Considering my first Maserati - 4200 GT 2004. Are the problems deal breakers?

4

4200Beaconsfield

New Member
Messages
7
I'm one of those who have been reading all the posts here for the last few weeks before finding the right car and taking the plunge. I'm considering a 2004 example of the 4200 GT (drove the CC and it wasn't for me). It is a lovely nero exterior, crema leather car with 66,000 miles and a properly documented history. Its having a PPI done by a specialist of course but I was hoping for help with three questions for all the wise heads on here are:

1. The car has the often seen bubbling indicating rust under the off-side rear light. It is only about the size of a 10p and not surfaced yet (and no similar problem visible under the driver's side lights). Is this generally a localised problem that once fixed is resolved or can it be a sign of corrosion elsewhere? I can't find much advice on here for what the best recommended repair would be (have been quoted £700 for the whole panel strip and respray but this sounds a bit like overkill)- would a localised repairs look awful? How much should I pay?

2. The leather on the driver's seat is worn with slight cracking. If I use one of the leather upholstery repairs which get all the rave reviews does that leave the leather more vulnerable to wear in the future?

3. Not a potential deal-breaker but I've seen many threads for the flaky "chrome" vent problem, many of these discussions tail off in about 2009/10: Is there a consensus now as to the best solution?

Many thanks everyone!
 
CatmanV2

CatmanV2

Member
Messages
48,735
Welcome. If you share the ad, the car may be a known one :)

1) This is quite a common problem. Although typically the driver's side *is* the off side ;) I have on my near side. Apparently (in my case) it's very localised. Not sure the best repair method, though.

2) Not *more* vulnerable. Probably less. The good ones will nourish the leather.

3) Live with it. I cleaned the chrome off my outside vents. The insides I pretend are fine.

C
 
conaero

conaero

Forum Owner
Messages
34,626
Hi and welcome to the forum.

All of your concerns are minor and i would not be too concerned.

The rust is a localised problem and i would strongly recommend a localised repair.

The rust comes from a combination of a poorly designed water trap and the tight panel fit of the rear bumper rubbing the paint away. Remove the bumper and light and have it fully treated. Blending paint on these cars is a total nightmare and its far better to have a blend down by the light were its not noticed rather than on the top of the C pillar at eye level.
 
4

4200Beaconsfield

New Member
Messages
7
Thanks! I need more coffee! Brain not working at 6am: yes, of course the rust is on the near-side not the off-side...

On the leather repair- anyone you can recommend? I've seen adverts for leather revive but nothing like a personal recommendation. I'll definitely do this, given what you say.
I'm inclined to agree about the chrome- its not a big deal but would **** me in small ways over time so would probably do as you've done and clean it off (lets face it: chrome plastic just looks cheap even if it isn't flaking off).

CatmanV2 said:
Welcome. If you share the ad, the car may be a known one :)

1) This is quite a common problem. Although typically the driver's side *is* the off side ;) I have on my near side. Apparently (in my case) it's very localised. Not sure the best repair method, though.

2) Not *more* vulnerable. Probably less. The good ones will nourish the leather.

3) Live with it. I cleaned the chrome off my outside vents. The insides I pretend are fine.

C
Click to expand...
 
4

4200Beaconsfield

New Member
Messages
7
Thanks Conaero. Anyone you would recommend for the localised repair in/near Buckinghamshire? How badly will it show if I repair just that section? I don't suppose anyone here has posted photos of an example?

Conaero said:
Hi and welcome to the forum.

All of your concerns are minor and i would not be too concerned.

The rust is a localised problem and i would strongly recommend a localised repair.

The rust comes from a combination of a poorly designed water trap and the tight panel fit of the rear bumper rubbing the paint away. Remove the bumper and light and have it fully treated. Blending paint on these cars is a total nightmare and its far better to have a blend down by the light were its not noticed rather than on the top of the C pillar at eye level.
Click to expand...
 
conaero

conaero

Forum Owner
Messages
34,626
What colour is the car? Ok just seen its Nero one of the easier colours to match, its just the lacquer blending.

Pm a member called MAF260 he lives near you and knows a brilliant mobile guy who's work is exceptional. You would have to remove the bumper and light for him though, quite straight forward to do.

http://www.sportsmaserati.com/member.php/25-MAF260
 
Andyk

Andyk

Member
Messages
61,128
Black.....

A big warm welcome to the forum...06:30 and you already have some good advice....This forum never sleeps. Good luck with your purchase.
 
conaero

conaero

Forum Owner
Messages
34,626
4200Beaconsfield said:
Thanks Andyk. Yes I'm so impressed with all you Maserati owners up early and giving advice! Sleep is obviously for wimps...
Click to expand...

Yep! (Or maybe its because we are all knocking on and our bladders are abused from all the Drinking at the forum events)
 
4

4200Beaconsfield

New Member
Messages
7
Forum events...well well...I had no idea what a rich and many-splendoured world I was about to join.

Fingers crossed,the will PPI check out and I can agree a price, otherwise I'll be back to the drawing board...
 
conaero

conaero

Forum Owner
Messages
34,626
4200Beaconsfield said:
Forum events...well well...I had no idea what a rich and many-splendoured world I was about to join.

Fingers crossed,the will PPI check out and I can agree a price, otherwise I'll be back to the drawing board...
Click to expand...

Here is an overview of events, its a big part of the forum:

Ace Cafe London - Italian Night, 2nd Thursday of the month, we go every other month, through Spring and Summer
Le Mans - 7 day boys only trip, currently about 40 members on board for this year: http://www.sportsmaserati.com/showthread.php/18666-2016-Road-to-Le-Mans
SM Xmas doo - FULL: http://www.sportsmaserati.com/showthread.php/18488-SM-Xmas-Doo
Goodwood Revival - just done this event, it was excellent and I believe it will become and annual pilgrimage
The Italian Job - did the Centenary last year, 2016 sees another mountain pass trip planned for Autumn

Plus many, many other events such as Brooklands etc.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.