Buying Advice - which model?

[zagatoes30]

Home is Silverstone.

I never have any issues in using my toys, even if it's just me out for a play. We have regular runs to various classic events as well as the annual pilgrimage to Le Mans.

My heart is saying go for the Spyder, I will just have to convince the boss that this is the better option.

 

[Felonious Crud]

Follow your heart!

And then use man-logic to avoid

 

[Ewan]

The running costs are quite different between a QP V and a Spyder. The QP is seriously heavy so eats tyres, brakes and clutches. So if you need to do that at one time, with a service, the bill is about £6k - and 10,000 miles later you need more tyres, pads etc. Or certainly that was my experience.

My Spyders, on the other hand, were cheaper to run. Same basic engine and power, but the car is lighter. The problem however is the chassis - which really isn't up to the job. The scuttle shake is dreadful on most rubbish UK roads.

Certainly the QP V is the better car to drive, and more practical, so if the running costs don't matter, go for that. But if you want a Maserati and a sun tan simultaneously (if the weather plays ball), the Spyder is the one.

 

[Needamaser]

I am having exactly the same decisions to make.
I have had advice from some to say avoid the Spyder like the plague as the scuttle shake is horrendous but clearly there are owners who are quite happy.
Can anyone comment on if there is much difference in their experience between the earlier and late 03 onwards cars when the chassis was stiffened?
I am presently considering a few and wonder if it is worth paying the extra for the later cars.

 

[Parisien]

Not got one, but common consensus is buy as good/later as you can afford, obviously if your local road network is of poor quality......it won't be as rewarding an experience


P

 

[hodroyd]

Maserati changed the 4200 in late 03 production, so you should be looking for a 2004/05 facelift version. The facelift model had a few changes that improved various bits, including the scuttle shake. I believe there is very slight vibration on the steering at some point, but nothing like the earlier chassi. The other improvements were all good and made the cars a lot better to drive in a lot of respects. The improvements made them very close to the Gransport Spyder overall. You should expect to pay £20K for a good one, they hold their money. You will feel the potholes more in a Spyder than in a QP, but smooth roads make it worthwhile.

 

[BennyD]

Scuttle shake is there in spades on all spyders but, TBH, it doesn't deter you from driving them hard. They will keep up with much more exotic machinery and the sound track makes it so worthwhile. Go for an 04my and enjoy. You won't regret it, I haven't, not for a second.

 

[DaveT]

Had the same dilemma and had 2 x 4200's during the decision making process.

I've got the GS Spyder and yes there is still scuttle shake but as Benny says just drive through it. On those days with the top down nothing beats it IMHO.

Got to the right car for me in the end!

 

[BJL]

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classif...page/1/postcode/bh204dy/radius/1501?logcode=p

This has to be the best around and very tempting, it would look very nice in my garage. ........follow your heart. Do you have any idea how long you are dead for??????????

 

[hodroyd]

Would look better with red calipers.

 

[Andyk]

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classif...page/1/postcode/bh204dy/radius/1501?logcode=p

This has to be the best around and very tempting, it would look very nice in my garage. ........follow your heart. Do you have any idea how long you are dead for??????????

Just love the face lifted Spyder and a very rare car in face lift form.......This one was for sale around a year or so ago and I think it was about 24kish.......Looks a lovely low miles car..........I would just get the wheels painted a darker colour. As you say looks like one of the best available at the moment..