Discussion
So I have just decided to purchase (well put the deposit down on) a California T. Yes, for every article I read it says the Cali T is the one to ease the customer into their first Ferrari, but it is a huge leap against the old (current) model.
The reason I decided to purchase it was, well, it was exactly that - the chance to buy my first Ferrari. However I am now asking myself will it fulfill the car of my dreams? Should I really have ordered a 458? I am buying this car with kids in mind (they are fairly young so could squeeze in the back), but then this won't be my 'everyday' car. I also figured it wasn't as ostentatious (which was another part reason) as the 458 so not everyone you pass by drops their jaw, but who knows, maybe they will.
I guess I am slightly torn. I doubt I will be disappointed with the car, but will it live up to my dream of owning a Ferrari or should I have gone all out and bought the only super-car that matters? The new one with extras isn't cheap and I guess one could pick up a nearly new 458 for the same price. Then again the 458 is likely to get the Turbo upgrade at some point as well.
Welcome any thoughts.....
The reason I decided to purchase it was, well, it was exactly that - the chance to buy my first Ferrari. However I am now asking myself will it fulfill the car of my dreams? Should I really have ordered a 458? I am buying this car with kids in mind (they are fairly young so could squeeze in the back), but then this won't be my 'everyday' car. I also figured it wasn't as ostentatious (which was another part reason) as the 458 so not everyone you pass by drops their jaw, but who knows, maybe they will.
I guess I am slightly torn. I doubt I will be disappointed with the car, but will it live up to my dream of owning a Ferrari or should I have gone all out and bought the only super-car that matters? The new one with extras isn't cheap and I guess one could pick up a nearly new 458 for the same price. Then again the 458 is likely to get the Turbo upgrade at some point as well.
Welcome any thoughts.....
I guess what has got me having second thoughts is this:
I tried the Cali 30 for a couple of days and really enjoyed it, so much so that I figured if the T is better in every way then I will be truly delighted. Then once I put my deposit down the garage offered me a 458 spider for the weekend. I drove it and frankly no other car IMO touches it. Maybe I shouldn't have got into the 458 eh
Anyhow I think you are right, the Cali T will be incredible, but as they don't arrive till Sept I can't have the drive to allay my concerns. Maybe I need to do that and see where I am come that point.
Regardless - buying a Ferrari is exciting enough - the choices aren't really that hard when you think of it like that.
Appreciate the feedback.
I tried the Cali 30 for a couple of days and really enjoyed it, so much so that I figured if the T is better in every way then I will be truly delighted. Then once I put my deposit down the garage offered me a 458 spider for the weekend. I drove it and frankly no other car IMO touches it. Maybe I shouldn't have got into the 458 eh
Anyhow I think you are right, the Cali T will be incredible, but as they don't arrive till Sept I can't have the drive to allay my concerns. Maybe I need to do that and see where I am come that point.
Regardless - buying a Ferrari is exciting enough - the choices aren't really that hard when you think of it like that.
Appreciate the feedback.
The Cali is a lovely car and sure you won't be disappointed with it, I love the hard top soft top concept.
But 170k will buy you most things and were it me I would be concerned that in 3 or 4 years that 170 would be 90 like the first cars.
My money would probably go 612 as a family fun car and mp4-12c or 458 / lambo as a fun 2 seater.
Either of the above nice to have
But 170k will buy you most things and were it me I would be concerned that in 3 or 4 years that 170 would be 90 like the first cars.
My money would probably go 612 as a family fun car and mp4-12c or 458 / lambo as a fun 2 seater.
Either of the above nice to have
My thoughts: I was considering buying a new T, but in all reality couldn't convince myself that buying a new car was worth it vs what I would save on a used. I ended up buying a used but decent spec Cali 30, and if I really want a T I'll trade it in for a second hand T in 2 years time. In my mind, I would like the T to bed in for a year anyway so that any issues etc with a new build are ironed out by the time I buy one. The Cali 30 is great, gets lots of attention (positive) and sounds/drives great.
I didn't consider a 458, whilst I am sure drives even better, as I wanted a 2+2 specifically - I work away during the week, and weekend is all about family - I needed a car that I can take my kids in...
So - long story short - you could always consider getting a Cali 30 now like I did - I was happy with the price I was able to get one for, vs the same spec Cali T which when the options mount up, gets closer to £180-200k than the base price....
Of course the gamble I take is I don't know how the Cali 30 will depreciate over next couple years, time will tell.
I didn't consider a 458, whilst I am sure drives even better, as I wanted a 2+2 specifically - I work away during the week, and weekend is all about family - I needed a car that I can take my kids in...
So - long story short - you could always consider getting a Cali 30 now like I did - I was happy with the price I was able to get one for, vs the same spec Cali T which when the options mount up, gets closer to £180-200k than the base price....
Of course the gamble I take is I don't know how the Cali 30 will depreciate over next couple years, time will tell.
Cheers to both of you for last two posts.
I did consider the 30 as they were doing some deals in the showroom on new ones, but part of me hopes the depreciation in regards to the T will hold up better. Yes when you add on the extra's it is a £180k car min and the thought of dropping 80k or so over 3 years isn't appealing to say the least, but I guess the reason I didn't go for the 30 was that the garage were not offering a good enough deal on it vs the new one.
I, like you, have kids and hence the 2+2 was the big appeal - it ticks all the boxes, but getting value is important. Then again I am only going to use it at the weekend and have something that works for the kids during the week. Decisions, decisions.....
I did consider the 30 as they were doing some deals in the showroom on new ones, but part of me hopes the depreciation in regards to the T will hold up better. Yes when you add on the extra's it is a £180k car min and the thought of dropping 80k or so over 3 years isn't appealing to say the least, but I guess the reason I didn't go for the 30 was that the garage were not offering a good enough deal on it vs the new one.
I, like you, have kids and hence the 2+2 was the big appeal - it ticks all the boxes, but getting value is important. Then again I am only going to use it at the weekend and have something that works for the kids during the week. Decisions, decisions.....
gloryglory75 said:
Then once I put my deposit down the garage offered me a 458 spider for the weekend. I drove it and frankly no other car IMO touches it.
Isn't that end of thread? Why buy a car when you know you would rather be driving another. I get the kids thing (I'm in the same boat) but you just know that not buying a 458 will get to you in the end.The new Cali T will not be 'enough better than a Cali 30 to be the same as a 458'. The 458 is mid engined, wider of stance and will corner flatter and harder with that mid engined balance. The Cali is a great car and I loved mine but if you want the mid engined sporty feeling, it just can't do that.
Jappo said:
Ok, deep breath, saw the T for the first time at FoS this last weekend. I prefer the looks of the old one - and ithe old one barks and snorts like only a NA engine can.
I know I am about to get flamed but I don't care so bring it on.
I've written it here before - I totally agree! Don't like the new 'bloated' look of the T and things like losing the upright stacked exhausts is a minus point for me. Most seem to think it is better now but I'm not with them. Probably drives well though.I know I am about to get flamed but I don't care so bring it on.
I really like the T. Every car you buy at every price point, including this one, has it's strengths and weaknesses. For me, the T seems like an excellent compromise and the closest thing to a sensible Ferrari that you're ever going to find, although that could be a bad thing in the eyes of some people.
I had a look at the Evo review. Fairly positive and fits the bill as a good all round GT beating it's rivals in its path, but not a 458. Then again it doesn't pretend to be one. Question for a Ferrari buyer is for £180k (when you add the required extras) do you buy a year or two old 458 instead? Will 458 residual drop off next year when they intro the turbo engine changes?
In terms of the new T, personally I think it looks much better than it's former self and from the reviews (there is also a decent video review in Car) and it has made all the right changes. True it doesn't have the middle scoop of the original Cali's, but this is evolution.
Looking forward to seeing it in the flesh and making judgement. September is the forecourt debut correct??
In terms of the new T, personally I think it looks much better than it's former self and from the reviews (there is also a decent video review in Car) and it has made all the right changes. True it doesn't have the middle scoop of the original Cali's, but this is evolution.
Looking forward to seeing it in the flesh and making judgement. September is the forecourt debut correct??
Personally I'd buy the 458 and then something else for carting the kids around.
I don't really get the whole "my Ferrari needs to be able to carry my family" thing.
To me, that's not what a Ferrari is for - plenty of other excellent and fast cars which can do that very well.
But I realise others feel differently.
If that requirement is really that important to you, the Cali T will probably fit the bill nicely.
I don't really get the whole "my Ferrari needs to be able to carry my family" thing.
To me, that's not what a Ferrari is for - plenty of other excellent and fast cars which can do that very well.
But I realise others feel differently.
If that requirement is really that important to you, the Cali T will probably fit the bill nicely.
They are both different and both excel in their own way. No doubt there will be times when the owner of either one wishes they were in the other. I guess the trick is to really think about the kind of use your choice will be getting for the majority of the time it's being used and that will differ enormously from one owner to another. The answer is, of course, to have one of each! 
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