Prospective new Maserati owner
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zoros
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Owning a Maserati
If you are going to get one - get one that looks the business - get a GranTurismo. The rest simply don't compete in the looks department
Hello all,
I'm a prospective 4200 Cambiocorsa (or similar) owner in South Northamptonshire that is hoping you are all going to put me off
I'm a serial car changer, changing every 6 to 12 months but this is slowing down and I'm getting older and wiser (really?) and need to settle.
I've been a long standing Audi driver, amongst other marques, but I feel I've done all that is in range that took my fancy. I currently have a B5 RS4, that's the original version, not the mass produced B7 that was so highly praised. This is my 3rd RS4 and I'm struggling to find anything in range that can tick all the boxes this can
4 seats - Yes
Quick - Yes
unusual, Quirky - Yes
Anyone likely to own one at work - Nope
The Maserati (Quattroprte or 4200) seems to tick these boxes nicely.
Now, onto the big questions that I keep getting told about.
Reliability and costs
I share my driving with 2 cars and drive 20 miles a day and an occasional trip a the weekends here and there, nothing special and pretty low strain. The MG copes with this with no bother, the RS4 too is completely capable of coping with this low mileage.
There are months where I might not drive one, then I swap over and do the same with the other. Then there are weeks where I swap from one day to the other. Is this something that the so called 'delicate' Maserati might struggle with?
I've been hearing they thrive on being used and it's the sitting about that causes some of the problems.
The other thing I've been reading is the cost of parts and servicing.
Is it really that bad?
I've had my RS4 in recently for new camshafts, followers, tensioners etc. While there it made sense to do the cambelt, clutch, flywheel etc. That bill came to about £3,800 ish.
Brakes for the same car (if standard) would be about £1000-£1,500 so not cheap but then they suffer with the RS tax that Audi apply to all in the RS range.
I've waffled.
I'll continue to research the subject as much as possible but there's nothing like real owners with real stories to cement the idea or dismiss it as folly.
Thank you in advance,
Mike.
If you are going to get one - get one that looks the business - get a GranTurismo. The rest simply don't compete in the looks department
Needamaser
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Had a very similar conversation with someone who was planning a move into maserati ownership just yesterday at the Scottish gathering.
They had seen all the scare stories on forums and from the pub experts.
Most folk go onto any forum looking for advice or to answer a problem they have so anyone looking at these forums assume that everyone has these issues. They don't!
Many owners have little or no problems as car is serviced properly but don't feel the need to start threads on how boringly reliable their car has been on the forums.
We have all been there when considering making the move into ownership but if you are looking for rational answers as to why you should or shouldn't buy a Maserati you will never answer or justify it!
Phone Richard Grace and speak to him if you haven't already about cars and issues.
You then have to have a maserati or you don't. If you are trying justify why you shouldn't have one it isn't the car for you.
Just my thoughts.
They had seen all the scare stories on forums and from the pub experts.
Most folk go onto any forum looking for advice or to answer a problem they have so anyone looking at these forums assume that everyone has these issues. They don't!
Many owners have little or no problems as car is serviced properly but don't feel the need to start threads on how boringly reliable their car has been on the forums.
We have all been there when considering making the move into ownership but if you are looking for rational answers as to why you should or shouldn't buy a Maserati you will never answer or justify it!
Phone Richard Grace and speak to him if you haven't already about cars and issues.
You then have to have a maserati or you don't. If you are trying justify why you shouldn't have one it isn't the car for you.
Just my thoughts.
Parptoot
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That all makes sense and I understand. I'm aware of the pitfalls of forum talk and the less knowledgeable 'pub talk'.
I think what I'm after is a sort of ltst containing all the common glitches that befall these cars. Being a familiar face on an Audi forum, I can give you a list of common issues that effect the B5 RS4 so I was looking for the same on here.
The fact that this hasn't happened makes me think that there isn't any difinitive list, is that correct? If so, that's great!
I think what I'm after is a sort of ltst containing all the common glitches that befall these cars. Being a familiar face on an Audi forum, I can give you a list of common issues that effect the B5 RS4 so I was looking for the same on here.
The fact that this hasn't happened makes me think that there isn't any difinitive list, is that correct? If so, that's great!
highlander
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my educated guess is mostly from owners who bought a poorly maintained car without checking it out. my thinking is very basic on this, you get good and bad examples of "every" car ever made out there. picking through them can be difficult for the uninitiated so do your research on a car's history, get someone who knows these cars to inspect it and you will reduce the risk of unexpected big bills or breakdowns. as to the QP v 4200, different cars for different experiences. you can only answer that Q by test driving both.
safrane
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Being totaly honest there are some dogs out there...and sadly these are often bought by those on a tight budget who miss the obligatory inspection to save a few bob.
As Chris has mentioned some cars are left without care as the owners belive that due to low miles the car can miss a service or three...my first 4200 is up for sale with a quote "...last serviced at 70k (now at 75k)"...what the garage dont say was that was in 2011.
Keys open...as you seem to be and be prepared to do some legwork to find the best you can.
As Chris has mentioned some cars are left without care as the owners belive that due to low miles the car can miss a service or three...my first 4200 is up for sale with a quote "...last serviced at 70k (now at 75k)"...what the garage dont say was that was in 2011.
Keys open...as you seem to be and be prepared to do some legwork to find the best you can.
Grinzzz
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Apart from the gearbox and clutch (need specialists for these) theres not really a massive amount of difference between a 4200 and any other modern high end car. In fact I'd say they are relatively simple in comparison to many of the same age. The only real problem with the engine is the location of the air intake (avoid nearside puddles!). Yes it's tightly packaged but it's all pretty simple really.
Only rarely do you hear of suspension problems, but to be honest the skyhook system is pretty simple mechanically only the computer/sensor side would cause difficult issues. Brakes are pretty standard, although careful eye needs to be kept on handbrake shoes (just remembered my incident with those). I don't think these are inspected in services and are a bugger if they are allowed to get too worn down. Electrics pretty standard apart from 4200 audio/nav systems.
Get an inspection. Assess on condition not mileage. Look to see how much is spent on tyres - if they've bought cheap tyres where else have they skimped? Check for services each year whether mileage called for them or not; make sure it's been serviced by a dealer when new and at least a recognised specialist over the last few years. BEWARE cars that haven't been driven regularly - theres normally a reason and one thing almost guaranteed to cause trouble are cars that sit there for long periods.
Only rarely do you hear of suspension problems, but to be honest the skyhook system is pretty simple mechanically only the computer/sensor side would cause difficult issues. Brakes are pretty standard, although careful eye needs to be kept on handbrake shoes (just remembered my incident with those). I don't think these are inspected in services and are a bugger if they are allowed to get too worn down. Electrics pretty standard apart from 4200 audio/nav systems.
Get an inspection. Assess on condition not mileage. Look to see how much is spent on tyres - if they've bought cheap tyres where else have they skimped? Check for services each year whether mileage called for them or not; make sure it's been serviced by a dealer when new and at least a recognised specialist over the last few years. BEWARE cars that haven't been driven regularly - theres normally a reason and one thing almost guaranteed to cause trouble are cars that sit there for long periods.
zoros
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My advice is this: It is not rocket science. You are an Audi aficionado - so you are used to cars built by the best engineers on the planet - the Germans. Germans don't do failures.
So when you look at Maserati, remember this: Built by the FIAT infrastructure. A complex car producing lots of power (so the engine is a little stressed). Not many Maserati's around. Not many places to have it repaired. And until the QP/GT came out (2007+), built by lazy Italian peasants relying on their motoring history.
The 'normal' replacement parts (brakes/springs/coil packs/suspension parts) cost an arm and a leg by comparison to-say an Audi.
IF.....IF, like me....you do your due diligence and understand all of this....and still don't run a mile...then you will understand the Maserati Psyche....... because you, too.......are not normal
So when you look at Maserati, remember this: Built by the FIAT infrastructure. A complex car producing lots of power (so the engine is a little stressed). Not many Maserati's around. Not many places to have it repaired. And until the QP/GT came out (2007+), built by lazy Italian peasants relying on their motoring history.
The 'normal' replacement parts (brakes/springs/coil packs/suspension parts) cost an arm and a leg by comparison to-say an Audi.
IF.....IF, like me....you do your due diligence and understand all of this....and still don't run a mile...then you will understand the Maserati Psyche....... because you, too.......are not normal
Grinzzz
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Much as I love BMW's I've probably had more issues with them than any other car, bar austin's finest. Sounds like someone didn't get the inspection done until after the purchase Some parts are expensive, however most of them are available with alfa or some other makers stamp on them in EXACTLY the same spec. Sometimes it's even cheaper to buy Ferrari parts - go figure!
Some parts are expensive, however most of them are available with alfa or some other makers stamp on them in EXACTLY the same spec. Sometimes it's even cheaper to buy Ferrari parts - go figure!
Parptoot
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My advice is this: It is not rocket science. You are an Audi aficionado - so you are used to cars built by the best engineers on the planet - the Germans. Germans don't do failures.
So when you look at Maserati, remember this: Built by the FIAT infrastructure. A complex car producing lots of power (so the engine is a little stressed). Not many Maserati's around. Not many places to have it repaired. And until the QP/GT came out (2007+), built by lazy Italian peasants relying on their motoring history.
The 'normal' replacement parts (brakes/springs/coil packs/suspension parts) cost an arm and a leg by comparison to-say an Audi.
IF.....IF, like me....you do your due diligence and understand all of this....and still don't run a mile...then you will understand the Maserati Psyche....... because you, too.......are not normal
Haha, brilliant.
Comparing them to 'normal' Audi prices yes but the RS tax is extortionate. Well over £1000 for just the front pads and discs. Remember this was a car made in strictly limited numbers, barely more than 500 for the UK, probably a little rarer than most production Maseratis.
Yes, I am a little nuts but they have such an appeal, and the more I look and research the more I'm drawn to them.
I've got two viewings on my car this week and I've not even officially advertised it yet so a sale looks imminent.
Maserati soon, I hope
Chrisbassett
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Not sure about this bit, many have said that this is a very un-tuned engine, as Ferrari didn't want it showing up their lovelies of the time, and people like Phil have proved it...quite a few high mileage cars out there.