommended

    Petrol · Automatic · 560 hp · 10.5 L/100 km · 250 g CO₂/km · Crit'Air 2

    California T (2014): twin-turbo V8 of 560 hp and 755 Nm, 0 to 100 km/h in 3.6 s, about 100 kg lighter than the California (AutoScout24). Announced combined consumption of 10.5 L/100 km and 250 g/km of CO2 (AutoRAI). Optional Handling Speciale pack for firmer suspension (AutoScout24).

Market prices

€94,990 – €159,000

Indicative range: 2009 to 2017, yearly medians of 75 online listings collected by AutoUncle (years with at least 3 listings).

Collected on 20 October 2026 from the sources below. Our own survey of listings, by year and mileage, will refine it.

Known faults

Retractable hard top: mechanism, guides and hydraulic leaks

Severity 2/3 · Costly

Buying guides cite the roof as an expensive point: Exotic Car Hacks says the mechanism can fail or get stuck, Supercars.net that the hydraulic rams can leak over time (check the boot), and CarsCounsel that the plastic slider guides often break on first-generation cars, which can jam the panels. Automonitor adds, for the California T, roof seals to be replaced after 5 to 7 years and wind noise at motorway speeds. Operate the roof several times before buying.

Versions
California 4.3 V8 460 ch double embrayage 7 rapports, California 4.3 V8 490 ch (mise à jour 2012) double embrayage 7 rapports, California T 3.9 V8 biturbo 560 ch double embrayage 7 rapports
Onset
not documented
Repair
not documented

Dual-clutch gearbox: sensors on the first cars

Severity 2/3 · Costly

Exotic Car Hacks reports speed sensor problems on 2009-2011 Californias, which often require a gearbox replacement, as repair kits are not readily available from Ferrari. Supercars.net mentions occasional clutch position sensor problems on the first models, which degrade the quality of gear changes, and recommends checking that recalls or updates have been carried out. CarsCounsel also mentions sensor faults on 2009-2011 models and an updated calibration for the California T.

Versions
California 4.3 V8 460 ch double embrayage 7 rapports
Onset
not documented
Repair
not documented

Battery that discharges or fails early

Severity 1/3 · Annoying

Exotic Car Hacks reports frequent battery failures on Californias and California Ts, even when a trickle charger is used. Supercars.net and CarsCounsel report the battery discharging when the car is driven little. Check the date of the last replacement, and connect a trickle charger if the car is going to be laid up.

Versions
California 4.3 V8 460 ch double embrayage 7 rapports, California 4.3 V8 490 ch (mise à jour 2012) double embrayage 7 rapports, California T 3.9 V8 biturbo 560 ch double embrayage 7 rapports
Onset
not documented
Repair
not documented

Sticky interior buttons

Severity 1/3 · Annoying

The rubberised coating on the buttons and climate controls degrades with heat and becomes sticky (CarsCounsel). Supercars.net classes this defect among the cosmetic issues of both generations. Refurbishing or replacing the controls is a common expense on older cars (CarsCounsel).

Versions
California 4.3 V8 460 ch double embrayage 7 rapports, California 4.3 V8 490 ch (mise à jour 2012) double embrayage 7 rapports, California T 3.9 V8 biturbo 560 ch double embrayage 7 rapports
Onset
not documented
Repair
not documented

Recall: fuel line not properly connected (California T 2016)

Manufacturer recall

Ferrari recalled, in the United States, California T cars of the 2016 model year built from 8 September to 11 November 2015: a low-pressure fuel line could be poorly connected to the pump, with a risk of a leak into the engine compartment and of fire. The free remedy is replacement of the line. Check with the serial number through the Ferrari network.

Fixed free of charge by a dealer and not counted in the reliability score: ask for proof the work was done (invoice, or a VIN check at a dealer).

Versions
California T 3.9 V8 biturbo 560 ch double embrayage 7 rapports
Onset
not documented
Repair
not documented

Airbag recalls (passenger inflator, driver airbag, control unit)

Manufacturer recall

Several official US recalls cover the airbags: passenger inflators that may rupture on 2009-2011 Californias (and replacement parts covered by a second recall), then on the 2014 California and the 2015-2018 California Ts; a poorly assembled driver airbag module on 2015 California Ts built from December 2014 to April 2015; and an airbag control unit that may prevent proper deployment on 2016-2018 California Ts. The remedies are free: check each recall with the serial number.

Fixed free of charge by a dealer and not counted in the reliability score: ask for proof the work was done (invoice, or a VIN check at a dealer).

Versions
California 4.3 V8 460 ch double embrayage 7 rapports, California 4.3 V8 490 ch (mise à jour 2012) double embrayage 7 rapports, California T 3.9 V8 biturbo 560 ch double embrayage 7 rapports
Onset
not documented
Repair
not documented

Recall: brake fluid reservoir cap

Manufacturer recall

A 2022 US recall covers the 2009-2017 California and the California T: the brake fluid reservoir cap may not vent properly, which can create a vacuum and cause a leak, leading to partial or total loss of braking. Dealers replace the cap and add a low-level warning message.

Fixed free of charge by a dealer and not counted in the reliability score: ask for proof the work was done (invoice, or a VIN check at a dealer).

Versions
California 4.3 V8 460 ch double embrayage 7 rapports, California 4.3 V8 490 ch (mise à jour 2012) double embrayage 7 rapports, California T 3.9 V8 biturbo 560 ch double embrayage 7 rapports
Onset
not documented
Repair
not documented

All faults by version and mileage →

Manufacturer recalls

See the official list on RappelConso (new tab) (French government recall site: category “Automobiles et moyens de déplacement”, search “Ferrari California / California T”). A dealer for the brand can also check, using the vehicle identification number (VIN), that recalls have been carried out.

Real monthly cost

Fuel, insurance, maintenance and depreciation, excluding finance. Move the slider to match your mileage. How it is calculated

Monthly cost by item
Fuel or electricity€258
Insurance€83
Maintenance€74
Depreciation€1,279
Total per month€1,694

⚠ Estimates to treat with caution

  • NEDC consumption (older, more optimistic than WLTP) as no WLTP figure is published: fuel is probably slightly underestimated.
  • Insurance: brand average, as no average is published for this model.
  • Maintenance: budget of a closely related model.
  • Maintenance: published servicing price plus an estimated allowance for tyres and brakes.
  • Depreciation estimated at 12% of the median price a year, as no year-by-year valuation is usable.
Calculation details (12,000 km a year)
Fuel (petrol)€258

California T 3.9 V8 biturbo 560 ch double embrayage 7 rapports version: combined consumption of 10.5 L/100 km, increased by 15% for real-world driving, at 2.14 €/L, for 1,000 km a month.

10.5 × 1.15 × 2.14 € × 10 = €258

Petrol price (SP95-E10): French national average on 7 October 2026.

Insurance€83

Average monthly premium published for this model by insurance comparison sites (comprehensive cover when stated). Your premium depends on your profile.

Maintenance€74

Servicing and wear parts (tyres, brakes) for 12,000 km a year, per month.

Depreciation€1,279

Value lost in a year by a typical example, from the valuation gap between two years, per month.

Inspection checklist

Things to check

  • Have Ferrari check the serial number for recalls: fuel line (California T 2016), airbags and brake fluid reservoir cap.
  • Open and close the roof several times: no grinding noise, sticking or warning lights; check for hydraulic leaks in the boot and the condition of the roof seals.
  • During the test drive, check that the gearbox shifts smoothly, without hesitation, in both automatic and manual modes, and ask for invoices for gearbox oil changes (every 2 to 3 years according to Supercars.net).
  • Have the fault codes of the gearbox and roof modules read, and check the date of the last battery replacement.
  • Check the condition of the carbon-ceramic discs, the tyres and the interior buttons (sticky coating).
  • Ask for the complete service history within the Ferrari network and a pre-purchase inspection by a specialist.

Questions to ask the seller

  • Have the safety recalls (fuel line, airbags, brake fluid reservoir cap) been carried out? Do you have proof from the network?
  • Have the roof, the gearbox (sensors, oil change) or the battery been repaired or replaced? Do you have the invoices?
  • Is the service history complete with Ferrari, and does the car have the Handling Speciale pack?

Test-drive tip: read the fault codes

A warning light that is off proves nothing: a fault may have been cleared just before the viewing. A Bluetooth OBD2 scanner, plugged in under the steering wheel and read on your phone, shows stored codes and whether all emissions readiness tests have run since the last reset.

See OBD2 scanners on Amazon → (new tab)Partner link

Electric or hybrid equivalent

No direct electric or hybrid equivalent in our guides. Simulate combustion vs electric cost

Alternatives

Photo: Vauxford, CC BY-SA 4.0

Ferrari 458 Italia / Spider

F142 · 2009–2015

Good choice, check first
Price
€208,200 – €401,450
Reliability
4/5
Fuel types
Petrol

Photo: Calreyn88, CC BY-SA 4.0

Ferrari F430

I · 2004–2009

Buy with care
Price
€124,900 – €241,300
Reliability
3/5
Fuel types
Petrol

Photo: Calreyn88, CC BY-SA 4.0

Jaguar F-Type

I · 2013–2024

Good choice, check first
Price
€38,000 – €70,400
Reliability
4.5/5
Fuel types
Petrol

Before you buy: check and equip

Check the history

Before paying, check the administrative status (lien, objection, declared claims) and the mileage recorded at the roadworthiness test.

Read fault codes

An OBD scanner plugged in under the steering wheel shows stored fault codes, even with warning lights off: useful during the test drive.

Parts and maintenance

Compare prices of parts for the Ferrari California / California T F149 (timing, brakes, filters) to estimate the repairs to plan for.

Insure the car

Insurance prices vary widely from one model to another: get a quote before signing.

Frequently asked questions

What is the Euro NCAP rating of the Ferrari California T?

It has not been tested by Euro NCAP, according to AutoScout24 and AutoRAI. AutoScout24 notes that it has front and side airbags and a roll hoop that deploys in a rollover.

What is the boot capacity of the Ferrari California?

340 litres with the roof closed and 240 litres with it open, according to AutoScout24. What Car? also gives 340 litres, which means 100 litres less with the roof folded down.

What is the difference between the California and the California T?

The California T, introduced in 2014, replaces the 4.3 L naturally aspirated V8 with a 560 hp, 755 Nm twin-turbo V8, with restyled looks and an updated interior (AutoScout24).

Found a listing?

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