Discussion
Hi
Getting far 2 annoyed with my Lotus elise which seems to be constantly costing me money in repairs and it leaks etc etc.. so i have been looking at 3200's, going for a bit of comfort this time!
What are they like for reliability/servicing etc? are there a lot of independants that can service and not charge stupid amounts?
Any advice is much appreciated.
Thanks
Getting far 2 annoyed with my Lotus elise which seems to be constantly costing me money in repairs and it leaks etc etc.. so i have been looking at 3200's, going for a bit of comfort this time!
What are they like for reliability/servicing etc? are there a lot of independants that can service and not charge stupid amounts?
Any advice is much appreciated.
Thanks
Maybe greysquirrel was being a bit optimistic, but some advice would be very helpful for anyone trying to decide whether to buy a Maserati.
First, on a reliability scale between a Toyota and a TVR, where are the 3200 and 4200?
Secondly, when they do need attention, do you have to pay the main dealers, or are there any reliable and cheaper independents?
Thirdly, how much should you expect to pay each year to keep a Maserati on the road?
I'm sure there are lots of people whose head says 911, but their heart says Maserati.
First, on a reliability scale between a Toyota and a TVR, where are the 3200 and 4200?
Secondly, when they do need attention, do you have to pay the main dealers, or are there any reliable and cheaper independents?
Thirdly, how much should you expect to pay each year to keep a Maserati on the road?
I'm sure there are lots of people whose head says 911, but their heart says Maserati.
Maybe I am just lucky but in 6 months of ownership and 14k miles I am very happy, I use it almost every day to commute into London as well as for all my other driving and to be honest it just gets better with use, I have had one electrical problem (£300), two new tyres £150 each and a clutch slave cylinder(£150 at main dealer)but the car sat in the showroom for almost a year so some of this is probably down to lack of use, other that that a 12k service at a main dealer (£620 + vat made up of £495 labour and £125 parts)and thats it, my old Saab 93 convertible cost me over £5k in repais and was bloody awful so all in all a big thumbs up for my 3200
rah said:
Maybe greysquirrel was being a bit optimistic, but some advice would be very helpful for anyone trying to decide whether to buy a Maserati.
See the archives or our profiles as those who ahve run them. I have detailed costs listed for my 18 months of ownership.
rah said:
First, on a reliability scale between a Toyota and a TVR, where are the 3200 and 4200?
Mine was pretty good. Broke down once (aircon pump popped blowing freon all over the place - was still drivable though). Though you get used ot ahving warious warning lights lighting up and going out - but you get to know the car and understand its little ways and it's not a problem.
Thing is - just keeping it warrantied and serviced is going to cost between 1500 (warranty at a grand and 500 quid for a 6000 mile service) and 3000 (1k for a warranty and 2000 quid for a belt change service - every 3 years or 36k). And thats if it runs perfectly and you don't need tyres.
rah said:
Secondly, when they do need attention, do you have to pay the main dealers, or are there any reliable and cheaper independents?
Many independents around. Trade off is independents cost less, but usually take longer to do the work as they dont get parts necessarily as fast as the main dealers. Standard of work seems no different though. Main dealers clean your car better usually
rah said:
Thirdly, how much should you expect to pay each year to keep a Maserati on the road?
I'd say you need ot budget for a warranty (between 1000 and 2000 quid yearly to renew, get it thrown in if you buy). Then I'd keep a fighting fund for a new set of tyres at 550 quid, and a full service (1500-2000) - plus about a grand or two just in case you lambda sensors go pop / back boxes rust and you need a tubi etc.
rah said:
I'm sure there are lots of people whose head says 911, but their heart says Maserati.
Absolutely. I didn't fall for the standard 996 - great car but just left me cold. Despite the fact that I burned a huge amount of money on my 3200 I did really love it.
Do not assume it's going to cost the same to run as a porsche though, still - get caught with a 996 RMS issue and the maserati coudl look cheap to run, so I guess it's down to buying a goodun like always.
I can only say that my motor has been very reliable and the only hassle i have had has been with the garage. It's needed minor tweeks but no show stoppers. But you get that with most cars. Only thing is it eats petrol/oil and tyres. You won't belive how quick it is when the turbos switch in 
I am just getting ready to sell my 3200GT
It's Silver done 16k Miles and is a 2002. In very good nick. I'am struggling with letting it go to be honest. But a new business requires money. I have had other marques that iv'e been happy to walk away from. Maserati is not one of them. I will be buying another when money settles.
Theres' some pictures in the gallery on.
www.carsinthepark.org.uk
I am just getting ready to sell my 3200GT
It's Silver done 16k Miles and is a 2002. In very good nick. I'am struggling with letting it go to be honest. But a new business requires money. I have had other marques that iv'e been happy to walk away from. Maserati is not one of them. I will be buying another when money settles. Theres' some pictures in the gallery on.
www.carsinthepark.org.uk
Here is My Experience for what its worth.
Purchased : 30th Oct 2004.
Tracker Fitted with years Subscription = £619.00
Air Con Service (Dealer Should have sorted it looking back now) £102.81
Back Boxes Rusted which Burnt Lower Spoiler. (They were fire gummed by the Main Dealer !) How that works on a Maserati is beyond me.
As a result my car was burnt and the lower rear spoiler was spray painted in a different Silver.
After a Solicitors letter the Spoiler was replaced free of charge.
I Bought Larini Boxes as a replacement which are Far Superior Quality. Cost = £935.30
Service 17th May 2005 £462.90
This Included Brake Fluid
Oil Change and Filter
Exhaust Gaskets
Replace Scuttle Panel (Warranty) Something Dealer failed to do before Delivery !
Two Front Tyres around £475 (Michelin)
Oil (Lots of the Stuff !!) Cant remember the cost but some 3200's burn a lot of Oil (topping up ever 500 miles or so in My case)
20th Sept
Service £360.14 on a warranty Claim of £696.00
Oil Pressure Sensor Replaced.
Replace LH Door Lock £54.40+vat
Labour £162.35
Total Parts £144.15
5th Oct
Service Again !
Adjust Crank Sensor Gap.
New Mot.
Geometry Adjusted (A Must to get the best driving experience from the 3200gt)
Replace Near Side Rear Shock, Bush and Actuator - Note after Legal Threats this was only Partly carried out under warranty (Be Warned about the costs of these if there is no warranty!)
Meridien informed me of the cost at approx £550 + vat for Actuator, £730 + vat for Shock and £90 + vat for Bush plus the labour.
After a lot of disputes the bill I received was £618.77 on a grand total of around £2,500
Note : Every time the car required work I had to arrange collection of the vehicle and this was not covered under the warranty claim at a cost of £89.50+ vat.
In three months I only managed to drive the car a couple of times due to the time spent at the garage.
My Neighbours thought I was a car dealer with all the different vehicles on my drive !
So basically I ended up paying for a 3200gt and spent most of the time driving Loan Cherokee Jeeps ! (And I Own one of these anyway!) so we had two to play with !
What would I say in my experience if you wish to buy a 3200 ....
The 3200Gt is a Stunning car and I miss the Performance of the car when the Turbo's cut in!
The Gransport is amazing but the 3200 has the Turbo's which give the car an amazing experience! (especially in the wet!)
The Attention the car receives is always good (unlike my M3)
On a Financial Note :
Make Sure you buy a car with a Proper full service history and not just stamps in the Book.
get the receipts and check with previous owners / Dealers otherwise regarding the work carried out.
Set aside a couple of grand a year should something go wrong (and you normally won't get change from a main dealer (IMO) from £500 a time even for minor issues.
If the Actuators or Shocks Become faulty then make sure you set aside a couple of grand plus for the replacements and labour.If you go to an Indi make sure they have the correct diagnostics tools otherwise its a trip to a Main Dealer again.
If the Oil Pressure Sensor Goes then this is a labour intensive Job (some 3 hours I think) just to replace a part that costs around (45 + vat) (I think the Aircon unit has to be taken out to reach the Sensor hence the labour)
Main delear labour is around £89.50 + vat.
If a clutch goes then you will need to set aside around £1,500 to £2,200 depending on where you go for the replacement.
Annual Serivce at my Previous Main Dealer was £750.
Insurance was brilliant though ! in fact it was cheaper than on my M3.
This info is based on a Purchase milage of 28,916 and selling with 33,326.
4,410 miles with approx 1000 miles to and from the Main Dealer
A little tip = Avoid Trident Warranties
Its a Heart over Head Choice in the end.
But you do need a certain level of cash to maintain the car.
>> Edited by maserati3200gt on Friday 9th December 13:19
Purchased : 30th Oct 2004.
Tracker Fitted with years Subscription = £619.00
Air Con Service (Dealer Should have sorted it looking back now) £102.81
Back Boxes Rusted which Burnt Lower Spoiler. (They were fire gummed by the Main Dealer !) How that works on a Maserati is beyond me.
As a result my car was burnt and the lower rear spoiler was spray painted in a different Silver.
After a Solicitors letter the Spoiler was replaced free of charge.
I Bought Larini Boxes as a replacement which are Far Superior Quality. Cost = £935.30
Service 17th May 2005 £462.90
This Included Brake Fluid
Oil Change and Filter
Exhaust Gaskets
Replace Scuttle Panel (Warranty) Something Dealer failed to do before Delivery !
Two Front Tyres around £475 (Michelin)
Oil (Lots of the Stuff !!) Cant remember the cost but some 3200's burn a lot of Oil (topping up ever 500 miles or so in My case)
20th Sept
Service £360.14 on a warranty Claim of £696.00
Oil Pressure Sensor Replaced.
Replace LH Door Lock £54.40+vat
Labour £162.35
Total Parts £144.15
5th Oct
Service Again !
Adjust Crank Sensor Gap.
New Mot.
Geometry Adjusted (A Must to get the best driving experience from the 3200gt)
Replace Near Side Rear Shock, Bush and Actuator - Note after Legal Threats this was only Partly carried out under warranty (Be Warned about the costs of these if there is no warranty!)
Meridien informed me of the cost at approx £550 + vat for Actuator, £730 + vat for Shock and £90 + vat for Bush plus the labour.
After a lot of disputes the bill I received was £618.77 on a grand total of around £2,500
Note : Every time the car required work I had to arrange collection of the vehicle and this was not covered under the warranty claim at a cost of £89.50+ vat.
In three months I only managed to drive the car a couple of times due to the time spent at the garage.
My Neighbours thought I was a car dealer with all the different vehicles on my drive !
So basically I ended up paying for a 3200gt and spent most of the time driving Loan Cherokee Jeeps ! (And I Own one of these anyway!) so we had two to play with !
What would I say in my experience if you wish to buy a 3200 ....
The 3200Gt is a Stunning car and I miss the Performance of the car when the Turbo's cut in!
The Gransport is amazing but the 3200 has the Turbo's which give the car an amazing experience! (especially in the wet!)
The Attention the car receives is always good (unlike my M3)
On a Financial Note :
Make Sure you buy a car with a Proper full service history and not just stamps in the Book.
get the receipts and check with previous owners / Dealers otherwise regarding the work carried out.
Set aside a couple of grand a year should something go wrong (and you normally won't get change from a main dealer (IMO) from £500 a time even for minor issues.
If the Actuators or Shocks Become faulty then make sure you set aside a couple of grand plus for the replacements and labour.If you go to an Indi make sure they have the correct diagnostics tools otherwise its a trip to a Main Dealer again.
If the Oil Pressure Sensor Goes then this is a labour intensive Job (some 3 hours I think) just to replace a part that costs around (45 + vat) (I think the Aircon unit has to be taken out to reach the Sensor hence the labour)
Main delear labour is around £89.50 + vat.
If a clutch goes then you will need to set aside around £1,500 to £2,200 depending on where you go for the replacement.
Annual Serivce at my Previous Main Dealer was £750.
Insurance was brilliant though ! in fact it was cheaper than on my M3.
This info is based on a Purchase milage of 28,916 and selling with 33,326.
4,410 miles with approx 1000 miles to and from the Main Dealer
A little tip = Avoid Trident Warranties
Its a Heart over Head Choice in the end.
But you do need a certain level of cash to maintain the car.
>> Edited by maserati3200gt on Friday 9th December 13:19
I've had my 3200 for 14 months now and I've been amazed how lucky I've been. Its a fantastic drive and I've been using it daily up until now (salty roads)
Cost?
1st Year
Insurance - £1100
Warranty - came with car from dealer
Michelin Rear tyres - £210 from Germany
Front Tyres - £175 from Germany
3yr / 31000 Service - £1500 inc cambelts (independant dealer)
Total = £2985 + tax + petrol
During the year the car only had to go in for the safety recall on the steering, no cost.
2nd Year (so far)
Insurance - £950
Warranty - £745 (haggled with independant dealer)
In the pipeline -
clutch (????lots)
front discs approx £400
rear discs approx £400
upgrade rear silencers approx £900
service next july - £650
Used a independant in the Midlands who were great and will use again.
Steve
Cost?
1st Year
Insurance - £1100
Warranty - came with car from dealer
Michelin Rear tyres - £210 from Germany
Front Tyres - £175 from Germany
3yr / 31000 Service - £1500 inc cambelts (independant dealer)
Total = £2985 + tax + petrol
During the year the car only had to go in for the safety recall on the steering, no cost.
2nd Year (so far)
Insurance - £950
Warranty - £745 (haggled with independant dealer)
In the pipeline -
clutch (????lots)
front discs approx £400
rear discs approx £400
upgrade rear silencers approx £900
service next july - £650
Used a independant in the Midlands who were great and will use again.
Steve
My experience:
Bought the car in Jan 2005 (from an independent, didn't pay main dealer mark-up) had a bog standard non-Maserati warranty thrown in. I've done about 10K in it (more than I planned)
Battery went flat - new battery £70
Handbrake shoes went, had that fixed plus a standard service at a main dealer - £850 plus VAT
Erm, that's it so far (apart from upgrading the stereo and fitting an ipod connection which was my choice). Not exactly punishing, comparable with previous XK8 costs.
Having said that I am expecting more next year with a Cambelt service in August, and will probably renew the warranty, plus some tyres.
Do it!
PS: Dutchy, please could you let me know which Midlands independent you used as I am Midlands based and it would be useful to know. Please PM me if you prefer.
>> Edited by sco on Friday 9th December 15:16
Bought the car in Jan 2005 (from an independent, didn't pay main dealer mark-up) had a bog standard non-Maserati warranty thrown in. I've done about 10K in it (more than I planned)
Battery went flat - new battery £70
Handbrake shoes went, had that fixed plus a standard service at a main dealer - £850 plus VAT
Erm, that's it so far (apart from upgrading the stereo and fitting an ipod connection which was my choice). Not exactly punishing, comparable with previous XK8 costs.
Having said that I am expecting more next year with a Cambelt service in August, and will probably renew the warranty, plus some tyres.
Do it!
PS: Dutchy, please could you let me know which Midlands independent you used as I am Midlands based and it would be useful to know. Please PM me if you prefer.
>> Edited by sco on Friday 9th December 15:16
PS: Dutchy, please could you let me know which Midlands independent you used as I am Midlands based and it would be useful to know. Please PM me if you prefer.
Sco.
Hollingworths(Midland Ferrari) near Worcester. They were recommended from the dealer I bought the car from in Kent. All ex ferrari mechanics and sales.
Sco.
Hollingworths(Midland Ferrari) near Worcester. They were recommended from the dealer I bought the car from in Kent. All ex ferrari mechanics and sales.
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