Maserati?

[Melz]

Hello all,

I am looking at buying my first Maserati in the form of a 4200. I am currently looking at 2 examples. One is a 2002 52 plate with only 22000 miles on the clock. The other is a 2004 04 model, but with 42000 miles on the clock. Both cars seem like they are in similar condition, and are priced around the 30k mark. (the 2004 is a touch more expensive but the 2002 is due a service and needs a new set of front tires.) Was wondering what peoples thoughts were on this? Would you rather have the newer car with more miles or an older one with less miles if they appeared to be in similar condition?

Cheers

[300zxtt]

personally I'd go for the later car as it is still in manufacturers warranty .Also the later cars do have some small improvements (such as clutch hill-hold) that the early cars don't

[Melz]

oh really? I know it has new software for the cambio gear shift, think i need to test them both agin to see if i can tell the difference. Anybody had experience of driving both?
Also, anybody know what should I be looking out for in terms of wear on the higher mileage model (other than the clutch)?

[sjp63]

Is that the Exeter car youre looking at? nice looking car but the milage is high. Still drive them both, I think the 04 gearbox will be better

Melz said:

Hello all,

I am looking at buying my first Maserati in the form of a 4200. I am currently looking at 2 examples. One is a 2002 52 plate with only 22000 miles on the clock. The other is a 2004 04 model, but with 42000 miles on the clock. Both cars seem like they are in similar condition, and are priced around the 30k mark. (the 2004 is a touch more expensive but the 2002 is due a service and needs a new set of front tires.) Was wondering what peoples thoughts were on this? Would you rather have the newer car with more miles or an older one with less miles if they appeared to be in similar condition?

Cheers

[Melz]

Sorry, not sure which car you are refering too. After doing a couple of forum searches, it seems that the big defference between the 02 cars and the 04 carr is the software for the gear box. Apparantly this can be updated anyway by a maserati dealer. Does anyone know if this is correct?

[singh]

Melz said:

Sorry, not sure which car you are refering too. After doing a couple of forum searches, it seems that the big defference between the 02 cars and the 04 carr is the software for the gear box. Apparantly this can be updated anyway by a maserati dealer. Does anyone know if this is correct?

Yes the software should have been updated as part of the 'campaigns'the dealer should be able to tell whether this work has been carried out.

[Catchme]

At those prices, are they main dealer cars, with FSH and a warranty?
An official warranty is £1500 for the 4200.

Clutch is the big issue on the CC cars - you can get a percentage wear reading from the computer software.

[johnnyboy225]

Catchme said:

At those prices, are they main dealer cars, with FSH and a warranty?
An official warranty is £1500 for the 4200.

Clutch is the big issue on the CC cars - you can get a percentage wear reading from the computer software.

Melz

Good luck with the hunt for your vehicle, whether you buy the 02 or 04 model, just don't forget to buy one....

Regarding the .... "...Clutch is the big issue on the CC cars..." - there is a fair bit of nonsense said about them (mostly from people who haven't had one... they only last 8K, blah blah blah..) - well maybe?!??, but then there's facts from those who have them, and have experienced the wear... am sure the following post should help....
www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&t=307418&r=4019825&hm=25370#4019825

you should definitely ask for a clutch reading... but unless the clutch on the car you are buying has seriously high wear - don't let these stories overly worry you...

Cheers,
John