4200 CC Questions. Potential Purchase

GeoffCapes

GeoffCapes

Member
Messages
14,000
I've come across a 4200 CC that ticks the boxes for me.

However, it has a couple of issues.
From the owner-

2 issues
I lock the car with the key as the alarm goes off intermittently if I use the fob.
No idea why. Maserati solution was to put a new Ecu unit in it.
That costs nearly 4 k so for the last 5 years I use the key!
Also it occasionally slips from first gear into neutral whilst decelerating to a stop. No one can tell me why.

I know an ECU is not 4k nearer 1-1.5k

But the other is a mystery to me. Any ideas?
And how much to fix?
 
C

Carpetman

Junior Member
Messages
91
I think Greg in ireland can supply a ECU with locks etc for less than that. The gear change could well be software but you are going to need to plug it in to see all the codes / setting.
 
allandwf

allandwf

Member
Messages
11,000
If you lock it with just the key, is it locked but not alarmed? So would think it has an intermittent alarm fault, could be the unit or a sensor.
 
C

Carpetman

Junior Member
Messages
91
I guess it will come down to the price and if you are willing to take the chance.
What year is it ? My 4200 selector shaft broke and I did have a few gear change problems before it broke. There is two sizes so i was told. Change over was bout 2004
I found a later QP one from greg and Emblem fitted it. Cost with transport, labour etc was £2k
 
GeoffCapes

GeoffCapes

Member
Messages
14,000
It's a 55 Plate. And I think it's cheap, although that could be the reason it's being sold.
As opposed the owner moving abroad line I've been given.
It's a one owner car as well.
 
StuartW

StuartW

Member
Messages
9,321
I THINK (I could be wrong) if you change the locking ECU you have to the change over the whole lock set - door, boot & ignition barrels, immobiliser ECU, air bag key barrel. That's certainly the case with the 3200 as the master key is programmed to the ECU and whilst there is not a red key system thankfully on the 4200, I think the same logic applies
 
rossyl

rossyl

Member
Messages
3,312
That could be a problem with just an over sensitive alarm.
The slipping gear sounds more mechanical related.

I would invest in a independent inspection.

If it's a new ECU I would walk away unless the price is very right.
 
allandwf

allandwf

Member
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11,000
It sounds like you may have to live with it like that, if it was an easy fix you have to ask why not get it done prior to sale?
 
rossyl

rossyl

Member
Messages
3,312
rossyl said:
That could be a problem with just an over sensitive alarm.
The slipping gear sounds more mechanical related.

I would invest in a independent inspection.

If it's a new ECU I would walk away unless the price is very right.
Click to expand...

I say the bit about the alarm, as I am 99% sure that the closing the car with the key does not trigger the alarm.
 
M

MAF260

Member
Messages
7,662
I'd walk away altogether. The owner hasn't bothered to fix something in 5 years - hardly a fastidious owner. What else has he not bothered to fix or replace? I'd be concerned about it dropping into neutral for no reason; it shouldn't do that. A clutch can be wrecked in 11k miles with a certain style of driving.

It's cheap for a reason. There's a strong likelihood you'll end up paying more over time than just buying a good one to start with. If you're really keen then spend a few £ on a proper inspection.
 
Needamaser

Needamaser

Member
Messages
1,499
Cheap car with perhaps a problem or two.
Where have we heard that before???
Walk away or inspection at very least if you are half serious.
These issues could be the tip of the iceberg. Spend a couple of hundred quid or even speak to who did the servicing of the car before investing in an inspection.

Edit....
MAF beat me to it!!!
 
CatmanV2

CatmanV2

Member
Messages
48,891
rossyl said:
I say the bit about the alarm, as I am 99% sure that the closing the car with the key does not trigger the alarm.
Click to expand...

You are correct. The alarm will not be armed. I wonder what the insco would say if it was nicked?

*Could* be real simple, Could be a big job. Inspect (and it's not often that I say that)

C
 
allandwf

allandwf

Member
Messages
11,000
That's what I meant originally when I asked if it was locked only if using the key. I'd leave this one.
 
CatmanV2

CatmanV2

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48,891
Personally I wouldn't even have called that particularly cheap, but I probably know nothing about the current market.

C
 
M

MAF260

Member
Messages
7,662
That's not especially cheap, although it's just an asking price. Knowing what other members have paid for similar cars it looks expensive given the potential faults. A clutch will cost you £2k done properly, but it could be a problem with the F1 system and that's even more expensive. Who knows what the lock fix will cost - there must be a reason the owner hasn't had it done. If he reckons it's £4k for the fix then he's valuing the car at £17k without the gear problem.

You've waited long enough to buy your dream car - wait a little longer for the right car at the right budget. Most who have bought a cheap car have regretted it!
 
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