STFA would get you some answers...
Alex said:
Could you please inform me. I tried to search but this is the best place for information regarding Maseratis. I wish I could get my hands on some factory information with differences from year to year.
1. what are the differences?
2. Is the convertible top an issue on spyders? for example not going up or down or being stuck?
3. I love that blue! what is the factory color name for that blue 2003?
Also if I did buy the 2003 in so cal (I live in AZ) who you reccomend I bring the car to check it make sure its a good working/running car? In AZ I do know of 2 top notch Ferrari gear heads who I would bring Maserati too. (Highly regarded individuals on ferrarichat.com (if you need me to mention names just pm me!)
... but I'll save you some time and repost something I wrote a few months ago. I think the color is Mediterranean Blue on that Spyder; always hard to tell because color depends strongly on lighting and the camera's settings at the time of the photo. Finally, you can get a PPI at a local Maserati dealer; I'd recommend FM of Orange County. You'll need an appointment, they're really busy.
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There were minor changes between the introduction year (2002) of the Coupé and the current model, no major engine changes. There were several changes to ECU/transmission programming and as far as I'm aware, these can be made retroactively to older models (and is done automatically by dealers during services, unless you ask them not to; some forum members have done so out of personal preference). There also have been minor changes to the color mixtures you can choose. Here are the changes I'm aware of:
2002: Introduction year
2003: Many small gremlins fixed, shortened production year
2004: Center console revised, cupholder added and armrest storage increased; "hillholder" feature added to tranmission
2005: Front grill enlarged (looks like GranSport), rear grill added, now allowed to choose contrasting color for center of seats, trident wingbadges added, some option packages (like Vintage) added
2006: Some exterior color choices were removed from standard list, no mechanical changes I'm aware of
If you're interested in the Spyder, I believe that one major change was that the 2002 MY used a plastic rear window whilst the 2003 and later years used a glass window and also the body was reinforced to reduce cowl shake.
If you are looking for a GranSport-look, the 2005-2006 MYs have a similar-sized grill, although it is dark grey instead of the chrome that the GranSport has. Also, the GranSport has a more aggressive-looking lower spoiler lip. The GranSport also has side skirts, which, in my opinion, actually look a little dorky.
