Things to look for in a 2004-2007 Maserati Coupe Cambio

I've had my 2001 since new and it still runs great. They are clutch eaters in the city. Expect about 18 to 30K miles on one depending how you drive. Mine is a spider and I've never had a major mechanical problem with it since about it's 3 month mark (F1 pump failure -- covered under warranty)

Maintenance is about $400 / year or so for oil and filter. I think they need a 15K service but it's just like spark plugs and fluid changes --- something like $1100. They have no timing belts.

If they break, its going to be expensive. I would say that's the biggest downfall and what scares most from buying them. And, finding a good mechanic is important.

I think it's pretty much like any car... condition in and out, service history, and mileage.

I love mine (which is why I haven't sold it) because for what I would get for it I couldn't replace it with anything else as cool. It looks brand new and modern, people rarely see them so they still look fresh, and they are fun to drive as a GT.

This is no sports car. The handling is soft, the seats are a bit cushy, and the steering is not razor sharp. It accelerates fine but off the line it's a little slow until the clutch grabs. And, forget "Auto" mode as it's a slug. Leave that for the valets.

Still, I like driving mine whenever I can. People like the car a lot. I get asked about it all the time.

I could have bought the new GT but it's a lot bigger, a lot more expensive, and a lot more cushier for my tastes.

To me, they are the bargain of the century given you can get a good one for the price of a new Camry. The look is great, the sounds are great, the leather and interior is great. Try finding a complete leather hand stitched interior in a Toyota.

 

I bought a CC new in 04. Great car (wish I still had it). Without the proper diag tools, working on it yourself really won't work.

There is a great forum (maserati life). Check for F1 pump and relay history as well as clutch and brakes. That's about it.

I'd recommend Skyhook and then change the springs (Formula Dynamics). Paying an extra $5k for a good one is the best money you'll ever spend.

I-dsd

 

Best write up on it

http://www.************.com/forums/modern-maserati/2875-diy-pre-purchase-inspection.html

Had an 04 coupe manual for 3 years. Great daily driver. Clutches on the manuals are not really a concern like the paddle shift cars. During my ownership I had to replace the steering rack and front main seal (both under warrantee). Annual maintenance is about $450/year for oil change and about $2k every other year for full fluids at the dealer. Also eats front tires (yes, my alignment was correct). Tubi and x pipe are a must if you want any sound from the exhaust.

 

The other forum is probably a better source for information on the 4200 series of cars. There are strong opinions and debates about the merits of the GT (stick shift) versus CambioCorsa (paddle shift) versions. The cars are strong but can be costly to repair when someting does go. As well, you're often tied to the dealer with the necessary diagnostic computers. Some reported issues with heater cores, although how widespread is hard to discern. The other forum might alarm you about faults and maintenance issues, but as an owner of multiple Masers remarked to me, "if you relied on forums you would never buy any car." The Maserati 4200 series is a grand touring car more than an all-out sports car, but is very comfortable and capable in the grand touring role. My GT version Spyder has never let me down when I've had the misfortune to get caugt in bumper-to-bumper traffic; it doesn't overheat and the AC blows cold. Refined looking but not attention grabbing, which might be a bad or good thing depending on your expectations.

Jon