Sheep

As you all know I put in my order for a MY2010 a while ago, and I just talked to my dealer and will have the order finalize in the next 2 weeks. However, now I am having a "crisis of faith", as I saw this 2004 Maserati Coupe Cambiocorsa for only $35000.
I used to live in that area and drove by Park Place all the time, and always tell myself "won't it be nice if I buy a cheap and decent Ferrari or Maserati from them?" So now I need some good and fair analysis: new 2010 C63 AMG for over $70000, or a used 2004 Maserati for $35000? I know this is like apples and oranges, but any constructive suggestions will be helpful.

Sheep

Quadcammer

Keep about $15k in an account for repairs.

The maser has style the mb will never have, and a nicer interior. It doesn't have the grunt, but the ferrari derived V8 has a nice sound and some nice upper end thrust.

If you want an italian GT car with real style, get the maser

If you want a german bruiser sedan, get the C63.

Drive both and see what you prefer.

bigben320e

Descions...I tell ya.

They are both awesome, but like Oliver said and I always recommend: drive both.

Then make your choice. That Maserati is hot though.

Merc-Skycap

Sheep I would tell you to go for the C63 HANDS DOWN but try them both out first and if you choose the Maserati make sure they provide some sort of extended warranty because you will need it.


All The Best!

dps01

While I agree that the Mas has some inherent styling that the C63 (well, the C-Class in general) lacks, I find it to be a little dated at this point. My guess is that in 2-3 years, the car will really "look old" in addition to being somewhat costly to repair.

Some might argue that this is what car collecting is all about. Touche. So, if you don't need the raw power of the C63 and the updated lines and amenities that come with a 2010 model, the Mas is certainly no slouch.

But my vote still goes towards the C63. Or a 2010 Mas...

lyotomachida

I don't think there's any comparison in terms of performance and excitement. Even the newest Maserati Gran Turismos aren't exciting fast cars. They are gran tourers and you will never have the excitement as a C63.

Quadcammer

theres a lot more to a car than its power output.

220S

+1

1st amg

Try yo watch a Top Gear epsiode on the Maserati, you may not want to go there after watching.

MacGCU

IMO the 2004 Maserati just doesn't look particularly special; I've never really been a huge fan (the Gran Turismo is a different story though). If it was the exact same car but without the Maserati badge would you still be having this debate? Yes the interior is nice, but it has 30,000+ miles of wear on the leather.

I say stick with the C63.

DaCeptak0n

Both of those cars rare, at least in my area. I'd definitely agree with the folks above and say test-drive the Mas, get a full account of its details and history before making such a judgment...

Balz

My pops has a Maserati...it's fun but the C is wayyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy more fun...It all comes down to your personal feelings but don't go for the Maserati just because the $$$ are less...it will cost more in the later on. They are two totally different cars so...

Sheep

Thanks guys. I doubt I will fly back to Bellevue just for the test drive as I already moved to the East Coast. Service and repair are exactly what I am worry about, but thank god Ferrari of Washington (DC) is really close by so I will have support...

Sheep

soldier2304

The first time you turn on the ignition on a C63 you'll take it over the maserati. I can assure you that only by hearing the exhaust note you'll be delighted thats all i can tell you, now go do your thing

220S

Just for the record, there is no such thing as a cheap Ferrari or Maserati. It's worse than having a kid in an expensive prep school.

Sheep

So true, and unless I can find one locally that I can test drive, the Maserati seems to be not a real option. I really hate making a decision in the blind on impuse... specially I am not even in country right now.

Sheep

220S

It might look pretty but it's going to kill you in upkeep, trust me on that one. It's never cheap with exotics.

Forget the test drive. I would NEVER buy used from anybody, anywhere w/o a thorough and complete ppi. Figure $600+ for a ppi on an exotic.

norb

In my opinion, it you have second thoughts on buying something north of $60K, then don't do it. Go for the Masser. The C63 will always be there if you change your mind later.

bigben320e

Dude..speaking on what I would do. I would wait until I am back in the states, and get a inspection done, look over the history, and test drive the car. (Impulse gets you in trouble...)
Then, test drive a C63.

I have not test driven a Maserati (rode in a Quattroporte passenger) but I have played with C63. They are, as pointed out before very different cars by design.

You are on the fence, and usually when I am on the fence I wait until I get clarification/research. Just a thought.

KEMA

Having driven both I can safely say that you are comparing two very different beasts. Agreed the Mazer has style and class but in terms of performance and sheer driving pleasure the C63 are miles ahead. You will quickly fall in love with the Ferrari sound but on the other hand I was surprised how 'slow' the Mazer felt.

Simple choice for me - the C63 all the way.

Ken

Sheep

Very true, and thanks for all of you guys to keep my "faith" in check .

Sheep

lyotomachida

Not only that, even the new Gran Turismo is slow vs the C63, that older model will be even worse. The Gran Turismo is only as fast as my previous car (S5) even with 420 hp. I assume that older model has something like 320-350?

callmiro

Maserati's are beautiful cars....but cannot pull beside a C63...

I raced an '09 Gran Turismo up to Montreal and destroyed him everytime he wanted turn it on.....

If you wanna get pumped all day by EVO's and STi's then get the Maserati....

Plus the paddle shift tranny on the Maserati is one of the worst ones made...totally clunky and delayed in shifts

you make the call

NYCGLK

C63 is not 70k, not in this economy...is it?

I think C63 is better looking, faster, more practical and comes with warranty.

Also, there are better used car bargains you can find. In no way this compares to Mazerati or C63, but I saw 3 year old certified preowned cayman S, pretty loaded (911 wheels, navi, xenons etc.) for 42k, which prolly can be negotiated to bellow 40, and it's still covered for another 4 years by warranty.

i_am_amused

I was looking into used Cambiocorsa Coupe's prior to buying my S55, but did not find one to drive. The one comment I read that really got my attention was "Don't take it to the grocery store!"

I read that on an owner's forum, where they were discussing the realities of having one as a daily driver. Other comments went along the lines of "don't park it outside at night, anywhere". Apparently they are targets for delinquents, vandals, car doors, etc.

Another thing that was an eye opener was the lifespan of the clutch. Many people reported needing a new clutch at 15K miles. That's a year of driving for me, at several thousand a pop.

The prices are ridiculously low for 2004-5 Maseratis (Coupe's anyway), but I'd have to keep it in bubble wrap in my garage *and* have a maintenance/repairs account big enough to buy a fun VW.