Faults:

First the steering rack came away from the chassis, the dealer told me that I must have had a crash, I had not, they refused to pay for a new on so I paid 4000.00 pounds and had one fitted. one year later Maserati wrote to me explaining that I would need to come in for the rack recall.

They put a new one on, no refund for the old one.

They found a problem with the front chassis, needs a new one, you must have crashed, I did not. after complaining they removed engine and fixed the chassis, no charge.

I have had many electrical problems mainly knock sensors and engine light problems, I have had to go to the main dealer to clear faults and replace sensors, two months ago the steering column had to be replaced, no warranty ¨.

Update 2nd March 2007:

After my last report, it appears that I now need a new gearbox this will be gearbox number three.

Back to the dealer again for more sensors.

No sign of Maserati recalling the car for the front chassis cracks, that most people don't know about.

Maserati Barcelona refuse to buy this nasty machine back as they say that this model was to problematic.

General Comments:

My car looks fantastic, When it goes it drives really well.

The only problem I have is the build quality, there are some problems with the manufacturing of this car, but once the recalls have been done, and unfortunately the recalls that we don't yet know about. it will be a perfect car to keep.

After spending 3 out of four years with the dealers and spending so much money on it, I will keep this machine.

Maserati could do more for the owners, but it all comes down to cost, but it seems they don't have any money to spend on their customers.

Update 2nd March 2007:

I still think this car looks and sound great, but after spending three years in the dealer, and at least 25,000 on the engine and steering, I have finally had enough and am putting her down, RIP.

Faults:

Exhaust manifold cracked at 10,000 miles, replaced under warranty.

Rear suspension wishbone split. Replaced under warranty.

General Comments:

Before buying I was a bit worried about variable road test reports. The car is a bit unusual to drive, drive by wire throttle and a slight lag on the turbo followed by ferocious power at around 2400rpm. It takes about a week to get used to, but after that it is simply glorious to drive.

370hp and 362ft/lbs of torque coming in at low revs is a lot to handle, and I leave the traction control on except when on track.

This car is a true racing car on the track and a 4 seater Grand Tourer on the road. I combined both this year around Europe, a very memorable 3500 miles.