Buying a car with onward "sell-ability" seems to be what you're after.
With that in mind, here are my thoughts...
Don't buy from a dealer, you won't be able to make your money back
Facelifts generally sell more easily than non-facelifts.
At least get the 2005MY as it had upgrades
Beige interior is probably most popular. The others (tabacco, grey, and blue) tend to be a bit Marmite. Though black exterior and tabacco interior works.
Exterior, Blue is the Maserati classic, Grey (particularly dark) and Black also popular.
It must have a yearly service history, looks for receipts. Find on the forum the service schedule and check things have been done and they haven't just been getting an oil change done for the sake of a stamp in the book.
It doesn't need to be from an "enthusiast" just someone who had enough money to properly pay for and service the car
These cars should be in good condition when you buy them, if they aren't you've got to wonder what else is wrong that you cannot see
Get an independent specialist to look over the car pre purchase,there is a list of them on the forum
Mileage does (wrongly) effect desirability
So make of the above what you will. Just based on my experience. Others may disagree.
I've just got the Alfa back after a 2 month loan period. I'll rent the QP out for 500 quid a month if you like
Doesn't the green one have a big whole in the service history from 09/09>07/12? Possibly been over serviced in places but a 3 year whole isn't great. Looks like it needs a service now.
The cost of the clutch with Grimaldi looks more than reasonable and almost too cheap doesn't it? £1462.19 with the major service at £996.00.
Buying a car with onward "sell-ability" seems to be what you're after.
With that in mind, here are my thoughts...
Don't buy from a dealer, you won't be able to make your money back
Facelifts generally sell more easily than non-facelifts.
At least get the 2005MY as it had upgrades
Beige interior is probably most popular. The others (tabacco, grey, and blue) tend to be a bit Marmite. Though black exterior and tabacco interior works.
Exterior, Blue is the Maserati classic, Grey (particularly dark) and Black also popular.
It must have a yearly service history, looks for receipts. Find on the forum the service schedule and check things have been done and they haven't just been getting an oil change done for the sake of a stamp in the book.
It doesn't need to be from an "enthusiast" just someone who had enough money to properly pay for and service the car
These cars should be in good condition when you buy them, if they aren't you've got to wonder what else is wrong that you cannot see
Get an independent specialist to look over the car pre purchase,there is a list of them on the forum
Mileage does (wrongly) effect desirability
So make of the above what you will. Just based on my experience. Others may disagree.
PM sent
This is the car by the way . It has a navy blue and light grey interior .
View attachment 44943
Think things have been summed up pretty well here, but just to add, if you can buy cheap, you might well be able to sell on easier. It's a dangerous game to play as you are likely trading off something for the reduction in cost, but then I think you're playing a gamblers game with short ownership anyway.
Facelifts look more like the GranSport and I think are popular, and rarer because of it. Technically, they are identical to the GS bar 1 inch smaller wheels, non-valved exhausts and -10hp, but they are much cheaper - though this point seems to be missed by the general Maserati buying public
From what I've seen, I reckon blue, black and dark grey cars sell better than other colours, probably except red, though those are rare in the first place.
If I were you, I think i'd be keeping an eye on here for the next few months, waiting for the right car at the right price, and meanwhile, chase the other 6 on your list - or bite the bullet and go look at Sparts car, I think it ticks all the boxes except the miles compromise..
Real shame to sell that Esprit, it's a stunner!
Finally, having now watched the video - tyre lettering looks daft, but amazing at the same time, so gets my vote.
12 cars is a nice idea, good on you for trying it. Short term ownership for me seems to be 3 years so, so it's not something I seem to be possible of !!
Facelifts look more like the GranSport and I think are popular, and rarer because of it. Technically, they are identical to the GS bar 1 inch smaller wheels, non-valved exhausts and -10hp, but they are much cheaper - though this point seems to be missed by the general Maserati buying public
It appeals because if a sound car then it's a much smaller investment for me.. and surely they can't get any cheape than this.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Maserati-4200-Coupe-/162610895401?hash=item25dc5d5a29:g:0YwAAOSwJhdZfie9
Every car you seem to post just seems wrong I'm afraid, you will lose out big, listen to our members
This seems well priced from a dealer..
Postives: Two owner car and pretty low mileage, nice colour and interior.. what do you guys think?
Negatives: 2002 car...not really a negative but not a facelift car. That bloody arial..
8 services since 2002 can't be a full history can it? do these actually have to be serviced every year?
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Maserati-...119055?hash=item3f7d4cb64f:g:mB0AAOSwxu5ZJYxh
Just as an aside, does the later GranTurismo have the same 4.2 engine as the Coupe?
Also this is interesting. Written off due to water ingress years ago.. facelift, highish mileage but bloody cheap!! Right colour and interior too.. loads of car for the money. Not sure about the reclassification he is going on about though. Never heard of that. It appeals because if a sound car then it's a much smaller investment for me.. and surely they can't get any cheape than this.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Maserati-4200-Coupe-/162610895401?hash=item25dc5d5a29:g:0YwAAOSwJhdZfie9
My old 4200 was sold by a garage for £11,500, so yes they can be cheaper!
Mine had 84k on the clock though, FSH, 50% clutch wear, sports cats, 6k spent in the last year alone.
Also this is interesting. Written off due to water ingress years ago.. facelift, highish mileage but bloody cheap!! Right colour and interior too.. loads of car for the money. Not sure about the reclassification he is going on about though. Never heard of that. It appeals because if a sound car then it's a much smaller investment for me.. and surely they can't get any cheape than this.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Maserati-4200-Coupe-/162610895401?hash=item25dc5d5a29:g:0YwAAOSwJhdZfie9
This is in Allandwf back yard and he may know the car.
Not sure where you are but guessing Forfar is not in yours. Just to make you aware before you start considering.
PK rebuilt a water ingress engine a few years ago but I don't think it was that car. Worth giving Phil at PK a shout for his thoughts on it.
Think I may have seen this car at some point in my travels as number looks familiar.
If you are planning to sell in 2-3 months that will put you in the pre-Christmas market when prices usually slump because no one is buying. Prices seem to be stronger from February through to October, unless like Phil and others have said you buy low and sell high (although that might include spending money on maintenance/repairs which you would probably want to avoid if you only plan to own it for 3 months)