Must have Maser 3200
Discussion
Desperatly lurking through Pistonheads reading all there is to read on Maser's (3200). Whilst reading through the Maser posts I'm more than warming to the 3200, i.e. it fits the bill in terms of 2nd hand affordability (my price bracket £20 - 22k), has 4 seats and a boot...and of course looks great and I hope, drives great.
Think its fair to say the Maser's are much less ostentatious than marques I could mention (IMO). Problem I'm having is that being based up norf (Newcastle) there's a derth of quality sports car specialists and cant find an affordable Maser dealer anywhere near me. So, I'm faced with buying something without ever test driving it OR making a few long trips just to have a butchers and a drive of one.
Seen a few affordable ones down south. One in particular is in light blue? Cant decide if its nice coz its different or whether it will end up costing me £'s when I cant resell it in the future. Think darker colours or red might be better resale options. Comments from those in the know???
So, first question, who knows of Maser specialist for servicing etc, north of Manchester?
Secondly, has anyway bought a maser from distance without looking? I was just going to try and broker a deal over the phone, use RAC/AA to do a check as well as the usual HPI etc and hope for the best. Any other advice?
Cheers in advance,
BM
Think its fair to say the Maser's are much less ostentatious than marques I could mention (IMO). Problem I'm having is that being based up norf (Newcastle) there's a derth of quality sports car specialists and cant find an affordable Maser dealer anywhere near me. So, I'm faced with buying something without ever test driving it OR making a few long trips just to have a butchers and a drive of one.
Seen a few affordable ones down south. One in particular is in light blue? Cant decide if its nice coz its different or whether it will end up costing me £'s when I cant resell it in the future. Think darker colours or red might be better resale options. Comments from those in the know???
So, first question, who knows of Maser specialist for servicing etc, north of Manchester?
Secondly, has anyway bought a maser from distance without looking? I was just going to try and broker a deal over the phone, use RAC/AA to do a check as well as the usual HPI etc and hope for the best. Any other advice?
Cheers in advance,
BM
I called you Mr Invisible because your name didn't display on your first post!
I'm not sure I'd do a deal on something like a 3200 unseen, I'd always worry there was too much potential for disaster. I'd be linclined to take the car to a specialist for an hour or so to get them to give it the once over (and warn you if there are any known impending large bills!) From what I understand the AA/RAC checks are fairly basic and I think i'd want a more specialist examination since it's not a run of the mill car.
I'm not sure I'd do a deal on something like a 3200 unseen, I'd always worry there was too much potential for disaster. I'd be linclined to take the car to a specialist for an hour or so to get them to give it the once over (and warn you if there are any known impending large bills!) From what I understand the AA/RAC checks are fairly basic and I think i'd want a more specialist examination since it's not a run of the mill car.
I'm sure you will be hooked straight away!!
My dad used to have an Alfa 166 - lovely car which had the same magical feel. I drove it for a week and the exhaust note, momo leather and the fact it had (shock horror) character! made it so addictive to drive. I think the guy who bought it from us was similarly enchanted, we had to suggest he looked under the bonnet as the car had already sold itself to him!
My dad used to have an Alfa 166 - lovely car which had the same magical feel. I drove it for a week and the exhaust note, momo leather and the fact it had (shock horror) character! made it so addictive to drive. I think the guy who bought it from us was similarly enchanted, we had to suggest he looked under the bonnet as the car had already sold itself to him!
You should speak to Autosheild Maserati in Manchester 01618813463. They will be able to help with an independant inspection in the North. Speak to Marios Kriticos. he is also well contected with many Maser enthusiasts and oftern knows of good cars for sale.
Tell him I sent you. He's the man all things Maserati.
Jonathan
Tell him I sent you. He's the man all things Maserati.
Jonathan
I've had mine for 5+ years now and still very happy with it. Over those 5 years I have gained a wealth of info/experience with them.
Firstly, DO NOT even consider a car without full main dealer history. Ensure that the steering recall has been done by a main dealer. You could have a nasty surprise waiting around the corner (you dont make it around) if it hasn't. Secondly,get it checked by someone who has the correct diagnostic equipement. The onboard comp stores all the faults that the car has had.
With regard to dealers, try Lancasters in Colchester Essex, a long way from you I know, however they do a free covered collection and delivery service anywhere in the UK. I know of a guy in Scotland who had them collect and return his 575 just to have 4 new tyres fitted!(which they did without complaint). I have found them to be excelant and don't use anyone else.
With regard to colours, probably the most common colour is silver for the outside with either black or blue inside. (Personally I couldn't stand the blue interior) Closly followed by the darker colours, the most scarce seems to be the classic rosso indianapolis with crema (the classic Italian sports car colours!). But as with all things car related it comes down to personal choice in the end and everyone is different so all combinations will resell. Value will of course be a equation of availability, desireability, number of potential buyers and personal choice.
Get the right one and you wont regret it, oh yes and ensure you put aside a couple of grand a year for servicing and rear tyre's
Firstly, DO NOT even consider a car without full main dealer history. Ensure that the steering recall has been done by a main dealer. You could have a nasty surprise waiting around the corner (you dont make it around) if it hasn't. Secondly,get it checked by someone who has the correct diagnostic equipement. The onboard comp stores all the faults that the car has had.
With regard to dealers, try Lancasters in Colchester Essex, a long way from you I know, however they do a free covered collection and delivery service anywhere in the UK. I know of a guy in Scotland who had them collect and return his 575 just to have 4 new tyres fitted!(which they did without complaint). I have found them to be excelant and don't use anyone else.
With regard to colours, probably the most common colour is silver for the outside with either black or blue inside. (Personally I couldn't stand the blue interior) Closly followed by the darker colours, the most scarce seems to be the classic rosso indianapolis with crema (the classic Italian sports car colours!). But as with all things car related it comes down to personal choice in the end and everyone is different so all combinations will resell. Value will of course be a equation of availability, desireability, number of potential buyers and personal choice.
Get the right one and you wont regret it, oh yes and ensure you put aside a couple of grand a year for servicing and rear tyre's
BigManOutaShape said:
Cheers all for advice thus far.
Think I might have found one. BUT no Red Key at this stage? Sure I read somewhere that there should be a red master key plus two regular keys.
This particular one has been fully service by main dealer.
Cheers,
BM
Get the red key - it's worth about £2k iirc!!!
Also - I'd recommend www.adgsevenoaks.co.uk for distance buying - really nice and trustworthy guys.
Lol - just checked and he doesn't have any!! Keep looking at his site as they normally have loads to choose from.
>> Edited by carrera2 on Saturday 20th May 20:22
beware the red key issue...
if you lose the other keys and need replacements without the red key you need a new ecu if i recall right. true of various fiat cars, pretty sure its he case with the maser tho oddly ferrari 355 also had red key but could be replaced more easily. also why doesnt it have the key, most maser owners you would think would take care of the books, keys etc.
colour wise the light blue (called azzuro argentina) is very distinctive, i like it but wasnt brave enough to buy one at the time i had a 3200 as i was worried about resale then. also different colours sell well in different places. that colour sells well at meridien i was told by them (south coast sunshine). i went for blu sebring which is a medium light blue. the dark blue is blu nettuno. interior wise the cream is really nice but impracticle, there are 2 blues, black, grey, sand, tan etc
i would shop wisely and enjoy the search. as a seller you cant really charge a premium for a really top car, as then no one will come see it so its worth holding out for a good one. beautiful cars, great fun (dangerous in the wet!) but allow money to run it, parts are very pricey and they do go wrong. maser warranty when i sold mine had just gone up to some rediculous price, 2k plus i think, due to number of claims. check out verdi, mainly ferrai specialists but also do masers, nice people and will give you an idea on ownership costs. good luck!
if you lose the other keys and need replacements without the red key you need a new ecu if i recall right. true of various fiat cars, pretty sure its he case with the maser tho oddly ferrari 355 also had red key but could be replaced more easily. also why doesnt it have the key, most maser owners you would think would take care of the books, keys etc.
colour wise the light blue (called azzuro argentina) is very distinctive, i like it but wasnt brave enough to buy one at the time i had a 3200 as i was worried about resale then. also different colours sell well in different places. that colour sells well at meridien i was told by them (south coast sunshine). i went for blu sebring which is a medium light blue. the dark blue is blu nettuno. interior wise the cream is really nice but impracticle, there are 2 blues, black, grey, sand, tan etc
i would shop wisely and enjoy the search. as a seller you cant really charge a premium for a really top car, as then no one will come see it so its worth holding out for a good one. beautiful cars, great fun (dangerous in the wet!) but allow money to run it, parts are very pricey and they do go wrong. maser warranty when i sold mine had just gone up to some rediculous price, 2k plus i think, due to number of claims. check out verdi, mainly ferrai specialists but also do masers, nice people and will give you an idea on ownership costs. good luck!
Cheers guys,
Still waiting on Red Key story from dealer. I'm hoping its a case of the previous owner has it or in fact the dealer might have it.
I'll be walking away if dont one of those answers.
Light blue is nice but probably doesnt fit in with the "grim up north" story I live everyday.
Am hooked though..so its a matter of time.
BM
Still waiting on Red Key story from dealer. I'm hoping its a case of the previous owner has it or in fact the dealer might have it.
I'll be walking away if dont one of those answers.
Light blue is nice but probably doesnt fit in with the "grim up north" story I live everyday.
Am hooked though..so its a matter of time.
BM
Aye, agreed.
Spoke to JCT600 where it was originally sold from and they said it was very unlikely that the dealer would keep a key and YES the RED KEY should be most definitely with the car.
Looks like I'm back to Top Marques and Autotrader and will be asking for my deposit back.
Cheers,
BM
Spoke to JCT600 where it was originally sold from and they said it was very unlikely that the dealer would keep a key and YES the RED KEY should be most definitely with the car.
Looks like I'm back to Top Marques and Autotrader and will be asking for my deposit back.
Cheers,
BM
BigManOutashape i could start to hate you 
Just love the 3200 and have a penchant for one
Made worse by having to drive the other day on the inside lane of a dark green 3200 in a motorway queue for several miles.
Bloody hurt trying not to oggle it.
Have done a search since but can't find one without cream interior.
Good luck finding one and enjoy when you get it
Just love the 3200 and have a penchant for one
Made worse by having to drive the other day on the inside lane of a dark green 3200 in a motorway queue for several miles.
Bloody hurt trying not to oggle it.
Have done a search since but can't find one without cream interior.
Good luck finding one and enjoy when you get it
Maxed,
Get yersel to Barclays and have a word with Mr Loan Manager and get one. You only live once and you're a long time dead...imo.
I was originally looking for a Porker and then was halted coz of an impending arrival. That meant I needed to look for something bigger but just as nice and desireable....hence my graviation towards the maser's. Then it was a case of whats affordable. Budget of about £22k means 4200 out the question, leaving only the 3200. Still, I dont see it as a compromise, just the reality.
Found another site with a load on the 3200 and time after time Red Key comes up. Apparently, some servicing cant be done without it. It makes me wonder why a Maser owner from new with a mind car (ie the one i'm tryign to buy) would no keep hold of the red key. 5 services with JCT as over £1k a pop would indicate that theres been no expense spared on its upkeep.
No Red Key = no sale.
Cheers,
BM
Get yersel to Barclays and have a word with Mr Loan Manager and get one. You only live once and you're a long time dead...imo.
I was originally looking for a Porker and then was halted coz of an impending arrival. That meant I needed to look for something bigger but just as nice and desireable....hence my graviation towards the maser's. Then it was a case of whats affordable. Budget of about £22k means 4200 out the question, leaving only the 3200. Still, I dont see it as a compromise, just the reality.
Found another site with a load on the 3200 and time after time Red Key comes up. Apparently, some servicing cant be done without it. It makes me wonder why a Maser owner from new with a mind car (ie the one i'm tryign to buy) would no keep hold of the red key. 5 services with JCT as over £1k a pop would indicate that theres been no expense spared on its upkeep.
No Red Key = no sale.
Cheers,
BM
BigManOutaShape said:
Maxed,
Get yersel to Barclays and have a word with Mr Loan Manager and get one. You only live once and you're a long time dead...imo.
I was originally looking for a Porker and then was halted coz of an impending arrival. That meant I needed to look for something bigger but just as nice and desireable....hence my graviation towards the maser's. Then it was a case of whats affordable. Budget of about £22k means 4200 out the question, leaving only the 3200. Still, I dont see it as a compromise, just the reality.
You're begining to worry me.
How do you know i bank @ Barclays & frequently say "you're a long time dead" ???
Bit the same as you really. Nearly went to Verdi's as had my eyes on a Porsche but was sold. Son's were bemoaning the cost and not big enough, so they weren't upset.
And now considering turning to second choice the 3200
Suppose it's called trying to strike a balance
Just sold my azzuro 3200. IMO it is the best colour. I bought it from a private seller in the auto trader. It was the only one I looked at and I bought it straight away. I did have a few things go wrong but nothing more than would be expected for this type of car. You must have the red key and a full main dealer service history. The people who bought it were from Surrey and I am in Blackpool. So you will probably have to travel to find one. I think there are less than 20 for sale nationally in your price range. Go for it I loved mine.
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