4200 - Talk To Me.
Discussion
neutral 3 said:
Thanks for the replies. What is the " Skyhook " suspension ?
Is there a Series 2 version from circa 2004 ?
Plus a " Sports Suspension " option ?
The 4200 came in both Spyder (shorter wheelbase, 2 seat convertible) and coupe (genuine 4 seater.) Choice of manual 6 speed box or a Cambiocorsa (ie flappy paddle) 6 speed. Is there a Series 2 version from circa 2004 ?
Plus a " Sports Suspension " option ?
Launched in 2001 (I believe) and it was an updated (for that read 'fettled by Ferrari') version of the 3200. Out went the old Maserati turbo V8. In came a a 48 valve, bendy crank, chain drive cam version of the Ferrari 430 engine. Engine-wise these things are pretty bullet proof provided that oil and filters are changed regularly.
In 2003 the range got a little update - stiffer chassis by way of foam filling the box sections, plus the Spyder got a glass rear window and various other detail upgrades that are worth having. . These earlier cars are typically called "Classicos"
In 2004 there was a facelift - nothing changed majorly on the mechanical front over the 2003 upgrades, but the front and rear bumpers got a makeover, plus the front grille was not so nice (imho)
Essentially if you want the earlier looks, go for a 2003 car because the upgrades are worth having, especially on the Spyder.
Couple of years later the range was superseded by the Gransport. - same car basically, but with a wilder body kit, bigger wheels, valved exhaust, changes to the interior etc. The Transport Spyder was dropped from the range within a year or so.
Skyhook was standard for UK cars. It's basically a switchable suspension system. You get 'sport mode' and 'normal mode'. Sport mode stiffens the suspension up a bit and sharpens the throttle map.
Things to look for:
If it's a cambiocorsa get a clutch reading done by a reputable specialist. Abuse or poor adjustment can result in short (ie sub 20k miles) life.
manuals suffer less in this regard - but get the linkage checked for the gear leaver. If it's a fight to operate it's either out of adjustment/lubrication or knackered. (or you could also have clutch wear of course)
Check the heater matrix. They ALL fail, without question. It's a faulty design. Changing is a dash out job, and the bit itself is only £30quid!
Symptoms are a wet passenger footwell carpet.
Have the front subframe checked. There have been some stories of corrosion and new ones are hard to get/expensive
Make sure that EVERYTHING works. Locks, windows, aircon, instruments etc. It's a Maserati so bits are not always cheap. (even if the cars often are)
Suspension should be checked to make sure it works properly - but check to see if the skyhook has been removed - some owners change out for fixed rate springs and dampers.
Service history is a must - although most will be in the Indy network. Check out Sportsmaserati.com for more information on who to trust.
These cars are geometry and tyre sensitive, so check for uneven wear (inner front edges is a sign) plus cheap/dodgy mixes of tyres. It's a Maserati, capable of 170mph +, so you really do NOT want one where the owner has scrimped on basics like this.
OEM Brakes are pricey, but there is a Sportsmaserati alternative that saves LOTS of money and appears to be of better quality!
Paint and general finish should be pretty good. Buy on condition and history. A true enthusiast will be obvious!
I've owned my 2003 manual Spyder since 2010. It has never let me down. I've taken it to Italy twice, topped 170mph, and generally loved the thing. It hardly gets any use these days since I bought the Aston, but I can't bring myself to sell it just yet. On a good day, with the roof down and that fabulous V8 singing as I work my way up and down the box it's a wonderful place to be.
andymadmak said:
The 4200 came in both Spyder (shorter wheelbase, 2 seat convertible) and coupe (genuine 4 seater.) Choice of manual 6 speed box or a Cambiocorsa (ie flappy paddle) 6 speed.
Launched in 2001 (I believe) and it was an updated (for that read 'fettled by Ferrari') version of the 3200. Out went the old Maserati turbo V8. In came a a 48 valve, bendy crank, chain drive cam version of the Ferrari 430 engine. Engine-wise these things are pretty bullet proof provided that oil and filters are changed regularly.
In 2003 the range got a little update - stiffer chassis by way of foam filling the box sections, plus the Spyder got a glass rear window and various other detail upgrades that are worth having. . These earlier cars are typically called "Classicos"
In 2004 there was a facelift - nothing changed majorly on the mechanical front over the 2003 upgrades, but the front and rear bumpers got a makeover, plus the front grille was not so nice (imho)
Essentially if you want the earlier looks, go for a 2003 car because the upgrades are worth having, especially on the Spyder.
Couple of years later the range was superseded by the Gransport. - same car basically, but with a wilder body kit, bigger wheels, valved exhaust, changes to the interior etc. The Transport Spyder was dropped from the range within a year or so.
Skyhook was standard for UK cars. It's basically a switchable suspension system. You get 'sport mode' and 'normal mode'. Sport mode stiffens the suspension up a bit and sharpens the throttle map.
Things to look for:
If it's a cambiocorsa get a clutch reading done by a reputable specialist. Abuse or poor adjustment can result in short (ie sub 20k miles) life.
manuals suffer less in this regard - but get the linkage checked for the gear leaver. If it's a fight to operate it's either out of adjustment/lubrication or knackered. (or you could also have clutch wear of course)
Check the heater matrix. They ALL fail, without question. It's a faulty design. Changing is a dash out job, and the bit itself is only £30quid!
Symptoms are a wet passenger footwell carpet.
Have the front subframe checked. There have been some stories of corrosion and new ones are hard to get/expensive
Make sure that EVERYTHING works. Locks, windows, aircon, instruments etc. It's a Maserati so bits are not always cheap. (even if the cars often are)
Suspension should be checked to make sure it works properly - but check to see if the skyhook has been removed - some owners change out for fixed rate springs and dampers.
Service history is a must - although most will be in the Indy network. Check out Sportsmaserati.com for more information on who to trust.
These cars are geometry and tyre sensitive, so check for uneven wear (inner front edges is a sign) plus cheap/dodgy mixes of tyres. It's a Maserati, capable of 170mph +, so you really do NOT want one where the owner has scrimped on basics like this.
OEM Brakes are pricey, but there is a Sportsmaserati alternative that saves LOTS of money and appears to be of better quality!
Paint and general finish should be pretty good. Buy on condition and history. A true enthusiast will be obvious!
I've owned my 2003 manual Spyder since 2010. It has never let me down. I've taken it to Italy twice, topped 170mph, and generally loved the thing. It hardly gets any use these days since I bought the Aston, but I can't bring myself to sell it just yet. On a good day, with the roof down and that fabulous V8 singing as I work my way up and down the box it's a wonderful place to be.
Thanks, much appreciated, very interesting !Launched in 2001 (I believe) and it was an updated (for that read 'fettled by Ferrari') version of the 3200. Out went the old Maserati turbo V8. In came a a 48 valve, bendy crank, chain drive cam version of the Ferrari 430 engine. Engine-wise these things are pretty bullet proof provided that oil and filters are changed regularly.
In 2003 the range got a little update - stiffer chassis by way of foam filling the box sections, plus the Spyder got a glass rear window and various other detail upgrades that are worth having. . These earlier cars are typically called "Classicos"
In 2004 there was a facelift - nothing changed majorly on the mechanical front over the 2003 upgrades, but the front and rear bumpers got a makeover, plus the front grille was not so nice (imho)
Essentially if you want the earlier looks, go for a 2003 car because the upgrades are worth having, especially on the Spyder.
Couple of years later the range was superseded by the Gransport. - same car basically, but with a wilder body kit, bigger wheels, valved exhaust, changes to the interior etc. The Transport Spyder was dropped from the range within a year or so.
Skyhook was standard for UK cars. It's basically a switchable suspension system. You get 'sport mode' and 'normal mode'. Sport mode stiffens the suspension up a bit and sharpens the throttle map.
Things to look for:
If it's a cambiocorsa get a clutch reading done by a reputable specialist. Abuse or poor adjustment can result in short (ie sub 20k miles) life.
manuals suffer less in this regard - but get the linkage checked for the gear leaver. If it's a fight to operate it's either out of adjustment/lubrication or knackered. (or you could also have clutch wear of course)
Check the heater matrix. They ALL fail, without question. It's a faulty design. Changing is a dash out job, and the bit itself is only £30quid!
Symptoms are a wet passenger footwell carpet.
Have the front subframe checked. There have been some stories of corrosion and new ones are hard to get/expensive
Make sure that EVERYTHING works. Locks, windows, aircon, instruments etc. It's a Maserati so bits are not always cheap. (even if the cars often are)
Suspension should be checked to make sure it works properly - but check to see if the skyhook has been removed - some owners change out for fixed rate springs and dampers.
Service history is a must - although most will be in the Indy network. Check out Sportsmaserati.com for more information on who to trust.
These cars are geometry and tyre sensitive, so check for uneven wear (inner front edges is a sign) plus cheap/dodgy mixes of tyres. It's a Maserati, capable of 170mph +, so you really do NOT want one where the owner has scrimped on basics like this.
OEM Brakes are pricey, but there is a Sportsmaserati alternative that saves LOTS of money and appears to be of better quality!
Paint and general finish should be pretty good. Buy on condition and history. A true enthusiast will be obvious!
I've owned my 2003 manual Spyder since 2010. It has never let me down. I've taken it to Italy twice, topped 170mph, and generally loved the thing. It hardly gets any use these days since I bought the Aston, but I can't bring myself to sell it just yet. On a good day, with the roof down and that fabulous V8 singing as I work my way up and down the box it's a wonderful place to be.
I am looking for a manual in black, anyone ?
neutral 3 said:
Thanks, much appreciated, very interesting !
I am looking for a manual in black, anyone ?
www.Sportsmaserati.com has a a small classified section + lost of friendly guys with the right cars. I am looking for a manual in black, anyone ?
Also, Dicky at Richardgracecars.co.uk often knows who is selling something that has yet to hit the classifieds. : info@richardgracecars.co.uk 01244880825
Great choice the 4200 and cracking VFM. Stretch the budget and buy the best you can or at least one that has been well cared for. The running costs can vary widely from a good one to a bad one.
Don't discount the Cambiocorsa though as it suits the car well and isn't the horrific box that most journo's make it out to be. Very characterful.
I've had mine for 4 years and love it. I went to town and bought a late 2007 car at the top end and was the best I have seen full stop. Still is now and just ticked over 15k miles 😉
Don't discount the Cambiocorsa though as it suits the car well and isn't the horrific box that most journo's make it out to be. Very characterful.
I've had mine for 4 years and love it. I went to town and bought a late 2007 car at the top end and was the best I have seen full stop. Still is now and just ticked over 15k miles 😉
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