My first 4200 viewing today

[Parptoot]

Well, today was a good start but not really what I was expecting to be honest. I still want one but this wasn't really for me but I'm thinking, am I wrong in my expectations?

This is what I went to see -
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classif...aserati/price-to/15000/radius/1500?logcode=p]

It was a 2 hour drive (I went as a passenger) but not a real bother and expected in situations like this when cars are all over, there's no point sticking to a 20 mile radius!

Anyway, back to the car.
As yo can see from the advert it is a 2004 Cambiocorsa in black. ALl looked good in the advert but the service history was a little patchy with a couple done at a simple but no doubt capable Bosch specialist. Not quite what I was hoping for in the way of a service history but the majority were at Maserati specialists.
Clutch was changed at 43k in 2006 (now on 69k)

23.04.04 > courtesy service Meridien Modena > 1082 mls

02.07.04 > Service at Meridien Modena > 7171 mls

24.11.04 > Service at Meridien Modena > 16858 mls

19.05.05 > Service at Maranello > 21142 mls

12.12.05 > Service at Maranello > 35330 mls

20.10.06 > Service at Dick Lovett > 44207 mls

18.11.08 > Service at Americo Motors Specialist > 56711

20.07.10 > Service at Americo Motors Specialist > 61103

30.03.12 > Service at Bosch Independent Specialist > 65215

What I struggled with was general condition, cosmetically.

Over spray on both of the seat plastics/switch gear from where the seats had been 'repaired/recoloured' by a furniture repair specialist.
The switch gear on the right hand side of the drivers seat was falling off
The rear window seal had come away from the window and look perished
The black triangle panels that the door mirrors were attached to were badly painted (had they corroded?)
The rear tyres were in need of imminent replacement
The rear bumper didn't seem to be an exact fit in one particular place on the O/S, not terrible but it did raise a few questions.

All in all it looked a little sorry but all doable, for a cost. What that cost would be I don't know but I'd rather not have the expense of buying then throwing more than I want to at it.
I'm fine throwing money in, if it felt right, but it didn't

What was it like on the road?
I don't know, I didn't feel like I wanted to get that far but having got home I'm now wishing I did, at least to see what they're like under bum, hand and foot.

They are calling tomorrow to see if a 'deal' can be met but I think we'll be coming from very different financial opinions.
I would be very interested to know what anyone with more knowledge than me thinks about it and does anyone know if the faults stated are some common issues or is it generally a bit of a dog, as my head is telling me.
Thanks,
Mike.

 

[Petbri]

Hi Parptoot
I've just been on the trail for a 4200 and just bought one. I visited quite a few and drove several. I had slight doubts about all of them until I saw the one I bought. You seem an observant guy and spotted some suspect stuff, so I would say trust your instincts and walk away from ones with any doubt. Or... get a great deal and spend some cash fixing it up, but in general, if it doesn't feel right then it isn't. And don't buy the first one you see - I recommend seeing a view at different prices and seeing what the best and worst are on offer. Thats the only way of getting a feel for good value. Good luck with the hunting - take your time. Frustrating, but there's nothing like the feeling of getting the right one.

 

[Grinzzz]

I think I'd stay away from that one. For me skipping years in the maint because it hasn't done the miles is a sign of someone that potentially hasn't looked after the car as well as you'd want. Further backed up by obviously skimping on what should be minor repairs and upkeep in this case. Personally - I'd stay away, you can see they've not cared too much for the visible bits - what about what you can't see so easily?

 

[Parptoot]

I did the right thing I think. The only way I'd be paying another visit is for a much lower figure to be offered but as I said, I can't see that happening.

 

[Grinzzz]

Even if the price goes really low, get an inspection of the oily bits you can't see on someones drive. Ok to go into a cheap deal with your eyes open, but you could spend a fortune on these and there are plenty of well looked after ones out there.

 

[SimonCC]

Mike I agree with all the above.

The best advice I would give you is once you see one you like, pay for an independent Maserati specialist to inspect it. They know what to look for, they can plug in the lap top and run a diagnostic to reveal all.

I bought my 4200 CC Facelift a year ago. I looked at several and paid for 2 inspections (including the car I bought). The first inspection done was on a car that I thought I would buy, but it proved to be a dog in many respects (and being sold by an extremely pushy Delboy Lotus dealer). I thought I could tell a bad car, but I couldn't ;-( The inspection revealed amongst other major issues that the power steering and brake fluids were very low, bodywork repairs were of a poor standard. On the surface it looked very nice, but I walked away from it.

I believe the car had been passed around the dealers network, which I would suggest the black car you've looked at may have done. I am very cynical - I think these guys generally would sell their grandmothers something with a lawn mower engine if they profited from the deal. I would recommend if you can try to buy one from an enthusiast, perhaps a member on SportsMaserati, who has looked after their car. This may require some patience. Or contact Richard Grace Cars who is a member on here. I didn't buy from Richard, but he has an excellent reputation for sourcing good cars and is very well known and regarded in these circles.

Whatever you do, happy searching, and get an inspection done - the best £250-£300 you will spend!

Simon

 

[Parptoot]

Thank you, all sound advice and an inspection is on the cards once I find one worthy of it.
Now I'm in the market proper, I really must call the two places I've found that do them.

Now, an awkward question...Would this inspection advice also apply to a Richard Grace car? As a long standing, respected forum member and Sponsor I'm assuming, correctly I hope, that this inspection is not needed or required.

For peace of mind I think it's also worth a call to him to see if he is able to source a suitable car, it would certainly take the pain and time taken out of the equation.

 

[Contigo]

Richard Grace has all his cars prepared and inspected prior to sale so no need Mike...

 

[Grinzzz]

Thank you, all sound advice and an inspection is on the cards once I find one worthy of it.
Now I'm in the market proper, I really must call the two places I've found that do them.

Now, an awkward question...Would this inspection advice also apply to a Richard Grace car? As a long standing, respected forum member and Sponsor I'm assuming, correctly I hope, that this inspection is not needed or required.

For peace of mind I think it's also worth a call to him to see if he is able to source a suitable car, it would certainly take the pain and time taken out of the equation.

While you're probably ok with dealers like Dicky and Nuvola why take a chance? Get an independent inspection - i.e. not the places they use and it might turn up something else that their people miss, although I doubt they'd miss anything major, everyone can have an off day.

I very much doubt (although I could be wrong) that Dicky or Nareman would be offended! Although if you're too busy to get an inspection - those would be the places I'd go to.

 

[Brendan]

I think as the cars get old it is becoming difficult to find them with a service every year and receipts. Also, I would be concerned about the clutch as that is quite pricey. I only viewed 2 cars

 

[greybloke]

Went to view my first 4200 the other day, and like you was disappointed.
It amazes me how little prep work had been done just to make the car look clean......door shuts, various easily accessible channels etc under the bonet were full of leaves and crud, and with some screws missing here and there.
Ok, I'm not expecting a 10 year old car to be perfect, but come on dealers make some effort to earn your margin!

I'm seriously now tempted to consider a quattroporte, so if anyone knows of a cared for example with FSH and backup paperwork, do get in touch.

Oh and if any of you bikers fancy a KTM RC8 I have one for sale (proceeds going to new car ) update bike now sold

Good luck Mike

 

[Andyk]

Well, today was a good start but not really what I was expecting to be honest. I still want one but this wasn't really for me but I'm thinking, am I wrong in my expectations?

This is what I went to see -
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classif...aserati/price-to/15000/radius/1500?logcode=p]

It was a 2 hour drive (I went as a passenger) but not a real bother and expected in situations like this when cars are all over, there's no point sticking to a 20 mile radius!

Anyway, back to the car.
As yo can see from the advert it is a 2004 Cambiocorsa in black. ALl looked good in the advert but the service history was a little patchy with a couple done at a simple but no doubt capable Bosch specialist. Not quite what I was hoping for in the way of a service history but the majority were at Maserati specialists.
Clutch was changed at 43k in 2006 (now on 69k)

23.04.04 > courtesy service Meridien Modena > 1082 mls

02.07.04 > Service at Meridien Modena > 7171 mls

24.11.04 > Service at Meridien Modena > 16858 mls

19.05.05 > Service at Maranello > 21142 mls

12.12.05 > Service at Maranello > 35330 mls

20.10.06 > Service at Dick Lovett > 44207 mls

18.11.08 > Service at Americo Motors Specialist > 56711

20.07.10 > Service at Americo Motors Specialist > 61103

30.03.12 > Service at Bosch Independent Specialist > 65215

What I struggled with was general condition, cosmetically.

Over spray on both of the seat plastics/switch gear from where the seats had been 'repaired/recoloured' by a furniture repair specialist.
The switch gear on the right hand side of the drivers seat was falling off
The rear window seal had come away from the window and look perished
The black triangle panels that the door mirrors were attached to were badly painted (had they corroded?)
The rear tyres were in need of imminent replacement
The rear bumper didn't seem to be an exact fit in one particular place on the O/S, not terrible but it did raise a few questions.

All in all it looked a little sorry but all doable, for a cost. What that cost would be I don't know but I'd rather not have the expense of buying then throwing more than I want to at it.
I'm fine throwing money in, if it felt right, but it didn't

What was it like on the road?
I don't know, I didn't feel like I wanted to get that far but having got home I'm now wishing I did, at least to see what they're like under bum, hand and foot.

They are calling tomorrow to see if a 'deal' can be met but I think we'll be coming from very different financial opinions.
I would be very interested to know what anyone with more knowledge than me thinks about it and does anyone know if the faults stated are some common issues or is it generally a bit of a dog, as my head is telling me.
Thanks,
Mike.

Mike, there will be better cars out there that have been looked after better than the one above....Never heard of the garages that have serviced the car after Dick Lovett. Most owners wouls take a car like this to a known specialist........Have you spoken to Richard Grace yet. He can help you with your search...

 

[Grinzzz]

Went to view my first 4200 the other day, and like you was disappointed.
It amazes me how little prep work had been done just to make the car look clean......door shuts, various easily accessible channels etc under the bonet were full of leaves and crud, and with some screws missing here and there.
Ok, I'm not expecting a 10 year old car to be perfect, but come on dealers make some effort to earn your margin!

Buying a Maserati is like a marriage, you date a fair few dogs before you find the one for you. Ah theres nothing like the smell of cliche in the morning

 

[Andyk]

Bit worried about you Andy....I have never dated a dog as I can usually see them a mile off.......

 

[Grinzzz]

Bit worried about you Andy....I have never dated a dog as I can usually see them a mile off.......

I used to buy nothing but rovers and austins finest. That explain it a bit better?

 

[Grinzzz]

probably not, blame the huge hangover

 

[Andyk]

Yep, some can look like Megan Fox after a few drinks on board...

 

[Grinzzz]

Yep, some can look like Megan Fox after a few drinks on board...

Megan who? is she a Welsh girl then?

 

[Andyk]

She's my local mechanic.....(I wish)

 

[zagatoes30]

Andy I see your choice in mechanics is better than your choice of cars

Mike you seem to have found enough holes in the black one to leave it alone. There are enough 4200s around just take your time and find the one that suits you. I have always believed that spending more on the right car is better than buying a cheap one and spending getting it right so my advice buy the best you can afford.

In the meantime come and play with mine later