Advice please!! (Be nice, I’m new)

[Potential Maserati Buyer]

Hi All, I’m looking to change my current car (Audi s5) and came across a 4.2 coupe cambriocorsa which I’ve immediately fallen in love with. I don’t really know anything about maseratis but am keen to learn, is there anything particular I should look out for/avoid with one? The one I’m looking at is a 2002 model, having done 55,000 miles. Anyone help a Maserati virgin out??
Cheers

 

[Zep]

Welcome and compliments on your choice.

The important things to look for are the usual condition plus:

Clutch wear (can only be measured using a diagnostic)

Wet footwell - could be blocked scuttle drains or a heater matrix

Oil tank pipe but - can split

Radiators can weep

Suspension arms can crack at the inboard mounting - also check the ball joints

Anyone want to add anything?

 

[Lozzer]

Just buy it if you like it....then be prepared to learn all about them..very quickly..is there not a buying guide on here somewhere? Although I may be mistaken

 

[Lozzer]

Welcome and compliments on your choice.

The important things to look for are the usual condition plus:

Clutch wear (can only be measured using a diagnostic)

Wet footwell - could be blocked scuttle drains or a heater matrix

Oil tank pipe but - can split

Radiators can weep

Suspension arms can crack at the inboard mounting - also check the ball joints

Anyone want to add anything?

Variators? Or is that another model.?

 

[Zep]

Variators? Or is that another model.?

That early wet sump 4.2s. The dry sumps are generally ok.

 

[Lozzer]

That early wet sump 4.2s. The dry sumps are generally ok.

2002 model? I must admit I know jack all about the n/a V8's

 

[FIFTY]

2002 model? I must admit I know jack all about the n/a V8's

Variators is a common issue on the early wet sump engines found in some of the QP5 and GranTurismo

 

[safrane]

Weeping cam covers £300 per side
Rust under left rear light cluster
Wear in lower rear wishbone knuckle £500 per side
Spigot bearing hoot (new clutch to cure at same time)
Service should be every 12 month so expect a full book and receipts
Sticky switches common issue
Wipers fluttering when on flick wipe new motor or rebuild
Hand brakes are weak
Worn brakes c £500 using forum discs
ABS/MSP lights worn wheel hubs £900 on back order

Take someone who knows the coupe with you and get it checked out by a specialist... best £250 you will ever spend.

 

[Andyk]

A big warm welcome.....Do not buy a Maserati of this age without an inspection by a specialist. They are great cars but if it's not a well looked after example it could cost you a fortune. For example if it needs a clutch that's 2k plus. These cars are bargains but running costs aren't.

 

[Phil H]

Welcome to the forum.

A good 4200 is a joy, although you have to remember that age takes its toll as indicated by points raised above, so unless you’re handy with spanners or have a decent war chest ownership can be painful and enjoyment lost.

On a different tack, 4200 development was both aethsetic and technical and that will be reflected in the price, so later cars (especially facelift) will command a premium. The chart below shows software development which won’t mean much unless you know exactly what each change is, but it does show how many upgrades there have been since 2002.

Good luck if you go ahead, and don’t forget that ppi.

PH

 

[DaveT]

Welcome.

Have a chat with Richard Grace forum sponsor who will advise even if he doesnt have a car for you. He will know quite a few of the cars that are for sale at any time. Great place to start.

Oh and get it inspected as above.

Good luck. They are great cars.

 

[rockits]

Hi All, I’m looking to change my current car (Audi s5) and came across a 4.2 coupe cambriocorsa which I’ve immediately fallen in love with. I don’t really know anything about maseratis but am keen to learn, is there anything particular I should look out for/avoid with one? The one I’m looking at is a 2002 model, having done 55,000 miles. Anyone help a Maserati virgin out??
Cheers

Welcome and a cracking choice you are making.

As many have said buy as good as your budget allows as a bad or poorly maintained one can easily reduce or eras any cost savings on initial purchase price.

Are you looking at the red one on Essex/Suffolk border on PH?

I've just bought a lovely 2005/55 facelift 4200 CC for not silly money so good deals are out there for sure.

 

[TimR]

A specialist inspection of the car you are serious about is a sound investment.
Serves as a condition report, an introduction to the comon issues, and a potential bargaining chip if you decide to pull the trigger...!

 

[Andyk]

If it's that red one with the Gransport bits .... It looks lovely and if an inspection comes up trumps at the money they are asking go for it.

 

[Phil H]

The description does say it shows a cat warning caption due to a Larini fitment. Nice car though, especially at that price if it checks out ok.

PH

 

[empzb]

Hi All, I’m looking to change my current car (Audi s5) and came across a 4.2 coupe cambriocorsa which I’ve immediately fallen in love with. I don’t really know anything about maseratis but am keen to learn, is there anything particular I should look out for/avoid with one? The one I’m looking at is a 2002 model, having done 55,000 miles. Anyone help a Maserati virgin out??
Cheers

Is this the red one? It's gone from 15k to 10k I think. Not sure if there are issues or what but at that price you can put some money into it and still come out ok I reckon.

 

[Stewart]

For sale, pm me if any interest, new Mot, discs ,pads, service, spare sports exhausts, Bumper and Grill, 2003, 45000 MLS

 

[breezer]

Welcome to the forum.

A good 4200 is a joy, although you have to remember that age takes its toll as indicated by points raised above, so unless you’re handy with spanners or have a decent war chest ownership can be painful and enjoyment lost.

On a different tack, 4200 development was both aethsetic and technical and that will be reflected in the price, so later cars (especially facelift) will command a premium. The chart below shows software development which won’t mean much unless you know exactly what each change is, but it does show how many upgrades there have been since 2002.

Good luck if you go ahead, and don’t forget that ppi.

PH

View attachment 57457

Oooh, I like this geeky chart! Thanks! I have an August 04 Coupe F1 (as you'll recall from my other thread - still awaiting MOT result!) - is it worth the gearbox software upgrades to MCC49F22 from MAB56F36? Is it even possible? If so can it be done at home?

I was under the impression there was a big change in software (and F1 'box behaviour) after 2003, but I didn't know there were further upgrades later on.

 

[Phil H]

You will need to know the baseline for your existing software, and it's always advisable to get an expert opinion before introducing changes; some 'upgrades' may be non-reversible and you don't want to compromise what you already have. I think one of the earlier changes removed the throttle blip on downshifts. I'm sure that someone like Voicey could elaborate.

PH

 

[safrane]

The changes are very subjective amd you will not get the same results from car to car as the clutch plays a huge part in 'feel' and that will depend on both plate and component wear.