Seriously tempted!

[Ebor Mark]

Hello everyone,

I stumbled across this forum by chance earlier today and decided to enrol having read a few posts! I was certainly impressed by the advice, suggestions and friendliness willingly shown!

I'm a potential Maserati virgin and have been watching the classifieds for the 4200 CC on & off for a few years since seeing one at a local Alfa event. A couple of reasonably priced ones turned up on a recent Autotrader search based in the far south-east (I live in the North), so I started some research into both the car and the garage - hence how I found this wonderful forum!

My car background over the last 30 years unfortunately isn't littered with exotica! However, about 9 years ago I ventured into Alfa ownership starting with a diesel 156. That was a wonderful car and had that for just over two years. I then traded it in for a diesel (sorry!) GT which I only parted with last September. I really did love the GT and having had it for over 6 years (normally only keep cars for 2-3 years), I only parted with it because it was written off following a small collision (12 yrs old, 100k miles = little value). I struggled to find a comparable vehicle so ended up with a 9-year old Jaguar XF! Don't get me wrong, it's a lovely car - powerful, quiet, smooth, lots of gadgets - but it doesn't set the heart racing! As the price of used Massers is now very reasonable, it does make purchasing one a very realistic opportunity. I know I shouldn't go for the cheapest (heck - there's a 4200 CC on for £10k at dealership very close to me but I wouldn't entertain that!), rather ones with good history & clearly been looked after are worth paying the extra premium for.

Similar to the Alfa GT, the 4200 seems to be a relatively practical car with reasonable room in the back for two adults and a useable boot? I'm now trying to justify one to myself...

My passion is for classic cars and I have a 1970's Alfa Spider. I'm a member of the AROC, but one of my local members is also a Maserati fan! He clearly loves them and has recently swapped a modern coupe (may have been a Ghibli?) for a Levante.

So, perhaps in the next few months I will have taken the plunge and be the proud owner of a Maserati! Servicing wise, specialists are a bit thin on the ground up here. I know there's a dealership in Leeds and I believe there is a specialist in Sheffield (who also look after the other Italian sports brands), but if anyone can recommend another in the general Yorkshire area, I'd be much obliged.

Thanks for now.

 

[JonW]

Hi Mark

Welcome - you’ve made a big step towards owning a Masser just by joining this forum... it’s a fun place to stick around and learn about these great cars....

 

[Navcorr]

Greetings, welcome, last things first, if you can bear to drag yourself across the Pennines, Autoshield in Manchester would be your best choice for servicing.
Very well known to many and one of the good guys. There are a couple of 4200's advertised for sale on the forum pages - would be a better bet than a unknown. PPI always a good idea though. Lastly, you've a boat tail Spider - nice, very very nice.

 

[Andyk]

A big warm welcome Mark. A 4200 is certainly a lot if car for the money.

 

[Devonboy]

Give on to the temptation....you know it makes sense....

 

[conaero]

WHS^

A very good write up and yes, you appear to have worked out there is no such thing as a cheap Maserati. Sure you can pay cheap price for the car then get hammered on servicing.

Ran a JTDm for 6 years, it was brilliant!

Welcome.

 

[CatmanV2]

I went from a GT to a 4200, Never looked back (rearview mirror fell off, but seriously folks) Can't recommend it enough

C

 

[lifes2short]

welcome and here's my motivational bit for you

 

[zagatoes30]

Welcome, I too came from an Alfa background into Maserati ownership having had numerous Alfas over the years including the 3 I still have , 155 Q4, 116 Giulietta and SZ ES30. Maseratis are a different league in performance and exclusivity they are remarkable cars and every moment is a special event.

However some words of warning....

I bought a 4200 Spyder with reasonable mileage but knowing it was still on its original clutch. The car was previously owned by this forums owner who had worked his way through a number of small niggles these cars have over time. Pre purchase the car was sent to a renowned specialist for an inspection which reported everything was good but highlighted a list of tasks that would probably need attention over a period of time.

I ran the car for 3 years and about 15k miles during which time it did need a clutch and most of the to do list from the inspection was completed by the same specialist. It let me down only in Le Mans of all places but other than that is was fantastic.

When I went into the Maserati world I had a war chest ready, I estimated I would spend about £2-3k per year plus the clutch which was a significant increase on the running costs of my Alfas including the temperamental Q4 and the SZ with its rare parts. Maserati running costs are in a different league, specialist labour rates are higher and some parts make your eyes water. This forum is a great help with both experience and parts supply but please don't think you can run an Maserati for anything like Alfa running costs.

Would I have another Maserati, too right I would they are extra special and easily worth the pain points, buy with care and you should be fine

 

[allandwf]

Welcome, I echo everyone's sentiments. Just do it, and start the adventure

 

[rockits]

Welcome and yes you will find a wealth of decent people and a wealth on knowledge on here. I made my first foray into Maserati ownership about 4 years ago and went for a lovely late 4200 CC 2007 example. Have also had a QP V Exect GT and a coupe of other 4200's. Just selling my 2005/55 facelift car as we speak:

https://www.sportsmaserati.com/index.php?threads/maserati-4200-facelift-2005-55-for-sale-cheap-car-make-me-an-offer.29362/page-3#post-710253

As mentioned above buy a good one and they are fantastic value. Get a decent indy onboard and if you are handy with a spanner even better. The F136 V8 engine in these loves to rev and sounds epic. The engine and gearbox are strong and reliable with few common issues. Not much out there to touch it for what it offers at the silly low prices these go for.

A little pic to whet your appetite

 

[daverichardson]

I am guessing you are in York
There are a few of us up 'ere in the grim Norf
I for my sins am in Middlesbrough. I use an excellent Indie for servicing and what not so it can be done
Good luck and let the collective know how you get along (with pictures)

 

[Doohickey]

Welcome along. Good to have another Yorkshire based member and good luck in finding the right car.

Indies in the area are a struggle. I think you're probably referring to Supercar Centre in Sheffield, who seem ok although I've only had minor work done by them. As Navcorr said, Autoshield in Manchester are the go to option in the north but it's a trek from you. I doubt the dealership in Leeds will touch older cars; I've never seen anything older than a GT in there.

Good luck and hopefully run into you when you have your new steed.

 

[daverichardson]

No,
My Indie is about 5 miles from me
I have mentioned them before and they are excellent.
No website but a big Faceache presence to check out their excellent work (no affiliation)
Falcon Engineering Skippers Lane Middlesbrough

 

[FIFTY]

Welcome to the forum

It is a good time to buy as I believe these cars are now at an all time low, similar to the 3200 the later tipos will come back around

Read up on the common faults as much as you can prior to viewing one so you can go in with your eyes open, quite a lot of the problems are easy to spot if you know what to look for and the car does not need to be up in the air. There are a lot of bargains out there for sure so happy hunting!

 

[Ebor Mark]

Hello again everyone.

Well, I'm already touched by the significant response so soon after joining! I really appreciate it and thanks to all for your advice, encouragement, 'motivation' and temptations! Wonderful!

Dave Richardson: Yes - I'm in York (the Ebor bit gives it away!). Nice to know there's another specialist about an hour away.

Navcorr: My Spider is unfortunately not a Boat tail - rather it's the next best one. A Series 2 Kamm tail (2000 Veloce) in Verde Inglese. I'll attach a photo if I can...

One of the reasons I'm attracted to the marque (other than it's sumptuous interiors and the orgasmic engine note), is that their designs don't brag about their sportiness; they're more refined & (slightly) understated.

If any of you are more north of England based, you may already have attended one of my local Alfa club's events at Newby Hall near Ripon. For the last few years we've held an ITCAM event (Italian Car And Motorcycle) each June. Because it's not just solely for Alfa's, it's been well attended each year with this year's event the most successful (200 - 300 cars). The Ferrari club always bring about a dozen cars, and Maserati are usually well represented too. Other than numerous Fiats, there's also a smattering of Lancia's and an occasional Lamborghini. I don't think we've had any Cisitalia's or Osca's yet! And there's always 100+ bikes.

Obviously I will let you know how I get on. With photos as & when!

Thanks again.

 

[UlstermanAbroad]

Belated welcome to the forum and addiction Mark.
There's very little that I can add to what the boys have already said.
Other than, I definitely wouldn't be in any hurry to buy.
The reason I say this is because of Brexit and a possible recession to follow.
I'm no expert. Who is. However, there is more and more 'chatter' by economists
about the likelihood of a post Brexit recession. In which case, there ought to be
very motivated sellers of well looked after cars.
As you may have seen on the forum. Most cars that are mentioned here when
advertised, are 'known' and this can be a big help to a buyer.
Don't hesitate to ask here, about a car that you're interested in. For the above
reason and I believe (correct me if I'm wrong guys) the convention is that forum
members won't bid against each other for the same car.
Sincere apologies if I've been stating the obvious

 

[daverichardson]

There's a chap in York between the Museum Gardens and St Mary's car park. I don't think he is on this forum
Anyway he had a lovely 4200 and has now changed it to a G Turismo with the same personal plate Kiaora or something like that
There is a picture on here I posted some time ago. He is a friendly chap and I am sure would be willing to talk to you

 

[D Walker]

I’m in Thirsk. There are a few more of us, including at least another 2 members in York.
Welcome.
Dave

 

[Ebor Mark]

Once again, thanks fella's. Do appreciate the valued advice. And Ulsterman - yes, I never thought about the potential recession (or Armageddon!) if we leave the EU on 31st October with or without a deal! Either way, it's a step into the unknown.

Dave: I think I may have seen this car. I occasionally walk that way into town and seem to remember clocking a Maserati in the nearby side streets. If I see the owner, I will introduce myself.

I'm not in a rush to buy. I bought my Jag last December and said I'd keep it for at least a year so have a few months to review, consider & ponder my options!

The photo below is of my beloved Giulia Spider. It was taken at the 1st ITCAM event 4 years ago. The wheels need repainting again (an easy job now I have a template to use), but the priority job is to sort my rear brakes out as they seize after they've been used a few times. Infuriating. I was let down by the bloke who's looked after it since I bought it so am looking for a respectable mechanic/engineer who's happy to work with older vehicles!