Maserati Spyder

Hi Vito

I recommend to check out http://www.************.com for information on Spyders and all things Maserati. There is an ongoing friendly debate about the benefits of CC [6 speed manual with paddle shifted automatic clutch] versus GT [6 speed stick shift and clutch pedal]. They each have their advantages over the other, but generally the stick shift transmission 6 speed is acknowledged to be less costly to maintain. But they are harder to find. Speaking personally, I didn't care for the CC when I tried one (a dealer car with clutch service just completed) but it was in the city and not on a winding road when the CC might come alive and be more fun than the stick shift. Ultimately, I bought an 04 Spyder GT. I like it a lot. It works great in the city and on the highway. I don't track the car or engage in highly spirited driving, so the potential benefits of the CC in those circumstances are meaningless to me . . . particularly when compared to the benefits of being able to use the car in town, e.g., parking, reversing, etc.. The Maseratis are grand touring cars rather than full on sports cars like a 360 or 430. Personally, I prefer the Spyder over the Coupe, but the Spyders do have some cowl shake - improvements made for the 2004 model year. Reliability seems good based on my 7 months of ownership with servicing by the Maserati dealer. Good luck with your research.

Jon

 

I bought one new in 2002 and still own it today. I now have 19K miles on it.

For an Italian "exotic", it's not expensive to maintain. I did the 18K service on the car and it was like $1800. That's the most I've spent on it. I've had zero reliability problems with the car. It doesn't even leak or or fluids.

If I remember correctly, the service intervals are at 6K, 18K, and 36K. Of course, this does not include oil changes which should be yearly or 6K each. I think an oil change was something like $200 or $300 including filter changes.

The interior is more robust, more comfortable, and wears less than Ferrari. I use the top everytime I drive and it's never failed and looks the same as the day I bought it.

I have a Cambiocorsa and I don't mind it at all. I had the clutch and software updated in 2004 by the dealer for free. It worked much better after the update. I've never replaced the clutch.

To me, it's been reliable and fun to drive. I put in a Tubi exhaust as the exhaust is a bit quiet. The trunk size is adequate. The interior is very comfortable for long drives. The climate control is excellent.

If there are downsides to the car, Auto mode is terrible (I only use the paddle shifts) and the radio/entertainment/GPS are overly complicated and difficult to work with.

To me, it's greatly underrated and at today's prices is quite a bargin. The trick is to find a good one that's been well maintained. But, that's true for almost any used car you buy.

 

i love my car. that said i have had the car since 12-02. now with 25000. i have had repair issues. one clutch at 8000 Clutch had a recall but my sorry dealer did not tell me so he could collect 3000 for a clutch job. top hoses and one cyl. for top. a bolt fell out of top. top repair was not covered under warranty 2000. the cc is not good for town traffic driving. on the road WOW! distance driving good to great.

 

i saw this thread and thought we were talking about the vignale spider.
My best friend has one.
what a beautiful car.