Maserati Spyder (02-05) - Review

Review by Simon Harris on
The Spyder was the first Maserati to be engineered under the watch of new owners Ferrari, arriving in Britain in 2002. It shares its chassis and V8 engine with the Coupé model introduced later that year but the Spyder's wheelbase is 220mm shorter, giving it a sportier stance and minimising the weight added to substitute the strength lost by chopping off the top. The downside is that shorter structure left no room for the Coupé's useful rear seats. A slightly more performance-focused Gran Sport version of the Coupé appeared in 2004 and a Gran Sport Spyder followed a year later when the regular Spyder was deleted from the range. Benefits included an extra 10bhp and sportier suspension. In 2007 Maserati phased out the Coupé, Gran Sport and Spyder, replacing them with the larger, more refined Granturismo.
3.5 out of 5

Other Maserati reviews

1.5 out of 5

Running costs

Clearly an Italian sports car with a huge V8 engine and near supercar performance isn't going to be cheap to run. But even in the context of its peers, the Spyder has expensive tastes. In addition to coming to terms with the horrific 15.2mpg thirst, 430g/km emissions and group 20 insurance you must factor in the need for a minor service every 6250 miles and a major one at 12500 miles. At main dealer rates that's going to hurt but fortunately there are independent Maserati specialists who know the cars inside out and can carry work out at significantly less cost.

Summary Running Costs

Servicing period

6250 miles (minor), 12,500 miles (major).

Warranty

Three years/unlimited mileage.

Road tax (12 months)

£270.00 - £270.00

Vehicle excise duty (VED) varies according to the CO2 emissions and the fuel type of the vehicle. For cars registered after March 1st 2001 VED or road tax is based on the car's CO2 emissions. For cars registered before March 1st 2001 it is based on engine size.

Full running costs data

0.5 out of 5

Green credentials

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    430

CO2 emission figure (g/km)

Fuel economy rating

The arrows indicate the best and worst CO2 bands for this model.

Emissions summary

Spyder has an average of 435 g/km CO2 across the model line-up, which are high although only marginally high for a car delivering this kind of performance. The range is very thirsty, averaging 15 mpg.

Find the exact engine and CO2