[Mark Powell]

OK, back again on a different track!

I am now looking at coupes, I have seen the list of points to look at when buying and it seems very good, is there anything that anyone would add to it?

It seems the clutch is the weak spot, how many miles can you expect on average (I know it depends on how it was driven, lets say sympathetically but spiritedly!) out of a clutch and what kind of cost is it to replace?

Should I avoid the earlier/cheaper cars or are they not too much of a risk?

I have owned exotics and know of the experience so please, dont spare me the truth!

Any advice or pitfalls are gratefully received and rewarded with good karma and a beer on me!


Many many thanks,


Mark

 

[jjsiii]

Just got done on pokerstars so a beer on you is in order.

If I ever did well playing poker I'd be on a different forum....

Maserati's are great, given you find the right vehicle. They are all are unique and require a lot of TLC. I've had mine for just a couple months and alreadly learning what a load of $$$$ fun they are.

I really love mine and finding people to work on them is not that hard if you are out of warranty. Like women, some are more expensive than others (unless you have an air-tight prenup).

Trips to the store or country club are more fun since this car is unique.

I bought a 2003 Spyder GT, anything closer to a 2009 would have to be considered a daily driver in my household, and have yet to run my BMW 335xi Sedan against the Maserati.

I ran the 335 sedan vs a 370Z multiple times today. From a stop Bimmer, 2nd gear pull NA all the way for the 370. I have secondary cat deletes and X pipes on my car and waiting on a ECU upgrade.

The only solice I will have at the end of the upgrades is that I am driving a Maserati. Oh the humanity!!!!! Forced induction! PLEASE!!!!!!!!

 

[maseratisportgts]

Go for the gransport coupe if you can get one in your intended price range. Its like a coupe but upgraded with an aerodynamic body kit, X-pipe, and carbon interior. I would stay away from the sneaker fabric interior ones, I've seen some that just looked like it was made from nike air max sneakers inside instead of the leather.

Ahhh the leather, it smells like a high class hookers boots when you sit inside, nice, calming and soothing before you to and beat the S$#T out of it (Car), and take it for a nice run. Also its the last year made. I am fully confident that the Coupes/Spyders/Gransports, etc. will all go up in value some, especially the gransports, in later years because it is a Cult Classic already, and you can find some, but if the economy was in better shape they would cost Waay more, this is a buyers market.

Best place to look for nice cars are on the maserati.com website, by typing in your requirements. They will patch you into dealers, which usually have cars in slightly better shape with some history on them, but will co$t you more. I would be leary of buying one on Ebay, although I have bought a few cars from ebay in the past and I got some great cars, but I was lucky. Just make sure the car feels "RIGHT". You have to. Make sure you find one with the exterior/interior color scheme you like, these were like custom tailored and made to order, like couture so I dont think any 2 will ever be alike, and I have seen some really horrendous color combos.

I got lucky and pad $10K over what I was originally wanting to spend, but I got the color combo I wanted in excellent condition with low miles, and I am very very very very very happy with my decision, and I am addicted to it, it is the most favorite car I can't live without now, especially after some FD mods I did to it, I will keep this car till I die, or till my baby daughter pries it from my Cold... Dead... Hands... (when shes old enough)..

 

[TravisJ]

It seems the clutch is the weak spot, how many miles can you expect on average (I know it depends on how it was driven, lets say sympathetically but spiritedly!) out of a clutch and what kind of cost is it to replace?

On average, a clutch will last 18K-22K miles with mixed city/highway driving. Expect to pay around $4K-$5K for replacement of the clutch/flywheel/TO bearing.

Should I avoid the earlier/cheaper cars or are they not too much of a risk?

As with any car, exotic of otherwise, buy the newest one you can afford. I would avoid the first year of any new model but there are lots of people with 2002 Coupes that will tell you they have been flawless. Like any other exotic car, condition and history of the car is much more important than year or miles.



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[Viperdrew]

Mark, I may be selling my 2005 Gransport. Email me if interested.
[email protected]

 

[FormulaDynamics]

Welcome to the forum.

Pedigree is important. Get a good Pre Purchase Inspection (PPI) and Service Records. Look for accidents not just on the reports but with a qualified body shop. We recommend this in addition to the standard PPI. Many good body shops will do this for free or nearly free, it usually only takes them a few minutes.

Other than that, drive a few of them at least to get a feel between the differences. i.e. a 2002 spyder sure feels different than at 2006 GranSport or MCV.

Best Regards,
-- Jeff

 

[Mark Powell]

These are exactly the kind of replies I was looking for (especially describing the smell of the leather!). Thanks everyone.
Keep them coming !

I will keep you informed of my progress!

 

[D-squared]

Mark, check your private messages

thanks

 

[Mark Powell]

Welcome to the forum.

Pedigree is important. Get a good Pre Purchase Inspection (PPI) and Service Records. Look for accidents not just on the reports but with a qualified body shop. We recommend this in addition to the standard PPI. Many good body shops will do this for free or nearly free, it usually only takes them a few minutes.

Other than that, drive a few of them at least to get a feel between the differences. i.e. a 2002 spyder sure feels different than at 2006 GranSport or MCV.

Best Regards,
-- Jeff

Jeff, I appreciate the advice and the welcome. Your shop is the first place I will be visiting once I purchase!

Regards,

Mark

 

[Ramp]

I have an '02 coupe and have no more issues than any other year and less issues than many other years. My understanding is that the only significant issue with '02's and early '03's was that the original single tang clutch was less than preferable (as it's upgrade dual tang still is). All clutch replacements are with the newer dual tang version thus it is unlikely that you can even find an '02/'03 with an original problem clutch. That is the only issue I know of that can be associated solely with the '02/'03. All other issues are constant.

But I'm biased of course . . .

My upgrades to date are: FD DBW, BMC air filter, larini mufflers, (Larini x-pipe removed), speakers, AND as of today, FD Springs, car lowered .75" up front and 1.25" in rear and aligned to '06 GS Specs.

 

[D-Bling]

I just bought an 04 Coupe and replaced the clutch, it was alittle over 5k b/c they did the flywheel and bearings too (which is highly recommended if you're doing the clutch). I drove it "as is" for a few weeks and then, upon recs from this forum, installed the FD ECM and FD DBW and WOW what a difference! Next I am installing the larini decats and X-pipe.

I am learning that although the upkeep can be costly the fun and experience is well worth it, for me anyway.

Derrick

 

[maseratisportgts]

Its all worth it... especially when you are cruising along, and stop to think for a minute: "hey, I'm in a beautiful exclusive maserati.. life is good!" Thats the best part! ha.

My QP is my daily driver, and it gets me amped up for work to take on anything and anybody, and also relaxes me on the way home after a stressful day, I just step on it, and it calms me down a lot, maserati stress reliever! yeah...

 

[sdscardino]

Sweet GSport for sale

These are exactly the kind of replies I was looking for (especially describing the smell of the leather!). Thanks everyone.
Keep them coming !

I will keep you informed of my progress!

Hey Mark,

Check this one out just outside of LA:

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?car_id=264521913

If it's still there next week I'm going to go see it but I'd have to sell mine first and as we all know it's not exactly a seller's market. I just got off the phone with these guys, seem very open and professional, willing to allow any outside inspection, say it's completely serviced with a brand new clutch, one owner car. I don't anything about it though so due diligence is due for sure on the buyers part but wow, what a looker huh!

Sure seem like a good deal and this is their asking price. Can it be true? Hmmm.

 

[maseratisportgts]

I just bought an 04 Coupe and replaced the clutch, it was alittle over 5k b/c they did the flywheel and bearings too (which is highly recommended if you're doing the clutch). I drove it "as is" for a few weeks and then, upon recs from this forum, installed the FD ECM and FD DBW and WOW what a difference! Next I am installing the larini decats and X-pipe.

I am learning that although the upkeep can be costly the fun and experience is well worth it, for me anyway.

Derrick

Derrick, you definitely need the De-cats and X-pipe. I got it done at the same time, but I can notice the extra pulling from it, I can feel the gases flowing freer under the center console, it definitely makes a differnce with the de-cat and x-pipe you should be making 30 extra hp, which will help when the ECM kicks in. My car is a total beast, I'm now wondering if I should go with the Larini boxes in the rear...

 

[Glenn Wallace]

Hey Mark,

Check this one out just outside of LA:

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?car_id=264521913

If it's still there next week I'm going to go see it but I'd have to sell mine first and as we all know it's not exactly a seller's market. I just got off the phone with these guys, seem very open and professional, willing to allow any outside inspection, say it's completely serviced with a brand new clutch, one owner car. I don't anything about it though so due diligence is due for sure on the buyers part but wow, what a looker huh!

Sure seem like a good deal and this is their asking price. Can it be true? Hmmm.

trust but verify

 

[sdscardino]

trust but verify

Always of course -

"....due diligence is due for sure on the buyers part"

 

[TravisJ]

caveat emptor



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[Jalpa_Mike]

I am going to be selling my 2002 GT Coupe (want to replace it with a Quattroporte, and my Jalpa with a Countach). Its advertised with Roy Cats (Cats Exotics), but I'll be taking it to Ferrari & Maserati of Seattle to put on Consignment in the next week.

I bought this car from F&MoS back in 2006 with 12K on the clock. It now has 17K. I loved it because its a manual 6-speed gearbox.

http://www.catsexotics.com/web/1317/vehicle/364370/2002-Maserati-GT-Coupe

 

[Glenn Wallace]

There was another similar thread on this, but if I was buying used I'd place high value on a full service history and buying from the actual private owner, not a dealer/auction. There are so many items that can be messed up on this car if you don't know what they're doing, you want to know *exactly* what you're getting.

 

[FormulaDynamics]

For me the most important items are if the dealer recommended service that wasn't performed and if the car had any problems that needed repair. Of course, I'll also want to see that the right services were performed to keep the car in proper shape. This information is a strong tell as to how the car was maintained and cared for.

Best Regards,
-- Jeff