Car Talk!

[RobRich]

Of note, if you want performance and brand prestige, one brand people tend to overlook when searching is Maserati. You can pickup a late model coupe or convertible now for around $30k with low mileage. Lots of Ferrari engineering in the car, including the Ferrari-derived V8 under the hood. However, I would suggest the much more reliable manual trans over the buggy sequential trans, especially up until about the 2005-2006 model year range.

I considered selling two of my cars and buying one awhile back, but then I got right back to the cramped interior problem. YMMV on that issue, as I doubt many here are my size.

Anyway, do your research before buying, and definitely get the service history before even considering to buy a late model Maserati. For example, IIRC, a clutch job on the sequential trans is about $4k. Don't run it in auto mode, either, unless you want to keep paying for that $4k repair job on a regular basis.

[Bizkitkid2001]

Top Gear AND Fifth gear didn't like the early 2000 Maseratis, especially the Quattroporte. They both agreed that the engine was under power and the handling was not up to snuff with rivals from the big 3 german auto makers. And Top Gear absolutely hated the steering wheel gear changing gearbox and said that it was the worst of any car.


But like I said, I have never driven a car more expensive than an avalon, other than a vetta, so I have had no experience myself with the top of the line prestige luxury sports cars.

[RobRich]

The Maserati Quattroporte is a luxury sedan. I am talking about the Maserati Coupe. Quite a different comparison there. Also factor the price. About $30k used for a low-mileage example. Priced a late model AMG or M3 recently?

[Bizkitkid2001]

I know that both shows didn't like the GT either, which was its Successor.

For $30k, that saves enough money to pay for all of the repair costs

[RobRich]

Based upon commentary from two heavily biased automotive shows with distinctly negative attitudes towards many Italian car models. Perhaps the only nation they dislike more for cars is the United States. Neither show has much credibility with me.

[Bizkitkid2001]

Quote:

Originally Posted by RobRich

Based upon commentary from two heavily biased automotive shows with distinctly negative attitudes towards many Italian car models. Perhaps the only nation they dislike more for cars is the United States. Neither show has much credibility with me.

Both shows love Alfa Romeos and Ferraris (Who owns Maserati), they are not negative against Italian car makers.

Both shows love the new Maseratis, so its not a Maserati hate either. They just didn't like the new models released right after Ferarri took over.

There is also Jaguar to consider. The new XF is nice

[RobRich]

Such shows are basing evaluations on MSRP. Again, $30k is a far cry from the original sticker price, and places it within range of many much slower, much less stylistic used cars with far less prestigious nameplates.

I am less keen on Jaguar these days until I see how the company proceeds under new ownership. Ford didn't do the brand many favors other than overhauling the electrical systems, and I am unsure how Tata will steer such a luxury brand as Jaguar goes forward.

[Bizkitkid2001]

I understand, I would drive a Maserati just to be able to tell people I drive a Maserati.

[RobRich]

As for Ferrari, yeah, I am sure they are high on the brand. Again, it may be a Fiat division like Maserati, but Ferrari for the most part is an entirely different price segment of the auto industry.

Would I spend $90k for a Maserati Coupe or GS, even if I was inclined to spend $90k on a new car? Nope. Would I consider $30k? Possibly. Those are distinct contrasts in pricing.

[Bizkitkid2001]

idk, I would be inclined to try and find an early E46 M3.


Surprisingly, you see a lot of Maseratis driving around San Antonio.