I bought the most HATED Maserati for $8000 (Honest First Impressions)

[@markmurphy5005]

I have owned …and loved …and hated my 2006 Maserati Coupe for 8 years now. I drive it weekly and she currently has 106,000 miles. Everything you said is correct. They are fabulous cars that are really fun to drive but do need attention! If you enjoy working on the car yourself and have above average skills, YOU CAN FIX many small items yourself. The Maserati Life Forum is a great resource. I replaced the Valve Cover (cam cover) Gaskets myself it took 12 hours over several days. I replaced the Heater Core myself and it took me a total of 28 hours over several days. I have driven many road trips, stop and go traffic in Atlanta as well as two high speed track days at Road Atlanta…she ran great!

[@TheRustedGarage]

I think love-hate is a great way to explain what it’s like to own these cars. The character is unlike anything else which is why people put up with it in the first place. Cheers!

[@sarahdell4042]

What kinda clutch life have you seen?

[@marcodalli5045]

Having owned the Maserati shamal, Ferrari 355, 238 , 575 and different 911s, I am retiring at 60 years old with the Maserati 4200, so I guess I am qualified to state that Any Maserati 4200 after 2004 when it was really improved is totally reliable and a magnificent sports car. It's just unbelievable how underrated this beautiful thing is for now, but that will change. My advice would be to look into who conceived this car and who was involved in its development, do your homework, only then will you start to understand what kind of remarkable sports car this is.

[@1970borntorun]

Right! I just saw one last week for only $28,000 here in the States in excellent condition. What a steal for a true, Italian exotic.

[@lebojay]

@twiggystardusthow has the first year been?

[@ChicagoItalian]

I have owned my 2006 Maserati GranSport for 14 years- 1. Normally Aspirated V8 2. 396 horsepower 3. Cat delete and X-pipe 4. Tubi exhaust. = 415-420 horsepower 5. Top speed 180+ 6. O-62 = 4.75 seconds 7. Get the formula dynamics drive by wire - enhancement….improves shifting time by 50% and prolongs the clutch. 8. Maintain it and it will last for Ever. 9. Drive it everyday - do not let it sit. 10….it’s an Italian car - it has the Ferrari 430 block and that is it….shares many components from earlier Ferrari’s. 11. If you are not a fan of Italian cars - this car is NOT for you…if you want to be boring and be like everyone else…buy a (let me yawn) a BMW/Mercedes/Audi….there is nothing sexy about any of these cars. 12. Look at it this way - if you buy a cheap BMW or Mercedes like this Maserati - guess what you will have some problems they will need to be sorted out….you get what you pay for. 13. As I mentioned above - do the cat deletes, add an x pipe and put in Larini or Tubi exhaust…and this car will sound better than any Mercedes or BMW…trust me. 14…..This is a GT car….built for long distance HIGH Speed Cruising in the autobahn….this car can maintain high speeds for very LONG periods of time. This car is about passion and history…..

[@rafibalouzian9951]

You a revelation in a sea negativity in the US about Maserati. I own 2005 Quattroporte 60;000 miles with the original clutch driven only on manual sport mode with only 3 major services and oil and fluid changes. They are very reliable if used properly. I enjoy the mechanical feel of the transmission and the shifting of the clutch behind the engine under the dashboard. I also own 2011 Granturismo Auto. They are timeless well engineered masterpieces to be enjoyed by TRUE petrol heads.

[@markmurphy5005]

I agree 100%. I have owned my 2006 GranSport for 8 years (now has 106,000 miles) and they are not perfect, but are very cool and very fun to drive! I also agree that you must enjoy working on the car yourself and fixing all the little goofy problems. Search for The Maserati Life forum, it has lots of helpful info.

[@spitfirekid1]

Great comment.

[@sgfreak96]

Finally had a chance to watch this start to finish... best $8k car out there. Can't wait for the exhaust and TCU flash. Sidenote, nice intro edit, and nice job with multiple angles while driving. Kept my short attention span happy lol.

[@TheRustedGarage]

Haha thanks man!! I want to try to keep that quality going upward .. it’s hard 😆

[@williamwintemberg]

Looks like you have already been at the exterior paint. Nice! It will be cool to see what you do with it. Best of Luck with it!

[@TheRustedGarage]

Yup, my friend Eric did an amazing job saving the paint!!

[@rogerversluys2973]

I let mine go a few years ago after a £5000 service, the rear lower control arm (and wishbone) was £1500 a side. They also don't last as they had both been done 2 years before that when the bits were £800 each. Fantastic drive when they are sorted but the running costs are harsh. Overall transmission and build quality were good. It's an expensive car you can buy for peanuts. Don't assume you can run them on peanuts though!

[@TheRustedGarage]

Well summed up! Definitely not a cheap car to own.

[@DaleSteel]

You can buy a shit box cheap. These are starting to go up in value now

[@zetohd5625]

Let‘s face it: the F1/CC transmission is the only flaw on the car. I own a manual spider, resolved the sticky button issue, and installed a hardwired BT DAB blackbox for digital radio and streaming. This is the last (!) manual Italian V8 you can buy. After the 4200, it’s all auto. Ferrari, Maserati, Lambo… it’s a fantastic ride. The sound. The pull. Amazing.

[@TheRustedGarage]

It's a shame that most people can't look beyond the transmission. I tried to cover the car as a package not just the gearbox. The best part is the gearbox isn't even that bad, due to depreciation they just fall in the hands of those that can't really afford the maintenance, I think it all stemmed from there, and if we are being a little more honest, the parts supply for these is scant at best at least in America

[@user-yj2su3gv1m]

My most wanted Maserati!!!

[@WipeOutPDR]

Love it!

[@chabbysrides]

Nice job! Like the car. Should get our Maserati’s together some time for a drive.

[@TheRustedGarage]

Would love to. We have to meet up soon!

[@chabbysrides]

@@TheRustedGarage just let me know when brother.

[@mwarren8748]

I sold my 2004 Coupe Cambiocorsa (Blu Med color which is rare) for $10K with 38K miles on it. It had the heater core flex which caused coolant to drip on the wiring harness which results in electric gremlins; it is an expensive dash out job. The transmission is the next issue wait until your little motor goes out to prime the transmission. Had a little brake plunger sensor go out early on but it could get expensive to troubleshoot going to a dealer; I diagnosed and fixed myself. I went into a 2008 Granturismo after this car and had it 7 years and had only a few issues.

[@DGI82]

I was looking at this car long and hard and was talked out of it but looking forward to watching your experience with it. Im in MD if you ever want to meet up to chat about it. Still have an itch I need to scratch haha

[@TheRustedGarage]

Im having a lot of fun with it, but it needs some serious work hah

[@DGI82]

@@TheRustedGarage $4k for two control arms… that would have been rough to swallow but it looks like it drives great!! Which is roomier? The Maser or the Aston? Im 6’6” and figured it would be super tight in the Maserati

[@CarlsGarage1]

The Maserati coupe has a Ferrari built F136 R engine, it's the founding father of the F430 engine which is coded F136 E. The single dry clutch system is same as the Maserati MC12 and many older Ferrari cars. The idea is to create a front engine, rear transmission car based on Ferrari's concept. It's hard to find one with crappy condition, mine was 2005 with GranSport facelift and rear bumper, I had to replace both fuel pumps (BOSCH same part number as Ferrari, and F430 have same leaking issue), and installed a new clutch for 2500 USD.

[@medicropper]

Can you please tell me where I can find a clutch for my 2002 coupe? $2,500 is totally reasonable.

[@1970borntorun]

This is why one is MUCH better off being patient, and looking for one with a Manual transmission. That old saying "Love is blind" is as true of cars as it is women lol

[@carstenweiland7896]

It is a car that sounds like a well tuned orchestra not too loud just goldielocks, the interior is pleasant if you service them properly they should be allright. A car to be enjoyed.

[@TheRustedGarage]

I’ve definitely enjoyed putting miles on it

[@jameskohler7724]

had the manual it was great. minus the radio and no cup holders. I hate to say it but cup holds are kinda needed in a daily driver.

[@medicropper]

Any advice on replacing the clutch in my 2002 coupe? I can physically replace it, but will I need to adjust it or have a diagnostics tool? Where is a good place to buy a clutch and a heater core? Thanks.

[@TheRustedGarage]

You need a diag tool. Ricambi rents the tool and will sell you the clutch. I bought my heater core on eBay. Make sure you get one that doesn't have plastic ends or it'll leak again. If you dive into forums you will find that the part number is the same as a Saab model I forget which one though. Owners of that car have the same problem

[@stevebarton9540]

I have a 2005 maserati gransport I've had it for 4 years now and have done nothing to it

[@mikeakaspike]

The most hated maserati is the biturbo... By far. Also, these are great, easy to maintain cars.

[@user-nh4dn5oc3f]

i want to attempt to change the oil / filter myself. watched a vid and think I can do it. no lift - not sure where to place the hydraulic jack and jack stands. Also, I looked underneath and see covers that need to be removed. Can anyone shed light or share a video. Thanks, Rick

[@plsales09]

Holy check engine lights!

[@TheRustedGarage]

When you realize the dash looks like a Christmas tree but you’re like f it I like Christmas

[@DoNotEatPoo]

I had a corsa red 4200 Coupe GT six speed (3 pedal) for a few years. Bought it for $16k, sold it for $16k. The only issue I had was the heater core, but it was actually pretty easy to swap out with the Fiat heater core for about $100 bucks. For the purchase price I considered it a throwaway exotic - if it exploded I would have left it on the side of the road with keys in the ignition and title in the glove box. My only wish is that the 3200's were imported into the states, because I really wanted that turbocharged V8.

[@markmurphy5005]

Your heater core was "actually pretty easy to swap out..."? You sir must be a Wizard! Although you are correct there are no extraordinary complex issues, it remains a VERY tedious and time consuming and difficult process. In my option, only folks with above average mechanical skills should even consider the project. It took me 28 hours (at a slow, deliberate pace) over several days. 😇

[@JGWhips]

Car looks great!

[@TheRustedGarage]

Thanks man!!

[@richardm4960]

I knew you loved this car!

[@TheRustedGarage]

dont tell anyone!!!

[@tropfusion]

🔥🔥🔥

[@BenoitXVIII]

In Europe, it costs about 20.000 €

[@michaelstoak3525]

It sounds awesome. I have a 2002 with 30k miles. I put an X pipe on mine make it sound even better

[@medicropper]

I also I’ve an ‘02 with 30k miles on it! I need to replace the heater core and it could use a new clutch too. I’ve owned mine for 8 years now.

[@michaelstoak3525]

@@medicropper my clutch was done at 20k hopefully I’m good for another 10 or 15k

[@tonyhladun9081]

The biggest problem is not the Maserati, it's the guy driving it.

[@TheRustedGarage]

Most of the people complaining about this car haven't even driven one

[@tonyhladun9081]

@@TheRustedGarage I meant you

[@TheRustedGarage]

my comment still stands, you haven't driven one or gotten within 15 feet of one. didn't watch the video either. L comment

[@tonyhladun9081]

I've owned a 2002 6MT for 9 years and it's an excellent car. It has to mean something to you; it's basically 80% of a Ferrari for 20% (or less) of the cost. They are exceptional supercar value, but you have to understand that. If you want a cheap car then this is not it.

[@gregorizi]

The car is awesome. Underappreciated what makes it hidden gem. Ah touring Ferrari lol.

[@TheRustedGarage]

“Touring Ferrari” is a decent way to sum up the car

[@mrdubois4547]

7k expenses yearly do drive it 5k miles? Thats not accurate at all, you can drive it for 7 years without having much trouble and the yes you put 8k repairs and your good for another 7 years......its more an average of 1500-2000 a year. And you dont need to go to the maserati dealer, you order your parts online and you fix it at europeans garage they will be able to have much better rate

[@TheRustedGarage]

That’s all true but not everyone wrenches. Anyone crazy enough to buy a 20 year old Maserati should, though…

[@mrdubois4547]

@@TheRustedGarage it actually depends, if you buy it from someone that has maintain the car you could be at a great timing of having not much expenses for a while, while if you get the car at a time it needs a refresh then yes you get all of thoses expenses right away and it gives the idea that those cars always need that much expenses but its all about timing.....if you buy a car that just had the clutch and pump changed then you wont have to pay for that for a good 7 seasons and its by far the main expensive thing on those cars

[@johnlowe2218]

This one has 2x the mileage mine has but seems to shift quicker. Has software been upgraded or Drive By Wire installed?

[@TheRustedGarage]

Silly question but I will ask anyway because it matters. When you shift, is your foot on the floor and above 7000 RPM with sport mode on? All those conditions must be in place for it to shift this quickly. Car was entirely stock.

[@johnlowe2218]

@@TheRustedGarage I drive only in sport mode manual, and I have a tendency to vary my throttle. I will shift around 3,000-3,500 rpm on average for the first 10-15 minutes of driving and then I will rev it out sometimes above 7,000, but not every time. I always keep my foot on the throttle when shifting, as this is how I believe they are meant to be shifted since all aspects of clutch engagement are handled by the TCU. It seems that a lot of misinformation has circulated the internet about that.

[@TheRustedGarage]

@@johnlowe2218 exactly correct, my first impression of an automated manual was a terrible one because the guy at the dealership (It was an 07 Aston Martin Vantage) told me to let off the gas like a manual. it jerked every shift and I bought something else. Anyway, the car won't shift that fast at 3,000 for whatever reason, possibly comfort built into it even in Sport mode. Mine was more tame at normal driving conditions. Different animal with foot to the floor and revving it out.

[@johnlowe2218]

@@TheRustedGarage Interesting. When I first drove this thing I thought it was a clunkbox tbh, but it really does seem to come alive the closer you get to redline. I guess it’s just confusing to me how that works, especially when you compare it to my dual clutch Panamera, which is lightning quick to shift all over the rev range.

[@StephenGross-hg8pn]

My friend - I’ve owned mine since 2007. The best way to shift this car is at 4k RPMs and above. Flick the paddle and keep the pedal floored. Look at Formula Dynamics for the drive by wire, makes the car shift 10x faster. I have the ECU Tune, drive by wire, lowering springs, cat delete, Tubi exhaust, front and rear sway bars and the car is a beast. Please do not listen to the haters…99.9% of the people have no clue what this car is and its capabilities. This car pulls extremely hard, like a scolded dog and never runs out of power. Also, people say this car is slow…it’s a GT car, not a sports car….and 0-62 at 4.8 and a top speed of 180+ also isn’t bad without Turbos.

[@KevCosmo95]

My first expensive car I bought... In forza motorsport 2 :)

[@paul10018]

Most hated? Not according to Clarkson.

[@TheRustedGarage]

I’ll have to check out his thoughts. Here in america this car gets zero love

[@paul10018]

@@TheRustedGarage kzbin.info/www/bejne/b56zi3WsjZKamqc

[@1970borntorun]

You are completely wrong and being overly-dramatic in your title of this video. The most hated Maserati ( by most accounts and Mechanics ) is the Bi-Turbo disaster. THIS, is the most underrated Maserati, and also a screaming bargain when you find one in good condition.

[@TheRustedGarage]

nobody knows what the bi-Turbo is.

[@DaleSteel]

What? Your talking balls they aren't hated

[@TheRustedGarage]

You must not live in America or not spend a lot of time on Ferrarichat to read the issues and costs, you would have a hard time giving them away-this is a car with nearly no market

[@DaleSteel]

@@TheRustedGarage I'm I'm UK. I've got a 2005 model. Hasn't cost me a penn. The old 3200 were poor but not the 4200

[@tcnentertaintment6746]

where the clk 55 at 😍

[@TheRustedGarage]

Sold ☹️

[@netweed09]

It looks _really_ dated sorry, hasn't aged well. I'm not one of those nostalgia simps that sugar coat, I prefer to tell the truth straight. My only question s, why on Earth did you not invest a bit more for the 2014 Ghibli?? It looks amazing: the proof in it's timeless design is that Maserati has barely changed it for it's 2024 models!!

[@TheRustedGarage]

Well I mean you're kinda right so let's get that out of the way. It's 20 years old and costs a lot to keep on the road. Wonder if you even watched the video lol. But it's strange you implied the mass-produced Ghibli that has already depreciated to the price of a kids first car somehow will age better. "Investing" for a Ghibli...can't think of a better way to lose money on a mid tier car at best.

[@netweed09]

@@TheRustedGarage It's not a mid tier car for its design alone, having been into designing my self when car design became Computer aided and it allowed tbem to create very robust cars that make the one 10 years before them (in the 2000s) look like kids toys or very amateurish.

[@CORLEONESPORTS97]

I'd take this over any American car. American cars are boring as hell and generic looking where your European British cars are beautiful and sexy and speak to you.