What should I be looking for?

[Brendan]

Having now sold my car I am now ready to move to the next stage. The Missus has even seen what a 4200 looks like and has given me the Yes!

It would be great to be able to look over a 4200 first and know what I should be looking for. The sort of things an owner would be able to point out. In the past I have bought cars inpulsively and missed things.

Unfortunately I cannot make the meet at the Ace next week. Anyone in Herts prepared to spare 30 minutes of their time. I would really appreciate it. I am in Watford.

Thanks Brendan

 

[Parisien]

Brendan, will link up a list off Maseratilife for you...all there..........BUT.......when it comes to buying, you must get an indie inspection......ok?

P

 

[Parisien]

http://www.maseratilife.com/forums/modern-maserati/2875-diy-pre-purchase-inspection.html


P

 

[Brendan]

Brendan, will link up a list off Maseratilife for you...all there..........BUT.......when it comes to buying, you must get an indie inspection......ok?

P

Thanks for this. I realise a PPI is a must.

 

[stradaman]

No mention on that list, of 'flybywire', which is a def potential problem on 3200, and 4200.

Andy.

 

[Parisien]

Presume as its an after market addition................SD2 would be able to give info re the set up?


P

 

[Maser Sod]

Drive the card hard and for at least 20 miles, up and down the gearbox ... that will give you a good idea of creaks, rattles, handling, poor gear selection, etc.

Things I always ask before even turning up to see a Maser for sale are:
1) all the services carried out, and at the right time - and of course with service stamp
2) percentage wear measurement on the CC
3) tyre tread depths
4) state of discs/pads
5) stone chips

If #'s 2-4 all need doing then you are looking at not far off five grand on top of your original purchase price. My first GranSport needed the clutch doing after only 11,000 miles so don't be fobbed off with mileage. Just ask for the SD reading.

I imagine it's still a buyers' market so take your time to find a good 'un. I'm sure everyone on this forum will be happy to help.

 

[Maser Sod]

Anyone in Herts prepared to spare 30 minutes of their time. I would really appreciate it. I am in Watford.

Forgot to add - be prepared to look nationally in order to get the one you want. If you see anything west of heathrow, let me know as I may be able to pop along to help, assuming I am in the country.

 

[Parisien]

Better still ask when clutch was last changed.....firstly if 20K miles gao, budget £1.5k for a change, secondly, if it was an updated clutch and more recently then will last a lot longer than the early clutches....not sure of change date of old to new version though


P

 

[Brendan]

Forgot to add - be prepared to look nationally in order to get the one you want. If you see anything west of heathrow, let me know as I may be able to pop along to help, assuming I am in the country.

Probably wasnt very clear but what i meant was anyone in Herts who has a 4200 who would spare 30 minutes just to show me there car.

 

[Brendan]

Thanks guys. I am aware of how expensive the clutch,brakes and tyres are.

What about the suspension? Do 4200s suffer particularly..?

 

[bigbob]

Track rod ends can go but there is a refurb option to fix. Suspension bushes go too but again specialists can refurb.

 

[Parisien]

Tyres same as any high end car.....brakes now an alternative parts option....£350 incl pads versus £1300 OEMs.....clutch is no more expensive than a lot of high end cars.....


P

 

[Emtee]

Thanks guys. I am aware of how expensive the clutch,brakes and tyres are.

What about the suspension? Do 4200s suffer particularly..?

In my experience they don't suffer unduly but a quick check is to drive slowly over a speed bump, ideally with the car / weather dry. Wind down the window and listen for creaks, or better still have someone standing at the side of the car as you do so. Car parks are perfect. It's not conclusive, but points towards something to check further. Also check uneven tyre wear, as the geometry can get knocked out of kilter on pot holes.

 

[Parisien]

As Miles says invariabley they wear on inner shoulders very badly....worth getting knees dirty for!

P

 

[BennyD]

Also, ask the vendor what mode he drives it in and look at his drive; if he says auto and he has a sloping drive budget for a new CC clutch however recent it is. In my experience the CC clutch is best driven hard in sport.

 

[Brendan]

Also, ask the vendor what mode he drives it in and look at his drive; if he says auto and he has a sloping drive budget for a new CC clutch however recent it is. In my experience the CC clutch is best driven hard in sport.

I have heard this before, that using it in 'auto' will reduce its life rather than 'sport'. Any ideas why. Also isnt the computer read out for clutch wear just an approximate guide and mileage would be a better guide. 25k sound about the average?

 

[BennyD]

Using Auto knackers clutches. The car tries to slur the changes and, as a result, the friction plates are allowed to slip more than the quicker selecting sport. If and when you get one ALWAYS use sport. Life expectancy relates to use. Lots of motorway use, fewer changes, longer life. Town or congestion reduces life accordingly.

 

[Emtee]

I have to say that I've never actually seen it proven that auto goes through a clutch quicker than sport, but the logic is that auto rides the clutch more. The computer readout will be okay up to 50 percent or so, but after that it's vague and yes mileage is a good supplementary guide. I believe there is an inspection hole for a physical reading if you get it on a ramp. Also beware of spurious looking 'SD' readings that don't agree with the paperwork / mileage. There are several pro-level diagnostic setups out there now that can reset the clutch, not just the Ferrari / Maserati SD2/3, so more chance of dodgy practices.....

 

[Brendan]

Thanks guys that makes things clear.