Hi all,

I think I am about to buy a Maserati GT Coupe ( 2004 Stick, no F1 approx 15k) miles as a daily driver. Am I insane?

Here is some more background info:
I live in the Northeast and have 2 children (3 and 6). Wife's car is a sedan.
I will drive it about 12-15k miles per year.
Commute is 26 miles each way. 20 miles highway, the rest with stop and go traffic.
I wouldn't drive it in the rain or snow.


With this type of commute, am I looking at $5k a year in maintenance, or more likely $10K? How likely is it to be in the shop every month? Should I be considering something else like a 911 or M3? For the Maser or 911, I would pick up a beater in addition.


Any thoughts/advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

 

I would just get an E90 M3. 4 seated comfortably, drives okay in snow with some snow tires and you will probably find one with warranty. And will for sure leave you grinning every time you hear that v8.

 

My coupe shares duties as the dd. On the days that I have to drop my 2.5 yr old daughter to daycare, I drive it. Very surprised at the amount of rear seat space and legroom, esp if the passenger seat is moved forward a bit. In the future, my 1 yr old son will share the rear with my daughter when I have to bring them both.

$5k maintenance a year is plenty for the coupe, esp since 2/3's of your miles will be highway and you aren't getting the cambiocorsa.

So far, no shop time at all (very lucky) with both my coupe and quattroporte.

Don't mean to disrespect, but the the M3 just isnt in the same league, nor does it have the driving aura/driving pleasure/natural beauty of a Maser.

 

+1,000 On the bmw comment!

 

or go with a gran turismo if you can spare the extra cash, alot more reliable....

 

I am using one as a daily driver and have no issues. Lots of space in the back for the kids.

Only problem is that once you get 06 or older it is prone to the normal breakdowns of the year and mileage of this type of car.

clutch - $4k-5k with Bell housing + 2.5k
water pump - $4k
heater core - $5k
windows regulator $800
plugs changed around 35k miles
broken or worn out reverse switch - $800

 

Resale value sux.
Grantourismo automatica maybe more reliable.

 

The only reason that I don't DD mine is the F1 gearbox, I just don't like it around town. If it had a manual, absolutely. It's a lot of fun and the back seats are surprisingly big.

 

I'm considering buying a 2004 Maserati coupe. The repair prices you quoted, are they at a dealership? What city are you located? I'd be using the coupe as a DD? What's your thoughts on automatic vs manual?