Purchasing used Maserati 4200
Discussion
monty quick said:
I am seriously thinking about buying a Maserati 4200. I have £30k max and the car must operate as my every day car (10-12k miles per year). I have owned TVR's and currently run a Mazda RX8. I would really appreceiate constructive comments...even if it is just 'don't do it!'
Don't do it!
That sort of mileage means a clutch and a big service every year. (£2k each).
Plus after a couple of years the depreciation will have ruined you.
Sorry, but it's true.
monty quick said:
You are telling me what I already feared. Thanks
Do it.....
I've had mine for nine months, use it every day, have covered 12,000 miles and its been absolutely rock solid.....
Yes, there is the whole clutch life (of the Cambiocorsa) to consider, but beware of doom and gloom merchants who say it will wear quickly - this is entirely dependent on your driving style....
IMHO, I would recommend one to you.. if you happen to be in the Beckton area this Sunday morning - come down, and I'll tell you much much more, and even take you for a spin if that would help....
I also accept that the higher mileage will affect the re-sale value, but heck, these cars are for driving, not for storing in a garage......
There are many other 4200 owners on here who will give you further views and experience for you to take on board...
Regards,
JBoy
Edited by johnnyboy225 on Tuesday 18th July 17:24
I'm going to see what other posts come up. I had the same reaction when I bought my first TVR. Yes of course high mileage kills residuals but that is true of any car. I guess I was most concerned about big bill items (like the clutch). I do not believe in owning a great car then only getting it out at weekends. This is only the very beginning of my research so I'm grateful for all comments.
Do it!
You could buy a car with say 25K on the clock run it for one year add the 10K and you wont have lost too much in value of the car on the mileage front. The annual service for the year with a good indy should be about £700.As far as the CC clutch is concerned I agree with Johnny just too many variables to take into account for there to be a consensus but it is true that many people get a fair bit more than 15K out of their CC clutch. Also don't be put off by some who dont favour the earlier cars, fact is that the 02 car(coupe) is mechanically identical to a 03 or 04 car and as long as campaigns have been carried out should be no different. Of course as with almost any car buy as late as you can afford. So having run your car for a year you decide, is it worth it? If you decide no, you will have lost some money but not enough to bankrupt you (i hope
and in return you will have had a year with a truly great car.
Finally having come to my 4200 from TVR I can say that the maserati has virtually all the positives of the Tiv without virtually all the negatives..fuel,depreciation,insurance,jealous t
ts etc..(well you cant have it all
You could buy a car with say 25K on the clock run it for one year add the 10K and you wont have lost too much in value of the car on the mileage front. The annual service for the year with a good indy should be about £700.As far as the CC clutch is concerned I agree with Johnny just too many variables to take into account for there to be a consensus but it is true that many people get a fair bit more than 15K out of their CC clutch. Also don't be put off by some who dont favour the earlier cars, fact is that the 02 car(coupe) is mechanically identical to a 03 or 04 car and as long as campaigns have been carried out should be no different. Of course as with almost any car buy as late as you can afford. So having run your car for a year you decide, is it worth it? If you decide no, you will have lost some money but not enough to bankrupt you (i hope
and in return you will have had a year with a truly great car. Finally having come to my 4200 from TVR I can say that the maserati has virtually all the positives of the Tiv without virtually all the negatives..fuel,depreciation,insurance,jealous t
ts etc..(well you cant have it all Edited by singh on Tuesday 18th July 19:59
23000 miles and counting on my CC clutch (and less than 42 % worn at the last service!)
I know this point has been raised before on this forum - often to the howls of dissaproval of owners of 2002 models, but the car was significantly upgraded for the 03 model year (easy to spot as they have V8 badges on the wings)
There WAS a clutch upgrade (to the mechanics of the unit) - I agree that any car that has had the campaigns carried out will have the most recent software - I do not know if a 2002 car that has had its clutch replaced now has the more durable unit
the 2002 model "simple" traction control was upgraded to full MSP (Maserati stability programme!!)
And the centre console was avaliable in more colours (not really important that one !!!!)
Sorry forgot to mention - BUY ONE they are fantastic! and you get such a positive reaction from other road users (unlike certain german cars from Stuttgart!)
Just for the record I have owned both a 2002 and a 2004 model so I know of what I speak!
I know this point has been raised before on this forum - often to the howls of dissaproval of owners of 2002 models, but the car was significantly upgraded for the 03 model year (easy to spot as they have V8 badges on the wings)
There WAS a clutch upgrade (to the mechanics of the unit) - I agree that any car that has had the campaigns carried out will have the most recent software - I do not know if a 2002 car that has had its clutch replaced now has the more durable unit
the 2002 model "simple" traction control was upgraded to full MSP (Maserati stability programme!!)
And the centre console was avaliable in more colours (not really important that one !!!!)
Sorry forgot to mention - BUY ONE they are fantastic! and you get such a positive reaction from other road users (unlike certain german cars from Stuttgart!)
Just for the record I have owned both a 2002 and a 2004 model so I know of what I speak!
Edited by exint2 on Tuesday 18th July 20:24
i bought a spyder CC 6 weeks ago and haven't looked back since! As an everyday car its a pussycat to drive and has the power to dispose of most cars on the road. as a stylewagon, its threatening my marriage by all the attention! 911 owning friends may have technically a better car with better residuals/mpg/etc but when it comes to looks nothing can touch for that money! Buy it!
Mine is a 2003 CC and is still on it's original clutch after 26k and has lots left. Regarding servicing thre are a couple of main dealers which cost only £400 - £500 due to much lower labour costs (may have to spend a few £'s on petrol to get there mind).
In fact nothing at all has gone wrong, have had the brake pads replaced and new tyres but that's about it.
Several of my friend's have Carrera's and Boxsters but my Spyder is the only one which turns peoples heads. Buy one for £30k and you are laughing as most of the depreciation will have gone.
Do it, you will not regret it.
In fact nothing at all has gone wrong, have had the brake pads replaced and new tyres but that's about it.
Several of my friend's have Carrera's and Boxsters but my Spyder is the only one which turns peoples heads. Buy one for £30k and you are laughing as most of the depreciation will have gone.
Do it, you will not regret it.
The replacement clutch for the 03 model car is the same clutch that would be fitted to a 02 car if you had your original clutch replaced after 02. I wouldnt say this was a mechanical difference, just an improvement of the perishable item in the same way that improved brake pads wouldn't change the mechanics of the calipers.
MSP again not a mechanical difference but certainly a change and that leaves different coloured centre consoles oh and nearly forgot V8 badges....significant changes? Leave that to you to decide.
I have only owned one 4200 but having driven a 03/04 and 05 car as well as mine of course, can honestly say the only real difference I could feel was in the 05 car, gear change felt a tad smoother and quicker as did throttle response.
You will know having owned TVR's that car's do vary,sure the variance in maserati's will be nothing like what it is for TVR's but still you get 'good uns' and not quite so 'good uns' so drive as many as you can before you decide.
Given your concerns over the CC, have you considered a GT(manual)?
Edited by singh on Wednesday 19th July 14:03
Do it, you may or may not regret. But 30k wont buy anything more exclusive (not useable anyway). Had mine for 18 months and cannot say how good it is. 18k and clutch is only 40% worn (manual). Tyres are original. Looks fantastic and keeps up with a 360 modena (in a stright line). Also, very different ownership prospect to a 3200. Very different build quality.
Definately do it. As has been said before they are so much more exclusive than anything else in that price bracket and the worst of the depreciation will be over. I have an '03 GT and as such do not have so many worries over clutch life and use the car as my daily driver without any problems. I think that many of the problems which beset these cars is when they are not used on a regular basis and whilst they are not in the same league build quality wise as a 911 (although 911's also have their issues) it is more than up to being used on a daily basis and is far better looking in my view. Find a good one and you won't regret it. Best of luck.
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