Maserati Coupe (2001 - 2006) Cambiocorsa 2d (2005/05) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

He drives a Maserati. - Enough said. It's rare, exotic, different, refined, exciting, sexy but not brash or aggressive. It's admired and given the marque's reputation for build quality in the 80s and 90s, people think you're doing a public service by running it!

What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?

Everyone loves going for rides in it; people ask if they can just sit in it. I think neighbours thought I'd had a lottery win when I bought it and the compliments keep coming years after.

Would you buy this car again and why?

Yes, no question. I bought it with the heart more than the mind but it's rewarded both. I can't see anything I'd like to trade it for. It has been a joy to own as a daily driver years and tens of thousands of miles in all weathers. The comfort & practicality with supercar performance, the drive and handling, the character, the noises from the V8, the interior, the positive reactions the car gets just make you smile.

What are you likely to buy next?

Maybe a Ferrari 612?

Type of dealer you bought from?

Didn't buy from a dealer

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£35,000

When did you buy the car?

October 2007

Did you get a good deal and why?

I bought the best example I could afford after doing my research. Not cheap but still way less than price new and for the pleasure of ownership and the car's abilities it's a bargain.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

I was looking for a practical V8 supercar and it was the best of the bunch.

What was the dealer like?

What's it like to drive?

Start wearing the "Maserati Grin". It's always an event to drive whether blasting across Europe on the autobahn or popping to the chippie. Driving position the most comfortable I have found in any car; after 3 hours driving is effortless and comfortable. Acceleration is simply epic and engine response linear. Brakes feel positive and stop very well from 100mph down. The CC gearchange really suits the car's character and lets you get the best out of the engine effortlessly. I've not driven early models but the 2005 facelift and Grandsport have a faster change and can be driven very smoothly as well as fast. Best driven in manual + sport mode unless on very rough surfaces. Skyhook suspension is noticably better composed in Sport and the gearbox and throttle response goes up to no. 11!

What's it like to park?

Easy to park - especially with rear parking sensors. The mirrors dip for you by themselves so you can see the rears and curms so no excuses for scuffed alloys! Visibility is good all round and it's nowhere as big as the Granturismo which came after so you can park in normal sized spaces in the UK.

Have you had any problems with the car?

Nothing too expensive considering the car's level of performance and equipment. New clutch fitted after 3 years, over 40000 miles ago and still plenty of life left. Needed an ECU module but saved £££s by getting a 2nd hand spare.

What's most practical about your car?

It's surprisingly practical as a family car. Adults fit in the back in comfort and although it has no ISOFIX, some best-buy belted child seats fit. A bigger boot would be good for longer tours abroad but there's extra storage in the empty spare wheel well.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

Phone and speech recognition is handy. Outdated ICE is bolstered by the entertainment value of the bonkers Sat Nav. Go for Xenon lights if possible as standard ones could be better.