Buying/running an older/cheaper Maserati 3200?
Discussion
Hi
I’m looking at buying a 2+2 ‘GT’ style car for the rare occasions where I need a ‘smart’ motor. It’s never going to be the daily driver, so it’ll be lucky if it knocks up 2000+ miles in a year. On that basis I can’t see the value in having anything too expensive or depreciative just sitting in the garage doing nothing most of the time.
I’ve got the choice down to [another] Cerbera, a DB7 or a Maserati 3200. I’m well up-to-date with the foibles I’ll find in TVR-land, but have less knowledge of the perils of buying an older DB7 or Masser. I’m also asking this question in the Aston Martin forum, but for the 3200, looking at any of these cars what would be the pitfalls? Anyone know the cars? What would I be looking at for service costs at a real low mileage each year? Are they a DIY-able proposition for anything other than stamp-in-the-book services?
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/442047.htm
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/147756.htm
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/496749.htm
I’m looking at buying a 2+2 ‘GT’ style car for the rare occasions where I need a ‘smart’ motor. It’s never going to be the daily driver, so it’ll be lucky if it knocks up 2000+ miles in a year. On that basis I can’t see the value in having anything too expensive or depreciative just sitting in the garage doing nothing most of the time.
I’ve got the choice down to [another] Cerbera, a DB7 or a Maserati 3200. I’m well up-to-date with the foibles I’ll find in TVR-land, but have less knowledge of the perils of buying an older DB7 or Masser. I’m also asking this question in the Aston Martin forum, but for the 3200, looking at any of these cars what would be the pitfalls? Anyone know the cars? What would I be looking at for service costs at a real low mileage each year? Are they a DIY-able proposition for anything other than stamp-in-the-book services?
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/442047.htm
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/147756.htm
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/496749.htm
Hi,
If you have the time, pop over to www.maseratiforum.co.uk and read through some of the threads on there - there's LOADS of info on 3200's on that site.
With regards to the three cars mentioned, the middle one has been for sale for what seems like a lifetime (I'd guess 12 months +) but I dont know what the reason is. It has come down in price of late though.
If you have the time, pop over to www.maseratiforum.co.uk and read through some of the threads on there - there's LOADS of info on 3200's on that site.
With regards to the three cars mentioned, the middle one has been for sale for what seems like a lifetime (I'd guess 12 months +) but I dont know what the reason is. It has come down in price of late though.
Hi,
3200's are certainly "smart", in fact I would probably put them slightly higher than smart! There is also not a huge amount of depreciating going on now that they are down to about 20% of their original purchase price. Classic design with boomerang lights and bonnet vents, plus the awesome twin turbo power delivery, means there is likely to be an ongoing demand to support prices.
Major service costs are Cambelts (every 3 years), and Chains (not due until 68,000 engine miles). Tyres are obviously not cheap, nor are brake and clutch components when they require replaced. Having said all of that, a low mileage annual service, carried out by an independent specialist shouldn't be much maore than £500 - £600. I actually have an annual service bill for £390 from a few years ago, which included an MOT!
Other major costs can obviously be incurred if something breaks. They are generally fairly relaible cars, but as I am sure you know there are no guarantees.
Don't know about DIY servicing, wouldn't consider it personally.
I have one just over the Forth from you, in Edinburgh, that I've owned for almost 5 years now:
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/502923.htm
I'm on the brink of trading in (for Gransport). Phone / mail me through the ad contact details and I can talk to you in more detail about my ownership experiences, if you'd like.
Cheers
Colin
3200's are certainly "smart", in fact I would probably put them slightly higher than smart! There is also not a huge amount of depreciating going on now that they are down to about 20% of their original purchase price. Classic design with boomerang lights and bonnet vents, plus the awesome twin turbo power delivery, means there is likely to be an ongoing demand to support prices.
Major service costs are Cambelts (every 3 years), and Chains (not due until 68,000 engine miles). Tyres are obviously not cheap, nor are brake and clutch components when they require replaced. Having said all of that, a low mileage annual service, carried out by an independent specialist shouldn't be much maore than £500 - £600. I actually have an annual service bill for £390 from a few years ago, which included an MOT!
Other major costs can obviously be incurred if something breaks. They are generally fairly relaible cars, but as I am sure you know there are no guarantees.
Don't know about DIY servicing, wouldn't consider it personally.
I have one just over the Forth from you, in Edinburgh, that I've owned for almost 5 years now:
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/502923.htm
I'm on the brink of trading in (for Gransport). Phone / mail me through the ad contact details and I can talk to you in more detail about my ownership experiences, if you'd like.
Cheers
Colin
I've posted this many times, mine was fine for 18 months and then all manner of things started to go wrong, even though it had been thoroughly cosseted throughout its life. For a start the starting motor died, then as the garage fixed that the throttle body turned its toes up, and the main dealer was cheaper than a well know independent supplier for that particular part. Total bill for that little escapade was £2400
A few months later I put the car in for its service and as well as needing new pads and discs at the back, and a bit of body work too, it turned out the factory back boxes on the the exhaust were rotten, £800 for a new pair. And a month or two later I had a problem with a turbo becoming loose which was £350 to fix.
To be honest, if you cannot handle big hits in a short period of time, mine was £5500 in 7 months, then don't go there. They were expensive new, and they are expensive to keep on the road, but they are absolutley fantastic when they do work
Edited to add that I do minimal miles too, about 6000 miles in 2 and a half years.
A few months later I put the car in for its service and as well as needing new pads and discs at the back, and a bit of body work too, it turned out the factory back boxes on the the exhaust were rotten, £800 for a new pair. And a month or two later I had a problem with a turbo becoming loose which was £350 to fix.
To be honest, if you cannot handle big hits in a short period of time, mine was £5500 in 7 months, then don't go there. They were expensive new, and they are expensive to keep on the road, but they are absolutley fantastic when they do work
Edited to add that I do minimal miles too, about 6000 miles in 2 and a half years.
Edited by Popeyed on Saturday 10th May 18:53
Just remember the initial purchase price - when looking at service/repair costs 
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sample independant Grimaldi no affiliation, other service agents are available.
The DB7 is stunning, but doesn't drive as well, has no useable rear space and can ruin you if main dealers are involved.
The 3200 can cost more to run than a newer Fezza
. Cheap to buy ain't cheap to run. Still the best looking and driving four seater available for sub 20K. 
Buy one while they are cheap, keep the service book stamped and do as much as you dare, there are plenty of specialists and David Askew will keep you in spare parts.
.sample independant Grimaldi no affiliation, other service agents are available.
The DB7 is stunning, but doesn't drive as well, has no useable rear space and can ruin you if main dealers are involved.
The 3200 can cost more to run than a newer Fezza
. Cheap to buy ain't cheap to run. Still the best looking and driving four seater available for sub 20K. Buy one while they are cheap, keep the service book stamped and do as much as you dare, there are plenty of specialists and David Askew will keep you in spare parts.Gassing Station | Supercar General | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff