A month with the 4200

[CatmanV2]

Well, not *quite* the post I was thinking of writing, but Marti has inspired me!

I've had the 4200 for just over a month now. First off big *big* thanks to all on here who are happy to answer dumb questions, proffer opinions and support.

I must confess I've been scared witless of something hideously expensive going 'ping' at an inopportune moment, knowing that buying one of the cheapest on the market increased the likelihood of this happening. Having the interior fan pack up one morning did not help this feeling, even though it turned out to be a tiny fix.

Couple that with my lifestyle which has basically meant it gets 5 miles in the cold wet evening, and 5 miles in the cold wet morning, it's not exactly been a whirlwind romance! (particularly with the visibility afforded by headlights pointing a the front bumper, and incipient misting, this does *not* inspire confidence when driving at night)

However, romance it most certainly is. The more fettling (more of which later) I do, the more confident I get that I've not actually bought a pup. The more niggles I fix the more confident I am. The more confident I am, the more I wish it was spring, and I could really get to know how to drive her!

The awful rear tyres really did not inspire confidence. The new Falkens are a world apart. Again, I've not done huge miles, but the difference is as night and day. This leads me to start exploring the capabilities more. And *what* capabilities! I'd forgotten how to drive a rear wheel drive car, and it's great learning again, especially on something like this. Can't *wait* to get it up to Rockingham with a colleague from work (GS owner) and onto the skid pan. That would be my next fear, parking it backwards in a tree

Loving the fettling again as well. As an old time Alfa owner, when I was poor, I used to get great satisfaction from working out what was wrong and fixing it myself. Being able to do it on this is thoroughly enjoyable

So, roll on some better weather. Hopefully the radiator in the car for the last 48 hours will have got rid of the last of the coolant and shampoo and misting will be an issue no more. The lights should be far more useable, and the fix is imminent. That just leaves the wiper motor, which should be done shortly.

Can't *wait* Thanks again, one and all.

C

 

[Parisien]

Great stuff Cman.......Maseratis are cars apart...takes a bit of getting used to.....still you've got the spring to come....drier days...a few trips and you'll love her even more.....


P

 

[CatmanV2]

First car for a few years that I turn around to look at in the car park....

C

 

[Marti]

Good stuff "C" like me I think we just need to drive them more and enjoy. Keep us posted.

 

[allandwf]

Bring on spring! I've got a couple of wee jobs to see to also. Change headlight bulb, nearside, but will do the pair I think. Also think I may have a sticky caliper as last time I took her out was aware of a drone under heavy braking that wasn't there the time before. Dont think its a bearing, just the cold damp weather and lack of use hopefully.

 

[CatmanV2]

It is refreshing to have a relationship with a car, as opposed to owning one. Like cats and dogs </contentious>

I guess that's part of why I didn't want another Alfa....

What this *has* made me want is to get the others out of the container. That way madness lies.

C

 

[2b1ask1]

Alan, the drone under heavy braking may point to needing the front disks skimmed = discuss...

 

[CatmanV2]

Skimming for what reason? Surely warping would result in a pulsing of the pedal? (just curious. BTW)

C

 

[2b1ask1]

I was thinking more ridging than warping C, I've not heard of any suffering warping. here are some on here have had disks skimmed, not sure of their specific reasons perhaps they can let us know. I've had disks skimmed on other motors successfully and it has quietened things down and vastly improved the braking.

 

[allandwf]

Discs/pads are only 1500 miles old, also it was very sudden, ie, was ok/fine one day then when taken out after a three four week rest noticed the drone. Almost certain that it's a sticky piston, there is no perceivable loss in braking, and no pulsing through the pedal. If weather is better in the new year, when I'm back from work, I think I'll give her a good workout and see how the brakes are after that.

 

[CatmanV2]

I was thinking more ridging than warping C, I've not heard of any suffering warping. here are some on here have had disks skimmed, not sure of their specific reasons perhaps they can let us know. I've had disks skimmed on other motors successfully and it has quietened things down and vastly improved the braking.

Interesting stuff, Newton. Never heard of someone having discs skimmed for ridging. Or even actually reporting ridging as a issue. Of course these discs are a bit more costly

Improved braking is always to be welcomed

C