What kind of trouble will I get with this pimpster '02 Maserati Spyder?
 

Top down, Cuban cigars, sporting a fedora and gangster shades. Thats my ticket. $19k OBO... approx. the annual budget spent at the gents club. Might have to quit that habit for awhile and beehave baby.

This thing already had three owners since 2002. One might be in the slam for something, who knows, live it.

More buttons than I care to know about. Defeat traction control would be fine though. Got some Feerardee motor with some get up. State Farm might not like to here it'll be reg. driver. But if I don't like it, can get a guaranteed refund by slapping a Trump bumper sticker on it and leave it in Chicago.

Think an insulting offer of $16,500 might be the money? I got life left in me but not so sure about these Maser's.

http://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/gosAAO...YY9/s-l500.jpg

http://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/ClgAAO...YY-/s-l500.jpg

2002 Maserati Spyder | eBay

Maserati Spyder Convertible 6 speed auto manual paddle shiftier all original just under 400 horse power Ferrari engine. Runs perfect everything works.

Front Tires ~50% worn, Rear tires brand new: Michelin Pilot Sport Tires.

Maserati Engine Sound
Mileage: 55,000 Fuel: Gasoline
Exterior Color: Gray Engine: 8-cylinder
Transmission: Automanual
Drivetype: RWD Interior Color: Blue
Features
A/C: Front
Alarm
AM/FM Radio
Bucket Seats
Cruise Control
Leather Interior
Memory Seats
Navigation System
Power Locks
Seller's Notes
2002 Maserati spyder cambio corsa 6 speed auto / manual paddle low miles 55,000. Just under 400 horse, same engine as in Ferrari, all original, everything works, excellent driver, garage kept , 3 owners, I've owned it for 4 plus years, has original manual ,tools, flat fix, its not in show room condition, but very, very presentable. Excellent paint for 15 year old car. Original cost over $90,000.00 Need space, make offer.... NO PAY PAL!Engine EditMaserati V8 EngineBoth models utilize the F136 R V8 belonging to the Ferrari/Maserati F136 engine family; it displaces 4244 cc engine and develops 390 PS (287 kW; 385 hp) at 7000 rpm with a peak torque of 450 N/m (332 lb/ft) at 4500 rpm.

1 of 494 made for USA.

The Cambiocorsa tranny eats clutches. Many will install a Formula Dynamics DBW module to extend the clutch life. Never use the auto setting, use the paddle shifters. The motor is strong as it is what the 430 motor is based on. It has a timing chain so no need to worry about 3-5 years timing belt changes.

I have to say, aside from having a rev limit higher than 6,500RPM, nothing about that car I ever really found exciting. There are faster/lighter/more powerful cars, and there are more comfortable/luxurious cars. It doesn't really "own" a category.

I'd rather trade sportiness for reliablity/comfort of a Jaguar XK, or trade luxury for the sportiness of a Honda S2000.

^I can live that. Appreciate the insight.

Amazed how low priced the Spyders have become. Speaking in general terms for any half decent car with 50k or so mileage.

Fleabay has a few others, same year but the colors are too loud. The silver / gray helps to fly under the radar. Been some time since having a conv. Coupes and extra doors are for those who need to strap in baby seats. I might occasionally haul some lumber and what the heck, its a Maserati.

Great but does it have to be a convertible? I'd go for a coupe.

(I'm bald + sun = premature aging)

Wife always commented and likes Jaguar's of the same era.... I get the Ford era thing and do feel a bit of confidence. The S2000 are neat, driven one many years ago. I'm past that.

Looking at something like these budget Spyders -out of the ordinary. Just hope it wouldn't sting too bad should something go awry. I see the used motors / long block bring approx. $6,000. I'm going to see a local dealer and maybe get some feedback from the techs.

Wholesale must be a crime. Dealer ACV probably close to $13,500 ?? Though that won't happen.

Oh yes, I'm there and share the heat my friend.

Funny when I had the Mustang ragtop, top was always down, even way late Autumn, 30 degree mornings, windows up, heat full on. Loved it.

Always parked in the busy downtown left top down, nothing in the car of course but rarely had an issue. Seriously, overnights, downtown Chicago. Worst was maybe a bottle once tossed in. Avoided issues of slashed tops. Go figure...

Anyways, the ol 911 is a coupe, heavy clutch work for the Ms..

She likes her St, Germain tunes, and thinking perhaps something less effort with the shift department, can lala along while in the open air.

Admit we're a little different on cars. The Benz 4matic sedan is the do it all vehicle. Its getting tired looking, have to order a few more parts again from Pelican ;) She's fine with it but I'll nurse it along for a few more years, also hold the 911. Have to be fair to her. hehe

This one is pretty close to inspect. $19,000 OBO
Only 40k mileage. Looks like it been for sale quite some time. Don't think I could stomach this color. Possible persuade if they took another $4,000 off.

While we have snow and icy roads, I wouldn't mind see how it feels.

2002 Maserati Spyder | eBay

http://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/7dEAAO...FSH/s-l500.jpg

Yup. You will look the part. Attracting foxy ladies like flies. SmileWavy

As an aside, how does your height fit into it? I found the Jaguar XK8 convertible to a bit short, the thick windshield pillar blocked my view of stoplights. I imagine the Maserati would be the same. The aluminum 2007+ XK I do not have that issue.

Does your wife know your looking at Maserati's? Or did you post here first, get ideas, then bring it up?

Definitely check with your local techs. The climate, roads and gasoline quality can make a car be problem free in one part of the world, yet a nightmare in a different local. The biggest problem with the Maserati, is you have less data points to go by.

There is only one Maserati Coupe that I saw listed with 100K miles, no convertablies listed with those sort of mileage. In contrast, there were 68 XK8's at over 100K miles. You need to look at not just how many miles it has on it now, but how many miles you'll be putting on it. If you want to put 10K miles/year for four years, and are buying a 60K mile car, you need to also shop for 100K mile examples to get an idea of what they car will be like down the road.

Also, where you are trying to park can effect how much you enjoy a car as a daily driver based on overall size.

Maserati Spyder Length 169″, Width 72"
Jaguar XK8 Length 188″Width 72″
Jaguar XK Length 188" Width 75"

It's like a Mercedes SL with a Ferrari motor and a full race transmission. Numb steering, comfy handling, epic motor, jerky transmission. The only time it works is blasting up an on ramp in full on manual mode. I had a 2003 Cambiocorsa coupe, I would have another with a stick and an aftermarket suspension. The buttons inside get sticky and peel, the dash panels scratch easily, and parts costs are insane. But damn did it sound nice....

Sound, that's probably the one thing that they "own".

The exhaust note............. its music

I think they're very bland looking.

This one is only $6500 :D

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1484061347.jpg

Mike and Edd re-habbed one of these for their show.
You could do yourself a favor by reviewing the episode.
Not for the fainthearted.
Bill K

I like to research sport cars and daydream over them when I see one for what appears to be a good price. One of my projects was a Spyder like this one. I read a lot of reviews but never drove one, so take my advice for what it's worth.

The consensus of reviews was that it really was a kind of an orphan in its category. It was fine in all areas but wasn't the class leader in anything. It wasn't as sporty as a 911 or XKR, it wasn't as comfortable as an SL, and it was expensive to maintain. I seem to recall it was some sort of a transition car before the more modern models came in. My conclusion was that the XKR and 911 were the cars to consider for those years and at that price point.

Conclusion: yank that engine and stuff it in a 914!!!!!!!

(that would be a fun drive)

Well, you've been told the clutches are suspect, so I'd want to know how much it costs to rr the trans and replace the clutches, that would give you a good idea. How much trouble can you afford?

Looking to buy a 2002 Maserati Spyder... - Maserati Forum


http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1484075862.jpg

Foxy ladies, hell...cruise by the nearest sorority house..

https://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20100420055131AAw1BQp

Looks like if you have a GOOD one, and you buy it NEW, the cost to maintain is around 80 cents per mile, if you don't break anything.
And it should get worse every year after that.

Does the 6 speed manual version have the same clutch issues?

Regardless of my approach, I expect to be in the doghouse... for awhile anyways. Sometimes things like this are discussed in advance, sometimes not.

She's long admired the Audi TT. A family member has one, kind of don't want to have the same type of vehicle and just itching for something less generic.

Funny! And then there was the Bi-turbo. Rewind to twenty years ago and nearly picked one up when the used market hovered around $10,000. Back then it was kinda quirky and rather addictive. Drove one for a week, manual trans. / had approx. 20k mileage. Decided on an Audi Quattro.

Great insight. So the Italians are keeping in character with the crappy switches..,. lol. Just like my long missed Alfa GTV-6.

This is primarily where the rational comes in. Realizing these are first year model and think the values are about low as it will get. $15,000 for a Ferrari powered, not too old of a car / conv. Italian flare is amazing. I've repeatedly kicked myself for passing on the budget Ferrari's thru the years. Fiat 246 Dino's and 308's. Now look what happened?!

At worst, if a $3,000 to $5,000 repair comes in over the next 3 years, then its not too bad. I just don't want a nuisance.

I'm also liking the somewhat lower profile and color of the OP car. Think the average person might glance at it as if a Toyota of xyz model.

Thanks for the links. Excellent feedback. It seems the consensus by most is to always use the paddles. These cars have certainly taken the depreciation and for a first model year, not that bad for issues. Replacement parts are another matter. I'm going to visit someone at the nearby dealership and pick his brain.

I don't know just yet and kind of like in a cloud of ether. :)

Honorable mention:
One other vehicle thats of interest is the Chrysler Crossfire conv. range of 2005-ish. Has the Damn'ler influence. Low cost. Has some stylin' going on, move pretty good.

Same price range ($18,000 OBO) for a 2005 w/ 22k miles bonus manual trans.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/2005-Chrysler-Crossfire-/162346207208?forcerrptr=true&hash=item25cc9687e8:g :GH4AAOSwjDZYbWWv&item=162346207208

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Peter-
They blocked the viewing on grounds of country copyright. hehe
I'll look for it in Amazon or other means. Thanks!

I kind of like the Mazzer, however had also heard that they eat clutches.

How is it as a candidate for a SBC transplant? :D

AFAIC, the ferrari-based engine is the best part.

2002 - UK promo vid with Ivan Capelli.


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Poorly done vid of an aftermarket exhaust. Warms me up-
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Sobering to see Schumacher and makes one wonder about him. Anyways...
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Well, I would suspect it'll need a 5k clutch soon. Plus the normal 3-5k in maintenance that all of these pseudo-high end cars need.

But who am I to talk, I just bought m second 90's v12 Benz...and they avg me 3k/yr in repairs.

Do you have one with the hydraulic roof?

Drool. But the $3k per year.... hmmm.

Wife was always hot over a see-dan Audi A8 but knowing more of their reputation, I squashed it. Went with the appliance MB 300 4matic. Pretty well reliable, some cheapness in a few area's but overall been cheap to own.

edit: Just opened with her on the OP car. Showing her the vids and pics of Schumacher. Replied... why? Oh boy.

My sense is these cars are at the beginning of what happened to 928s and 944s years ago. They will start to need expensive repairs and owners will sell them before having the work done. Then new owners buying a "cheap" Maserati won't pony up and depreciation quickly escalates with poor quality/half-baked repairs accelerating depreciation, wash, rinse, repeat.

Yes, a 96 r129. All of the cylinders leak eventually. But its a diy thing, there's a guy in Washington state that sells rebuilts (better than oem) for 700 bucks for all, and its about 6-8hrs work out and again in. But its not hard, you're not under the car and greasy, just tedious and careful. So no big deal in the greater scheme.

And yeah, I hear the cringe about the annual operating cost. Its actually not that bad most years if you diy. I'm getting older and my body is high mileage for my age, so I send out jobs most of you guys would do.

They aren't sports cars by any stretch. But they are VERY refined gt's-I have an sl and just bought a cl600 (same year) to replace a totaled s420 sedan, which was the best pure highway car I've ever owned.

The A8 my girl drives is not all that bad, its little stuff-like replacing the entire $1200 swaybar b/c the bushings are bad (in fairness, that included labor). Otherwise, no worse than the Benz's and 90's Bimmers we've had. Oh yeah, her switchgear peels too, no one could get eco friendly interior paint right in the early aughts.

Instead of the Crossfire you could probably get a real slk...

RIP James

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1484108549.jpg

How about this one?

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Still blocked.

Here's a short snippet with good audio and visual.

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