RE: calum.m's Maserati 3200GT
Discussion
Hello Calum.m,
I am sorry to hear of your experiences. Unfortunately some of the early Maserati 3200s (Years 1998 - 2000)had problems both technically and depreciations.
I wont bore you with what the problems were but they seemed to improve in year 2001 and onwards.
I owned a few cars in the past and I do love 3200s, I am on my 2nd one.
Cars owned/driven include Maserati, Ferrari, Lamborghini, Porsche, Lotus Esprit etc. To be honest my two favourite cars at present are Maserati 3200 GT and Ferrari 360 Modena.
What car do you have now?
Regards
Maserati3200.com
I am sorry to hear of your experiences. Unfortunately some of the early Maserati 3200s (Years 1998 - 2000)had problems both technically and depreciations.
I wont bore you with what the problems were but they seemed to improve in year 2001 and onwards.
I owned a few cars in the past and I do love 3200s, I am on my 2nd one.
Cars owned/driven include Maserati, Ferrari, Lamborghini, Porsche, Lotus Esprit etc. To be honest my two favourite cars at present are Maserati 3200 GT and Ferrari 360 Modena.
What car do you have now?
Regards
Maserati3200.com
Yes you are right, however I made a mistake I meant 1998 to early 2000, but mid 2000 to last productions was much better.
A pity it stopped, the 3200 had better brake lights and the twin turbos was characteristic of Maserati.
The 4200 lost it I think, though the body shape was still pretty.
Oh before I forget, I tried a new 4200 Spyder when it first came out, it was a demo car in Switzerland and after 400 kms the gear box was replaced....
>> Edited by maserati3200.com on Sunday 24th April 21:07
A pity it stopped, the 3200 had better brake lights and the twin turbos was characteristic of Maserati.
The 4200 lost it I think, though the body shape was still pretty.
Oh before I forget, I tried a new 4200 Spyder when it first came out, it was a demo car in Switzerland and after 400 kms the gear box was replaced....
>> Edited by maserati3200.com on Sunday 24th April 21:07
Looking at the dates on Callum's profile it looks like he had the car from new or very nearly new. Because there were quite a few issues (campaigns/recalls) with the cars from new until they got sorted out I think this may be a car that is better as a secondhand buy (with FMSH) than it was new. Also I certinly can't see it taking the same sort of % depreciaition hit on current secondhand prices.
As for good value - I told my neighbour at the weekend how much I paid for mine and he nearly fell off his chair at how cheap it was.
Having said that I do accept this is not a perfect car and I do forgive it quite a lot because it has a trident on the front. Someone who had spent 60K on one new probably has a right not to be as forgiving.
As for good value - I told my neighbour at the weekend how much I paid for mine and he nearly fell off his chair at how cheap it was.
Having said that I do accept this is not a perfect car and I do forgive it quite a lot because it has a trident on the front. Someone who had spent 60K on one new probably has a right not to be as forgiving.
Well I know of one auto gearbox that has gone bang, and no manuals.
Manual is fine around town in my opinion - then again I have a 2002 registered car (last one imported into the country allegedly) so software etc if all final cut. Throttle on mine seems easier to handle than on early cars i drove.
IF you're interested in buying one check out my profile - 20 months of wonership in so far and plenty of info there for anyone who's interested.
Also recocommend the evo buyers guide.
Also, DONT BUY A CHEAP ONE it will cost you MORE. Recent service / upgrade / tweaks to mine cost around 5k.
Thats on a meticulously looked after low mileage car (23k in 3 years). You cannot run this car on a budget - you're looking at over 2k a year minimum if you factor in tyres and a warranty - and thats without doing mods (you simply have to get a tubi!)....
If you buy a cheap / unloved early example down in the 20k region you coudl very quickly find yourself shelling out over 5k for a service, parts aren't cheap, rust can be (a very expensive) issue on early cars too...
So in short - pay 25k plus from an enthusiast owner or 30k from a dealership and you shoudln't find yourself in too much trouble... Try an cut corners and pay less and it will almost certainly cost you a lot more once you factor in putting the car right...
To be fair though mine had been 100% reliable, been driven long haul across Europe - so properly tested in the true GT tradition and I wouldn't swap it for anything this side of a 550 Maranello.
Manual is fine around town in my opinion - then again I have a 2002 registered car (last one imported into the country allegedly) so software etc if all final cut. Throttle on mine seems easier to handle than on early cars i drove.
IF you're interested in buying one check out my profile - 20 months of wonership in so far and plenty of info there for anyone who's interested.
Also recocommend the evo buyers guide.
Also, DONT BUY A CHEAP ONE it will cost you MORE. Recent service / upgrade / tweaks to mine cost around 5k.
Thats on a meticulously looked after low mileage car (23k in 3 years). You cannot run this car on a budget - you're looking at over 2k a year minimum if you factor in tyres and a warranty - and thats without doing mods (you simply have to get a tubi!)....
If you buy a cheap / unloved early example down in the 20k region you coudl very quickly find yourself shelling out over 5k for a service, parts aren't cheap, rust can be (a very expensive) issue on early cars too...
So in short - pay 25k plus from an enthusiast owner or 30k from a dealership and you shoudln't find yourself in too much trouble... Try an cut corners and pay less and it will almost certainly cost you a lot more once you factor in putting the car right...
To be fair though mine had been 100% reliable, been driven long haul across Europe - so properly tested in the true GT tradition and I wouldn't swap it for anything this side of a 550 Maranello.
I don't think there is much difference in auto/manual prices. One dealer I spoke to thought the manuals were about 1K cheaper - but I didn't notice much of a price difference when I was looking.
I was coming in from an XK8 and I had got bored with an auto so the manual was the only one I considered. There is a guy on this forum (bad loser?) that has had manual and auto versions so he might be worth getting in touch with for a comparison (I think he crashed the auto one).
With the manual first and second are very notchy from cold but get better when warmed up. Also the throttle is very light which doesn't help. But if you try one don't be put off - you do get used to it. I suppose it depends how much of your driving is done in heavy traffic.
I agree with the comments above about not buying too cheap - however, remember that the main dealers charge about 8-10K mark up on trade in-prices. That is a lot of money to pay for peace of mind that you never get back when you come to sell. I went for a cheaper car from a non-franchised dealer (and accepted that the warranty cover will be less comprehensive). A private sale still under manufacturers warranty could be a good option.
I was coming in from an XK8 and I had got bored with an auto so the manual was the only one I considered. There is a guy on this forum (bad loser?) that has had manual and auto versions so he might be worth getting in touch with for a comparison (I think he crashed the auto one).
With the manual first and second are very notchy from cold but get better when warmed up. Also the throttle is very light which doesn't help. But if you try one don't be put off - you do get used to it. I suppose it depends how much of your driving is done in heavy traffic.
I agree with the comments above about not buying too cheap - however, remember that the main dealers charge about 8-10K mark up on trade in-prices. That is a lot of money to pay for peace of mind that you never get back when you come to sell. I went for a cheaper car from a non-franchised dealer (and accepted that the warranty cover will be less comprehensive). A private sale still under manufacturers warranty could be a good option.
sco said:
I agree with the comments above about not buying too cheap - however, remember that the main dealers charge about 8-10K mark up on trade in-prices.
This was true, but not many franchised dealers are selling 3200s now - few late / assettos around still I guess.
Maserati official warranty is now > 3k on the 3200 for a years cover - better off with a non-Maserati warranty for around 1500 quid. Might have some news on that soon too if your warranty is coming up for renewal. PM me if interested.
In addition I'd agree too that a private buy from a well looked after enthusiast owned car is the best buying route now. Get a proper inspection done and you'll be in the clear.
And don't forget to get a tubi!
Yep - I've had both and now prefer the manual (current car) as it's nice to be in charge of what gear you're in.
Most of the other replies seem to match my experiences.
My journey each day consists of 4 miles town, 8 miles fast dual carriageway, 4 miles slowish (50 mph) A road and a mile of town (and the reverse at night) so I don't mind being in a manual too much.
I had a couple of issues with the auto (it wouldn't start sometimes) but everything was fixed under dealer warranty.
With the manual, I've had to have the radio / GPS replaced as it kept blowing fuses - again done under warranty.
Whichever you buy (auto or manual), you'll love.
Most of the other replies seem to match my experiences.
My journey each day consists of 4 miles town, 8 miles fast dual carriageway, 4 miles slowish (50 mph) A road and a mile of town (and the reverse at night) so I don't mind being in a manual too much.
I had a couple of issues with the auto (it wouldn't start sometimes) but everything was fixed under dealer warranty.
With the manual, I've had to have the radio / GPS replaced as it kept blowing fuses - again done under warranty.
Whichever you buy (auto or manual), you'll love.
My gosh so many replies already...
Just to point out some true experience; on 19th March 2005 I picked up a Maserati 3200GT Auto with 22K miles on the clock, two owners and well over impressive service record from a well known reputable dealer. It cost me £34K and model year is 2001.
Now the point is... its correct to get one from a dealer with 'proper' Maserati warranty etc etc...
Why? because in the space of the first month my car saw the garage... 3 tow trucks and one struggling run.
6 nice days in my hand and the rest of the days in the garage. Thousands was spent on tow trucks and of-course the repairs. All under warranty.
See a collage... go here (108kb):
www.maserati3200.com/images/3200UK/collage.jpg
I even got an apologetic letter from Ferrari Maserati UK Ltd! Now thats real service because believe it or not they do care.
Funny, after these experiences I still love my car, though admittedly I do worry a little about the reliability. But having said that it is getting better and recently I put on a new private plate: V8 FAV and paid lifetime membership for Tracking.
I also bought as well as own many 3200 little model cars! Yes its sad, I know.
Let me me confirm the cost of a proper Maserati Warranty - £1500 a year but was told this will change to a lower figure in the near future.
Hope this helps. Now I am thinking of getting a 360...
Just to point out some true experience; on 19th March 2005 I picked up a Maserati 3200GT Auto with 22K miles on the clock, two owners and well over impressive service record from a well known reputable dealer. It cost me £34K and model year is 2001.
Now the point is... its correct to get one from a dealer with 'proper' Maserati warranty etc etc...
Why? because in the space of the first month my car saw the garage... 3 tow trucks and one struggling run.
6 nice days in my hand and the rest of the days in the garage. Thousands was spent on tow trucks and of-course the repairs. All under warranty.
See a collage... go here (108kb):
www.maserati3200.com/images/3200UK/collage.jpg
I even got an apologetic letter from Ferrari Maserati UK Ltd! Now thats real service because believe it or not they do care.
Funny, after these experiences I still love my car, though admittedly I do worry a little about the reliability. But having said that it is getting better and recently I put on a new private plate: V8 FAV and paid lifetime membership for Tracking.
I also bought as well as own many 3200 little model cars! Yes its sad, I know.
Let me me confirm the cost of a proper Maserati Warranty - £1500 a year but was told this will change to a lower figure in the near future.
Hope this helps. Now I am thinking of getting a 360...
mr_tony said:
Well I know of one auto gearbox that has gone bang, and no manuals.
Manual is fine around town in my opinion - then again I have a 2002 registered car (last one imported into the country allegedly) so software etc if all final cut. Throttle on mine seems easier to handle than on early cars i drove.
IF you're interested in buying one check out my profile - 20 months of wonership in so far and plenty of info there for anyone who's interested.
Also recocommend the evo buyers guide.
Also, DONT BUY A CHEAP ONE it will cost you MORE. Recent service / upgrade / tweaks to mine cost around 5k.
Thats on a meticulously looked after low mileage car (23k in 3 years). You cannot run this car on a budget - you're looking at over 2k a year minimum if you factor in tyres and a warranty - and thats without doing mods (you simply have to get a tubi!)....
If you buy a cheap / unloved early example down in the 20k region you coudl very quickly find yourself shelling out over 5k for a service, parts aren't cheap, rust can be (a very expensive) issue on early cars too...
So in short - pay 25k plus from an enthusiast owner or 30k from a dealership and you shoudln't find yourself in too much trouble... Try an cut corners and pay less and it will almost certainly cost you a lot more once you factor in putting the car right...
To be fair though mine had been 100% reliable, been driven long haul across Europe - so properly tested in the true GT tradition and I wouldn't swap it for anything this side of a 550 Maranello.
This statement mirrors my opinions as well.
The car has been pretty much reliable.
Sometime if not used for a week the battery needs jump starting but Im glad that I bought from main dealer as the car runs smoothly and always makes me smile.
One thing I wish to add is that some cars do go through a lot of oil (as mentioned in the owners manual) can be around 1 Litre per 1,000 kms.
Overall though a great car.
yeah - after comiserating with another owner regarding his oil consumption all through minihoon I finally had to fill mine up yesterday - 1st litre sice before christmas and around 4k miles in that time. Seems I'm one of the lucky ones int hat I don't have to buy shares in Selenia!!!
The jump start for yours is probably due to the alarm install on it - might be worth getting it checked out...
While we're all taking 3200's - any of you chaps coming along to Brooklands for the Autoitallia day this sunday? Would be achance to meet a few PH faces with Maseratis - we're a rare breed. (I'm told there may be a few Ferraris cming along but we won't let that spoil it 
Theres a thread languishing on this board somewhere with details - if anyones interested I'll ressurect and bump it up the list.
Theres a thread languishing on this board somewhere with details - if anyones interested I'll ressurect and bump it up the list.
I was very careful to drive it after picking it up but still it was acting a little strange from day one.... then next day the revs stuck on 4K even in neutral or in gear!!!
The car was bought by a doctor back in March 2004, I was told he part exchanged it for a brand new quattraporte as he wanted more space for his family. My guess is this took place last summer and it has been in the garage (or outside in the rain) till I came along in March 2005.
Perhaps standing around doing nothing has done more harm than good.
Today it drove beautifully and I will be taking it to Bristol this weekend, arranged by the Massey club. I understand there will be 8 or 9 Maseratis and 4 of them are 3200s including mine! I would love to go to brooklands but weighing the pros and cons including costs and frequencies of wows and awwws on my maserati 3200 is likely to be higher in Bristol!
The car was bought by a doctor back in March 2004, I was told he part exchanged it for a brand new quattraporte as he wanted more space for his family. My guess is this took place last summer and it has been in the garage (or outside in the rain) till I came along in March 2005.
Perhaps standing around doing nothing has done more harm than good.
Today it drove beautifully and I will be taking it to Bristol this weekend, arranged by the Massey club. I understand there will be 8 or 9 Maseratis and 4 of them are 3200s including mine! I would love to go to brooklands but weighing the pros and cons including costs and frequencies of wows and awwws on my maserati 3200 is likely to be higher in Bristol!
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