Maserati 4200 - Am I mad?

[fatboynash]

Looking at buying a Maserati 4200.

Own a Porsche 993 and was going to buy a 997 but fancy something more individual and with character.

Are running costs going to be that much higher and what do I really need to look out for?

Any advice greatly appreciated.

[JBliss]

Funnily enough. I was looking at Maser's today..
Was very surprised at the price of the 4200 and also the Quattroporte.


Interested in the responses...Mine would get used daily

[Rythmic slapping]

For the money they do give you a lot of bang for your buck.

Depending on your budget for both Qp or 4200 go for condition and try for a later car. 4200 final facelift was around 54/05 reg - the rear bumper is slightly different and has a cup holder in the centre console

The final facelift has many of the same components as the Gransport - but not lowered.

There are some older posts on here for advice on the 4200 - have a search.

There are some users on here who are very helpful and no doubt be around later on.

Have a look at http://www.sportsmaserati.co.uk/forum.php the best source of Maserati help and discussion around.

[POORCARDEALER]

I had one for a while and loved it, superb engine, paddle box a little clunky...a PPI is a must, my car had a bill for £13000 with it for a gearbox, clutch and cats at 17000 miles.

[crostonian]

I'd go for it, engine is bullet proof compared to 997 Carreras, especially the 3.8 S variants.

Simple advice, but I'd buy the latest car with the fewest owners that you can afford, ideally you want a car that's been in regular use not a garage queen.

I'd go Cambiocorsa over Manual but I guess that's a personal preference. The manuals I've driven have all been a little clunky including one I owned for 4 years, having driven several CC's I much prefer them, again the later cars were improved.

A 4200 Coupe will be cheaper to run than a QP, early QPs seem to suffer quite a few costly electrical maladies, although much improved from late 2006. Just make sure every single thing works as parts prices can be ridiculously expensive although general maintenance is reasonable.

[Dave R D]

I have owned four Maserati's starting off with a 3200 auto then two 4200's a manual and a cambiocorsa and now have a lovely Black Quattroporte. So have had a bit experience with these cars.My neighbour also has had his 4200 cambiocorsa for some time now. Between them they all have been very reliable, no break downs or major issues.I think you now get a lot of car for your money. Yes the newer cars are better but the earlier cars still drive ok. All depends on your budget.I am selling my Quattroporte now only because I fancy a car to use on the track other wise would keep it, as it is very reliable and looks stunning.

[nfm]

Had my 2005 Coupe GT for four years and no major issues. Check out servicemycar.com to get a sense of service costs. Inspection essential pre purchase. Ownership highly recommended.

[DevonPaul]

In the last few weeks my GS has become more and more full of Italian character.

The speedo is a little intermittant, and stops at 80 mph.

Then the temp sensor decided it didn't like being home to a large proportion of devon's spider population, despite being in a wing mirror, and reverts to -4C every time I start the car (though it gets better as I drive).

Then the number plate light lens decided to fracture (£35 + VAT for a small bit of plastic that is probably a fiver if you could find which 1990 Fiat it fits) but soon solved with some 2 pack glue, some CD case to brace the lugs, and a pair of pliers to widen the bulb holder.

Then yesterday it decided that it would be reticent to start, just a little hesitation, but worrying all the same. It makes between 7 and 11 bleeps when I turn it off. I'm thinking that more bleeps means more problems.

Having said that, the only real irritations are the Cambiocorsa clutch around town, and the funny squeeking noise when I overtake or corner hard, although that must be due to a pressure sensor in the passenger seat as it only happens when my wife is in the car

[Luke.]

Was just thinking the same thing. Anyone want to swap theirs for a Cayenne Turbo?

[andymadmak]

fatboynash said:

Looking at buying a Maserati 4200.

Own a Porsche 993 and was going to buy a 997 but fancy something more individual and with character.

Are running costs going to be that much higher and what do I really need to look out for?

Any advice greatly appreciated.

Well I have had my 4200 Spyder for a few years now. The big oily bits are pretty well bullet proof. The engine in particular feels very solid and I have never had any serious issues. Brakes can be pricey, and as others have said the electrics can sometimes be a law unto themselves. But, regular use does improve reliability and I know of one example nudging 100k miles with no serious problems. Popular opinion is that the clutches last longer on manuals than on the CC boxes, but to a great extent that will depend on what sort of driving you do.
Servicing is best left to a decent indy - much cheaper and generally more knowledgeable in my experience.
For the past couple of years I've gone to Italy in mine with zero problems. 170mph on the Autobahn was drama free (if a little noisy!)
Stereos are crap though and the sat nav is a laugh, but there's nothing that need concern you cos you'll be listening to that lovely V8 and letting the totty in the left seat grapple with the Garmin.

A couple of years back I did look at changing the car, but could not find something that gave me as much satisfaction for anything like the kind of money that a Mas of this era costs. And those parties when you all fling your car keys into the bowl......................? Whats that you say? You don't get invited to those? Ahh, you need a Maserati. Maaaaaaaaassseerrrrrrrrrraaaaaaaaaaati!

[tvrolet]

I've had mine for a few years now as a 'high days and holidays car'. It probably spends too long sitting in the garage doing nothing, but when it is used it's been fun. Looks the part; sounds great, very comfy inside and genuinely room for 4. Famous last words and all that, but no servicing horrors yet either (through an independent).

Mine is a Cambicorsa, and while its great on the open roads is not a great choice in heavy traffic. If I was doing it again then for the use mine gets (open roads mainly, but with the occasional unavoidable traffic) then I'd go for the Cambiocorsa again. If I was buying it as a daily commuter in town then I'd get the manual. I know its contra to the normal auto-for-traffic, manual-for-fun message, but true in this case.

I am told the GranSport is a better sorted package. But I just don't like the look of it with the nasty side-skirts and inside you loose the sat-nav/info screen. So despite it being arguably more 'sorted' in my book the normal 4200 is 'good enough' (as a GT style car) in the handling department to make buying a GranSport unnecessary. It is a GT style car of course and not a track beast, so will clearly be less sporty than some of the 911 variants, but it is what it is. Which is a comfortable and quick car that looks great (in the right colors - Blu Mediterano and creme leather) and sounds terrific.

It does all depend what you want the car for, but if I was replacing the 4200 I'd be rather stuck as nothing from Porsche, Mercedes or BMW caries the same kudos and sense of occasion (to me at least); I'm ignoring Ferraris and Lamborghinis as they're in a different category. The only thing that appeals to me as a possible alternative would be a Grand Turismo, but the price different between a 4200 and a Grand Turismo just doesn't work for me. Sure its a far better car, but 2 or 3 4200s for 1 Grand Turismo doesn't compute.

So, as you may have gathered my experience has been 100% positive.

[BRMMA]

anonymous said:

[redacted]

I guess it depends what you class as raw, the GS is more raw than a 4200 and i still don't think it's anywhere near too raw, in fact i'd be happy if it was a little more raw, especially if that meant it was 100kg or so lighter

Edited by BRMMA on Monday 7th October 15:50

[pork911]

fatboynash said:

Are running costs going to be that much higher and what do I really need to look out for?

hate to be 'that guy' but also factor in depreciation gap between 993/4200

[andymadmak]

pork911 said:

fatboynash said:

Are running costs going to be that much higher and what do I really need to look out for?

hate to be 'that guy' but also factor in depreciation gap between 993/4200

Whilst I understand what you are saying, A quick perusal of the classifieds suggests that my 4200 is now worth
probably the same as I paid for it, and possibly a tidge more......
I think Maseratis (re)growing reputation over the past few years has helped to bolster 4200 values. They were silly silly silly cheap for a while, now they are just silly cheap!

[fatboynash]

Really appreciate all of the comments, been really really helpful hearing from actual owners.

Think I've pretty much decided that whilst I have the opportunity to own a Maserati I need to take it.

On a final note can anyone recommend who I should use for a pre-purchase inspection?

Thanks a lot. Ben

[DevonPaul]

fatboynash said:

Really appreciate all of the comments, been really really helpful hearing from actual owners.

Think I've pretty much decided that whilst I have the opportunity to own a Maserati I need to take it.

On a final note can anyone recommend who I should use for a pre-purchase inspection?

Thanks a lot. Ben

The PPI depends on where thecar you want is located, but Autosport in Manchester do them.

Go and look at the Maserati lists and browse, and if you want to pay a little extra for a lot of peace of mind then you could do a lot worse than talk to Richard Grace, just make sure you have plenty of free minutes left before you call him

[AndrewL]

Seems this topic has gone away. But I am re starting it.
So which one? A 2002 for £10K that probably needs £4k spent on it or a 2004 for £13K?
Is age everything? Should I look for as new car as possible even if it has more miles?
I know service history is important and won't look at anything without.
What major parts need to be changed /checked on a 10 year old car?
i am starting to learn via various chat rooms and have seen lists of "vital" work that needs to be done but what is really important?
Budget £17k which means a gransport is out of range.
Many thanks for any help

AndrewL
Previous TVR/M3s

[AndrewL]

Seems this topic has gone away. But I am re starting it.
So which one? A 2002 for £10K that probably needs £4k spent on it or a 2004 for £13K?
Is age everything? Should I look for as new car as possible even if it has more miles?
I know service history is important and won't look at anything without.
What major parts need to be changed /checked on a 10 year old car?
i am starting to learn via various chat rooms and have seen lists of "vital" work that needs to be done but what is really important?
Budget £17k which means a gransport is out of range.
Many thanks for any help

AndrewL
Previous TVR/M3s

[hunter 66]

Live life or become a Porsche beardy and talk about values ..

[AndrewL]

"Only W*****s drive porsches"
But they do make great (reliable) cars