Used Maserati 4200 Coupe 2002 - 2007 reliability

There's no doubt that Maserati has made big strides towards improving its build quality, but the odd rogue car still seems to get through. Check for items like ill-fitting glovebox lids that are hard to close.

If you can afford to, avoid cars with the paddle-shift gearbox built in the first year of production. Even if it's a car with a later, improved gearbox, you really must pay attention to the condition. As well as checking the performance at speed, check how easy it is too park smooothly. If the clutch begins to smell or the transmission feels jerky when you're jostling it back- and forwards, look for another one.

Electrical components are another potential weak point, so check that everything is in full working order. Paddle-shift cars are hard on their brakes, so check for any signs of juddering when the pedal is applied.