Wanted Maserati 3200GT - Insanity or Genius?
Discussion
Hi All,
I am a newbie to these forums, so hello to all. I am a self confessed petrol head and my daily driver is a Mercedes C63 Coupe - Performance Pack Plus - this is a special car that makes me smile every day. However, I am on a quest for a toy to cherish (Is a C63 not already fulfilling that desire, I hear you shout? Well sort of, but not really as I am lucky enough to drive one daily, so it becomes routine, if you know what I mean!?).
For various reasons, that toy has been narrowed down to a Maserati 3200 GTA. (NOOO! I hear you cry! Yes, I retort!) I believe that the 3200 GTA is a future classic and will appreciate in value - not that investment is the key criteria here, more to have something in the garage that is a bit different, but doesn't cost the earth to buy. In terms of running it, I appreciate that many feel these cars can be a bit of a money pit. However, my research to mitigate this has told me:
1. Go for 2001MY onwards (Most of the issues that affected the earlier cars have been sorted by then)
2. Avoid ultra low mileage cars - These cars work best if driven regularly and can be more troublesome if left sitting around - So 50k milers upwards seems to be the order of the day.
3. Ensure a Full service history - obvious for most cars, really.
4. Autos are a little less life shortening in their potential.
I like the distinctiveness of the 3200, over the 4200 - Bonnet vents; Boomerang lights, leather abundance internally etc etc. This car won't be driven daily, but I will be keeping it well run, again, to avoid the issues that develop with cars that just sit and get polished (Electrical, suspension etc) most of which I have learned about in various forums.
Problem is, there are precious few good cars that tick the boxes above around anymore. I understand the Assetto Corsa is the most desireable one to have, but a good one of these is probably beyond my budget, which sits at around 13k. So I am looking for the best of the "normal" 3200 GTAs within that budget.
I would appreciate anyone keeping their eyes and ears open and giving me the heads up on any cars that may become available, or if you know someone with one that might be looking to sell, to let me know. I don't want a lemon though, and will commission a full RAC Inspection on anything I consider.
Also, if anyone has any tips about what constitutes a good car (No sarchastic comments like, choose anything else but one of these!) I would appreciate that.
Thanks for your help!
Paul
I am a newbie to these forums, so hello to all. I am a self confessed petrol head and my daily driver is a Mercedes C63 Coupe - Performance Pack Plus - this is a special car that makes me smile every day. However, I am on a quest for a toy to cherish (Is a C63 not already fulfilling that desire, I hear you shout? Well sort of, but not really as I am lucky enough to drive one daily, so it becomes routine, if you know what I mean!?).
For various reasons, that toy has been narrowed down to a Maserati 3200 GTA. (NOOO! I hear you cry! Yes, I retort!) I believe that the 3200 GTA is a future classic and will appreciate in value - not that investment is the key criteria here, more to have something in the garage that is a bit different, but doesn't cost the earth to buy. In terms of running it, I appreciate that many feel these cars can be a bit of a money pit. However, my research to mitigate this has told me:
1. Go for 2001MY onwards (Most of the issues that affected the earlier cars have been sorted by then)
2. Avoid ultra low mileage cars - These cars work best if driven regularly and can be more troublesome if left sitting around - So 50k milers upwards seems to be the order of the day.
3. Ensure a Full service history - obvious for most cars, really.
4. Autos are a little less life shortening in their potential.
I like the distinctiveness of the 3200, over the 4200 - Bonnet vents; Boomerang lights, leather abundance internally etc etc. This car won't be driven daily, but I will be keeping it well run, again, to avoid the issues that develop with cars that just sit and get polished (Electrical, suspension etc) most of which I have learned about in various forums.
Problem is, there are precious few good cars that tick the boxes above around anymore. I understand the Assetto Corsa is the most desireable one to have, but a good one of these is probably beyond my budget, which sits at around 13k. So I am looking for the best of the "normal" 3200 GTAs within that budget.
I would appreciate anyone keeping their eyes and ears open and giving me the heads up on any cars that may become available, or if you know someone with one that might be looking to sell, to let me know. I don't want a lemon though, and will commission a full RAC Inspection on anything I consider.
Also, if anyone has any tips about what constitutes a good car (No sarchastic comments like, choose anything else but one of these!) I would appreciate that.
Thanks for your help!
Paul
Paul48 said:
will commission a full RAC Inspection on anything I consider.
Personally I'd save the cost of the RAC inspection and put it towards an inspection by a marque specialist.Plus I'm not entirely sure I understand your logic. You drive a lovely auto coupe every day and want a lovely auto coupe as a toy?
Edited by B17NNS on Thursday 28th March 23:56
Never having driven one I can't really speak from a qualified perspective, but as with the above view, it's a bit similar to your current steer. If you're dead set then I say go for it, find the difference if necessary to fund the right example and go enjoy.
Have you thought about an interesting classic? For that budget you should be able to find some quite interesting metal, it will certainly be more of an occasion than your current steer, and if investment is a criteria something classic will hold it's value at the very least.
Have you thought about an interesting classic? For that budget you should be able to find some quite interesting metal, it will certainly be more of an occasion than your current steer, and if investment is a criteria something classic will hold it's value at the very least.
Yes, I understand that some people may be puzzled as to why on paper I want something similar to the daily hack. However, there are one or two key reasons why I want to fulfil this desire. The chief among which is that my late son (whom I sadly lost at 15 to cancer in 2009) always loved these cars. I want to fulfil this ambition partly in his memory.
So on paper, I agree, doesn't make the most sense, but like I said before, this is not about the head, more about the heart.
So on paper, I agree, doesn't make the most sense, but like I said before, this is not about the head, more about the heart.
Paul48 said:
Yes, I understand that some people may be puzzled as to why on paper I want something similar to the daily hack. However, there are one or two key reasons why I want to fulfil this desire. The chief among which is that my late son (whom I sadly lost at 15 to cancer in 2009) always loved these cars. I want to fulfil this ambition partly in his memory.
So on paper, I agree, doesn't make the most sense, but like I said before, this is not about the head, more about the heart.
Slightly strange that you didn't mention the chief reason in your original post, but if you had, I might not have bothered to post. If emotion is the chief driver, all bets are off.So on paper, I agree, doesn't make the most sense, but like I said before, this is not about the head, more about the heart.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2001-MASERATI-3200-GT-AU...
This one seems to meet all your criteria?
Out of interest, what is the difference in the interior between the 3200 & the 4200?
This one seems to meet all your criteria?
Out of interest, what is the difference in the interior between the 3200 & the 4200?
el romeral said:
Out of interest, what is the difference in the interior between the 3200 & the 4200?
I am advised that the interior on the 3200 is primarily leather everywhere, whereas the 4200 used less leather and more leather look and feel, but not real leather. Just a small difference really, only what I've read (Some 4200s do have leather everywhere, but I understand this was an option and not standard?9mm said:
Slightly strange that you didn't mention the chief reason in your original post, but if you had, I might not have bothered to post. If emotion is the chief driver, all bets are off.
Apologies, but I wasn't sure about putting something so personal up on the forum. I do understand the logical arguments though. Emotion does play a part, but not to the point of recklessness - which is why I am trying to solicit as much help and advice as possible, to get things as right as possible with a car such as this.I guess you've looked on the carandclassic website, there are several on there
e.g. http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C362334
I know someone who had one new, he thought it was fast enough with 370 BHP approx 911 challenging performance, driven flat out is enough for most on public roads, and it was faultless in his ownership (20k odd miles).
e.g. http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C362334
I know someone who had one new, he thought it was fast enough with 370 BHP approx 911 challenging performance, driven flat out is enough for most on public roads, and it was faultless in his ownership (20k odd miles).
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