Early 4200 advice

[Crofty]

I am giving some serious thought to getting a stable mate for the old Ghibli (it was only a matter of time!)......hopefully one that spends more time in my garage rather than the garages that keep asking for my wallet (I know this is an ownership hazard despite the model)
I am looking at an early ish 03/04 4200. I have heard bad reviews about the early cambicorsa gear box & handling (the Ghibli hasn't killed me yet, can't believe the 4200 is that bad) are these reviews simply Jeramy clarkson comparing them to super cars?! is the gear box just a case of re-programming? Should I be wary of mileage, I tend to be of the opinion that a driven & serviced car should be as good as a garaged low miler?
Is the premium for the facelifted model worth paying & holding out for? I once had a BMW Z4 and bought the best face lift model I could afford, when I came to sell it a few years later the cheaper non face lift model dragged the price down because people not in the know weren't aware of the advantages.

Any advice appreciated, thanks guys

 

[mjheathcote]

I've no issue with my early 02 'classico' 4200.
Only those that have owned both early and late 4200 can really comment.
I few that have, have stated that the early 4200 is more 'raw'. I take that as a positive!
Actually you say a 03/04 model, this is actually the 'second generation', not the 'first generation', and apart from a not having the last 'third generation' or 'facelift' change of bumpers, is almost identical.

 

[Chrisbassett]

From what everyone has said, the sweet spot seems to be the 03/04 cars for value. Personally I'd try to go for the 05/06 face-lift as it has a slightly updated interior (including cup holder!) and I ended up liking the bodywork changes, though some think the earlier one looks more elegant.

 

[philw696]

Come on Chris who needs a cup holder mate ?
I loved my 2002 Classico and as Mike says the rawness of the gearbox is the best bit.
Phil.

 

[Chrisbassett]

Fun and a loose coffee cup don't tend to mix well.Too many early morning commutes / airport journeys where a coffee is essential, Phil...I was using it as a daily.

 

[zagatoes30]

Chris how many times have you been told - DON'T DRINK & DRIVE !!

I love my 02 CC and don't feel hard done by not having a cup holder. Most on here will advise that the CC is the gearbox to have even though it can be expensive if it does wrong. The main issue is the clutch which appears to vary in how long it lasts, mine is about to be replaced but it has done 53k miles so can't complain (it's at least a £2k bill).

Look for one with evidence of recent clutch change and you should be OK.

 

[Mr.Cambio]

Come on Chris who needs a cup holder mate ?

It's me, Phil...Five years back, i had the saab in for service, so i took the Maser to work. I placed my coffee for one second on the cigar lighter, but suddenly i had to change gear and brake...Guess what... All the dash, inc. info centre was coffee-ed...Spent hafl an hour on the road edge, cleaning each individual button.

Next move was to order the cup holder from eurospares...It's the best upgrade i ever made No dbw, no springs, no ferrari discs ))))

 

[philw696]

Very funny Nikos and Chris I know your car was well used the same as mine are.
But guys I prefer to drive my cars and stop for a coffee.

 

[Mr.Cambio]

As for which one to choose, i believe that all cars are identical. it's up to your personal choice. I wouldn't buy a facelift, as i don't think i like it more than my current 4200. And surely, if i was going to replace mine with a GS, then i would terribly miss the 4200 interior.
So, my advice, take your time and havea look an all models of this period.

 

[Mr.Cambio]

Very funny Nikos and Chris I know your car was well used the same as mine are.
But guys I prefer to drive my cars and stop for a coffee.

It was not funny when it happened...Ok. well.....i had a laugh too!

I spend a lot of time driving, so a coffee is always a good company. I rarely go out for coffee in my working life.

 

[CatmanV2]

Well I love my 2002. Grumbled god naturedly all the way into town this morning and is currently raising the general tone of the office by sitting in the courtyard ticking gently as she cools.

Holy ****! That is just *so* damned cool. I keep catching sight of it from my desk

C

 

[highlander]

Well I love my 2002. Grumbled god naturedly all the way into town this morning and is currently raising the general tone of the office by sitting in the courtyard ticking gently as she cools.

Holy ****! That is just *so* damned cool. I keep catching sight of it from my desk

C

get on with your work man....................

 

[CatmanV2]

get on with your work man....................

Why?


C

 

[Crofty]

Thanks for the feed back guys, the earlier cats do seem to represent good value, I do prefer the look of the face lift model but if this is purely cosmetic not sure it's wort the premium for something that will be sat collecting dust 45 weeks of the year, however I will never underestimate the importance of a cup holder.

 

[Moz1000]

Here's my 2002 CC. Of course the later cars are going to be better, but for more money (in real terms).
Dave
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifi...ati-4200-coupe-v8-cambiocorsa-2002-52/3787506

 

[safrane]

Having had three now I think I can speak from experience.

Origional and pre face lift cars are a real steel and have a great analogue feel which is so much more raw than the sofet face lift model.

Face lift have some revisions to the body which to me only works on the GS and the clutch is softer in normal and auto but a little smoother in sports...also has the hill hold.

GS is much the same as the face lift but with china wheels and harder ride and seats.

Looks wise the pre face lift without the bee sting has far more simple class in looks.

 

[Crofty]

Well bit the bullet a few weeks ago,
54 plate face lift, complete with cup holder!
well pleased with my new toy, a few minor points to tidy up, with this and the Ghibli, I think I'm going to be busy.
Hopefully atleast one of them will be running when I want to head out.

 

[safrane]

Oh...Lovely and so like my 2nd 4200.

What's the interior like? And are you sticking with the standard grill or upgrade to Mesh?...I did with mine and fitted a GS splitter.

 

[Crofty]

I think the first job is to get the polish out looking at your old one, the GS splitter is a nice touch too, very tempting.
I'm not sure about the grill yet the standard one is growing on me, but does have some minor damage so could be a good excuse to change it.
The interior is camel, not everyone's cup of tea but I like the lighter interior & hopefully won't show the dirt as much as cream. In need of a good clean though.
the car was on fleabay for a while, hopefully I have made a good choice, sensible miles & comprehensive history.
I looked at a few with the blue interior, but really didn't float my boat.

I think the first job is to get the wheels refreshed & maybe a GS boot spoiler

 

[Andyk]

Thats a lovely car...Well done...