Maserati Spyders - any good?

[Rotaree]

I've just been looking at a Maserati Spyder and it looks great but I seem to remember Maseratis had something of reputation. Are they now sorted or should I steer clear?

[rico]

There are a number of Coupe owners in this website (Mr_Tony, Flasher etc) who rave about their cars.

Can't see the spyder being much different in terms of reliabity. Maybe a bit of torsional stiffness lost but then few people buy the Spyder over a Coupe for their handling... its the topless ability that sells them.

Sounds a good buy to me!

However... the devil in me says... 355

[exint2]

Maserati massively improved the spyder for the 03 model year - much stiffer IIRC - I do remember a road test which said that it transformed the car.

[mr_tony]

Cetainly haven't heard anything bad about Spyders (Jodie Kidd has one, and she sheems to be a pretty serious driver judging by the Top Gear track results!)

Don't know any spyder owners, someone else might know more. As for reliability the bad old days are long behind so it would seem..

[Rotaree]

Thanks for that although the one I'm looking at is an 02 - about 18 months old it looks as though it might be a good buy. (The 355's just a bit too pricey and not quite as useable day to day - but I know what you mean )

[flasher]

Trying one tomorrow so I'll let you know....

[bennno]

save your time, they drive worse than the coupe and the paddleshift gearbox is diabolical.

although at sub 38k from a main dealer they arent bad value at half price after 18 months.....

Bennno

[mal]

They certainly suffered from severe scuttle shake. Even to sale people I knew at Maserati said off the record that there was a real problem with them and several road tests said there was a fundamental flaw.

Although I drove a couple on a track day at Goodwood but didnt notice a problem but then there are no bumps on the track!

I dont know if the problem has been cured on the later cars though.

[davidd]

flasher said:

Trying one tomorrow so I'll let you know....

Changing already? Unlike you to only keep a car for five mins

Did you try it? What was the spec/age/miles etc? What was the verdict?

D.

[shnozz]

davidd said:

flasher said: Trying one tomorrow so I'll let you know.... Changing already? Unlike you to only keep a car for five mins Did you try it? What was the spec/age/miles etc? What was the verdict? D.

didnt try one in the end - weather was so sh*t that we popped down, had a mooch around and then headed off. Even the salesman said "and dont try sport mode in this weather, unless you want to go into the new forest backwards"

[Andrew Richmond]

02 cars have dreadful shake, 03 ones don't and are worth a try. Shame, though, that the sun visors are too small and don't fold out to cover the side window. A small thing but real hassle at times!

[michael gould]

Hi all....i'm new to PistonHeads but like the rest of you I love cars. I have just sold my Maserati 3200GT and now own a 2002 4200GT spyder. It is true that with the hood down some shake is there but the Maso is a great car. I have been lucky enough to have owned some great cars such as NSX, DB7 and a new SL500 but they dont offer the kind of value that a second hand Maso has to offer.My 2002 6K fully loaded Spyder cost me under 40k.Be aware that the F1 autos get through clutches every 8k miles at £1700 a go.My manual is a little stiff but you get used to it. If anybody would like some advise on 3200 or 4200 send me an e-mail

[chris_n]

Hi Michael,

I've recently bought a 3200GT and love it. Out of interest how do you find the power deliver of the non-turbo 4200 engine compared to the turbo 3200, having lived with both? Are they significantly different in character?

Chris

[michael gould]

Hi Chris

I loved my 3200GT.........great engine....but I have to say the new 4200 engine is in a different class.The power delivery is instant,and it dosn't seem to matter what gear your in, it just pulls.Maserati may not make the best cars in the world but they do make one of the greatest engines available in any car !

As a side issue, I note that Maserati have reduced prices in the past month which should soften a little second hand prices.

Enjoy your 3200GT....... I did

[Andrew Richmond]

Michael

The Maserati price cut should have little impact on actual transaction prices for new cars since the dealer margin has been cut by the same amount. It is therefore just a headline news item which should have little impact on the market for used cars. Most people would have been getting £6k to £9k off a new car before hand in any case. It just makes % residuals look better against list price which might bring a few more leasing sales in.

I'm glad you are enjoying your 02MY Spyder but - having driven both - I would prefer to spend the extra £8k and have an 03MY one. The engine is great though!

[michael gould]

I use AON brokers.....stongly recomend them...I have a collectors car insurance with limited millage 5k per year and pay £870 for my 4200 spyder

speak to Tony Oakley on direct dial number 01483 70 6056

The insurance is with royal sunalliance