Tell me all about the Mazer 3200GT...
Discussion
Hello chums
I currently have a couple of light weight whippets - A Elise S2 135 and an Ariel Atom 220. I can't keep two daft cars, so the Lotus is on it's way (I think). I'm looking for something with four seats as a commuter. I don't want to pay the earth, and so I've been looking at all the usual suspects. Nothing really inspires me. However, I've seen a few examples of the Maseratti 3200GT advertised for £25-30k. Looks interesting but I know nothing about them. Are they thirsty? Are they unreliable? - I've had a TVR before and don't really want to go back to first name terms with the local dealers service manager!
Any insights would be gratefully appreciated.
I currently have a couple of light weight whippets - A Elise S2 135 and an Ariel Atom 220. I can't keep two daft cars, so the Lotus is on it's way (I think). I'm looking for something with four seats as a commuter. I don't want to pay the earth, and so I've been looking at all the usual suspects. Nothing really inspires me. However, I've seen a few examples of the Maseratti 3200GT advertised for £25-30k. Looks interesting but I know nothing about them. Are they thirsty? Are they unreliable? - I've had a TVR before and don't really want to go back to first name terms with the local dealers service manager!
Any insights would be gratefully appreciated.
From personal expereince :
The car likes oil e.g 1 litre per 700 km (as per instruction manual) but this can be different for each car as I am led to believe from my previous posts here.
My car is reliable but this is down to buying a decent model with FSH and a history you can trace complete with Main dealer FSH.
You will need to change the original exhaust box at some point so budget for circa £600 to £1,650 depending on where you go for this system.
e.g Larini, Tubi, Quicksilver.
Personally I have been very happy with Larini.
But this is a very personal choice as I say.
Ive had my 3200gtm for around 8 months and the car has been very reliable .
Downside is the tracker which drains the battery if the car is not used for around a week at a time (jump start needed !) otherwise Im very happy with the car.
Im glad I bought from a Main dealer as a few niggles had come back to haunt me which I dont think I would have had much call back with an "Indi" so the price I paid makes sense when the "cosmetic" work was addressed.
This I dont feel would have been resolved with an Indi (based on previous experience.
There is no such thing as a Bargain Maserati 3200Gt.
Like many cars..If you buy a car that has been treated correctly and serviced in accordance with the terms and "call backs" then you will have little problems.
I still believe the 3200 is a stunning car and a classic in the making and if you buy the "right" car , you should be very very happy.
Also make sure that before you pay for the car, you confirm the "Red" Key is supplied. Otherwise do not touch the car! The Red key is essential. Period!
A good Maserati will have all the receipts, stamps and warranty work carried out etc.
Please feel free to email me for any more advice.
I know the other guys on here will also steer you in the right direction as they know their cars inside out as well.
Cheers
P.S When you take delivery Do not turn off the ASR Button !!!
The car likes oil e.g 1 litre per 700 km (as per instruction manual) but this can be different for each car as I am led to believe from my previous posts here.
My car is reliable but this is down to buying a decent model with FSH and a history you can trace complete with Main dealer FSH.
You will need to change the original exhaust box at some point so budget for circa £600 to £1,650 depending on where you go for this system.
e.g Larini, Tubi, Quicksilver.
Personally I have been very happy with Larini.
But this is a very personal choice as I say.
Ive had my 3200gtm for around 8 months and the car has been very reliable .
Downside is the tracker which drains the battery if the car is not used for around a week at a time (jump start needed !) otherwise Im very happy with the car.
Im glad I bought from a Main dealer as a few niggles had come back to haunt me which I dont think I would have had much call back with an "Indi" so the price I paid makes sense when the "cosmetic" work was addressed.
This I dont feel would have been resolved with an Indi (based on previous experience.
There is no such thing as a Bargain Maserati 3200Gt.
Like many cars..If you buy a car that has been treated correctly and serviced in accordance with the terms and "call backs" then you will have little problems.
I still believe the 3200 is a stunning car and a classic in the making and if you buy the "right" car , you should be very very happy.
Also make sure that before you pay for the car, you confirm the "Red" Key is supplied. Otherwise do not touch the car! The Red key is essential. Period!
A good Maserati will have all the receipts, stamps and warranty work carried out etc.
Please feel free to email me for any more advice.
I know the other guys on here will also steer you in the right direction as they know their cars inside out as well.
Cheers
P.S When you take delivery Do not turn off the ASR Button !!!
Scorewriter said:
Hello chums
I currently have a couple of light weight whippets - A Elise S2 135 and an Ariel Atom 220. I can't keep two daft cars, so the Lotus is on it's way (I think). I'm looking for something with four seats as a commuter. I don't want to pay the earth, and so I've been looking at all the usual suspects. Nothing really inspires me. However, I've seen a few examples of the Maseratti 3200GT advertised for £25-30k. Looks interesting but I know nothing about them. Are they thirsty? Are they unreliable? - I've had a TVR before and don't really want to go back to first name terms with the local dealers service manager!
Any insights would be gratefully appreciated.
I think it's only fair to warn you that these cars are not considered reliable.
My 3200GTA (gone now) came with every imaginable receipt and was ALWAYS serviced in Egham. Didn't make a jot of difference - there was always something going wrong with it. Admittedly nothing major went wrong but small niggles that mean it went back and forth to the dealer - a lot of it was covered by warranty.
I dont' want to put you off too much - I loved my 3200. Fast, luxurious, eye-catching and gorgeous sounding. Just be aware of the potential problems - it's really not the daily driver I was hoping for when I bought it - more of a weekend treat I think.
maserati3200gt said:
P.S When you take delivery Do not turn off the ASR Button !!!
Wise words oh grass hopper. Else you would be worshipping the hedge form an australian position
Pulled out of a junction with sport on in the wet. Required half lock to recover from major tail out
So when it's wet switch sport off as well.
The cars is just totally cool/Wolf in sheeps clothing. Presses all the right buttons and sings when it get to the higher revs
Just remember that its not a race car, it's a GT. So don't expect elise/atom handling and feedback.
If you don't fancy a return to TVR type reliability then avoid at all costs. There are several reasons which I list below. Ok, so a few people won't have experienced them all but at least one will be on everyones list. I had wanted a 3200GT since they were launched and bought with my heart even though my head was screaming at me to buy a 911. My head was right by a long long way.....
1. Spare parts. Horrendous waiting times with some things on back order for months.
2. Even with FSH it still had niggly things going wrong on a regular basis.
3. Parts. (again) hideously expensive like the windscreen that needed replacing on mine, the insurance company actually rang me to ask about the crash I'd had as they couldn't beleive the £1400 bill...
4. Exhaust back boxes rust. Very expensive.
5. My gearbox went. £7K
6. Red key lost by previous owner. £3.5k to replace door locks,ecu, etc. I gave up at this point and sold it.
7. see above selling a used Maserati 3200gt is the worst bit. No-one will bid you on it in the trade at over £17k for 2000 model and my local dealer actually bought in a year old convertible cambiocorsa for £33K meaning the owner lost £34K in 12 months...eye watering.
Buy private, bid low and pray you get a good one. I still regret buying mine but I'm sure my experience might have been better if i'd bought a really good one. It's a bit of a lottery.
1. Spare parts. Horrendous waiting times with some things on back order for months.
2. Even with FSH it still had niggly things going wrong on a regular basis.
3. Parts. (again) hideously expensive like the windscreen that needed replacing on mine, the insurance company actually rang me to ask about the crash I'd had as they couldn't beleive the £1400 bill...
4. Exhaust back boxes rust. Very expensive.
5. My gearbox went. £7K
6. Red key lost by previous owner. £3.5k to replace door locks,ecu, etc. I gave up at this point and sold it.
7. see above selling a used Maserati 3200gt is the worst bit. No-one will bid you on it in the trade at over £17k for 2000 model and my local dealer actually bought in a year old convertible cambiocorsa for £33K meaning the owner lost £34K in 12 months...eye watering.
Buy private, bid low and pray you get a good one. I still regret buying mine but I'm sure my experience might have been better if i'd bought a really good one. It's a bit of a lottery.
flasher said:
Buy private, bid low and pray you get a good one. I still regret buying mine but I'm sure my experience might have been better if i'd bought a really good one.
To be fair flash you did buy a complete dog! The lesson is with thes4 either buy form a main dealer and get shafted on price, or buy private from an enthusiast and buy a warranty to cover you.
Right see my profile but in potted history terms for all the deatils running costs. They aren't cheap to run, and as a daily driver they will probably cost you as much as an M5 in terms of fuel tyres etc.
1. Buy as late as you can - earlier cars (2000 and before) likely to have issues as not covered by full ferrari quality control. Late 2000 and onwards quality does improve markedly.
2. Never had a breakdown in mine in 2 years of ownership. Never had any major issues.
3. It's a beautiful car.
4. It's unique, you won't find yourself next to one in traffic on the M5 very often.
5. It ain't cheap to run, but it's very capable. Mine has been down to the coast in Wales along small tracks (good suspension clearanve unlike most supercars). IT's been to le mans, it's been to VMAX and cracked 170mph.
6. Mine uses so all oil - about 1 litre every 4k miles.
7. Get a Tubi - sounds fantastic.
8. Buy with the proper BOSE sound system (like mine) much better than original.
9. Don't get a boring colour.
10. don't buy yellow - you'll never sell it...
Buy mine! 2002 - FMSH - well know on here and reliable etc etc
www.pistonheads.com/sales/43847.htm
Thanks for all your replies. I've done a bit more browsing and reading up, and the general consensus seems to be that they are a lovely car but not too well put together. Please don't be offended by this if you are a Maserati evangalist, it's just the commonly held view from many sources.
I've got the weekend car sorted, it's a daily driver I need, so I'll give the Mazer a miss I'm afraid.
Thanks
Mike
I've got the weekend car sorted, it's a daily driver I need, so I'll give the Mazer a miss I'm afraid.
Thanks
Mike
Scorewriter said:
general consensus seems to be that they are a lovely car but not too well put together
Shame - it is the consensus. It's wrong, and very few who share opinion have ever spent any time with the 3200 and it's derivatives. Thge latest Maseratis are very well constructed (certainly after Ferrari quality controls came in), and very tough. The shadow of the Bi-turbo is still hanging over Maserati in many peoples minds which is a real shame for the Marque...
Scorewriter said:
it's a daily driver I need, so I'll give the Mazer a miss I'm afraid.
Fair enough - the 3200 isn't a daily driver unless you are significantly wealthy, the cost of fuel, insurance, warranties really don't make it viable for large milages unless you have very deep pockets!
As a car for special occasions and evenings and weeknds out [for those of us who commute via a train it's perfect solution] - luxury practicality and reliability in one package - it just costs quite a lot!
mr_tony said:
general consensus seems to be that they are a lovely car but not too well put together
Shame - it is the consensus. It's wrong, and very few who share opinion have ever spent any time with the 3200 and it's derivatives. Thge latest Maseratis are very well constructed (certainly after Ferrari quality controls came in), and very tough. The shadow of the Bi-turbo is still hanging over Maserati in many peoples minds which is a real shame for the Marque...
Scorewriter said:
it's a daily driver I need, so I'll give the Mazer a miss I'm afraid.
Fair enough - the 3200 isn't a daily driver unless you are significantly wealthy, the cost of fuel, insurance, warranties really don't make it viable for large milages unless you have very deep pockets!
As a car for special occasions and evenings and weeknds out [for those of us who commute via a train it's perfect solution] - luxury practicality and reliability in one package - it just costs quite a lot!
Why are you saying the consensus is wrong? Surely thats a contradiction in itself.
You've been lucky, see yourself as the exception rather than the rule.
I bought mine with my eyes wide open in terms of reliability and despite purchasing an extended warranty - it still cost me an unacceptable amount to run. Then when you factor in the inconvenience....well it had to go.
Maybe I have been lucky, but most people running them on this board have i the main also had decent experiences - thats what I base my 'reality' on.
Lets put it like this - I've met an awful lot of 3200 owners (well over 25 in the last 2 years). I've met just one who has actually broken down.
(in fact the mai issue seems to be crashing them in wet weather - I know of around 6 cars out of that 25 that were written off....)
I am saying the consensus is wrong - as the consensus seems to be formed in the main by people who haven't ever driven one of these cars, let alone owned one for any significant length of time.
>> Edited by mr_tony on Tuesday 14th June 12:25
Lets put it like this - I've met an awful lot of 3200 owners (well over 25 in the last 2 years). I've met just one who has actually broken down.
(in fact the mai issue seems to be crashing them in wet weather - I know of around 6 cars out of that 25 that were written off....)
I am saying the consensus is wrong - as the consensus seems to be formed in the main by people who haven't ever driven one of these cars, let alone owned one for any significant length of time.
>> Edited by mr_tony on Tuesday 14th June 12:25
I am pleased with mine and apart from one flat battery and a few squeaks and rattles it compares quite favourably with my previous XK8 and 964 (it is a 2000 car bought from an independent).
Your heart does have to be right in it though because objectively it is not the best car ever made but if you want bullet proof reliability go for a 911 or an M3. If you want a car that makes you smile every time you look at it and causes a wave of interest most places you go then it is worth the effort in my view.
Many of these cars are averaging 6,000 - 8,000 miles per year so they can't be the total disaster that some seem to suggest.
Your heart does have to be right in it though because objectively it is not the best car ever made but if you want bullet proof reliability go for a 911 or an M3. If you want a car that makes you smile every time you look at it and causes a wave of interest most places you go then it is worth the effort in my view.
Many of these cars are averaging 6,000 - 8,000 miles per year so they can't be the total disaster that some seem to suggest.
mr_tony said:
Maybe I have been lucky, but most people running them on this board have i the main also had decent experiences - thats what I base my 'reality' on.
Lets put it like this - I've met an awful lot of 3200 owners (well over 25 in the last 2 years). I've met just one who has actually broken down.
(in fact the mai issue seems to be crashing them in wet weather - I know of around 6 cars out of that 25 that were written off....)
I am saying the consensus is wrong - as the consensus seems to be formed in the main by people who haven't ever driven one of these cars, let alone owned one for any significant length of time. >> Edited by mr_tony on Tuesday 14th June 12:25
Fair enough. In the year I owned mine it did not break down either...didn't stop me thinking of it as unreliable though:
Window switches faulty - replaced under warranty
Indicators irrelevantly not working - fixed under warranty
Check Engine light on - most journeys - sensors replaced - problem recurrs :/ - warranty
Electronic suspsension sensors failing - warranty
Lambda sensor failing creating limp home mode.
Accelerator pedal refusing to work.
Clock stopping
Rear seal on diff perishing (not much of a problem with this - wear and tear I guess)
Fluctuating power.
Uncontrollable alarm - 'fixed' 3 times to no avail.
So no break-downs as such just a bunch of annoying problems. Bear in mind each time one of these happens it's off to the service centre for three days...
Italliano - Man thats tough - you have got yourself a whole heap of issues there you have my sympathies. I'm merely stating this isn't the general rule as far as I've seen it with the general list of cars owned on this board (well apart from the check engine light - everyone gets that - just the fact that the oxygen sensors give up when the car is constantly shunted around - e.g. in a workshop!). If you don't mind me asking - when was yours made.....
Things like check engine lights shouldn't be a worry - the 02 sensors are very finicky. Dealers will reset these for nothing in 5 minutes using a laptop (or you can do it yourself by unplugging the battery for 10 minutes).
Dont' for a minute think that I'm saying these cars are more reliable than 911's - they aren't. But then thats half of what makes us buy them - it's not a 911, its a hell of a lot more interesting than that!!
Things like check engine lights shouldn't be a worry - the 02 sensors are very finicky. Dealers will reset these for nothing in 5 minutes using a laptop (or you can do it yourself by unplugging the battery for 10 minutes).
Dont' for a minute think that I'm saying these cars are more reliable than 911's - they aren't. But then thats half of what makes us buy them - it's not a 911, its a hell of a lot more interesting than that!!
Thanks for the sympathy 
Mine was a 2000(X). And careful what you're saying about 911s - that's it's replacement. 
Maybe it's me - I've always had German cars and have got used to their reliability and solidness....the Maserati was just too much for me.
I am glad they're not all like my old one though.
Mine was a 2000(X). And careful what you're saying about 911s - that's it's replacement. Maybe it's me - I've always had German cars and have got used to their reliability and solidness....the Maserati was just too much for me.
I am glad they're not all like my old one though.
mr_tony said:
Buy private, bid low and pray you get a good one. I still regret buying mine but I'm sure my experience might have been better if i'd bought a really good one.
To be fair flash you did buy a complete dog! The lesson is with thes4 either buy form a main dealer and get shafted on price, or buy private from an enthusiast and buy a warranty to cover you.
Right see my profile but in potted history terms for all the deatils running costs. They aren't cheap to run, and as a daily driver they will probably cost you as much as an M5 in terms of fuel tyres etc.
1. Buy as late as you can - earlier cars (2000 and before) likely to have issues as not covered by full ferrari quality control. Late 2000 and onwards quality does improve markedly.
2. Never had a breakdown in mine in 2 years of ownership. Never had any major issues.
3. It's a beautiful car.
4. It's unique, you won't find yourself next to one in traffic on the M5 very often.
5. It ain't cheap to run, but it's very capable. Mine has been down to the coast in Wales along small tracks (good suspension clearanve unlike most supercars). IT's been to le mans, it's been to VMAX and cracked 170mph.
6. Mine uses so all oil - about 1 litre every 4k miles.
7. Get a Tubi - sounds fantastic.
8. Buy with the proper BOSE sound system (like mine) much better than original.
9. Don't get a boring colour.
10. don't buy yellow - you'll never sell it...
Buy mine! 2002 - FMSH - well know on here and reliable etc etc
www.pistonheads.com/sales/43847.htm
Some fair points there Rich, but mine didn't look a dog, all the problems were well hidden. I did absolutley love it til the gearbox went and to be fair it didn't actually break down and leave me stranded except for once at sainsburys!
Mine also had a complete Maserati history and was bought from a supposedly reputable dealer albeit not a Maserati one. They did do everything to help but eventually even they had to draw the line somewhere.
I lost 7.5K in 8 months on the car which isn't the end of the earth, but I have also noticed you have been trying to sell yours for a while now so you must have experienced the horror of finding that the dealers are not interested....
By the way the tubi thing does irritate me, it's massively overpriced for what it is, it may sound good but £1300 quid for two small back boxes??? Do me a favour!!
One other thing to add is that I do feel it's a good daily driver. We used ours every day and stuck a fair few miles on. The only down side is the hideous fuel consumption which at times was a low as 10 mpg!!
If you get a good one you'll love it. But I drove a 911 shortly after I sold it and it's in a different league in every department. One of those next for me please!
If you get a good one you'll love it. But I drove a 911 shortly after I sold it and it's in a different league in every department. One of those next for me please!
flasher said:
Some fair points there Rich, but mine didn't look a dog, all the problems were well hidden. I did absolutley love it til the gearbox went and to be fair it didn't actually break down and leave me stranded except for once at sainsburys!
Mine also had a complete Maserati history and was bought from a supposedly reputable dealer albeit not a Maserati one. They did do everything to help but eventually even they had to draw the line somewhere.
I lost 7.5K in 8 months on the car which isn't the end of the earth, but I have also noticed you have been trying to sell yours for a while now so you must have experienced the horror of finding that the dealers are not interested....
By the way the tubi thing does irritate me, it's massively overpriced for what it is, it may sound good but £1300 quid for two small back boxes??? Do me a favour!!
Fair points too mate
I'd have felt pretty comfortable buiying one from where you did too to be honest, but the lesson seems to be either a dealer or a full dealer inspection on a private sale prior to purchase to be safe - and save cash which you can bank as insurance. In the end though you were unlucky and I guess you win some and loose some. Mine was up for sale earlier in the year but I changed my mind as I decided to do minihoon and didn't want to do it in a 911 cab!
It's up for sale again (has been for 7 days), I've had some interest, and an offer of a part ex. The dealers don't want them back as they've got new models to sell. (And I think having the boomerang lights and bonnet vents on the forecourt shows how the styling of the newr coupe has become more conservative!!!!
)
Hi all,
Just thought I would put my experience of my 3200 in.
I've had it since Sept 04 now and I use it as a daily run into work (15 miles round trip).
I bought it from an independent and it came with a full main dealer service history, and independent warranty.Its a 2001 "Y" with 29000 on the clock.
I've put about 8000 miles on it since Sept and its going for its service this week and thats the first time its been to the garage since I got it.
Petrol - its thirsty, but its got 370bhp
Tyres - New rears being fitted on Thursday but they were half worn when I got it. So I've got some cheap "new" Michelins in the loft ready to go.
Insurance - not cheap, but with full no claims (protected) i could get it for £900.
Warranty I'm looking at £900
Its not a cheap car to run, but what is with 370bhp.
I love it to death, was only going to drive it at the weekends but I can't help myself.
I drove a couple from main dealers when I was looking and they did not drive as well as mine. Also they were 1999/2000 models which have the ?? about reliability.
I needed 2 plus 2 seats and I could not find anything else on the market with the performance and looks and grin factor.
Mines been great and fingers crossed will be for a while yet.Everyone has their own opinions and I was prepared to take the risk !!!!!!
Just thought I would put my experience of my 3200 in.
I've had it since Sept 04 now and I use it as a daily run into work (15 miles round trip).
I bought it from an independent and it came with a full main dealer service history, and independent warranty.Its a 2001 "Y" with 29000 on the clock.
I've put about 8000 miles on it since Sept and its going for its service this week and thats the first time its been to the garage since I got it.
Petrol - its thirsty, but its got 370bhp
Tyres - New rears being fitted on Thursday but they were half worn when I got it. So I've got some cheap "new" Michelins in the loft ready to go.
Insurance - not cheap, but with full no claims (protected) i could get it for £900.
Warranty I'm looking at £900
Its not a cheap car to run, but what is with 370bhp.
I love it to death, was only going to drive it at the weekends but I can't help myself.
I drove a couple from main dealers when I was looking and they did not drive as well as mine. Also they were 1999/2000 models which have the ?? about reliability.
I needed 2 plus 2 seats and I could not find anything else on the market with the performance and looks and grin factor.
Mines been great and fingers crossed will be for a while yet.Everyone has their own opinions and I was prepared to take the risk !!!!!!
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