Used car guide

2009 Ferrari California: common problems and MOT failures

What MOT testers find on the Ferrari California first registered in 2009: we looked at the 432 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

Small sample: there were only 432 MOTs of these cars during 2023–2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.

432MOTs of 2009 cars, done in 2023–2025
92%pass first time (all 2009 cars: 59%)
2,100typical miles a year
13%had tyres flagged

Common 2009 Ferrari California MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2009 Ferrari California MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Tyres
    13% of testsRough price £70–£150

    At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

  • Suspension
    13% of testsRough price £120–£400

    At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

  • Brakes
    5% of testsRough price £150–£350

    At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

  • Lights and electrics
    4% of testsRough price £10–£80

    At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

  • Oil and fluid leaks
    2% of testsRough price £80–£600

    At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.

  • Steering
    1% of testsRough price £100–£450

    At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Feel for play or knocking when turning.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2009 Ferrari California

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

  1. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?

Looking at a Ferrari California?

Check the actual car: its own MOT history, mileage and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.

Other years

Every year of the Ferrari California compared

YearMOT testsMost flagged
2018–Too few tests
2017397Tyres 12%
2016668Tyres 13%
2015724Tyres 14%
2014354Tyres 12%
2013295Tyres 11%
2012363Tyres 11%
2011448Tyres 13%
2010617Tyres 12%

Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test done in Great Britain during 2023–2025, counting the MOTs of Ferrari California cars first registered in 2009. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score