Discussion
I'm looking at purchasing a sports car around the £20-30k mark sometime in the next twelve months. The car won't be a daily driver but will get used on a regular basis all of which would be 'fun' driving and the odd hop across down to my parents’ property in the south west of France (from my home in the south east of England).
I had considered a 996 Carrera S, but £30k seems to be the entry price for these and there isn't a huge choice around. They are also a bit too - dare I say it - common around here and a bit too clinical for my tastes. I am a big fan of the entry-level Ferraris (328 and 348, for example) but they're not really what I'm after and would draw too much attention. I want something exclusive, fast, stylish but subtle.
Now I've discovered the 3200GT.
What a jaw dropping gorgeous car to behold. I walked around one today parked in my health club and it looked stunning. I know nothing about these cars, so came back home to find out some details. I was absolutely flabbergasted to realise that one of these fine automobiles could be brought for around the £20k mark, bringing it well into my budget.
I've done a quick 'Google' and obtained the specs, and they seem mighty impressive. I think I've now fallen hopelessly in love with a car I know virtually nothing about.
With this in mind, I would like to know as much as possible about these cars. I want to know what they are like to own? Are they highly temperamental? Are they very expensive to run? (Compared with say, a 996 C2 or a Ferrari 348 - to keep things in perspective.)
Any snippets of information, opinions, real-life experiences, web links and pointers would be very gratefully received.
hi
there is loads of info on this site if you search. I had a 3200 gt auto for 2 years and thoroghly enjoyed it. Points which i would mention are:
reliable - yes in general
running costs - can be pretty high as parts pricey
fun - very. scary in wet. never switch of traction control
model year - apparently they improved over time but no major differences, tho i was told to avoid the earliest cars
campaigns - make sure car has had all dealer recalls
manual/auto - manual feels faster. i found pedals very close together
auto is good enough but is basic box and takes some edge off the car but still really quick
service history - an absolute must
red key - never buy a car without the red key as it is liable to turn into a pumpkin after midnight
rust - ive seen rust on bootlids and bottom of wheel arches
warranty - if you buy from a maser dealer you will get one. renewal cost was horrendous last i checked
asseto corsa - more sporty model with different tyres. cant remember what else but plenty of guys on here will know
ownership experience - Maser owners seem a nice bunch and the car always got a good reaction in my experience.
depreciation - was horrendous on new ones. seem v good value now but thats because of the risk factor (running costs).
as i said loads of experts and current owners on here to give you a more accurate picture. Good luck with it!
there is loads of info on this site if you search. I had a 3200 gt auto for 2 years and thoroghly enjoyed it. Points which i would mention are:
reliable - yes in general
running costs - can be pretty high as parts pricey
fun - very. scary in wet. never switch of traction control
model year - apparently they improved over time but no major differences, tho i was told to avoid the earliest cars
campaigns - make sure car has had all dealer recalls
manual/auto - manual feels faster. i found pedals very close together
auto is good enough but is basic box and takes some edge off the car but still really quick
service history - an absolute must
red key - never buy a car without the red key as it is liable to turn into a pumpkin after midnight
rust - ive seen rust on bootlids and bottom of wheel arches
warranty - if you buy from a maser dealer you will get one. renewal cost was horrendous last i checked
asseto corsa - more sporty model with different tyres. cant remember what else but plenty of guys on here will know
ownership experience - Maser owners seem a nice bunch and the car always got a good reaction in my experience.
depreciation - was horrendous on new ones. seem v good value now but thats because of the risk factor (running costs).
as i said loads of experts and current owners on here to give you a more accurate picture. Good luck with it!
purpleperil said:
s70jps said:
Search this forum for info. Brilliant car i want to buy mine back (like loosing a girlfriend) expensive and a bit unreliable yes but once you have one you won't look back.
What he said - except mine wasn't unreliable!
Mine was, it was awful. Including depreciation it cost me £12k in just under a year in depreciation and things going wrong. Total cost (inc tyres, ins, petrol etc) was probably more like £16k.
Get a 996, far better car IMO.
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