Thinking about purchasing an 02' GT

Go for the versions starting from '03. they are much better. They have changed quite a few things to address problems with the the '02 version.

Greetings
Wäschpi

superzapicagilisticexpialidocious

thanks

for the tip. I have driven both models and wasnt too much of a fan of the GT. I currently have the e39 M5 with a short shift kit. In comparison, the gts gearbox felt like crap. I love the maser for its heritage and exclusivity. the car i am looking at is an 02 with 7300 miles on it. grigio allor on bordeux. skyhook navi etc. $55k. dont know if this is a good enough deal to buy this car. But then again, I cant go wrong with a 996 porsche right?

If a GT is what you prefer you must try a 2003 or later before making up your mind. I never drove one before ordering my 2004 Spyder GT and then got very nervous while waiting for my car and reading some online reviews which were all done with the 2002. Whatever problems there were got fixed as I find mine to shift great. Always here about the 1st to 2nd change but as soon as you get use to pulling slightly towards your knee on the way back it becomes automatic and no different than any other car I have driven. Learning to shift this car has been one of my favorite parts of owning it. Also after a long winter I am finally back on the road again and this morning was only 24 degrees out and with about a two minute warm up in garage, car shifted great. Bimbo no prize for 200 posts. Unless mine is lost in the mail

bump, bump

I have an '02 GT and I have obviously had similar complaints about shifting (See the "shifting the GT post"). I had some reservations about going Italian after a lot of German cars, but I am in love with this thing. This car has so much more soul than a 996 it is not comparable. Hell, just the dashboard looks like it cost more than a 996.

The shifting position is terrible. You must sit close to the steering wheel if you don't want to lean forward to grab the shifter. The brake and accelerator are too close together. But it all doesn't matter.

In Porsche speak, it feels much more like a 993 than a 996.

so you would take this over a 996 huh? Hard decision i must make in just a few days. I dont want to deal with a car when i already know it has problems. kinda like my ex wife

Just remember, Italian women are usually hotter than Germans.

check the clutch

After my recent experience of having an ex-demo 02 GT Spyder, all I can say is that if you do go ahead and buy this one, and it's from a franchised dealer, get them to give you an inspection report of the clutch and flywheel wear.

I put 7k miles on the car in the first year, and have had to stump up $4.5k for a replacement of both

It's a great car to own and drive, but IMHO the gearbox isn't a patch on many other cars.

Ewan

bigtime007 said:

so you would take this over a 996 huh? Hard decision i must make in just a few days. I dont want to deal with a car when i already know it has problems. kinda like my ex wife

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Is your only option right now the 2002? If so and you are that worried already I would say go with the Porsche. Can tell you after owning both Porsches and now a Maserati you will be missing out on a very special car. Take your time before deciding. Best to look around for a 2003 GT, Should be able to find a good deal on one.

I can only agree with Ewan on this one. Especially on a CC gearbox you must always get a report on the expected life of the clutch or find out if it has been replaced recently otherwise you may get a nasty and expensive surprise.

Still a great car regardless.

rmclachlan said:

I can only agree with Ewan on this one. Especially on a CC gearbox you must always get a report on the expected life of the clutch or find out if it has been replaced recently otherwise you may get a nasty and expensive surprise.

Still a great car regardless.

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Also on CC beware the Maserati diagnostic software reporting %age "clutch wear" !
This diagnostic is mis-leading it does not necessarily indicate total wear (perhaps they need to change the name to clutch travel ?) Ask if any adjustments have been made to the clutch (you really need to know how many miles it has on it, expect 20K lifetime at best)

clutch

how much is a clutch (gt and cc)?

Clutch 1500UKP, Clutch release bearing (?) 500UKP - hence approx $2500-$3000. Main problem is that gearbox is at the rear and a lot of labour is required to replace AFAIK.

ok, my decision is made. A 911 clutch is 250. As much time as i would like to take my next car to the track, I better stick with something thats not going to break my piggy bank.

Noticed you're posting from L.A. If you're interested in a "garage queen" 2000 996 with super low miles, email me directly. Thanks
[email protected]