2009 Ferrari California 4.3L Petrol · FJ09 XXC
2009 Ferrari California (4.3L, petrol). First registered 01 Jul 2009. Recorded mileage 25,706 miles. MOT valid until 14 Jan 2027. Taxed until 01 Jan 2027.
- Make & Model
- FERRARI CALIFORNIA
- Year / Origin
- 2009 · Nottingham
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Valid until 14 Jan 2027
- Road Tax
- Taxed (01 Jan 2027)
- Recorded Mileage
- 25,706 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- ULEZ Compliant (Euro 4+)
- Fuel & Engine
- PETROL · 4.3L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
Thinking of buying this vehicle? Free MOT and tax checks do not cover legal ownership. If outstanding finance exists, finance companies have legal right to repossess without compensation.
FJ09 XXC Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 15/01/2026
- 25,706 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 2 historical MOT failures
- No defects recorded at the latest MOT
- Recurring tyres items (4 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
FJ09 XXC MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
5 MOT tests are recorded for this 2009 Ferrari California (FJ09 XXC) between December 2022 and January 2026.
The record contains 3 passes and 2 failures.
The most recent test on 15 January 2026 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 2 failures that buyers may want to investigate.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Tyres (4 issues), Lighting (3 issues), Steering (2 issues), Suspension (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 7 advisory notices are recorded. Advisories flag items that passed but may need attention before the next test; they are not evidence of how well the vehicle has been serviced.
Recorded failure items include: “Nearside Rear Shock absorbers has a serious fluid leak (5.3.2 (b))”; “Engine MIL inoperative or indicates a malfunction (8.2.1.2 (h))”; “Offside Rear Tyre has ply or cords exposed inner side wall perished (5.2.3 (d) (ii))”.
FJ09 XXC Mileage History
- 06/12/202223,870 mi
- 26/04/202424,806 mi+936 mi
- 26/04/202424,806 mi
- 29/09/202525,689 mi+883 mi
- 15/01/202625,706 mi+17 mi
Average of roughly 590 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
Diagnostic & Valuation Intelligence
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Known faults for Ferrari Ferrari California / California T
Our database tracks 3 specific mechanical faults and recurring failure patterns identified across UK MOT testing stations for this generation.
MOT Roadworthiness: Good
This rating reflects historical MOT pass rates and recurring advisory wear patterns from official DVSA test logs. Note that roadworthiness does not verify outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen records.
Verify lender finance agreements, insurance write-offs, police stolen registers, and mileage rollback.
Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
Proceed with extreme caution. While this 2009 Ferrari California has low mileage, its recent MOT history reveals significant mechanical and electrical neglect that necessitates a comprehensive pre-purchase inspection by a Ferrari specialist.
When viewing this vehicle, you must demand a full service history that goes beyond the MOT certificates. Specifically, look for invoices confirming the repair of the leaking nearside rear shock absorber and the resolution of the engine MIL fault recorded in September 2025. A Ferrari of this age is sensitive to electronic gremlins; verify that the engine diagnostics have been cleared by a specialist rather than simply reset.
Negotiate the price based on the need for a major service. Given the history of tyre perishing and the recent suspension leak, budget for a full suspension health check and a fresh set of premium-rated tyres. Do not rely on the MOT pass as a guarantee of mechanical fitness; an independent Ferrari specialist inspection is non-negotiable for a vehicle with this failure profile.
Running a 4.3L V8 Ferrari is a significant financial commitment. Fuel economy will be poor, often in the low teens for urban driving, and the annual road tax will be at the highest bracket due to its CO2 emissions. Insurance will be high, requiring a specialist policy that accounts for the vehicle's value and performance capability.
Beyond fuel and tax, maintenance is the primary cost driver. Ferrari parts are expensive, and labour rates at specialist garages are premium. You should budget at least £2,500 to £4,000 annually for routine maintenance, servicing, and the inevitable wear-and-tear items like tyres and brakes. An estimated annual running cost, excluding major repairs, is £5,000-£7,000.
Focus your inspection on the suspension and electronics. Check the nearside rear shock absorber specifically for any signs of residual leaking or uneven ride height. Given the previous engine MIL failure, ensure the car starts cleanly without hesitation and that no warning lights appear on the dashboard during a cold start or under load.
Check the condition of all four tyres carefully, as the vehicle has a history of tyre perishing and cord exposure. Inspect the headlamp lenses for the clouding noted in the 2025 failure; while these may have been polished, ensure the light output is clear and effective. Finally, test the retractable hardtop mechanism repeatedly to ensure it operates smoothly, as these systems are notoriously expensive to repair on the California model.
This red 2009 Ferrari California presents an attractive, low-mileage opportunity at just 25,706 miles, but the service and maintenance history is concerning. The vehicle suffered a significant MOT failure in late 2025 involving a leaking shock absorber and an engine management light (MIL) issue. While it passed its most recent inspection in early 2026, the pattern of tyre neglect and electrical faults suggests that the car may not have been maintained to the standard required for a high-performance Italian engine.
The Ferrari California is a complex machine; while the engine is robust, the electrical systems and retractable roof mechanisms are frequent points of failure that require diligent specialist maintenance.
Reviewed by the IsItAGoodCar editorial team — Verified automotive analysis synthesized from official vehicle registries.
Data Sources
DVSA
Official MOT test logs & failure reasons
DVLA
Tax, registration & powertrain specs
Experian
Finance, stolen markers & total loss
AI Analysis
Historical fault & advisory patterns
Common Problems: FERRARI CALIFORNIA
Known issues reported by owners and MOT testers.
- Battery Voltage-Related Electrical Faults(Moderate)
Like many modern Ferraris, the California becomes noisy electronically when battery voltage drops. Cars that sit unused can throw a wide range of false warnings or behave inconsistently until the power supply is sorted.
- Retractable Hardtop and Roof Latch Faults(Moderate)
The folding roof is a major selling point but adds complexity. Hydraulic issues, sensor faults, or latch problems can leave the roof slow to operate or stuck mid-cycle.
- MagneRide Damper Seepage and Front Suspension Wear(Moderate)
These GT cars carry more weight over the front axle than Ferrari's mid-engined models, so worn bushes, tired links, or leaking dampers are not unusual on UK roads.
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FERRARI CALIFORNIA Model Intelligence & Reliability
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Historical MOT pass rates and DVLA records for 2009 model year cars.
- Battery Voltage-Related Electrical FaultsModerate
Like many modern Ferraris, the California becomes noisy electronically when battery voltage drops. Cars that sit unused can throw a wide range of false warnings or behave inconsistently until the power supply is sorted.
- Retractable Hardtop and Roof Latch FaultsModerate
The folding roof is a major selling point but adds complexity. Hydraulic issues, sensor faults, or latch problems can leave the roof slow to operate or stuck mid-cycle.
- MagneRide Damper Seepage and Front Suspension WearModerate
These GT cars carry more weight over the front axle than Ferrari's mid-engined models, so worn bushes, tired links, or leaking dampers are not unusual on UK roads.
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