The 2009 Ferrari California marked Ferrari's return to a front-engine, V8-powered grand tourer and the introduction of its first retractable hardtop convertible. Produced from 2008 to 2017, it was available in a single trim initially. The original pricing ranged from around $200,000. Its versatility as both a coupe and convertible, combined with the Ferrari badge, made it instantly popular, appealing to a broader audience than traditional Ferrari models.
The Good
The 2009 Ferrari California offers exhilarating performance with its V8 engine, and its retractable hardtop provides coupe-like comfort and security. Its iconic Ferrari design appeals emotionally, while the relatively improved reliability and usability compared to older Ferraris appeal to practical buyers. It offers a balance of performance and daily drivability.
The Bad
Weaknesses of the 2009 Ferrari California include potential issues with the retractable hardtop mechanism, which can be expensive to repair. Early models experienced some electrical glitches and issues with the F1 transmission. Additionally, the infotainment system is outdated compared to modern standards. Pre-purchase inspections are highly recommended.
2009 Ferrari California: Quick Overview
- Engine: 4.3L V8
- Horsepower: 453 hp @ 7,750 rpm
- Torque: 357 lb-ft @ 5,000 rpm
- Fuel Economy: EPA estimated 13 mpg city / 19 mpg highway
- 0-60 mph: Approximately 3.9 seconds
- Towing Capacity: Not applicable (Ferrari does not recommend towing)
- Trim Level Features:
- Leather upholstery
- Power-adjustable seats
- Automatic climate control
- Navigation system
- Bose sound system
- Retractable hardtop
- Carbon-ceramic brakes (optional)
- Scuderia Ferrari shields on fenders (optional)
- Various interior trim options (e.g., carbon fiber, wood)
- Parking sensors
- Bluetooth connectivity
- Bi-xenon headlights
- Transmission: 7-speed dual-clutch automated manual (F1 transmission)
- Drivetrain: Rear-wheel drive
- The 2009 California came in essentially one trim level, but many options were available to customize the car to the buyer's preferences. These included different wheel styles, interior and exterior colors, and performance upgrades like the carbon-ceramic brakes. The standard features were already quite extensive, befitting a Ferrari grand tourer. The F1 transmission offered quick and precise shifts, enhancing the driving experience. However, its operation differed from a traditional automatic, requiring some familiarization. The car was designed to be both a comfortable cruiser and a capable sports car.
2009 Ferrari California Specifications
Vehicle Information
| Year | 2009 |
| Make | Ferrari |
| Model | California |
| Trim | - |
| Style | Coupe |
| Type | Coupe |
| Category | Minicompact Car |
Manufacturing Details
| Made In | Italy |
| Manufacturing City | - |
Dimensions
| Doors | 2-Door |
| Curb Weight | 3825 pounds |
| Gross Vehicle Weight Rating | - |
| Overall Height | 51.50 inches |
| Overall Length | 179.70 inches |
| Overall Width | 74.90 inches |
| Wheelbase Length | 105.10 inches |
| Standard Seating | 4 |
Engine & Performance
| Engine | 4.3-L V-8 DOHC 32V |
| Engine Size | 4.3L |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 |
| Transmission | 7-Speed Manual |
| Transmission Type | Manual |
| Transmission Speeds | 7-Speed |
| Drivetrain | Rear-Wheel Drive |
Additional Features
| Anti-Brake System | 4-Wheel ABS |
| Steering Type | Rack & Pinion |
Pricing
| Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) | $192,000 |
| Invoice Price | - |
| Delivery Charges | $2,000 |
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What Problems Does the 2009 Ferrari California Have?
Frequently reported problems for the 2009 Ferrari California often revolve around the retractable hardtop mechanism. These systems are complex and can be prone to failure, leading to costly repairs. Electrical glitches, particularly in the early model years (2009-2010), have also been reported, affecting various systems such as the infotainment, lights, and sensors.
The F1 transmission, while offering performance benefits, can also be a source of concern. Clutch wear is a common issue, especially if the car is driven aggressively or frequently in stop-and-go traffic. Replacement of the clutch can be expensive. Some owners have reported issues with the transmission's software and shifting logic.
While Ferrari's reliability has improved over the years, the California is still a complex machine, and long-term maintenance can be costly. Routine servicing, such as oil changes and brake maintenance, is more expensive than for mainstream vehicles. It is crucial to have a pre-purchase inspection performed by a qualified Ferrari technician to identify any potential issues before buying. Check for any outstanding recalls or technical service bulletins (TSBs) related to the 2009 California. Some recalls addressed issues with the fuel system and braking system. Address these promptly to ensure safe operation.
The F1 transmission, while offering performance benefits, can also be a source of concern. Clutch wear is a common issue, especially if the car is driven aggressively or frequently in stop-and-go traffic. Replacement of the clutch can be expensive. Some owners have reported issues with the transmission's software and shifting logic.
While Ferrari's reliability has improved over the years, the California is still a complex machine, and long-term maintenance can be costly. Routine servicing, such as oil changes and brake maintenance, is more expensive than for mainstream vehicles. It is crucial to have a pre-purchase inspection performed by a qualified Ferrari technician to identify any potential issues before buying. Check for any outstanding recalls or technical service bulletins (TSBs) related to the 2009 California. Some recalls addressed issues with the fuel system and braking system. Address these promptly to ensure safe operation.
How long will the 2009 Ferrari California last?
Given their nature as luxury sports cars, 2009 Ferrari California models often have relatively low mileage compared to everyday vehicles. Many examples are likely to have between 20,000 and 60,000 miles, depending on usage patterns. With diligent maintenance, these cars can provide many years of service, but long-term durability hinges heavily on adherence to the recommended service schedule. Weaknesses over time tend to manifest in the hydraulic systems (such as the roof mechanism), the electrical system, and wear-and-tear on the drivetrain components. Regular inspections and preventative maintenance are crucial to mitigate these issues and prolong the car's lifespan. Proper storage when not in use can also help prevent deterioration.
What Technology & Safety Features are Included?
The 2009 Ferrari California features built-in tech that was considered advanced for its time, though dated by today's standards. The standard infotainment system included a navigation system, a Bose sound system, and Bluetooth connectivity for phone calls. Driver-assistance features were limited compared to modern cars, but it did offer parking sensors. Safety features included anti-lock brakes (ABS), electronic stability control (ESC), and traction control. It also had front and side airbags.
Optional features included carbon-ceramic brakes for improved stopping power, Scuderia Ferrari shields on the fenders for added flair, and various interior trim options to personalize the cabin. The optional adaptive headlights enhanced visibility in low-light conditions.
Crash-test ratings from independent organizations like NHTSA and IIHS are generally not available for low-volume, high-performance vehicles like the Ferrari California. However, Ferrari designs its cars with a focus on safety, incorporating features to protect occupants in the event of a collision. The car's strong chassis and advanced braking system contribute to its overall safety performance. While the technology is not cutting-edge compared to modern cars, the 2009 California offered a solid suite of features for its era, focusing on performance and driver engagement rather than extensive driver-assistance systems.
Optional features included carbon-ceramic brakes for improved stopping power, Scuderia Ferrari shields on the fenders for added flair, and various interior trim options to personalize the cabin. The optional adaptive headlights enhanced visibility in low-light conditions.
Crash-test ratings from independent organizations like NHTSA and IIHS are generally not available for low-volume, high-performance vehicles like the Ferrari California. However, Ferrari designs its cars with a focus on safety, incorporating features to protect occupants in the event of a collision. The car's strong chassis and advanced braking system contribute to its overall safety performance. While the technology is not cutting-edge compared to modern cars, the 2009 California offered a solid suite of features for its era, focusing on performance and driver engagement rather than extensive driver-assistance systems.
What Colors Options are Available?
Exterior Colors
Nero Daytona
Rosso Corsa
Giallo Modena
Blu Pozzi
Argento Nurburgring
Nero
Bianco Avus
Grigio Titanio
Rosso Scuderia
Grigio Silverstone
Interior Colors
Cuoio
Nero
Beige Tradizione
Rosso
Carta da Zucchero
2009 Ferrari California Prices and Market Value
When new, the 2009 Ferrari California had a base price of around $200,000. Currently, used market prices typically range from $70,000 to $100,000+, depending on mileage, condition, and options. Depreciation has been significant, but the California has likely hit a point where values are stabilizing. Factors affecting resale value include: low mileage, excellent condition, a clean Carfax report, desirable options (like carbon-ceramic brakes), and a well-documented service history. Cars with rare color combinations or unique features may command a premium. The overall market demand for classic Ferraris also influences values.
2009 Ferrari California Cost of Ownership
Owning a 2009 Ferrari California is undeniably costly. Insurance premiums are high due to the car's value and performance. Fuel consumption is considerable, requiring premium gasoline. Maintenance, including routine servicing and potential repairs, can be very expensive due to specialized parts and labor. Long-term ownership necessitates a significant financial commitment. Repair costs, especially for the retractable hardtop or F1 transmission, can be substantial. This is not an economical vehicle by any stretch of the imagination.
2009 Ferrari California Fuel Efficiency
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Fuel Capacity
20.60 gallons
City Mileage
9 miles/gallon
Highway Mileage
16 miles/gallon
2009 Ferrari California Safety Rating
NHTSA
IIHS
2009 Ferrari California Recalls & Defects
AIR Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module
Recall date
2016-05-23
Recall no.
16v341000
Source
NHTSA
Summary
Ferrari North America, Inc. (Ferrari) IS Recalling Certain Model Year 2009-2011 Ferrari California Vehicles Manufactured February 16, 2009, TO July 8, 2011, and Model Year 2010-2011 458 Italia Vehicles Manufactured March 5, 2010, TO July 29, 2011. These Vehicles ARE Equipped With AIR BAG Inflators Assembled AS Part OF THE Passenger Frontal AIR BAG Modules, Used AS Original Equipment or Replacement Equipment. IN THE Event OF A Crash Necessitating AIR BAG Deployment, These Inflators MAY Rupture DUE TO Propellant Degradation Occurring After Long-term Exposure TO Absolute Humidity and Temperature Cycling.
Consequence
AN Inflator Rupture MAY Result IN Metal Fragments Striking THE Vehicle Occupants Resulting IN Serious Injury or Death.
Remedy
Ferrari Will Notify Owners, and Dealers Will Replace THE Passenger Frontal AIR BAG Assembly, Free OF Charge. THE Recall Began October 30, 2017. Owners MAY Contact Ferrari Customer Service AT 201-816-2668. Ferrari's Number FOR This Recall IS 60.
Notes
Owners MAY Also Contact THE National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline AT 1-888-327-4236 (Tty 1-800-424-9153), or GO TO Www.safercar.gov.
AIR Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module
Recall date
2018-03-23
Recall no.
18v188000
Source
NHTSA
Summary
Ferrari North America, Inc. (Ferrari) IS Recalling Certain 2009-2011 Ferrari California, and 2010-2011 Ferrari 458 Italia Vehicles That Have NOT HAD Their Passenger Frontal AIR BAG Replaced. These Passenger Frontal AIR BAG Modules Have AIR BAG Inflators That MAY Explode IN THE Event OF A Crash DUE TO Propellant Degradation Occurring After Long-term Exposure TO Absolute Humidity and Temperature Cycling.
Consequence
AN Inflator Explosion MAY Result IN Metal Fragments Striking THE Vehicle Occupants Resulting IN Serious Injury or Death.
Remedy
Ferrari Will Notify Owners, and Dealers Will Replace THE Passenger Frontal AIR BAG Assembly With ONE That Uses AN Alternate Inflator, Free OF Charge. Owners MAY Contact Ferrari Customer Service AT 1-201-816-2668. Ferrari's Number FOR This Recall IS 60a. Note: This Recall Supersedes Recall 16v-341.
Notes
Owners MAY Also Contact THE National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline AT 1-888-327-4236 (Tty 1-800-424-9153), or GO TO Www.safercar.gov.
AIR Bags:frontal
Recall date
2020-01-09
Recall no.
20v007000
Source
NHTSA
Summary
Ferrari North America, Inc. (Ferrari) IS Recalling Certain 2009-2011 California and 2010-2011 458 Italia Vehicles Equipped With Non-desiccated, Passenger Frontal AIR BAG Inflators Containing Phase Stabilized Ammonium Nitrate (Psan) Propellant That Were Used AS Interim Remedy Parts FOR Previous Takata Recalls. These Inflators MAY Explode DUE TO Propellant Degradation Occurring After Long-term Exposure TO High Absolute Humidity, High Temperatures, and High Temperature Cycling.
Consequence
AN Inflator Explosion MAY Result IN Sharp Metal Fragments Striking THE Driver or Other Occupants Resulting IN Serious Injury or Death.
Remedy
Ferrari Will Notify Owners, and Dealers Will Replace THE Front Passenger AIR BAG Assembly With AN Alternate One, Including A NEW Non-Ammonium Nitrate Inflator, Free OF Charge. THE Recall Began March 8, 2020. Owners MAY Contact Ferrari Customer Service AT 1-201-816-2668. Ferrari's Number FOR This Recall IS 60fl.
Notes
Owners MAY Also Contact THE National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline AT 1-888-327-4236 (Tty 1-800-424-9153), or GO TO Www.safercar.gov.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Recall date
2022-07-26
Recall no.
22v536000
Source
NHTSA
Summary
Ferrari North America, Inc. (Ferrari) IS Recalling Certain 2005-2009 430, 2019-2020 488 Pista, 2016 F60 America, 2005-2011 612 Scaglietti, 2010-2011 612, 2018-2022 812, 2020-2022 F8 Spider, 2020-2022 F8 Tributo, 2021-2022 Roma, 2009-2017 California, 2015-2017 California T, 2013-2017 F12 Berlinetta, 2017 F12 Tdf, 2012-2016 FF, 2017-2020 Gtc4 Lusso, 2018-2020 Gtc4 Lusso T, 2013-2015 Laferrari, 2017 Laferrari Aperta, and 2019-2022 Portofino Vehicles. THE Brake Fluid Reservoir CAP MAY NOT Vent Properly, Creating A Vacuum Inside THE Brake Fluid Reservoir, and Resulting IN A Brake Fluid Leak That MAY Lead TO A Partial or Total Loss OF Brake Function.
Consequence
A Loss OF Brake Function CAN Increase THE Risk OF A Crash.
Remedy
Dealers Will Replace THE Brake Fluid Reservoir CAP and Update THE Software TO Provide A NEW Warning Message FOR Low Brake Fluid, Free OF Charge. Interim Owner Notification Letters, Informing Owners OF THE Safety Risk, Were Mailed September 22, 2022. Owner Notification Letters Were Mailed November 29, 2022. Owners MAY Contact Ferrari Customer Service AT 1-201-816-2668. Ferrari's Number FOR This Recall IS RC 80. This Recall IS AN Expansion OF Nhtsa Recall Number 21v-833.
Notes
Owners MAY Also Contact THE National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline AT 1-888-327-4236 (Tty 1-800-424-9153), or GO TO Www.nhtsa.gov.
2009 Ferrari California Warranty
Basic
Original warranty
24 months / unlimited miles
Estimated remaining
Expired
Powertrain
Original warranty
24 months / unlimited miles
Estimated remaining
Expired
Rust
Original warranty
24 months / unlimited miles
Estimated remaining
Expired
2009 Ferrari California Insurance
Insurance for a 2009 Ferrari California is moderately priced, reflecting its status as a Coupe with strong safety ratings and
reasonable repair costs.
reasonable repair costs.
How Does the 2009 Ferrari California Compare to Other Coupe?
The 2009 Ferrari California competed against rivals like the Aston Martin Vantage, Porsche 911 Turbo Convertible, and Mercedes-Benz SL-Class. In terms of performance, the California offered comparable acceleration to the 911 Turbo but trailed in handling precision. The Aston Martin Vantage offered a more engaging driving experience but less practicality. The SL-Class prioritized comfort and luxury over outright performance.
The California's features were competitive, but the infotainment system was less advanced than the Mercedes-Benz. Reliability was a known weakness compared to the Porsche and Mercedes-Benz. Prices for used models are similar across these competitors. For those prioritizing reliability and daily usability, the Porsche 911 Turbo Convertible is a better alternative. The Aston Martin Vantage is a good option for those seeking a more visceral and engaging driving experience, but be prepared for higher maintenance costs. The Mercedes-Benz SL offers a more luxurious and comfortable ride. Ultimately, the California appeals to buyers who desire the Ferrari brand and open-top driving experience, even with the potential for higher maintenance costs. Newer alternatives like the Audi R8 Spyder offer improved performance and technology, but at a higher price point.
The California's features were competitive, but the infotainment system was less advanced than the Mercedes-Benz. Reliability was a known weakness compared to the Porsche and Mercedes-Benz. Prices for used models are similar across these competitors. For those prioritizing reliability and daily usability, the Porsche 911 Turbo Convertible is a better alternative. The Aston Martin Vantage is a good option for those seeking a more visceral and engaging driving experience, but be prepared for higher maintenance costs. The Mercedes-Benz SL offers a more luxurious and comfortable ride. Ultimately, the California appeals to buyers who desire the Ferrari brand and open-top driving experience, even with the potential for higher maintenance costs. Newer alternatives like the Audi R8 Spyder offer improved performance and technology, but at a higher price point.
Ranks #369 Coupe
| 1 | 2023 Toyota GR Supra | (0.0★) |
| 2 | 2023 Lexus RC F | (0.0★) |
| 3 | 2011 Honda CR-Z | (5.0★) |
| 4 | 2023 Subaru BRZ | (5.0★) |
| 5 | 2011 Mazda RX-8 | (4.0★) |
| 6 | 2024 BMW 4 Series | (0.0★) |
| 7 | 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class | (4.0★) |
| 8 | 2014 Ford Mustang | (5.0★) |
| 9 | 2023 Audi A5 Cabriolet | (0.0★) |
| 10 | 2023 Nissan GT-R | (0.0★) |
| 11 | 2015 Hyundai Veloster | (0.0★) |
| 12 | 2008 Chevrolet Corvette | (5.0★) |
| 369 | 2009 Ferrari California | (0.0★) |
Final Verdict: Is the 2009 Ferrari California a Good Coupe?
The 2009 Ferrari California is ideal for those who desire the allure of a Ferrari convertible with a degree of everyday usability. It's worth buying, but only under certain conditions. A thorough pre-purchase inspection is essential. Look for examples with well-documented service history and lower mileage. Given the depreciation, buying used is the only financially sensible option. While there isn't a specific "best" trim, models with carbon-ceramic brakes are highly desirable. If you're willing to accept potentially higher maintenance costs and prioritize the Ferrari badge and convertible experience, the 2009 California can be a rewarding purchase. However, those seeking ultimate reliability or cutting-edge technology should consider alternatives.
Cathleen V
Cathleen is an exceptional freelance writer covering hot topics in the automotive world from a gearhead's perspective. Her articles delve into various aspects of automotive technology and history, offering readers detailed insights into engine performance, reliability, and maintenance. Through her engaging and informative writing, Cathleen provides valuable information to automotive enthusiasts and consumers alike, helping them make informed decisions about vehicle maintenance and purchases.