The 1980s weren't a glorious period for Maserati. The 430 was a derivative of the infamous Biturbo that was meant to soothe US customers and make them forget about the teething problems of the turbocharged V6 engine. Sadly, fewer than 1,000 of these sedans were built between 1987 and 1994, with even fewer still making their way stateside. As a result of their obscurity and infamous reliability record, these Italian compact executive sedans can be had on a budget. But does a cheap purchase price make for a smart buy? Not all the time. Bought right though, and you could have something. This 430 for sale in California has had a lot of work done to it, which should help to assuage some fears.

1989 Maserati 430

1989 Maserati 430 - Silver. Beautiful condition. 91k miles. Always garaged. Here is a list of some of the new parts and work that has been done on the car within the last year to get it up to spec: Timing belt + (all important) valve adjustment, water pump, radiator, fuel injector relays, fuel filters, air cleaner + filters, Interstate battery, alternator, fuse box, Alpine radio + front speakers, tires: Yokohama (S-Drive), wheel alignment, replaced all worn buttons, ashtray, floor mats, trunk struts, and the list goes on, over $4500 in work. The only thing left is the A/C needs a recharge or new seal on the compressor (which I have the parts for). Speedometer reads: 31k, but the car has 91k on it (the speedo was changed in 2007 and recorded on the door and with receipts). Everything on the car works and it runs like a dream. I have all the records on this car since it was purchased back in 1989. This is a California vehicle that has been very well cared for, no rust, great paint. A rare and wonderful automobile.

Some of it’s features: 225 hp V6 (twin turbo), 5-speed manual transmission (0-60 under 6 sec.), Silver ext./Black Leather Int. + Grey Alcantara. All power: Steering, Brakes, Driver’s Seat, Windows, Sunroof. Wooden (factory upgrade) steering wheel, Maserati clock, fog lights, etc.

Selling only to make space in the garage for a new car. No Trades. Serious inquiries only.

At $10,000, the seller is right at the top end for what these sedans are bringing these days. At close to 100,000 miles, I'd suspect this car's real value is closer to the $6,000 to $7,000 mark. Cosmetically, the car appears mint and it has had a slew of work done to it. We all know Italian cars are not the most reliable of vehicles at times, but the Biturbo Maseratis can really take the cake sometimes. Whether the ownership experience would end in joy or pain is pretty much a roll of the dice.

-Paul