3200GT - Red Key Dilemma
Discussion
Hi All,
On the verge of buying a Maserati 3200GT Manual. Have examined, test driven (yikes) and put down a deposit on one but further investigation turns out that it does not have the Red Master Key, only the Red Card. The dealer (Independant non Maserati) suggested that the red card was the same thing but I've subsequently found out from Maserati Dealers ( Grey Paul, Maranello and JCT600 ) that it isn't. Given the cost of getting a new red key (and having all the relevant locks, ECU's etc changed etc) at approx 2K I'm obviously a little wary but I love the car and the colour / interior combination. The dealer suggested I can get additional keys cut more cheaply but he's yet to come up with proof and I'm very skeptical.
When talking to Maranello they suggested that as long as I have 2 black keys and keep one really safe, there shouldn't be a problem.
Whilst all this has been going on, I've also seen a similar 3200GT (1 year younger), with similar miles which I also like, but it's approx £3000 more expensive.
Thus, cost logic would suggest buy the first one (without the Red Key) and accept the £2k risk should I ever lose the keys. My fears however are effect on resale value (of not having a red key) and how long Maserati will support the Red Key system for the 3200GT given it's no longer a current model?
Help!
Ravix
On the verge of buying a Maserati 3200GT Manual. Have examined, test driven (yikes) and put down a deposit on one but further investigation turns out that it does not have the Red Master Key, only the Red Card. The dealer (Independant non Maserati) suggested that the red card was the same thing but I've subsequently found out from Maserati Dealers ( Grey Paul, Maranello and JCT600 ) that it isn't. Given the cost of getting a new red key (and having all the relevant locks, ECU's etc changed etc) at approx 2K I'm obviously a little wary but I love the car and the colour / interior combination. The dealer suggested I can get additional keys cut more cheaply but he's yet to come up with proof and I'm very skeptical.
When talking to Maranello they suggested that as long as I have 2 black keys and keep one really safe, there shouldn't be a problem.
Whilst all this has been going on, I've also seen a similar 3200GT (1 year younger), with similar miles which I also like, but it's approx £3000 more expensive.
Thus, cost logic would suggest buy the first one (without the Red Key) and accept the £2k risk should I ever lose the keys. My fears however are effect on resale value (of not having a red key) and how long Maserati will support the Red Key system for the 3200GT given it's no longer a current model?
Help!
Ravix
Three absolutes about buying a 3200.
1) Must have a FULL main dealer history.
2) Must have the RED key.
3) Must have had the steering recall done.
I think that 2k for doing all the work that you mention is a little optimistic. I heard a figure of 5k not so long ago for this work. Clearly your independant does not know the cost of labour and parts for these cars.
1) Must have a FULL main dealer history.
2) Must have the RED key.
3) Must have had the steering recall done.
I think that 2k for doing all the work that you mention is a little optimistic. I heard a figure of 5k not so long ago for this work. Clearly your independant does not know the cost of labour and parts for these cars.
I appreciate the desirability of the key but....
I cant see any way on earth an independant would pay for the red key & associated parts to be replaced, it would knock out all their profit. they'd merely not sell the car to you & wait for someone else.
I had my car for 2 years & many trouble free miles, I had no red key & never needed it, chap at a main dealer confided in me that it would be very very rare to need it unless you needed a spare black key made.
If you really like the car then consider using the red key issue as a strong bargaining tool.
I had a bit of a nightmare actually, I had a PDI done by a certain main dealer (I was buying from an independant but insisted on main dealer pdi), they ticked the box marked "ALL KEY FOBS PRESENT" when there was no red key.
I ended up in a massive dispute with them over this but they refused to budge, eventually offered a goodwill gesture of doing it for £2000, I told them to F*** off.
I cant see any way on earth an independant would pay for the red key & associated parts to be replaced, it would knock out all their profit. they'd merely not sell the car to you & wait for someone else.
I had my car for 2 years & many trouble free miles, I had no red key & never needed it, chap at a main dealer confided in me that it would be very very rare to need it unless you needed a spare black key made.
If you really like the car then consider using the red key issue as a strong bargaining tool.
I had a bit of a nightmare actually, I had a PDI done by a certain main dealer (I was buying from an independant but insisted on main dealer pdi), they ticked the box marked "ALL KEY FOBS PRESENT" when there was no red key.
I ended up in a massive dispute with them over this but they refused to budge, eventually offered a goodwill gesture of doing it for £2000, I told them to F*** off.
On another note, have you tried ringing the original supplying dealer, we found out that many of them back then actually used to keep the red keys locked away without giving them to the customer just incase this ever happened.
You should be able to find out who the supplying dealer was either by looking in the handbook at who PDI'd it or giving the chassis number to a Maserati dealer and they can check the database.
You should be able to find out who the supplying dealer was either by looking in the handbook at who PDI'd it or giving the chassis number to a Maserati dealer and they can check the database.
Does this apply to the 4200 as well?
About dealer backup etc, my motor is from Stratstone Manchester, I have a book pack on order since May 06, as I have waiting so long they decided to send me one from another car. What they also sent was the red card/full service history as well for another spyder! I rang the dealer and told them this and they didn't even seem bothered!
About dealer backup etc, my motor is from Stratstone Manchester, I have a book pack on order since May 06, as I have waiting so long they decided to send me one from another car. What they also sent was the red card/full service history as well for another spyder! I rang the dealer and told them this and they didn't even seem bothered!
exboxster said:
It's all very well saying that unless you lose the other keys you won't need the red one... BUT... what about when you try and sell it on ? 99% of people will simply walk away.
I would, and in fact did on some of the cars I looked at. Bearing in mind, when I bought mine, the oldest cars around were only eighteen months or so old. Shocking really that owners can be so lacksidaisical about a 70k purchase.
craigw said:
having re read by the way, the independant dealer is wrong, you cant simply get more keys cut, they have a transponder code in them, this can not be copied.
Its seems this indie doesn't know enough about 3200's to risk buying from him, there's plenty about I'd be looking at a Maser/Ferrari specialists for one of these beasts
It is possible to programme a new key as long as you have one fully working black key for the car, you can clone the key using a fiat transponder, contact www.emblemsportscars.co.uk. but it is always best to have the red key.
owler said:
It is possible to programme a new key as long as you have one fully working black key for the car, you can clone the key using a fiat transponder, contact www.emblemsportscars.co.uk. but it is always best to have the red key.
Perhaps Myles but IIRC you cannot clone a new Red Key and therefore if you lose a black one, you cannot reprogram the remaining black keys thus creating a security hole. Only option then is a new ECU / Imob / Red key set
Hope this helps
ps Give Brian Allwyn my regards
3200gt said:
I think that 2k for doing all the work that you mention is a little optimistic. I heard a figure of 5k not so long ago for this work. Clearly your independant does not know the cost of labour and parts for these cars.
JCT Brooklands Maserati Leeds quoted £1292 for new Ed Key and Management Unit plus £942 labour.
Maranello quoted similar figures.
Thanks.
Ravix
What exactly is in the red key? When i sold my 3200GTA i had a good look at the red key and it was lighter than a normal key and seemed like it was just a plastic blank (i.e. no working button/battery etc.). Having said that i would not buy one without it unless it was at seriously good money.
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