Maserati 4200 Cambiocorsa in traffic

[chrono]

I'm trying to decide between a late low mileage 3200 Auto or a 4200 CC. Most of my driving is in stop/start traffic, around 10,000 miles p.a., and I'm wondering how the CC would cope, both in terms of how enjoyable it'll be to drive and the clutch wear? Any advice out there?

Thanks

Chris

[300zxtt]

The cambiocorsa system actually works very well, however stop/start traffic is not its best point, it is not very easy to drive smoothly in heavy traffic conditions. However it is great fun in normal driving and more than nakes up for it.

Long term use like this would I guess shorten clutch life.....however specialist clutch replacement is down to around £1000-£1300 now.

Despite looking very similar , under the skin the 3200 and 4200 are very different cars.
Great thouigh the 3200's are, the 4200 is generally reckoned to to be a much more "sorted" car and in practice (cambiocorsa aside)the 4200 will be more reliable and cheaper to run/service (no cam belts to worry about)

Most of the problems which beset the 3200 were ironed out with the 4200; in particular;
Better seats/driving position
No erroneous warning light display bugs
No tin-foil tail pipes
Front suspension bushes/ball joints modified
Additionally be aware that some (a handful)late 3200s are suffering a crankshaft oil pressure problem, requiring a new engine (£10,000_)

Don't let this put you off; if you find a good one both are fantastic cars!

[chrono]

I had a demo in a 4200 CC and hated the transmission, but the received wisdom on here is that it takes some time to acclimatise, although I'm not sure whether that's advice from drivers who are on the open road vs. drivers in town traffic like me?

I buy into all the 4200 benefits, and there's a bigger selection of low mileage cars available, but I'm trying to weigh up the transmission.

The late low mileage 3200 Auto I've found is an '01 Assetto Corsa, do you know how I can check out the crankshaft oil pressure problem?

Thanks!

[300zxtt]

The cambiocorsa sytem does take weeks to get used to, and feel comfortable with it. Most owners I have ever met love it once acclimatised.

Like you, for me it was a toss up between a 2002 3200 or an early 2002 4200. I drove both, prefered the 4200 although i paid a bit more, it has held its value much better being a later model.

There is a current thread going on Maserati.co.uk with an unfortunate owner who has just had a new engine on a 2002 3200.
Apparantly you can have the crankshaft end float measured.
http://www.maseratiforum.co.uk/tm.asp?m=8137

[sjp63]

Ive had 2 4200 Cambiocorsa's and the clutch wear is directly linked to the type of driving you do. Even things like a steep driveway every day takes its toll. Worst case is heavy traffic up a hill - it modifies your driving so that you leave large gaps and reduce the number of clutch engagements. My experience is that the CC system is fantastic once you get used to it, but if you really are doing lots of journeys with lots of stop/start - I would hesitate and look to an auto (3200).

My first car reached 10k before the clutch started squeeling, although it still hadnt failed at 13k.

My second car had a warranty clutch at 7K due to squeeling (the first owner did most of the damage on that one)

Motorway cars last significantly longer so im told.

[johnnyboy225]

Hi there,

I agree with SJP63, all down to how you drive. I've put lots of miles on my 4200 CC, and a right mix of stop/start, and motorway. If all I was doing was 'in town' driving, I wouldn't recommend the 4200, find an auto box... as observed, long hills, rversing up an incline, parallel parking, all need a slightly amended driving attitude. Like SJP63, I leave gaps when queueing on a hill and you will find you compensate etc.

I wouldn't be without the CC, it is my transmission of choice....

Also, my experience of the clutch is positive, after 26,000 miles (in 2 years), still on same clutch despite all my heavy right footed efforts.....

Lat point, was recently quoted £1,100 for replacement by an indie...

Cheers,
John

[chrono]

Thanks all for your comments. Sounds like CC is great for out of town but probably not suitable for my daily grind. Which is kind of what I was expecting but was hoping to be able to talk myself into it.

[johnnyboy225]

Chris,

Don't know where you live, but just so you know, we're having a 'meet' on Sunday... There will be at least 3 Masers there.. a 3200 (manual), my 4200 CC, and a Gransport (which was only came with CC).....

http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...

You could get some good opinions there....

Regards,
John

[s3200h]

chrono said:

Thanks all for your comments. Sounds like CC is great for out of town but probably not suitable for my daily grind. Which is kind of what I was expecting but was hoping to be able to talk myself into it.

i went through the same thought process myself, would love a 4200 with the CC box but a lot of my time is also spent in traffic. so decided to stick with my 3200GTA