• Summary

    1 out of 5 1.0

    What does this car say about you?

    Solvent yet refined

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

    they are in awe of the name Maserati; have got on very friendly terms with my osteopath - that gear change really hurts your neck.

    Would you buy this car again and why?

    No. Reliability issues; the CD system restarts at disc one every time you turn off engine; lacks modern technology; length of time for repairs to be done; so many irritations that you don't get on a Nissan Micra!

    What are you likely to buy next?

    Jaguar XK8 - local dealer; reliable; less powerful and only two seats. Bentley Continental GT - same power but ugly. 4 seats Aston DB9 - but reliabilty and crappy dealer issues.

  • Buying experience

    3 out of 5 3.0

    Type of dealer you bought from?

    Franchise

    Did you buy this car new?

    No

    What price did you pay?

    £39,000

    When did you buy the car?

    August 2006

    Did you get a good deal and why?

    I paid a bit more than Parker's list price but for the added peace of mind ...these are tricky cars. It paid off as the problems have been resolved without cost to me (so far)

    Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

    I wanted a powerful 'supercar' but didn't want it to be too flashy. This fitted the bill

    What was the dealer like?

    Very good; friendly. paperwork got in a tangle. Very professional and competent service centre. Waiting lists for repairs means weeks of the road and it is a long way to go. Good old AA Relay!

  • Driving it

    3 out of 5 3.0

    What's it like to drive?

    Fantastic sound to engine; fantastic acceleration: like the thrill of a motorbike! Easy to drive Crap flappy paddles at low speed; ok when revved hard; forget the 'auto' - it isn't smooth.

    What's it like to park?

    find to park. (reverse sensors and auto-mirror adjust)

  • Living with it

    2 out of 5 2.0

    Have you had any problems with the car?

    Bought at 10,000miles; new clutch at 11,000 and 13,000; suspension sorted; brake discs replaced; attempt to get CD unit to work sensibly. So far in 5 months, garage has had it seven weeks. (Nice toyota courtesy car!)

    What's most practical about your car?

    Four seats - the rear seats can take adults ok.

    Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

    red brake calipers - they look ace!