is this a known car

[thebusiness]

http://classifieds.pistonheads.com/...biocorsa-2004-model-year-with-big-spec/883648

i have been looking and this one seems a good value, does anyone know this car and any hidden secrets it may have

thanks in advance

 

[Cossington]

I don't know this car, but a few initial thoughts before others arrive...

It has heated seats and CD multi changer, I'm not sure I'd call it 'high spec'.
Service history looks good - no mention of a clutch replacement - I wonder how much wear there is on it?
The mileage woudl;n;t put me off - it has been used and serviced, which is a healthy combination.
I think there is another major service due around 56-57,000 miles, so not too far away - you may wish to factor this cost in.

It is not a 'facelift' model, which some late 2004 cars were.Worth a read-up on the differences - this is generally reflected in a significant price difference.

Good luck,

David

 

[hodroyd]

As David says it is not a facelift model, so production was probably 2003. For the model, the year and the mileage, I personally would be looking to make an offer around the £12K mark. The pre-facelift has some issues which could have been resolved such as CC Gearbox settings, software should be updated. Others were steering, brakes, suspension and some slight interior changes, apart from the bodywork changes front and rear. There was nothing at all critical, just improvements made. No mention of clutch at any point, if this is needed you can add on around £1500 to your costs.
I would definitely get an indie inspection done, the clutch settings can be tamered with to read plenty left when there is virtually nothing - HAVE IT CHECKED.

 

[mjheathcote]

2003/pre-face lift has identical steering/brakes/suspension to the facelift.
The difference being cosmetic.

If you cross check part numbers on Eurospares web site the changes are:
The steering rack was only changed once from the MY 2002 to 2003 only.
The brakes never changed across model years.
The suspension springs changed once from MY 2002 to 2003 only.

 

[hodroyd]

Mike,
From my research when I was hunting for a 4200, I found various references to the upgrades made to the 4200 during the late 2003/4 production runs, when the facelift actually came out. They are out there for all to see, I'm not making it up. I think most of the changes were electronic, but there were other bits too, plus the obvious cosmetic changes. I will try and hunt these facts down again. This is what made the facelift virtually the same as the GS mechanically.

Taken from EVO: Maserati's list of significant changes for the '03 Spyder and Coupe is short but focused. It includes new software for the Cambiocorsa transmission that prioritises engine torque rather than revs as a parameter, new software and dampers for the adaptive damping system, an all-new stability program called MSP, a new steering box with more direct gearing, larger anti-roll bars, grippier tyres and a bodyshell 20 per cent stiffer in torsion for the Spyder.

Cheers
R

 

[Andyk]

Mike, ADG are on here as a sponser so may be along to talk to you about this car...

 

[bigbob]

Maserati have a rolling programme of updates to their cars so buy as late as you can on production date rather than registration date as sitting around for a year before sale is not uncommon.

As an example, my GTS is one of the last of the 2011MYs and has the 2012MY armrest and boot floor upgrades but not the seat pattern changes. Italians!

 

[hodroyd]

I have to agree with Bob, both of our cars were actually produced from the factory up to 6 months prior to being registered here in the UK, so this has to be taken in to account. You can check with Maserati Classiche what the build date was, but you will need the VIN to give them.

 

[MATT]

My coupe is a jan 2003 andhas MSP etc so I'm not sure how early the 03 model year came out

 

[hodroyd]

According to most records, I think the major upgrades were done around the June/July 2003 onwards production cars. However, this does not mean that it operated like a switch and as Bob says, the upgrades when they started coming were on a rolling basis. As they started to introduce the new bits as and when maybe the old bits ran out, who knows..?? The only way to be certain of what your car has, is to check with Maserati Classiche, give them the VIN and ask them if your car had the upgrades and which they were, then you will know for certain.