1991 222 SR. Thinking of buying:)

[Glaze88]

Hi Guys, I am seriously considering buying this 1991 222 SR Auto that was imported from the South of Japan. It has 46,000kms Genuine and documented KMs and also comes with a Full Japanese service history. Car is running well and I will do a new timing belt as soon I get it, as the seller has a spare belt ready to go. They are asking about $17.5k USD but I'm sure a little negotiable.

Anything I should be aware of or look at during PPI? Also, what is the Auto like, I know nothing like a manual version but wanted to know how the Auto stacked up?

Thanks in advance

 

[safrane]

Nice looking car, and if it has history from Japan then that is quite rare.

It should also be relatively free of rust which is one of the bigger issues on any Maserati of this age.

I'm sure our resident expert will be on line in the morning to give a far more informed breakdown of things to look out for.

 

[Glaze88]

Nice looking car, and if it has history from Japan then that is quite rare.

It should also be relatively free of rust which is one of the bigger issues on any Maserati of this age.

I'm sure our resident expert will be on line in the morning to give a far more informed breakdown of things to look out for.

Sounds great. I look forward to hearing from the expert

Where is the best place to source parts etc?

 

[general_piffle]

Cars from Japan (as has been mentioned) are known for being generally rust free and often well maintained. This is for a mixture of reasons, from cultural to policy - where roads are concerned (they don’t salt them in winter) and maintenance (the rules for annual tests to keep vehicles roadworthy are very strict).

However, you still need to look out for rust. Especially in these earlier Biturbos. Base of A pillars, inside engine bay. If you do get it a checking and rust-proofing project wouldn’t be a bad idea, get the arch liners and sill covers off, get into nooks and crannies underneath with something good like Bilt Hamber.

A lot depends on the climate where you are in the US but even for long term peace of mind it wouldn’t hurt.

As for parts, honestly, they’re often a nightmare to find. Persistence and building up a network of contacts is the way forward here. I have contacts in the US, UK, Italy, Japan, Holland and Germany to help track down parts. I was looking for a front grille for my Ghibli for 6 years when I found one. And wheel centre caps for so long that I ended up recreating my own.

The Maserati Classiche program will be making some discontinued parts available again, but this will take time.

Ownership is not as straightforward as some marquee, but it’s also great fun. The challenges become a part of it. And of course the cars are hugely rewarding to drive.

Good luck and let us know how you get on!

 

[Glaze88]

Cars from Japan (as has been mentioned) are known for being generally rust free and often well maintained. This is for a mixture of reasons, from cultural to policy - where roads are concerned (they don’t salt them in winter) and maintenance (the rules for annual tests to keep vehicles roadworthy are very strict).

However, you still need to look out for rust. Especially in these earlier Biturbos. Base of A pillars, inside engine bay. If you do get it a checking and rust-proofing project wouldn’t be a bad idea, get the arch liners and sill covers off, get into nooks and crannies underneath with something good like Bilt Hamber.

A lot depends on the climate where you are in the US but even for long term peace of mind it wouldn’t hurt.

As for parts, honestly, they’re often a nightmare to find. Persistence and building up a network of contacts is the way forward here. I have contacts in the US, UK, Italy, Japan, Holland and Germany to help track down parts. I was looking for a front grille for my Ghibli for 6 years when I found one. And wheel centre caps for so long that I ended up recreating my own.

The Maserati Classiche program will be making some discontinued parts available again, but this will take time.

Ownership is not as straightforward as some marquee, but it’s also great fun. The challenges become a part of it. And of course the cars are hugely rewarding to drive.

Good luck and let us know how you get on!

Amazing! Thanks so much for your input and both myself and the car is in Australia Good to hear there is a network of places to access parts and as you say, be a part of the journey

I will let you know how I get on.

Thanks

 

[lifes2short]

Hi Guys, I am seriously considering buying this 1991 222 SR Auto that was imported from the South of Japan. It has 46,000kms Genuine and documented KMs and also comes with a Full Japanese service history. Car is running well and I will do a new timing belt as soon I get it, as the seller has a spare belt ready to go. They are asking about $17.5k USD but I'm sure a little negotiable.

Anything I should be aware of or look at during PPI? Also, what is the Auto like, I know nothing like a manual version but wanted to know how the Auto stacked up?

Thanks in advance

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that's a nice looking motor, good luck with it

 

[Glaze88]

I have purchased this beauty and it arrives tomorrow. Look forward to posting my plans and thanks again for everyone's input. Greatly appreciated!