Having just enjoyed yet another blast around Worcestershire’s B roads this evening, I still struggle to see why this brand is so underrated. I get plenty of performance, glorious sound and drop dead gorgeous looks for a fraction of the the usual German counterparts. None of which seem particularly exciting or fun to own.
There are always many tales of woe on all car forums I find , such is their nature I guess but I have had my GS for over a year now, and bar a dodgy boot lock seems as good as the day I got it. Is there a better weekend toy which offer so much for so little? I fell into Maserati ownership by accident, but happy to be here now. Do others feel happy with their Maserati lot?
Completely distilled my feelings. My experience?
Had my 4200 for 4 years now. 19k on when I bought it. Just turned 33k last week. Its been across Europe as far as southern Spain twice, and France / Belgium Holland other week. Never even gave a sniff of letting me down. Never even had a gremlin. All I've done is routine servicing, one clutch (I'll come to that in a bit) and a battery.
Other than that, just spruce up & personal upgrades (GS grille, wheels & exhaust, sticky buttons, leather minted up, Michelin all round, nose cone painted to de-stone chip). The car is pristine throughout (and I'm very fussy - just ask Dicky Grace). It has been driven occasionally in winter and never sorned. it is 17 years old and has zero rust anywhere.
It has the wow factor (talk to strangers all the time about it, who ask) but it is still understated. It sounds amazing (thankyou Jason at Jaren metalworks for exhaust work). It is fast enough to keep up with or beat most modern performance cars in roads that actually exist.
The clutch? Stupidly gave it to a hotel valet parker shortly after I bought it.. tight car park, smoke ensued.... turns our after clutch reading he'd caned 40% extra wear... settled on a grand compo from the hotel. Drove car for 3 more years before actually doing clutch £3k at Autoshield - only big job I've done.
My car cost £22k and is now worth about £18k privately? after adding 4 years and over 50% more mileage.
It is easily the most reliable car I've had over its first 4 years in my ownership.
Incredible value really for what you get; I've often thought, what would i get next? But anything that is an upgrade to me, and can take 2 of us across Europe with this style, comfort, speed, and inspiration factor.... for that I'd need £60k + (AMG GT maybe? Lexus LC500 v8? Don't laugh I'm a fan...) Wouldn't mind a GT Strad but is it really an upgrade? And do I want something that big?
Pound for quid, these cars are really out on their own.