3200 Assetto Corsa
Discussion
Off to look at a 3200 Assetto Corsa next week at a specialist Maserati/Ferrari dealer. The car is silver, man transmission, one owner and around 19000 miles on the clock.
I was origanlly waiting for a 4200 to drop into my price range but always loved the Assetto Corsa and was after advice from anyone that may have had one or driven one on what to look out for.
I currently own a Lotus Exige but with my 9 month old baby I never use it. My last 7 cars have been Lotus so this is a bit of a departure for me, but as the Assetto Corsa is more of a hard core 3200 I hopeing that I will not miss the Exige too much.
Any help would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.
I was origanlly waiting for a 4200 to drop into my price range but always loved the Assetto Corsa and was after advice from anyone that may have had one or driven one on what to look out for.
I currently own a Lotus Exige but with my 9 month old baby I never use it. My last 7 cars have been Lotus so this is a bit of a departure for me, but as the Assetto Corsa is more of a hard core 3200 I hopeing that I will not miss the Exige too much.
Any help would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.
Andyt25 said:
Off to look at a 3200 Assetto Corsa next week at a specialist Maserati/Ferrari dealer. The car is silver, man transmission, one owner and around 19000 miles on the clock.
I was origanlly waiting for a 4200 to drop into my price range but always loved the Assetto Corsa and was after advice from anyone that may have had one or driven one on what to look out for.
I currently own a Lotus Exige but with my 9 month old baby I never use it. My last 7 cars have been Lotus so this is a bit of a departure for me, but as the Assetto Corsa is more of a hard core 3200 I hopeing that I will not miss the Exige too much.
Any help would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.
I was origanlly waiting for a 4200 to drop into my price range but always loved the Assetto Corsa and was after advice from anyone that may have had one or driven one on what to look out for.
I currently own a Lotus Exige but with my 9 month old baby I never use it. My last 7 cars have been Lotus so this is a bit of a departure for me, but as the Assetto Corsa is more of a hard core 3200 I hopeing that I will not miss the Exige too much.
Any help would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.
Hi Andy
Some opinions rather than advice from me.
I own a 4200 and I'm really enjoying it. I didn't particullary want a 3200 when I was looking. However, I recently had a borrow of an Assetto Corsa and was throughly impressed with the car. Firstly it looks fantastic, far better than my 4200 and better than the lesser 3200's. It feels very responsive on the road with quick turn in and although it feels firmer than my 4200 I thought the ride was perfectly comfortable for daily use. I'm also beginning to like the turbo engine which delivers a huge wallop of torque when you get it reved up. A great car for the money and as usual very under estimated by people who haven't actually driven one.
I've heard that there are some AC's with auto boxes. I haven't driven one, but I would have thought that it wouldn't suit the character of the car.
I guess the usual checks apply when looking for a good used one and an independant inspection is always a good idea. Where are you looking? I guess these don't come up for sale that often. Good luck, I think you'll like it.
Cheers Jonathan
Andy
I have a 3200 AC....believe me youy will not regret it.
It is just a stunning car and even fine around town when you get used to it! Word of wisdom...never take the ASR off, unless you like kicking the rear out.
Manual is the only way to go. Make sure it has its red key...see earlier threads...tubi exhausts sound nice but I prefer to keep it as close to original spec as poss. depreciation seems to have bottomed out on AC's and the guys from lancaster told me that good AC's are becoming VERY desirable
Hope this helps
I have a 3200 AC....believe me youy will not regret it.
It is just a stunning car and even fine around town when you get used to it! Word of wisdom...never take the ASR off, unless you like kicking the rear out.
Manual is the only way to go. Make sure it has its red key...see earlier threads...tubi exhausts sound nice but I prefer to keep it as close to original spec as poss. depreciation seems to have bottomed out on AC's and the guys from lancaster told me that good AC's are becoming VERY desirable
Hope this helps
Jonathan, I found you views about the 4200 against 3200AS very interesting, it certainly has excited about driving the car.
The car is at Cortese in Bath. They seem a good bunch of guys. They used to be called Caracalla a few years back I believe until the guy went off to work for Dick Lovett Ferrari/Maserati, so they seem to know their stuff.
I'm with you..and the press...who say the Auto box doesn't suit the car.
The car is at Cortese in Bath. They seem a good bunch of guys. They used to be called Caracalla a few years back I believe until the guy went off to work for Dick Lovett Ferrari/Maserati, so they seem to know their stuff.
I'm with you..and the press...who say the Auto box doesn't suit the car.
Edited by Andyt25 on Friday 29th September 17:15
I have a 3200 with 60'000 miles, it has been VERY well serviced all its life, recently told by a ferrari delaer who was servicing the car it is the best he's seen in ages, as he commented it felt better for being used regularly.
still on original turbos with no smoke at all, doesn't use any oil, sounds sweet.
not had any major nasties just paid £1200 for full service including belts and fluid change filter etc at a ferrari/maserati independent.
IMO always pay extra to get a good one (8as always), buy on condition and service history. You can spend 000's putting a duff car right, soon wiping out the intial cost saving.
still on original turbos with no smoke at all, doesn't use any oil, sounds sweet.
not had any major nasties just paid £1200 for full service including belts and fluid change filter etc at a ferrari/maserati independent.
IMO always pay extra to get a good one (8as always), buy on condition and service history. You can spend 000's putting a duff car right, soon wiping out the intial cost saving.
Andyt25 said:
Jonathan, I found you views about the 4200 against 3200AS very interesting, it certainly has excited about driving the car.
The car is at Cortese in Bath. They seem a good bunch of guys. They used to be called Caracalla a few years back I believe until the guy went off to work for Dick Lovett Ferrari/Maserati, so they seem to know their stuff.
I'm with you..and the press...who say the Auto box doesn't suit the car.
The car is at Cortese in Bath. They seem a good bunch of guys. They used to be called Caracalla a few years back I believe until the guy went off to work for Dick Lovett Ferrari/Maserati, so they seem to know their stuff.
I'm with you..and the press...who say the Auto box doesn't suit the car.
Edited by Andyt25 on Friday 29th September 17:15
Cortese is run by a guy called Simon Jorden who recently left Bob Houghton to set himself up. He's well regarded in the Maseratii and Ferrari world and previous experience would suggest that his stock will be top notch. Good luck. I hope it all works out.
Jonathan
Andy - I had one and regret selling it (at least once a day) If you have the chance - do it - it is a fantastic car - just don't expect as many mpg as the exige - the temptation to depress the loud pedal and the resultant sub 15 mpg may break the bank more than the servicing costs 
Just look out for rust and get a good warranty - oh and make sure its had all the 'campaigns' done on it!
Just look out for rust and get a good warranty - oh and make sure its had all the 'campaigns' done on it!
Yep I understand I will be visiting my local petrol station far more than I do now. The Exige will do anything from 25 - 30 to the gallon.
I don't do that many miles a year either. This year I have only done 3000 miles and I use the Exige as my every day car, which is the main reason for changing. We had a baby boy born on Christmas Eve last year and since then I never use the Exige because of the two seats. It gets used back a forward to work (4 miles a day) and the odd Lotus meet and run. At the weekend we use my wifes car because of the 4 seats. The 3200 AC will mean we can all go out in my car again. I love the Exige but its a bit of an expensive toy to have sat in the garage(as my wife points out daily).
I have always loved Maserati and can not think of another car that fits the bill. It will need to be pretty special to take the place of my Lotus and by looking for a AC I'm hoping I will not miss the Lotus too much.
I don't do that many miles a year either. This year I have only done 3000 miles and I use the Exige as my every day car, which is the main reason for changing. We had a baby boy born on Christmas Eve last year and since then I never use the Exige because of the two seats. It gets used back a forward to work (4 miles a day) and the odd Lotus meet and run. At the weekend we use my wifes car because of the 4 seats. The 3200 AC will mean we can all go out in my car again. I love the Exige but its a bit of an expensive toy to have sat in the garage(as my wife points out daily).
I have always loved Maserati and can not think of another car that fits the bill. It will need to be pretty special to take the place of my Lotus and by looking for a AC I'm hoping I will not miss the Lotus too much.
Edited by Andyt25 on Saturday 30th September 06:47
Finally going for the test drive tomorrow and I must say the car looks a cracker on the web site. I'll let you know how I get on.
www.cortese.co.uk/items/80?back=%2Fhome
Very excited...
www.cortese.co.uk/items/80?back=%2Fhome
Very excited...
go for it - bought a black 3200 Asetto corsa last month :-) . The car is a dream to drive and admire, heard comments from 4200 owners that the 3200AC is a better drive.
top tips - all obvious but don't miss any.
Get a proper pre purchase inspection (I used Autoshield in manchester) before you strike a deal.
make sure it is an AC with FMSH before you visit - phone any Maser dealer with the chassis number, they will gave me ful detail on the serivice history.
take a written checklist when you vist (copy from RAC or AA site), usual stuff
brakes - from disks £600 per axle
tyres - £200 each
exhaust - standard boxes are mild steel (mine are on the way out) £1200 at main delaer
Crank shaft end float (problem may be confined to ealrier models) which is ££££ fix at 40 hours labour.
And make sure it has the proper toolkit, handbooks and cd-rom for the sat nav
Don't let any of this put you off - just bargain hard if anythiing needs replacing soon.
DO NOT take any money or cheque book, otherwise you will sign up during the test drive.
top tips - all obvious but don't miss any.
Get a proper pre purchase inspection (I used Autoshield in manchester) before you strike a deal.
make sure it is an AC with FMSH before you visit - phone any Maser dealer with the chassis number, they will gave me ful detail on the serivice history.
take a written checklist when you vist (copy from RAC or AA site), usual stuff
brakes - from disks £600 per axle
tyres - £200 each
exhaust - standard boxes are mild steel (mine are on the way out) £1200 at main delaer
Crank shaft end float (problem may be confined to ealrier models) which is ££££ fix at 40 hours labour.
And make sure it has the proper toolkit, handbooks and cd-rom for the sat nav
Don't let any of this put you off - just bargain hard if anythiing needs replacing soon.
DO NOT take any money or cheque book, otherwise you will sign up during the test drive.
rs48635 said:
go for it - bought a black 3200 Asetto corsa last month :-) . The car is a dream to drive and admire, heard comments from 4200 owners that the 3200AC is a better drive.
top tips - all obvious but don't miss any.
Get a proper pre purchase inspection (I used Autoshield in manchester) before you strike a deal.
make sure it is an AC with FMSH before you visit - phone any Maser dealer with the chassis number, they will gave me ful detail on the serivice history.
take a written checklist when you vist (copy from RAC or AA site), usual stuff
brakes - from disks £600 per axle
tyres - £200 each
exhaust - standard boxes are mild steel (mine are on the way out) £1200 at main delaer
Crank shaft end float (problem may be confined to ealrier models) which is ££££ fix at 40 hours labour.
And make sure it has the proper toolkit, handbooks and cd-rom for the sat nav
Don't let any of this put you off - just bargain hard if anythiing needs replacing soon.
DO NOT take any money or cheque book, otherwise you will sign up during the test drive.
Just a few corrections: top tips - all obvious but don't miss any.
Get a proper pre purchase inspection (I used Autoshield in manchester) before you strike a deal.
make sure it is an AC with FMSH before you visit - phone any Maser dealer with the chassis number, they will gave me ful detail on the serivice history.
take a written checklist when you vist (copy from RAC or AA site), usual stuff
brakes - from disks £600 per axle
tyres - £200 each
exhaust - standard boxes are mild steel (mine are on the way out) £1200 at main delaer
Crank shaft end float (problem may be confined to ealrier models) which is ££££ fix at 40 hours labour.
And make sure it has the proper toolkit, handbooks and cd-rom for the sat nav
Don't let any of this put you off - just bargain hard if anythiing needs replacing soon.
DO NOT take any money or cheque book, otherwise you will sign up during the test drive.
OEM Discs are around £350 per axle not £600
Tyres are nearer £160 each - Never buy from main dealers
Crankshaft end float appears to the later cars rather than earlier - mainly 2001 with the ocassional late 2000 on basis of Eurospares engine replacements over last few months.
hope this helps
Thanks for the updates.
was quoted £600 today for new disks, must have included (very slow) fitting. Will just get them from eurospares (thanks for thread info) and fit them at home. Any steer on best pads? would normally stick with OEM pads to match disks.
What tyres can I get for £160? Seen Pilot sport for about £200 from e-tyres, to match those up front.
was quoted £600 today for new disks, must have included (very slow) fitting. Will just get them from eurospares (thanks for thread info) and fit them at home. Any steer on best pads? would normally stick with OEM pads to match disks.
What tyres can I get for £160? Seen Pilot sport for about £200 from e-tyres, to match those up front.
Thanks for advice. I'm back to the dealer (Cortese) today. The car is a cracker, a 2001 on a 51 plate number 19 of 75. The car has all the stamps in the SH. Their four at Stratestone Maserati and the rest at Autoshield Maserati specialist. The car is unmarked bar a small dent that will be sorted.
The guy who owns it has a 4200 spider as well and just doesn't use the AS which is why it only has 19k on the clock. For thw 1st 3 years he put around 4000 to 6000 miles a year on the clock but then went down to around just over 1000 a year.
It is due a annual service which will be carried out along with the cam belts. Also it looks like the cluntch has about 3000 miles left in it so I have also asked for this to be changed as well.
It needs two rear tyres which will be sorted to. The rear tyres or Pirelli Rosso yet the front are the original Pirreli Corsa. They plan to put Rosso on the back again as they say the Corsa are not that driveable everday. Is this so and surely you would want the same type all the way round the car. My Exige is on the very sticky Yoko A048's so I'm use to the track type tyres, surely they are not that bad.
I must say that I found Cortese very knowledgeable and would highly recommend them and from what I can gather Simon is pretty well respected in Ferrari Maserati circles.
It all is down to me getting the right money for my Exige which is always the hard part.
The guy who owns it has a 4200 spider as well and just doesn't use the AS which is why it only has 19k on the clock. For thw 1st 3 years he put around 4000 to 6000 miles a year on the clock but then went down to around just over 1000 a year.
It is due a annual service which will be carried out along with the cam belts. Also it looks like the cluntch has about 3000 miles left in it so I have also asked for this to be changed as well.
It needs two rear tyres which will be sorted to. The rear tyres or Pirelli Rosso yet the front are the original Pirreli Corsa. They plan to put Rosso on the back again as they say the Corsa are not that driveable everday. Is this so and surely you would want the same type all the way round the car. My Exige is on the very sticky Yoko A048's so I'm use to the track type tyres, surely they are not that bad.
I must say that I found Cortese very knowledgeable and would highly recommend them and from what I can gather Simon is pretty well respected in Ferrari Maserati circles.
It all is down to me getting the right money for my Exige which is always the hard part.
Hello to all you fellow Maser fans out there!
New to this site so looking forward to a bit of friendly banter about anything Maserati.
I hear that Cortese in Bath are to rekindle the supply of Leo Nardo performance parts. Did anyone see the things that they can offer the first time round? Just putting the 19 inch rims on makes a huge difference to the cars' appearance!
I for one will be keeping an eye on their website. www.cortese.co.uk
New to this site so looking forward to a bit of friendly banter about anything Maserati.
I hear that Cortese in Bath are to rekindle the supply of Leo Nardo performance parts. Did anyone see the things that they can offer the first time round? Just putting the 19 inch rims on makes a huge difference to the cars' appearance!
I for one will be keeping an eye on their website. www.cortese.co.uk
Drove the AC and loved it. Really wanted to a deal on the car and after the test drive didn't want to give it back.
One problem though...The car was being sold but Cortese for a customer and when he found out what work was needed on the car before Simon would sell it for him ...Annual service, cam belts, possible clutch and two rear tyres he decided not to sell......Gutted as the car was in spotless condition.
One problem though...The car was being sold but Cortese for a customer and when he found out what work was needed on the car before Simon would sell it for him ...Annual service, cam belts, possible clutch and two rear tyres he decided not to sell......Gutted as the car was in spotless condition.
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