Posts: 397
Since: 16/10/2008
Region: UAE/MiddleEast
Status: offline
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Gentlemen,
Below are just a few general pointers for potential owners, and a friendly guide to what running a Maserati entails, which should be considered pre-purchase: -
1 - When condsidering Maserati ownership, one must be aware that these are Supercars, with associated running costs e.g. fuel, tax, insurance, etc.
2 - Budget £3k per year minimum for annual maintenance (including perishable items), as anything less and you may be sailing close to the wind.
3 - As obvious as this may sound, while you can buy a used Alfa/Audi/BMW/etc sporting model for £15k, one can't expect to run a 3200GT for the same annual servicing budget. It's extremely unwise to attempt that with a 370bhp 3.2 litre V8, Twin Turbo, Supercar, that cost £60k+ new. You may get lucky once, but not twice. Furthermore, the MaseratiForumUK massive, whilst being an incredibly knowledgeable and friendly bunch, may not be able to solve/diagnose every issue 'online'.
4 - The ‘modern’ Maserati is a very technical beast, with an array of electronics and control systems. It would be fair to say that unless you plug the car up to either a Maserati diagnostic SD1, SD2, or SD3 computer you will not be able to clear or ‘read’ certain fault warnings (codes) that may appear on the dash. Equally, the clutch on a 4200 cannot be properly set-up without the SD machine. So, please be aware that your Maserati is likely best serviced by a specialist Maserati servicing agent (Factory approved or Independent).
5 - The perishable items, such as brakes, clutches, exhausts, tyres, etc have associated costs you would expect of an Italian Supercar with circa 400bhp as standard. And with the power and torque these engines generate those parts will get a thorough work out. Please be aware of this when considering your annual maintenance budget, pre-purchase.
6 - Maseratis can be reliable and thrilling cars at the same time, but they must be maintained by a caring and knowledgeable hand to perform to their fullest. Preventative maintenance, routine maintenance, and a trained/experienced eye for observation of potential problems, from your service centre are key to this. Look after your Trident, and it well look after you in return. Service it as if it were a Japanese car, and you will come unstuck. Example: the 3200/4200 front seats, with the passage of time 'appear' to develop faults with not returning to position correctly. There is actually a factory reset procedure for these whereby one simply 're-learns' them by employing a specific procedure using the buttons and controls in the car. An experienced Maserati tech will know this. Job done. Whereas, an inexperienced tech will assume it's "Italian electrics", and proceed to "investigate".
7 - If you are aware of the above points, have carried out model specific searches on the forum for past feedback, and purchase a Maserati well informed, the odds are you will be absolutely thrilled with your purchase. Many Maserati owners rarely turn back, and many here have owned consecutive models. That is for good reason – they are beautiful, quick, and elegant automobiles, which can easily be used on a regular basis.
The above is not intended to patronise, but IMHO, vehicle ownership is often best enjoyed when the experience meets or exceeds initial expectations. Bear the above points in mind, and your Maserati tipo will reward and thrill you in equal measure.
Happy motoring all,
Brian
< Message edited by Birdcage -- 15/2/2010 14:36:03 >
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