Real World Reviews: Can You REALLY Live With A Bargain Maserati 4200?

[@periodoc27]

I've had my 2006 GranSport for almost a year now and I have to honestly agree with everything you've said in your review. Well done, sir!

[@fuelupclassic]

Thank you. Great to hear from fellow owners :)

[@christopheroneill3810]

I have had the 2003 convertible version of this car for nearly 10 years and I think this is an excellent, pragmatic and well-balanced review. The engine is an absolute gem - great sound, heaps of power and torque and the car is properly quick. The Cambiocorsa F1 gearbox does take a little experience to get used to but, as the reviewer says, if you avoid auto mode, always use the Sport setting, and use the revs properly, the gearbox is actually quite good. This also helps reduce clutch wear (I have 98,000km on the odometer on mine now and the clutch has only been replaced once).

[@fuelupclassic]

Thank you and i'm pleased to hear you enjoyed the video. It's great to hear from long term owners and have them share their ownership experiences too. I can only imagine that glorious V8 exhaust note is even better in the convertible version! You're absolutely right, the Cambiocorsa F1 gearbox takes a bit of getting used to, but it really doesn't deserve the somewhat negative reputation that seems to haunt these cars. Overall, I still can't think of another car that offers so much for so little money.

[@tonysoprano2800]

These cars offer unbelievable value for money. Ferrari engine and gearbox for Fiesta money. Well maintained, they should present no trouble. Most maintenance is easily achievable by a DIY mechanic, thereby making substantial savings. If set up correctly, the cambiocorsa gearbox should be slick. Keep it in Sport mode, never use the Auto mode and the clutch should last much longer. You can also have the software upgraded on older models to make it change smoother/faster. I have had my 2003 for 3 years now, apart from routine oil and filter changes, no major issues. I've done a couple of 400 mile round trips without issue. Gentle motorway cruising at national speed limits can return up to 25 MPG which isn't too bad for a 4.2 L V8. Use the performance around town and be punished with sub 10 MPG. They are rarer than some Ferraris and not as ostentatious, understated elegance. The 4200 Cambiocorsa also featured in the TV series "The Sopranos", another reason to have one!

[@fuelupclassic]

Couldn't agree more. They are such underrated cars. I hope you continue to enjoy yours for many years to come.

[@goodfest007]

The rear of this Maserati always reminds me of the much earlier 1987 Gen 3 Honda Prelude….tail lights in particular. However never heard a Prelude sound this good….😀 Looking forward to seeing more tours with this car.

[@fuelupclassic]

oh I see what you mean, the Prelude does have similar rear lights.

[@dalerowley6039]

Good for you for doing your own research and seeing if this is something you can live with. I don’t own one of these but I am doing lots of research ahead of buying a weekend car some time late spring or early summer. I keep coming back to the Maserati 4200. With 2 young teenage children, it seems to fit a nice sweet spot between being small enough to fit in a garage yet large enough to fit 2 adults and 2 teenagers in it. Looking forward to more content from you. Feel like I’ve seen this car elsewhere. Was it reviewed on another channel previously?

[@fuelupclassic]

Thank you and I hope enjoyed the video. I think you could do far worse than a 4200 as a weekend toy, especially if you regularly have more than two adults in the car. I'd advise to try one (or a few) to see if it works for you. I very briefly featured the car on another video a few months ago, so that is possibly where you may have recognised it.

[@paulstaton8267]

I have owned a 4200 facelift for 8 years and apart from sticky buttons it’s amazing, the f1 style gear box is not as bad as people say and has feel when to change gear not just a click you feel the change and if you lift off the throttle a tad in town driving it’s perfect, don’t be put off by the gear box it’s a proper GT lunatic, and with the larini exhaust sounds the nuts 👍

[@fuelupclassic]

Absolutely! They are still misunderstood I think, but that makes them an absolute bargain.

[@flat4747]

I have a 2003 4200 with a proper manual and I can tell you from driving both my opinion is that the three pedal manual is the way to go. Great car and a blast to drive - enjoy!

[@tonyhladun9081]

I've owned a 2002 Spyder with the manual shift transmission for 8 years. In 20,000 miles it has never given me a problem, but it does need regular maintenance and parts are expensive. The actual F1 transmission is the same as mine but it has robotic shifting. (Remember these are racing transmissions built to slam-shift 400 hp so it won't shift like a Honda.) So the computer has to manipulate a clutch (like I have to) and that's where the problems start. Initially the clutch engagement point had to be set with a Ferrari computer that was wildly expensive and only available at dealers charging Ferrari prices. Now a company called Launch makes a computer that works and is affordable so most drivers today don't have problems. When improperly set, clutches would wear out and they were costly to repair. What goes for the F1 goes for any manual clutch car...if you slip the clutch and don't know how to use it then it quickly wears out. I've loved mine and it's the buy of a lifetime. One last point, don't take it to a current Maserati dealer. If the dealer isn't kind enough to tell you to get lost then his techs who don't know these Ferrari/Maserati cars will soon make you wish you'd taken somewhere else.

[@fuelupclassic]

Excellent advice! It's always great to hear from long-term owners too. Thank you for watching.

[@TheAlbaron]

Great review!! Agree with all your comments. A fantastic car to live with for true passionates.😊

[@fuelupclassic]

Thank you.

[@sharpshootershep1317]

I have a 2002 Coupe GT.....6 speed manual. I am second owner and car has lots of upgrades like leather stitched headliner. Great fun and only 237 build left hand drive with manual.

[@fuelupclassic]

Very nice! I hope you enjoy it

[@marcodalli5045]

Massive improvement in gear change speed smoothness chassis which was stiffer from 2004 . Avoid the cars before. Basically, any 4200 from 2004 has the improvements given to the gran sport, but without the extra tiny bits

[@johana8148]

Hi there, Thanks for interesting video but did it go with the follow up video's? I can't seem to find them on your channel and I'm curious to hear your thoughts down the line. Keep up the great work!

[@astront917]

Excellent enjoyable video,well done 👍 Been looking at these for a while , I had a C63 for 12months and loved it But I like quirky cars that are different and keep coming back to these great value older motors Keep up the great wok

[@fuelupclassic]

That's great to hear and thank you for watching. They're currently incredible value and perhaps prices may even rise a little in the future, as there does seem to be a bit of 'hype' around them currently. I'd definitely go and try one (or two) and see what you think. A C63 is a hard car to beat but that 4.2 V8 in the Maserati is a close contender. Many thanks, Matt

[@CS-ey9dd]

Great initial review! I have skirted around these beasts buying a 370z roadster, XKR and SL but a good 4200 is still so tempting.

[@fuelupclassic]

I did the same for a long time and eventually went for it! The noise from the glorious V8 still makes me smile every time. I would definitely advise driving at least 3 or 4 examples both manual and paddle shift, as it gives you a much better feeling of whether it's a good or a bad one.

[@danielcarr7451]

I had a cambiocorsa for 10 years as a toy. Yes I had a couple of little niggles but I only sold it to buy a motorbike.

[@ChicagoItalian]

I’ve had mine since 2007 - I promise you, you won’t be able to wipe the smile off your face….after a few mods….the car is transformed and pulls even harder. The 3200/4200/GranSports/Mac Victory are the closest thing to a Ferrari as you can get. Find a good example, do the maintenance and enjoy.

[@andybroer651]

Ferrari didn't want to share it was 400 hp as their 360 made 400 hp at the same time. Performance 0-60 mph was 4.7 sec and Ferrari didn't want to admit it made the same power as their 360 at the time

[@anthonym6401]

Great to see one of these getting some coverage; hopefully I’ll be getting one about this time next year so don’t make it too popular yet 😂 Having done a lot of research already my biggest worry with them is subframe rust - my understanding is that even with deep pockets it can be terminal because the factory don’t have any replacements left (the QP 5 has the same problem). Did you get yours inspected for this? Also had some misgivings about the Cambiocorsa ‘box but haven’t yet had much experience of it so good to know from the video that it’s worth keeping an open mind. Enjoy!

[@fuelupclassic]

Thank you and I hope you enjoy the series of videos on it. Subframe rust does seem to be an issue, so it is well worth getting the car inspected or at least up on a ramp, if you do decide to buy one. Avoid one that is covered in underseal too! This one was thoroughly inspected and is completely solid. Nevertheless, it doesn't come out the garage if there's any hint of salt on the road and I plan to apply liberal dose of Lanoguard to help keep it protected in the near future. Definitely give the F1 box a try and see if it works for you. It does take some getting used to, but when set up properly it is nowhere near as bad as people (most of which have never actually driven one) would lead you to believe. If you do decide to get one, please do not hesitate to ask any questions etc and I will be happy to help.

[@anthonym6401]

Thanks - that’s really appreciated

[@JJHurst]

I currently have a Brera S , considering a change to one of these at present ....as a daily ! I do about 2000 miles a year so it might work...man maths says yes.. Criminally under priced at present , seem the right time to buy !

[@fuelupclassic]

A great time to buy! As long as those 2,000 miles aren't in crawling/ stop-start traffic you will love it.

[@NickRowsell]

Nice well balanced review on a very misunderstood motor …

[@fuelupclassic]

Glad you enjoyed it. Thank you for watching.

[@NickRowsell]

@@fuelupclassic … aim to get a reasonably priced 4200 myself, as you say, if the full service history is tight …

[@KevinWhite-cx9st]

I am looking at getting a modern classic..something i can drive and not pilot! I love the 4200 and the Continental GT. i know about the costs but what would you have as a daily driver, would really value your opinion..a £15k 4200 or a £20k Continental GT?

[@fuelupclassic]

Great question! I'd definitely recommend trying a 4200 and seeing how you get on with it. They're massively misunderstood in my view and during my time with one it had no issues, made a fantastic noise and was great fun. However, if you're daily driving in lots of stop/start traffic you may find the F1 gearbox a bit of a chore (I certainly did) and to be honest the rare manual gearbox models aren't wonderful either. If you're set on a Maserati for daily driving, i'd stretch the budget slightly and go for the GranSport (arguably the best variant of the 4200) or consider the later GranTurismo with a proper automatic box. Continental GT is very useable and a seriously impressive machine - £20k is likely to only get you an older one with a few miles though! Whichever you choose, getting one that has been properly looked after will be key - there's a lot of neglected examples of both around and they're best avoided!

[@KevinWhite-cx9st]

@@fuelupclassici decided to go with the 4200. Finally get it this week and thanks for the review of this. I looked at so many and yours is the best..rolled the dice on a 4200 nonstarter in a beautiful colour combo…F1 pump switched out and started first turn..now i cannot wait to get behind the wheel! Gone through the car with a specialist and now ready to go! Thanks again..

[@fuelupclassic]

@@KevinWhite-cx9st That is great to hear! I really hope you enjoy it and please do keep in touch with updates on your ownership experience.

[@thomashumber9762]

Is that OIL SMOKE on start up ......??

[@fuelupclassic]

condensation, as this was filmed in the middle of winter.

[@edtaylor7469]

I see its up for sale. What made you want to sell it so soon?

[@fuelupclassic]

i'm always looking for the next dream car and unfortunately you can't keep them all, as much as I would love to. This car has however been in the family for over two years, so we have got to know it very well in that time.

[@edtaylor7469]

@@fuelupclassic fair enough I thought it was a recent purchase based on when you posted the video. Definitely can't keep them all as nice as it would be l. Very tempted to go view it. Maintenance costs still worry me.

[@alexispavlov5170]

What is this white smoke when the engine starts ?

[@fuelupclassic]

Condensation as it was a very cold day

[@alexispavlov5170]

@@fuelupclassic I'm very surprised. That's a really dense white smoke, and the smoke would continue for minutes if it was vapor in cold weather. To me it's oil. But of course I didn't see your car so can't claim anything

[@fuelupclassic]

@@alexispavlov5170 Nope! Just condensation as the car had sat for a while in minus temperatures. Thank you for your concern though.

[@gregh7042]

Great weekend car. Not , like all exotics, not a daily reliable driver. Because when it breaks, generally, a big bank account is needed for repairs...

[@fuelupclassic]

Quite possibly! I tend to use my cars as often as possible, as I find it's when they sit around that problems often develop. This one has been used everyday and remains reliable but a big bill can always be just around the corner.

[@ChicagoItalian]

I would disagree…you want to drive this car everyday…any car that sits (especially Italian cars) get finicky. My GranSport has been super reliable…even with it being heavily modified.

[@andybroer651]

I'm buying a 6 speed stick spyder 🙂

[@fuelupclassic]

Enjoy :) They are still a very underrated car and quite the bargain.

[@andybroer651]

I completely agree and with 574 manuals worldwide quite rare @@fuelupclassic

[@nicholaswoodward8191]

Always preferred this model to its rather bloated successor, have fun.

[@fuelupclassic]

Thank you. I still think it is a great looking car. Hope you enjoyed the video.

[@nicholaswoodward8191]

@@fuelupclassic Very much mate!

[@maximiliansch.9046]

❤

[@sainta2667]

The last true Maserati ever made , absolutely brilliant in all aspects. I got the Spider and coupe. Such a Beautiful car, and actually not big at all - Only 4.50 m! and sorry, running cost are not high at all.

[@fuelupclassic]

They certainly have a somewhat unfair reputation, which keeps prices incredibly low here in the UK. In my opinion, they're not perfect but much better than many realise, genuinely practical, reasonably reliable and still a complete bargain.

[@mrporsche4236]

Porsches are not reliable either.I love porsches but maserati,s are more special

[@DavidM-mb1vx]

Those who crap on this car or other Italian cars in general have probably never owned one. I’ve had American, Japanese ,German. And Italian cars. The Italians are no better or worse in reliability than the others. It’s a myth. A Maserati is supposed to be an expensive brand. As the resales plummet the people who cannot afford to maintain them buy them and guess what? A super cars engines are robust but require PROPER maintenance by a PROPER mechainc. Then when they run these cars on a shoestring budget and they fail, the car sucks. No. The owners do.

[@fuelupclassic]

They do tend to attract quite a few 'armchair experts' who have never owned one but heard from their friends cousins, next door neighbour, 10 years ago that they break down all the time! As with all these types of cars, keep in mind it was an £80,000+ car new and that the associated running costs are still reflective of that, then you should be fine. I still think they're an absolute bargain, not perfect but really enjoyable, as long as you find a good one!