Looking into buying a Maserati 3200...

[Ryn]

Hi guys...

I'm an S2000 owner at the moment but am looking to make a switch in the near future and have looked at a few 3200's.

I'm looking for a manual one as I am still young enough to enjoy the thrill of stirring a gearbox

Could any current owners please give me some clues as to what I should be looking out for on these beautiful cars as I don't want to get stung. What kind of history should the cars have, have there been any recalls etc.

For example I've heard that have a lot of problems with timing belts, rotten exhausts, missing keys and knackered clutches, but can anyone confirm this or give me an idea if there is anything else I need look out for?

Thanks in advance to all you lovely people

Ryn

[chris_n]

This has been covered a few times so best bet is to use the search function above and you should get all the info you need.

What you really want is a car still covered by a Maserati warranty but at private prices. Bit like this one in fact... !!!

www.pistonheads.com/sales/detail.asp?i=27924&s=209

(Yes it is mine - sorry for the blatant plug!)

On a serious note, they are pretty solid cars, make sure any car you consider has a complete service history and has had all its "campaigns" (recalls - mostly for software updates) done and you shouldn't go wrong. There were cases of weaping head gaskets and worn rear suspension bushes on early cars that should now have been sorted on any car from a reputable source. Main thing 3200s are known for is electronic niggles from time to time due mainly to faulty sensors. For this alone I would want a car with a decent warranty. These are an inconvenience rather than something that should worry you unduly IMHO.

On the other points you mention -

• timing belts - not aware of a particular problem, just make sure they get changed on time as per the service schedule.

• rotten exhausts - standard exhaust has regular mild steel back boxes so like any exhaust will ultimately need replacing. Good excuse to go for stainless steel Tubi jobbies if and when this becomes an issue!

• missing keys - this is reference to the famous Fiat group "red key", that if lost requires the ECU to be swapped at great cost. Just make sure the car you buy has it and keep it in a safe place i.e. don't use as your everyday key. This is true of any Fiat group car.

• nackered clutches - think you may be picking up on the fact that the clutches on Cambiocorsa cars (F1 style paddle change) wear out relatively quickly. Not a particular problem on regular manuals.

Lots of satisfied owners on here will tell you to go for it! A search will turn up Flasher's not so positive experience but I think even he admitted that was down largely to problems with the dealer that sold him the car rather than being representative of 3200s in general.

good luck!

Chris

[mr_tony]

I'm not going to post my usual 4 1/2 pages on this thread - it's all there if you search the archives.

If you mail me I have various useful info. Good luck

>> Edited by mr_tony on Tuesday 28th September 17:18

[355f]

weeping headgaskets were not just a problem on older 3200, my business partner has just had his done on 2002 car. One pile of trouble.

If you search the archives the advice is buy from a main dealer with the formula warranty, say a prayer and wait to get spanked come reasle time.

[lone granger]

chris_n said:

This has been covered a few times so best bet is to use the search function above and you should get all the info you need. What you really want is a car still covered by a Maserati warranty but at private prices. Bit like this one in fact... !!! If you have fitted Tubi back boxes how would you compare them to standard? www.pistonheads.com/sales/detail.asp?i=27924&s=209 (Yes it is mine - sorry for the blatant plug!) On a serious note, they are pretty solid cars, make sure any car you consider has a complete service history and has had all its "campaigns" (recalls - mostly for software updates) done and you shouldn't go wrong. There were cases of weaping head gaskets and worn rear suspension bushes on early cars that should now have been sorted on any car from a reputable source. Main thing 3200s are known for is electronic niggles from time to time due mainly to faulty sensors. For this alone I would want a car with a decent warranty. These are an inconvenience rather than something that should worry you unduly IMHO. On the other points you mention - timing belts - not aware of a particular problem, just make sure they get changed on time as per the service schedule. rotten exhausts - standard exhaust has regular mild steel back boxes so like any exhaust will ultimately need replacing. Good excuse to go for stainless steel Tubi jobbies if and when this becomes an issue! missing keys - this is reference to the famous Fiat group "red key", that if lost requires the ECU to be swapped at great cost. Just make sure the car you buy has it and keep it in a safe place i.e. don't use as your everyday key. This is true of any Fiat group car. nackered clutches - think you may be picking up on the fact that the clutches on Cambiocorsa cars (F1 style paddle change) wear out relatively quickly. Not a particular problem on regular manuals. Lots of satisfied owners on here will tell you to go for it! A search will turn up Flasher's not so positive experience but I think even he admitted that was down largely to problems with the dealer that sold him the car rather than being representative of 3200s in general. good luck! Chris

[TUS 373]

Good luck with this. I love the 3200 but I'm not in a position to get one right now. I have heard lots of scary stories about them and that they can go belly up at tremendous expense - and you therefore need deep pockets to run one. But hey, I've got a Tuscan at the moment and that's been brilliant. (Despite the reputed reputation) So...when time and funds allow, I may well be looking for a Maser, I think they are great!

(Or a DB7- hides head in shame)