Ferrari California (2012)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 388 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£3,003

£250/month

MOT Pass Rate

98%

Excellent

Road Tax

£790

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 35-50

4297cc Petrol

Great Choice

98% pass rate, £3,003/year to run. 16 points above average.

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Petrol4297cc14 years old388 tests26k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 4297cc)

~30 mpg

£1,958

Road Tax

Estimated CO2 band

£790

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

Low estimate due to excellent reliability

£200

Total per year£3,003

Per month£250/mo

Per week£58/wk

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), petrol at 174.57p a litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026), GOV.UK road tax rates and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.

Reliability Verdict

98% MOT pass rate(Excellent)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. That's 16 points above the average of 82% across all models in our data.

98% of MOT tests on Ferrari Californias from 2012 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 12 years old. That's based on 388 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 25,594 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2012 models16th of 650(top 3%)

Rank among Ferrari models56th of 146(top half)

vs average of all models+16%(82% avg)

vs 2012 models average+20%(78% avg)

vs Ferrari average+2%(96% avg)

Mileage Analysis

25,594

Average miles

88,800

Expected for age

The average 2012 Ferrari California had 25,594 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is significantly below the expected 88,800 miles for a 12-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.

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Best Year to Buy?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2017 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 100%, while the 2013 model has the lowest at 95%. The 2012 scores 98%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

Ferrari California by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2018	100%	39	14,021 mi
2017	100%	482	13,933 mi
2016	97%	947	17,971 mi
2015	96%	923	21,333 mi
2014	97%	315	22,133 mi
2013	95%	310	22,074 mi
2012	98%	388	25,594 mi
2011	96%	379	30,555 mi
2010	96%	600	31,697 mi
2009	96%	380	36,325 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

Porsche 911

2014 · 3800cc Petrol

£3,003/year

96%

-2%

Bentley Continental

2014 · 3993cc Petrol

£3,003/year

97%

-1%

Mercedes SL

2014 · 4663cc Petrol

£3,003/year

92%

-6%

BMW M3

2010 · 3998cc Petrol

£3,003/year

92%

-6%

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About the 2012 Ferrari California

The 2012 Ferrari California is a luxury car. Our records list a 4297cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 388 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a less common model in the UK market. It ranks in the top 3% of all 2012 models for MOT pass rate.

With an average of 25,594 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Ferrari California owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver. Very low mileage could mean the car has been garaged or used only for short trips, which can cause its own issues like battery drain and moisture buildup.

2012 Ferrari California Fuel Costs

The 4297cc petrol engine is on the larger side, so fuel won't be this car's strong point. Expect around 30 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,958 per year with petrol at 174.57p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026; based on 7,400 miles per year).

What does it cost to own a 2012 Ferrari California?

Total estimated annual running cost is £3,003 (£250/month), broken down as £1,958 fuel, £790 road tax, £55 MOT, and £200 predicted repairs. The low repair estimate reflects the excellent 98% pass rate. These cars rarely fail their MOT, so unexpected bills are less likely.

Ferrari California Reliability Trend

The Ferrari California has maintained consistent MOT pass rates across model years, varying by only 1 percentage point.

Buying a Used 2012 Ferrari California

At 14 years old, the Ferrari California is firmly in budget territory. Purchase prices are low, but check for rust, worn suspension bushes, and electrical gremlins. A full service history is especially valuable at this age. If you're flexible on year, the 2017 model has the highest pass rate at 100%.

Common Issues to Watch For

These are typical issues for cars of this age, fuel type and engine size, not faults recorded on this model's MOT tests. Use them as a checklist when you view one.

Timing Chain / Belt

Watch out

At 14 years old, check whether the timing belt has been replaced (typically due every 5-7 years or 60,000-100,000 miles). A snapped belt can destroy the engine.

Oil Consumption

Medium risk

Larger petrol engines can develop higher oil consumption as they age. Check the oil level and look for blue smoke from the exhaust.

Rust and Corrosion

Watch out

At 10+ years, check wheel arches, sills, subframe, and brake lines for rust. Structural corrosion is an MOT failure. Prevention is far cheaper than repair.

Suspension Bushings

Watch out

Rubber suspension bushes harden and crack with age, causing knocking noises and vague handling. A full refresh costs £300-£800 depending on the car.

Service History

Low risk

Always request a full service history. Regular servicing is the single best indicator of how well a car has been maintained, regardless of mileage.

Running Costs Compared

How the 2012 Ferrari California stacks up against similar cars for estimated annual running costs, insurance group, and tax.

Car	Pass Rate	Fuel/yr	Tax/yr	Est. Ins. Group	Total/yr
Ferrari California(2012)	98%	£1,958	£790	Grp 35-50	£3,003
Porsche 911(2014)	96%	£1,958	£790	Grp 35-50	£3,003same
Bentley Continental(2014)	97%	£1,958	£790	Grp 35-50	£3,003same
Mercedes SL(2014)	92%	£1,958	£790	Grp 35-50	£3,003same
BMW M3(2010)	92%	£1,958	£790	Grp 35-50	£3,003same

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, GOV.UK average pump prices for the week of 19 October 2026, GOV.UK road tax rates and MOT data. Insurance groups are our rough estimate from engine size, not official groups. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.

Questions about the 2012 Ferrari California

Is the 2012 Ferrari California reliable?

Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. 98% of MOT tests on 2012 Ferrari Californias ended in a pass, from 388 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 16 points above the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2012 Ferrari California cost to run?

Our estimate is £3,003 a year (£250 a month): £1,958 fuel, £790 road tax, £55 MOT and £200 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2012 Ferrari California?

98% of 388 MOT tests on the 2012 Ferrari California ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 16th of 650 models first registered in 2012 (top 3%).

Which year Ferrari California has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2017 Ferrari California has the highest MOT pass rate at 100% and the 2013 the lowest at 95%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 2012 Ferrari California?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2012 Ferrari California is 25,594 miles, which is significantly below the expected 88,800 miles for a 12-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.