New Member Intro / Questions(4200 on Radar)

[D Walker]

Hi Guys,

Joined here after coming across the site after looking for somewhere to read up on what to look for when buying a Maserati etc.
Been keeping eye on the market etc for last year - always wanted a Maserati - self employed so have had to wait until I have my pennies saved and the go ahead from SWMBO. Balancing act with 1 rug rat at uni and the other a year away but I think within the next month I should be able to make a move.

I guess I am like most people - I want the best sorted, low mileage with least owners with FSH but I am a relistic in that at times mileage and clean is better than low miles and abused etc.

Any advice is greatly appreciated.

Are there any Independant Inspectors / Specialists in the North East, I am in the Teeside / Middlesbrough Area.

Regards,

Dave

 

[philw696]

Do it Dave brilliant cars I'm on my second detailed on here as project 4200.
Sold my last one with 110,000 to the first enquirer with out seeing it.
Welcome and best of luck.
Phil.

 

[D Walker]

Thanks Phil,

Just read your project thread - wish you werent taking it with you.

Is there a fix / preventative maintenance that should be carried out for the water pump issue your car had?

Dave

 

[Andyk]

A big warm welcome to the forum Dave. The 4200 is a great car and I know you will get loads of advice from the forum to find a good one.

I believe Frank posted a list of specialists around the country I'll see if I can find it.....

Also a good place to start looking for a car is Richard Grace cars. He will always give great advice and could find your ideal car. Many members have bought and sold with him.

 

[Rwc13]

Dave

I would also strongly recommend you speak to Richard Grace. Great guy and the relationship with Marios at Autoshield means you get a car that has been properly evaluated and sorted before you buy. He and Marios are also just absolutely brilliant to deal with. If he hasn't got what you are looking for, he will find it for you.

 

[midlifecrisis]

Good morning Dave and welcome to the forum. I have a 4200CC and I'm impressed with its reliability, although there's some scare stories about clutches, don't believe them. I've just changed mine at 73k and I have reason to believe that it's the first change. I only did that as a precaution as I went to Modena with the other nutters on here. Subframe corrosion is a weak point, so a good inspection is vital. I've seen a good buying guide on here, and I've seen 4200's with A-pillar corrossion indicative of poor crash repair. The prices should be at their lowest now, if not starting to climb already so you'll be buying a lot of car for the money.

 

[D Walker]

Thanks for the advice.

Martin - I read through the Centenary visit last night - looked like a lot of good driving fun ( and socialising!!!)

I will probably contact Richard in due course.

Thanks again,

Dave

 

[highlander]

welcome to the forum dave!
a sorted 42 is an excellent choice. as has been said, if a recent inspection report is not available then get one done, these are older cars now after all but a well cared for one will serve you well and run like new. enjoy the search, that is a big part of the fun and the start of a journey that will have you smiling all day long in the driving seat

 

[philw696]

In my opinion as a Motor Engineer with quite a few years experience under my belt I feel the low mileage under used cars are more at risk of getting issues.
The vulnerable and potential costly issues can be clutch and water pump failure.
To get best use of clutch keep it in Sport mode and drive spiritedly.
If your losing coolant investigate straight away and hope its not the pump as its not like on any other engine.
Change the oil and filters every 6 months and keep your brakes clean and you will have the best value Super Car ever.

 

[Andyk]

Agree with PHil and good well serviced used car is better than a garage Queen

 

[D Walker]

Hey Guys,

Been in touch with Richard and mentioned the car and the price and he has givem me some sound advice via email.

So thanks for that - I would have probaly have been in for too much!

See what comes along next then.

Must admit I am getting budget creep all ready!

Oops!

Dave

 

[Phil H]

Hey Guys,

Must admit I am getting budget creep all ready!

Dave

Better that than buying a dog Dave; if bought wisely they are superb value for money.

Good luck with the search.

PH