Looking for a specific Coupe or Gransport

romainh

New Member
Messages
13
Hello, I am new to the forum and I am looking for a specific Maserati Coupe or Gransport. In a nutshell, I own a 2-seater but I want to keep enjoying a fun car whilst having 4 normal seats.

After a bit of research, and browsing a number of ads incl. speaking to some owners, I came up with my ideal spec. A compromise will surely be needed when the near-perfect car eventually shows up, but here it is anyway:
  • A late 2005 or early 2006 model for ULEZ compliance..: I am SW London-based and can’t justify paying £12.5 for every drive, unless it’s a bargain. I found compliant late Sept 2005 Coupe/Gransport, but it’s usually those registered from January 2006 onwards
  • ..but that has been registered before 23 March 2006: The models registered after that incur a £695 yearly road tax (as things stand) when similar models with £395 road tax exist and are also available. I’d rather save the money for proper maintenance!
  • If it’s a Coupe, then ideally a manual version: I’m not against a Cambiocorsa especially on GS where it’s improved, but I would prefer to avoid it due to the “juddering” at low speeds / when doing parking manoeuvres and the higher clutch maintenance costs
  • A dark exterior colour with a contrasting interior (or other way round): While the bright blue/red/yellow ones I have seen have an element of fun, they’re just not for me. A dark blue/grey exterior with a cream/cognac leather would be a dream! Not a fan of two-tone interiors though
  • A higher-spec model: They tend to come with a good level of equipment anyway, but full leather, xenons, electric/heated seats, cruise control and rear parking sensors would be perfect. I’ve seen poorly-specced examples which look really sad considering they’re Maseratis!
  • Higher-mileage cars are fine: They tend to have been used and serviced regularly to be kept in good running order, pass their MOTs without too many advisories, etc. Equally, some lower-mileage ones have lacked care over time which really shows
  • Maintenance: It probably goes without saying, but a full-service history will be key. For Cambiocorsas, it’s always a plus to know when the clutch was last changed and what the current level of wear is
  • Budget: This will depend on the car in question, its age, mileage, maintenance history, spec, etc. I’ve got a pretty good idea of how much to spend, and I will pay the right price for the right car
A while back, I went to see a Blue Mediterraneo SG which had been unused for a while and sent alarm bells ringing. Then there was the recent silver GS on auction, but the higher road tax put me off. More recently, a high-mileage non-ULEZ Cambiocorsa Coupe came up for sale at such a bargain price that it was gone before I could arrange a viewing with the seller!

I am on Autotrader, Collecting Cars, Car & Classic, Pistonheads and other sites which should cover the current market. As such, it may be that I end up buying one without the forum’s input, but either way I would like to discuss your experiences buying one and some of the things to look out for. Also, If you own a model that ticks a lot of these boxes and plan to sell, or know someone who might then please make yourself known.

Well done if you’ve made it until here, thanks for having me on the forum, and I look forward to hearing from a few of you hopefully!
 
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Guy

Member
Messages
2,135
Good luck with your search. Whilst true with many cars, it is extremely relevant with Maseratis; buy the best car you can find and have it checked out by one of the great specialists we have in the UK. You will probably have to compromise but better a great car in your second or third choice colour than one will consume 10k or so getting it right. Cost of RFL will be irrelevant and if it is not, you may be underestimating running costs. Buy a good car and you will be smiling for a long time!!
 

Andy4200

Member
Messages
143
Sounds a bit similar to mine. I've been thinking I don't use it enough to justify keeping it.
I think late (facelift) manuals are pretty rare.

So in case your interested:
2005 manual (not ulez compliant I'm afraid)
Black with 2 tone black/light grey interior,
104k miles,
Xenon,
Electric heated seats,
Lots of history and recent work.

If that's of interest, perhaps pm me and we can have a conversation.

Andy.
 

3hcp

Member
Messages
254
If it were me I’d get the latest you can find as they were developed on the hoof and were refined year by year. As suggested saving £200 Pa RFL is the least of the expenditures, budget £1k for servicing. Prices are very mileage dependent if you’re selling so bear that in mind. I prefer manuals but they are rarer if not I would choose a Gransport.
here‘s an option if you don’t like dark interiors.
Oh, and get it inspected especially the subframe.
 
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Ewan

Member
Messages
6,812
With an eye on resale and depreciation, of the models you mention, you are best advised to buy the latest and lowest mileage GranSport you can find, as that it was the next buyer will want. You can go old and high mileage (and there’s nothing wrong with that, as the cars can take it) and it will cost you less at the time of purchase. But selling will be hard, and the returned figure even lower.
 

Ewan

Member
Messages
6,812
Have you seen the early 4200 in silver with 110k miles for sale at an asking price of £6900? Let’s assume the seller will accept £6.5k. That’s not a lot for a relatively modern V8 Maserati.
But it’s an indication of what some owners have to resort to when they need to let go of an early and higher mileage car.
I’d much rather buy the banana.
 

philw696

Member
Messages
25,471
For me and that kind of money Ewan how much Fun and Class and Performance could you have for £6,000.
I bought my first 13 years ago for £10,000 and it was just 8 years old.
Where's the car advertised ?
 

Ewan

Member
Messages
6,812
For me and that kind of money Ewan how much Fun and Class and Performance could you have for £6,000.
I bought my first 13 years ago for £10,000 and it was just 8 years old.
Where's the car advertised ?
It’s in a thread on here, started yesterday. I suspect the car might need some work, but an ideal evening project for you maybe?
 

romainh

New Member
Messages
13
Thanks all for your replies. From what I'm reading, it seems that buying the best car I can find with an inspection without being bogged down with VED is key. I hadn't really considered resale value, as I'm more focused on enjoying it than what it'll be worth a few years down the line, but good to bear in mind. Even if I agree that a Gransport will probably stand the test of time better.

@Ewan Thanks, I have seen the dirt cheap one and while a bargain is always appealing, the MOT history is a Christmas tree with multiple mentions of corrosion so that's a no from me.

@Andy4200 This could be of interest and I'll send you a PM when I get a chance. It may not be suitable due to the lack of ULEZ compliance, but still worth exploring (good job on the buttons!).

Let me know if you hear of other cars, even if they're not for sale yet. I am in no rush to buy, and will only do so when I find the right car so happy to wait a little if needed.

PS. I realised that my thread is in the wrong section, and should instead be in the Wanted one - my apologies. If an admin is kind enough to move it, I would appreciate it!
 
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Nayf

Member
Messages
2,751
Th car tax thing is always an odd one - it’s £300 extra per year, which is a drop in the ocean compared to Maserati maintenance.
Indeed, one less pint in the Dog & Duck per week probably pays for it…
 

romainh

New Member
Messages
13
Looks nice but interesting that the clutch spigot bearing replaced again by another specialist after a 1,000 miles and 12 months ?
Thanks for sharing this one - I've been asking a few questions to the owner.

I can see two ways to go about what I'm looking for:

1) Get an early 4200 GT as clean as possible, paying roughly half of a later GS, lower VED but likely higher maintenance costs/more issues inherent to earlier cars + ULEZ charge, etc. Lower resale value.
2) Get a late GT/GS, ULEZ-compliant, maybe higher VED but irrelevant and crucially less troublesome/maintenance (except for the GS gearbox) because it's a later car that's been sorted. Higher resale value.

Both options are tempting, and each have their pros and cons. From experience, do you know if the facelift that the 4200 had in 2004 had a big impact on reliability, etc. beyond cosmetic changes?
 

3hcp

Member
Messages
254
I don’t think there is much difference mechanically especially if you are after a manual.The
clutch has already been done and the rest of the problems are minor. If you budget £1-2k at Sports Italia you would end up with a freshly serviced perfect example With some change.
 
Messages
1,122
Thanks all for your replies. From what I'm reading, it seems that buying the best car I can find with an inspection without being bogged down with VED is key. I hadn't really considered resale value, as I'm more focused on enjoying it than what it'll be worth a few years down the line, but good to bear in mind. Even if I agree that a Gransport will probably stand the test of time better.

@Ewan Thanks, I have seen the dirt cheap one and while a bargain is always appealing, the MOT history is a Christmas tree with multiple mentions of corrosion so that's a no from me.

@Andy4200 This could be of interest and I'll send you a PM when I get a chance. It may not be suitable due to the lack of ULEZ compliance, but still worth exploring (good job on the buttons!).

Let me know if you hear of other cars, even if they're not for sale yet. I am in no rush to buy, and will only do so when I find the right car so happy to wait a little if needed.

PS. I realised that my thread is in the wrong section, and should instead be in the Wanted one - my apologies. If an admin is kind enough to move it, I would appreciate it!
The alternative is to speak to Richard Grace and commission him to find you a good example.