help and advice on the 3200 GT!
Discussion
Just started to look seriously for a Maserati 3200 GT and have a couple of questions that Im sure some of you chaps will be able to answer!!
Having just sold my 3rd TVR in a row, Im looking for something a bit different. The 3200 appears to be ideal as its still proper quick, I can use it more regularly and it still has that "special car" feel that I know would be lost with an M3 or the like......so in short, I think Ive found my next car!!!
There are a couple of things Im still not sure on..
1. Auto or manual?
With most cars I tend to lean towards manual but it apears that most 3200s are auto. Is the auto paddle shift or is it just a conventional auto box and how does it compare with the manual version?
2. Models.
Looking through the classifieds and autotrader Ive found a few different model descriptions such as GTA, FH, asseto corsa(sp). How many different types are there and what are the differences?
3.Servicing.
Is specialist servicing generally accepted with these cars or does it need to be main dealer? Also, what kind of price difference is there between the two for a 12K service?
4. Age
There are lots of 20K 99 plate cars about but the general consensus seems to be to buy 2001 or onwards. Is this essential or are some of the earlier cars worth looking at?
5. Price
I have budgeted around 25K and am happy to buy private with an inspection/ warranty. Is this the right kind of money to get a fully sorted, clean 2001 car. Dealers dont seem to have much below 30K which I guess is just mark up.
I think thats everything !!! but if there is anything else particular to the 3200 that I need to know about, let me know:) (I know about the red key thing already!)
Cheers!
Having just sold my 3rd TVR in a row, Im looking for something a bit different. The 3200 appears to be ideal as its still proper quick, I can use it more regularly and it still has that "special car" feel that I know would be lost with an M3 or the like......so in short, I think Ive found my next car!!!
There are a couple of things Im still not sure on..
1. Auto or manual?
With most cars I tend to lean towards manual but it apears that most 3200s are auto. Is the auto paddle shift or is it just a conventional auto box and how does it compare with the manual version?
2. Models.
Looking through the classifieds and autotrader Ive found a few different model descriptions such as GTA, FH, asseto corsa(sp). How many different types are there and what are the differences?
3.Servicing.
Is specialist servicing generally accepted with these cars or does it need to be main dealer? Also, what kind of price difference is there between the two for a 12K service?
4. Age
There are lots of 20K 99 plate cars about but the general consensus seems to be to buy 2001 or onwards. Is this essential or are some of the earlier cars worth looking at?
5. Price
I have budgeted around 25K and am happy to buy private with an inspection/ warranty. Is this the right kind of money to get a fully sorted, clean 2001 car. Dealers dont seem to have much below 30K which I guess is just mark up.
I think thats everything !!! but if there is anything else particular to the 3200 that I need to know about, let me know:) (I know about the red key thing already!)
Cheers!
evening,
in my humble oppinion i would browse through as many cars that fit your price go out on a few test drives to acquaint yourself with the car and always let a mechanic give it the once over should decide to buy one. shouldn't encounter too many problems, overall the 3200 is a very nice motor i think you will enjoy driving and owning.
the auto box is a conventional one the flappy paddle one is called cambiocorsa and most people think its rubbish. stick to a manual i say much more satisfying.
there were several different variations of the 3200 there was the standard 370BHP model and the asseto corsa that had firmer suspension and a bit more power these will be more expensive as they were the last of the line before the 4200 models.
as far as age goes buy the newest you can afford take a look at the classifieds on here theres usually some lovely ones on there.
servicing should be undertaken by a specialist or dealer but compare the prices.
also have a look through back issues of Autocar, EVO etc and read the road tests they usually point out niggles and flaws.
best of luck! james.
>> Edited by forthright mc on Monday 8th August 19:57
>> Edited by forthright mc on Monday 8th August 20:02
in my humble oppinion i would browse through as many cars that fit your price go out on a few test drives to acquaint yourself with the car and always let a mechanic give it the once over should decide to buy one. shouldn't encounter too many problems, overall the 3200 is a very nice motor i think you will enjoy driving and owning.
the auto box is a conventional one the flappy paddle one is called cambiocorsa and most people think its rubbish. stick to a manual i say much more satisfying.
there were several different variations of the 3200 there was the standard 370BHP model and the asseto corsa that had firmer suspension and a bit more power these will be more expensive as they were the last of the line before the 4200 models.
as far as age goes buy the newest you can afford take a look at the classifieds on here theres usually some lovely ones on there.
servicing should be undertaken by a specialist or dealer but compare the prices.
also have a look through back issues of Autocar, EVO etc and read the road tests they usually point out niggles and flaws.
best of luck! james.
>> Edited by forthright mc on Monday 8th August 19:57
>> Edited by forthright mc on Monday 8th August 20:02
forthright mc said:
evening,
in my humble oppinion i would browse through as many cars that fit your price go out on a few test drives to acquaint yourself with the car and always let a mechanic give it the once over should decide to buy one. shouldn't encounter too many problems, overall the 3200 is a very nice motor i think you will enjoy driving and owning.
the auto box is a conventional one the flappy paddle one is called cambiocorsa and most people think its rubbish. stick to a manual i say much more satisfying.
there were several different variations of the 3200 there was the standard 370BHP model and the asseto corsa that had firmer suspension and a bit more power these will be more expensive as they were the last of the line before the 4200 models.
as far as age goes buy the newest you can afford take a look at the classifieds on here theres usually some lovely ones on there.
servicing should be undertaken by a specialist or dealer but compare the prices.
also have a look through back issues of Autocar, EVO etc and read the road tests they usually point out niggles and flaws.
best of luck! james.
>> Edited by forthright mc on Monday 8th August 19:57
>> Edited by forthright mc on Monday 8th August 20:02
Cambiocorsa not available on the 3200.Having a TVR background you may prefer the manual,which is a good thing, Auto's command a premium(about1K)but definately drive both.
BTW MC,most people that actually own one(cambiocorsa) as opposed to journo's who have a few hours to acquaint themselves with the car, prefer the system to a manual change(see relevant thread's).
singh said:Exactly! I really can't fathom why smart people allow their decisions to be swayed by some ponce with a word processor. I mean, c'mon, it's not like they're doing anything you can't. Make up your own mind.
BTW MC,most people that actually own one(cambiocorsa) as opposed to journo's who have a few hours to acquaint themselves with the car, prefer the system to a manual change(see relevant thread's).
I am sure you will find most of your answers across the forums here.
Anyway just for your info: this March 2005 I paid £32,995 for my Maserati 3200 GT Auto with 24K miles. I bought from a main dealer called Meridien, who also looked after me very well. I could have bought perhaps from eBay or autotrader for say £25k but glad I did not. Meridien and Maserati Warranty spent close to £10K getting my car as right as I wanted/expected, and no thery were not just mechanical isues but cosmetics e.g. I noticed a crack on the plastic section of the front screen which is not normally covered by warranties, but Meridien without any hesitation replaced the whole panel and its a newer model that looks better! They changed/fixed many other things for me without ever turning me away or saying "no". To be honest I am glad that I chose this route - that is buying through a recognised dealer.
I also know someone who bought a Maserati 3200 yr 2000 model for £25K (off autotrader) and it had no warranty. Within the first year he spent about £20,000 off his own money getting his car right.
Anyway just for your info: this March 2005 I paid £32,995 for my Maserati 3200 GT Auto with 24K miles. I bought from a main dealer called Meridien, who also looked after me very well. I could have bought perhaps from eBay or autotrader for say £25k but glad I did not. Meridien and Maserati Warranty spent close to £10K getting my car as right as I wanted/expected, and no thery were not just mechanical isues but cosmetics e.g. I noticed a crack on the plastic section of the front screen which is not normally covered by warranties, but Meridien without any hesitation replaced the whole panel and its a newer model that looks better! They changed/fixed many other things for me without ever turning me away or saying "no". To be honest I am glad that I chose this route - that is buying through a recognised dealer.
I also know someone who bought a Maserati 3200 yr 2000 model for £25K (off autotrader) and it had no warranty. Within the first year he spent about £20,000 off his own money getting his car right.
See my profile for running costs etc - 2002 car owned for nearly 2 years.
You can get a fully sorted easily for <30k, if you can find a decent one privately then more like 25k. I got little more than that for mine as a 2002 with 25k miles on it.
Drive Auto and manual. No odds speedwise until you're north of 80-100mph, then gearing on manual shows.
Good luck with your search, fantastic cars.
You can get a fully sorted easily for <30k, if you can find a decent one privately then more like 25k. I got little more than that for mine as a 2002 with 25k miles on it.
Drive Auto and manual. No odds speedwise until you're north of 80-100mph, then gearing on manual shows.
Good luck with your search, fantastic cars.
Hello Matt -
Nice to see another PH with taste, both for TVRs and Maseratis.
I moved from a TVR background to a 3200 earlier this year. Its a great all round package and a step up in quality from my old Cerbera. Here are some ramblings on your questions:
1. Auto or manual?
I tested quite a few models and initially only wanted a manual as couldn't get my head round having an auto in a performance car. However, after driving a couple of autos it actually felt 'right' for the car, and as has been said in the real world there is little difference performance wise in the legal speed bracket. It also makes cruising and town driving a load more comfortable. However, I really think its down to personal preference, so try and test as many as you can. Don't rule out the auto would be my advice though, you should be pleasantly surprised.
2. Models.
GTA/GTM just used to differentiate between auto and manual cars. Assetto Corsa is "special edition" or roughly translated "race setup" - have a look at my profile for the full background on what you get with an AC. I certainly feel the extra cost was worth it - just love my AC both inside and out.
3.Servicing.
I've got a plan to get any service work done at a main dealer, and any other work at an independent. However, I currently have a Maser Trident Warranty so will be using main dealers for the next year or two.
There are plenty of great people on here with advise on which dealers to use, and also those to avoid.
I don't think the price differential is quite as marked as say between a main and indie TVR dealer, but you are still going to make substantial savings. Same maxim is there though - don't rule out cars with specialist history, its often better than the main dealers! However, I did see a few Masers with SH at non-specialists (Rover dealer stamp in one car I saw!) - these were invariably the ones you saw offered on Autotrader/ebay by non-maser dealers, and I avoided these like I would have done any motor.
4. Age
Wouldn't rule out an earlier car, as long as campaigns and history was there. Same rule as most cars though - try and buy the latest model you can afford. I went for a late 2001 at the top (actually beyond!) my budget and there have been no quality or mechanical issues (touching big stick!).
5. Price
I bought my late Assetto Corsa earlier this year, and it was offered at £35K by a main dealer. Eventually bought for a few K less than this with some haggling, and it had £4.5k preparation work included in the price.
The car was also booked in during May for some light scratches to be removed, a curbing to n/s wheel, rechroming of the Trident and a new windscreen (slight scratch - inside!?). Again, I got them to include this work in the deal and never got to see the invoice they sent to Ferrari Maserati UK. Wouldn't have been surprised if this didn't add up to £2-3K. So thats circa. £7K in total the Maserati and dealer has spent on this car - no wonder it now looks perfect!! I'm just glad I didn't buy privately/second hand dealer and then fund this work myself!
Just be careful with the lower bracket cars, and those ebay/autotrader bargains as there is usually a reason they are so cheap! The Maserati can also bite as hard on the wallet as a Cerbera, so I went for the reassurance of one with a full Trident Warranty.
My advise would be to either buy via a main dealer and be prepared for some seriously haggling (a few K knocked off is the norm), or look at one of the cars here on PH. I personally would not rule out a car lovingly maintained by a PH member - usually shows they actually know/care about their car.
Having said all that, I still really miss TVRs (sucker for punishment - Maserati ownership is just too easy!!) and would be back tomorrow in a T350/Tamora if my wife would allow!
Hope this helps a little.
Cheers,
Michael
Nice to see another PH with taste, both for TVRs and Maseratis.
I moved from a TVR background to a 3200 earlier this year. Its a great all round package and a step up in quality from my old Cerbera. Here are some ramblings on your questions:
1. Auto or manual?
I tested quite a few models and initially only wanted a manual as couldn't get my head round having an auto in a performance car. However, after driving a couple of autos it actually felt 'right' for the car, and as has been said in the real world there is little difference performance wise in the legal speed bracket. It also makes cruising and town driving a load more comfortable. However, I really think its down to personal preference, so try and test as many as you can. Don't rule out the auto would be my advice though, you should be pleasantly surprised.
2. Models.
GTA/GTM just used to differentiate between auto and manual cars. Assetto Corsa is "special edition" or roughly translated "race setup" - have a look at my profile for the full background on what you get with an AC. I certainly feel the extra cost was worth it - just love my AC both inside and out.
3.Servicing.
I've got a plan to get any service work done at a main dealer, and any other work at an independent. However, I currently have a Maser Trident Warranty so will be using main dealers for the next year or two.
There are plenty of great people on here with advise on which dealers to use, and also those to avoid.
I don't think the price differential is quite as marked as say between a main and indie TVR dealer, but you are still going to make substantial savings. Same maxim is there though - don't rule out cars with specialist history, its often better than the main dealers! However, I did see a few Masers with SH at non-specialists (Rover dealer stamp in one car I saw!) - these were invariably the ones you saw offered on Autotrader/ebay by non-maser dealers, and I avoided these like I would have done any motor.
4. Age
Wouldn't rule out an earlier car, as long as campaigns and history was there. Same rule as most cars though - try and buy the latest model you can afford. I went for a late 2001 at the top (actually beyond!) my budget and there have been no quality or mechanical issues (touching big stick!).
5. Price
I bought my late Assetto Corsa earlier this year, and it was offered at £35K by a main dealer. Eventually bought for a few K less than this with some haggling, and it had £4.5k preparation work included in the price.
The car was also booked in during May for some light scratches to be removed, a curbing to n/s wheel, rechroming of the Trident and a new windscreen (slight scratch - inside!?). Again, I got them to include this work in the deal and never got to see the invoice they sent to Ferrari Maserati UK. Wouldn't have been surprised if this didn't add up to £2-3K. So thats circa. £7K in total the Maserati and dealer has spent on this car - no wonder it now looks perfect!! I'm just glad I didn't buy privately/second hand dealer and then fund this work myself!
Just be careful with the lower bracket cars, and those ebay/autotrader bargains as there is usually a reason they are so cheap! The Maserati can also bite as hard on the wallet as a Cerbera, so I went for the reassurance of one with a full Trident Warranty.
My advise would be to either buy via a main dealer and be prepared for some seriously haggling (a few K knocked off is the norm), or look at one of the cars here on PH. I personally would not rule out a car lovingly maintained by a PH member - usually shows they actually know/care about their car.
Having said all that, I still really miss TVRs (sucker for punishment - Maserati ownership is just too easy!!) and would be back tomorrow in a T350/Tamora if my wife would allow!
Hope this helps a little.
Cheers,
Michael
Thanks all for your replies, very useful info indeed.
Will have to try and get our this weekend for a proper look at both auto and manual cars. Would be great if I could find an AC within budget but it sounds unlikley with only 75 of them in the UK
Will let you know how I get on and expect to see a pic of my shiney new 3200 some time soon
Will have to drop Craigw an e mail too as this one seems to be close to what Im looing for.
In the meantime, anyone here know much about this car?
Ta,
Matt
Will have to try and get our this weekend for a proper look at both auto and manual cars. Would be great if I could find an AC within budget but it sounds unlikley with only 75 of them in the UK
Will let you know how I get on and expect to see a pic of my shiney new 3200 some time soon
Will have to drop Craigw an e mail too as this one seems to be close to what Im looing for.
In the meantime, anyone here know much about this car?
Ta,
Matt
Just to put the alternative view:
1. I have a 2000 car and its fine (all campaigns done) and I test drove a 99 car that felt very tight, so I wouldn't rule out pre 01 cars completely. Buy on condition/test drive/history/inspection.
2. I bought from a specialist and while it would not be quite as well prepared and the warranty not as comprehenisve the purchase price more than made up for that (about 10K difference on the sticker price at the time). The reason I didn't want to buy from a main dealer is because of the high depreciation in these cars (which is one of the biggest costs of ownership)- you will never get the main dealer mark-up back on resale. Having owned one I would not hesitate to buy the right car privately now either.
1. I have a 2000 car and its fine (all campaigns done) and I test drove a 99 car that felt very tight, so I wouldn't rule out pre 01 cars completely. Buy on condition/test drive/history/inspection.
2. I bought from a specialist and while it would not be quite as well prepared and the warranty not as comprehenisve the purchase price more than made up for that (about 10K difference on the sticker price at the time). The reason I didn't want to buy from a main dealer is because of the high depreciation in these cars (which is one of the biggest costs of ownership)- you will never get the main dealer mark-up back on resale. Having owned one I would not hesitate to buy the right car privately now either.
Or buy from a real Maserati enthusiast who bought their car from a recognised dealer.
Funny thing I learnt recently is that the younger the car (e.g. 2001+), the more the owners the better the car, especially when sold back to recognised dealers!!!
Why?
Well its spent more time on the "inside" of a showroom and had more services than necessary! Every 3200 has a proper service before going to a new owner and whilst under warranty (both dealer and Maserati) much money is spent with not only mechanics but cosmetics too.
Funny thing I learnt recently is that the younger the car (e.g. 2001+), the more the owners the better the car, especially when sold back to recognised dealers!!!
Why?
Well its spent more time on the "inside" of a showroom and had more services than necessary! Every 3200 has a proper service before going to a new owner and whilst under warranty (both dealer and Maserati) much money is spent with not only mechanics but cosmetics too.
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