A First Time Car Buyer Who Did Not Want To Miss The Obvious
A First-Time FERRARI Buyer Who Did Not Want to Miss the Obvious
They booked because they were a first-time buyer and did not want to make a costly mistake through lack of experience.
Published
03 Jul 2026
Customer
Richard B.
Vehicle inspected
FERRARI California 2010
The buyer's story
Why they booked
The buyer was looking for their first car and found a FERRARI that seemed ideal. It was affordable, small enough to manage easily, and suitable for everyday driving.
Because this was their first used car purchase, Richard B. was not fully confident checking it themselves. They did not want to miss obvious warning signs such as worn tyres, poor bodywork repair, leaks, brake wear, dashboard warnings, or signs of poor maintenance.
They booked a Premium inspection so someone experienced could check the vehicle before they made the decision.
Booking reason
They booked because they were a first-time buyer and did not want to make a costly mistake through lack of experience.
Independent assessment
Inspection findings
Prior to carrying out a road test under bonnet fluid levels were checked and found to be correct, at this point the vehicle was started with no permanent warning lights displayed on the driver’s information panel, with the vehicle started readily from cold.
The road test was carried out at speeds of up to 70mph, in mixed road and traffic conditions.
Warning lights came on various system failures ⚠️⚠️⚠️
During the road test the pay attention to the performance of the engine and transmission with the engine and transmission performance be considered in line with a similar vehicle the same make and model the similar mileage.
Throughout the course of the road test the vehicle handled and performed in a good manner, steered the chosen path of travel correctly and was free from any abnormal noise or vibration.
During the road test there was no evidence of any excessive smoke from the exhaust, undue audible noises from the transmission and no evidence of overheating.
With final checks revealing no evidence of coolant leaks in and around the engine bay, or evidence of major oil leakage around the engine bay and or on the underside of the vehicle.
Overall conclusion vehicle good for the age overall as a feeling condition for the age and mileage. However it has list of issues and potential issues needs repairs and would need investment ⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️
Vehicle aesthetic is good for the age with some previous bodyworks carried out considered satisfactory. Some visual issues expected for age.
Vehicle interior is in good condition. Full valet is recommended before collection.
A structurally sound vehicle with no evidence of major accident damage or significant corrosion. But with accident damage repairs in past. Satisfactory.
No service history present.
Advised call previous service provider to see if the vehicle has any records.
Prior to purchase, consideration must be given to the collective cost involved in the rectification of the desirable items listed within the report.These items should be reflected in the purchase price of the vehicle or rectified before purchase.
See my attached video feedback.
Please call me back once you have reviewed all report in detail.
Recommendation always obtain appropriate extended warranty for your car. View packages. https://carexamer.com/extended-warranty
I would reconsider purchasing this vehicle unless most issues rectified and diagnoses for gearbox/clutch given.
Read full findingsShow less
Prior to carrying out a road test under bonnet fluid levels were checked and found to be correct, at this point the vehicle was started with no permanent warning lights displayed on the driver’s information panel, with the vehicle started readily from cold.
The road test was carried out at speeds of up to 70mph, in mixed road and traffic conditions.
Warning lights came on various system failures ⚠️⚠️⚠️
During the road test the pay attention to the performance of the engine and transmission with the engine and transmission performance be considered in line with a similar vehicle the same make and model the similar mileage.
Throughout the course of the road test the vehicle handled and performed in a good manner, steered the chosen path of travel correctly and was free from any abnormal noise or vibration.
During the road test there was no evidence of any excessive smoke from the exhaust, undue audible noises from the transmission and no evidence of overheating.
With final checks revealing no evidence of coolant leaks in and around the engine bay, or evidence of major oil leakage around the engine bay and or on the underside of the vehicle.
Overall conclusion vehicle good for the age overall as a feeling condition for the age and mileage. However it has list of issues and potential issues needs repairs and would need investment ⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️
Vehicle aesthetic is good for the age with some previous bodyworks carried out considered satisfactory. Some visual issues expected for age.
Vehicle interior is in good condition. Full valet is recommended before collection.
A structurally sound vehicle with no evidence of major accident damage or significant corrosion. But with accident damage repairs in past. Satisfactory.
No service history present.
Advised call previous service provider to see if the vehicle has any records.
Prior to purchase, consideration must be given to the collective cost involved in the rectification of the desirable items listed within the report.These items should be reflected in the purchase price of the vehicle or rectified before purchase.
See my attached video feedback.
Please call me back once you have reviewed all report in detail.
Recommendation always obtain appropriate extended warranty for your car. View packages. https://carexamer.com/extended-warranty
I would reconsider purchasing this vehicle unless most issues rectified and diagnoses for gearbox/clutch given.
Condition and costs
Poor findings and repair costs
Poor condition findings
Road test
Cruise control
Road test
Warning lights
Various system failures
Electric controls
Cigarette lighter
Plug-in diagnostic£1000
Engine control
Cleared faults approximately 80km ago
Red photos initial scan
Grey after road test
Seller advised vehicle also has some recall
Plug-in diagnostic
Central electronics system
Interior / Luggage Compartment
Door seals/hinges
Driver Door dropped down and intermittently touching quarter glass when closing door - top hinge worn or needs adjustment or possibly something with thread for bolt
Front suspension / steering£2400
Shock absorbers (conditions/leaks)
Lost damping effect
Leak cleaned of some time ago
Rear suspension£2400
Shock absorbers/bushes
Leaking
Rear suspension£1200
Suspension arms/fixings
Both rear bushes excessive play on control arm both sides
Body exterior
Bumpers/number plates
Front bumper lower grill damaged or not fitted correctly
Parking sensor broken and glued back
After the inspection
The customer experience
Outcome
The inspection helped Richard B. understand the FERRARI condition and make the purchase decision with more confidence.
Your next step
Check before you commit
Understand the car's condition before you buy. Choose an independent inspection and get the findings you need to decide your next step.