Calling on owners of 2002-ish owners with 6-speed manuals | FerrariChat
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Calling on owners of 2002-ish owners with 6-speed manuals

Discussion in 'Maserati' started by MB_Fahrer, Aug 31, 2012.

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  1. MB_Fahrer

    MB_Fahrer Formula Junior

    Dec 22, 2009
    687
    Colorado
    Full Name:
    Rick
    #1 MB_Fahrer, Aug 31, 2012
    Just toying around the idea of a 2002 era Masi coupe GT.

    What are the 6-speed manuals like? All I ever hear is how much the reviewers(Top Gear and the like) hate them. The F1's are certainly pretty bad, but the overall car appeals to me. I've got a 2002 Cambiocorsa 'vert with the F1 on my dealer's lot that I've driven a bit. I do like the car, just not the chaotic handling that comes with the F1 system. Nor do I particularly care for the idea of a clutch R&R every 5-7k miles.

    I'd use the car as a daily driver. About 10-20k miles per year. I would do all maintenance myself. Between myself, and my other mechanics, we can generally tackle just about anything.

    Thanks in advance!
     
  2. Maserati Blue

    Maserati Blue Formula Junior

    Dec 13, 2010
    947
    Europe
    #2 Maserati Blue, Aug 31, 2012
    The manual 4200 Coupe is a great car and does not have the issues of the F1 variant. It is a GREAT daily driver and you shouldn't have any problems (if the car has been well taken care of by the previous owner, otherwise you'll be spending a fortune in deferred maintenance).

    The 4200 Coupe is a GT car, so don't expect a track car. It has smooth and easy-rider kinda suspension, and this is great for a GT car (and a daily driver!).

    Just make sure you get a PPI of the car before you buy and you also make sure that the car has been properly maintained.


    PS:
    The 2002 models lack some cool electronics, like MSP (Maserati Stability Program) and most of them did not come with the highly sought after Skyhook adjustable suspension. Thus, we usually ask people to go for 2004 or newer models, which include those features and have most of the quirks fixed from the early models.
     
  3. MB_Fahrer

    MB_Fahrer Formula Junior

    Dec 22, 2009
    687
    Colorado
    Full Name:
    Rick
    #3 MB_Fahrer, Aug 31, 2012
    It's a relief to hear somebody say they're a good GT car. That's what I'm in the mood for. I've had my fill of bouncy, loud, sports cars--for the moment anyway.

    I'm sure I can google around, which I will, to find an answer, but what is Skyhook exactly? I've noticed a few for sale that have it. It was an option from the factory, correct?

    I'm not completely dead-set on a 4200 coupe, but I do keep coming back to them. I'm far too picky-choosey when it comes to cars. Can't have this, can't have that, mustn't be too much of that. Makes for a real headache sometimes. I do need a two door coupe. I miss having a street-able two seater. I have no use for four seats, but they come in handy for extra luggage space. The only other real competition is an 850csi, DB7 Vantage, or a 2003-5 CL600 (which would turn into some modified nightmare given my history with MB). The 850csi's are being sold by a bunch of loonies who seem to think they're a "collectible," I'm not sure if I'm that fond of the Aston--never really spent any time around/in one. The CL600 would need coilovers, the MB airmatic is wretched to say the least. The Maserati seems to be the most sensible answer; good enough as-is out of the box. The looks of the 4200 coupes have certainly grown on me. I always thought that the rear 3/4 view was slightly awkward, but I've come to like it. Very pretty cars--especially compared with a lot of the new cars (all cars in general).

    Thank you for your insight. It's greatly appreciated!
     
  4. MB_Fahrer

    MB_Fahrer Formula Junior

    Dec 22, 2009
    687
    Colorado
    Full Name:
    Rick
    #4 MB_Fahrer, Aug 31, 2012
  5. bundas

    bundas F1 Veteran
    Owner

    Dec 31, 2005
    7,090
    lexington ky usa
    Full Name:
    mitchell barnes
    #5 bundas, Aug 31, 2012
    i now own two 2 cc spyders. just bought the second Monday! first car was owned since 02. it now has 25,000 miles. one clutch because my employees burnt the first one out. i tracked the car once to see just what it was about. nose heavy. i spun out and stopped. Maserati fixed all problems at no charge and updated the clutch, steering rack. great touring car. paddles area must for me, a wonderful new experience. having both hands on steering wheel all the time is a big plus. i have sky hook and leave the car in sport mode all the time. shifts are quicker and clutch last a long time. i expect to get at least 30,000. second car came up last week. 7,100 miles! open the door and the smell of new comes to my nose! love the design
     
  6. thecarnut

    thecarnut F1 Rookie
    Rossa Subscribed

    Apr 22, 2006
    3,232
    Atlanta
    Full Name:
    The Car Nut
    #6 thecarnut, Aug 31, 2012
    I have a 04 coupe with the 6 speed manual box. I like the gearbox and the car has been very reliable. The two rear seats are actually useable.

    Ivan
     
  7. Maserati Blue

    Maserati Blue Formula Junior

    Dec 13, 2010
    947
    Europe
    #7 Maserati Blue, Sep 1, 2012
    Yup, thats the one. In cars WITH Skyhook, you'll find a "Sport" button, but with cars without it you'll find a "Power" button.

    I know I said it above, but I'll say it again. Go for a 2004 or newer model if possible.

    I also agree with thecarnut, it is weird but the rear seats are very usable!
     
  8. rustybits

    rustybits F1 Rookie
    Professional Ferrari Technician

    Jan 28, 2007
    2,509
    Somewhere, anywhere
    Full Name:
    Eddie B
    #8 rustybits, Sep 1, 2012
    As others have said, aim as late as you can find, and skyhook is a good thing to have. A good PPI is a must though, front shock adjusters are known to seize and strip the gears in the actuators, make sure the exhaust manifolds get checked as they are double lined with an air gap between the two layers, and they can crack giving noise and running issues. The manuals are great, and don't pose the issues with crank problems that the 3200 can suffer with.

    I would take one over a DB7 personally, although the Aston is pretty, they have electrical gremlins and the interior hasn't aged well in my opinion.
     
  9. SpyderGT

    SpyderGT Formula Junior

    May 15, 2005
    997
    Vancouver, BC
    Full Name:
    Jon
    #9 SpyderGT, Sep 1, 2012
    Last edited: Sep 1, 2012
    I have a '04 Spyder GT. I agree with earlier comments that a stock Maserati is a GT car rather than a track car. The stick shift transmission and clutch are strong and reliable. The transmission, being a transaxle, takes some time to warm up fully. Until warm, the shifting can be a bit notchy from 1 to 2, but once warm is smooth and solid. Clutch and stick shift have some heft and require positive / involved movement, e.g., it isn't like driving a Japanese or German sedan - you can't be lazy. I don't use mine as a daily driver but I live in the downtown area of a city and have to deal with traffic whenever I use the car. It's good - no overheating, creature comforts work well (AC / heater), basic sound system is adequate but nothing great.
    Jon
     
  10. khamsin433

    khamsin433 Formula Junior

    Jul 16, 2009
    291
    Birmingham, UK
    Full Name:
    Balbir
    #10 khamsin433, Sep 2, 2012
    Hi,
    I have a 2006 manual GT and I purposely chose to track down one of these rather than the CC. It is a great daily use car and recently I used it for the commute to work for over 2 weeks. Great comfort, docile when you want it to be and the power available when you needed that too. It is a tue 4 seater as Ivan says above.

    My car has now done 36K miles and the clutch is a little heavy with it now being towards the end of it's life, however I've had it for three years with limited mileage per year and it is still hasn't started slipping. There are potential issues with the CC clutch wear sometimes caused by failure of other items such as the F1 relay that I didn't want to live with.
    I've been pleased with my choice and went for the latest one I could find.

    Bal
     

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