Potential Maserati 3200 buyer with questions
Discussion
Hi All,
I am in the middle of deciding what car to buy next and amongst others I am very interested in the Maserati 3200. Currently I own a TT 'Le Mans' which I love but it may be time for a change. My shortlist consists of second hand 3200, XKR, 996 or the new upcoming Mk2 TT. Out of all the 3200 is the most beautiful but is it the best car to spend my hard earned money on?
So I am looking to the well informed amongst you for advice on what to buy and what to look out for to make sure I get a good car? I want something that handles well so I am leaning towards the Assetto Corsa variant and there are a few examples around for under £30K which seems very reasonable considering what I would get for my money. I hear that the build quality improved when Ferarri took complete control, can anyone tell me exactly when this happened and how to tell them apart.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks!
>> Edited by Boggie on Monday 3rd October 23:19
I am in the middle of deciding what car to buy next and amongst others I am very interested in the Maserati 3200. Currently I own a TT 'Le Mans' which I love but it may be time for a change. My shortlist consists of second hand 3200, XKR, 996 or the new upcoming Mk2 TT. Out of all the 3200 is the most beautiful but is it the best car to spend my hard earned money on?
So I am looking to the well informed amongst you for advice on what to buy and what to look out for to make sure I get a good car? I want something that handles well so I am leaning towards the Assetto Corsa variant and there are a few examples around for under £30K which seems very reasonable considering what I would get for my money. I hear that the build quality improved when Ferarri took complete control, can anyone tell me exactly when this happened and how to tell them apart.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks!
>> Edited by Boggie on Monday 3rd October 23:19
There has been quite a lot of discussion on this forum about buying a 3200 and the relative merits of later/earlier cars so it might be worth doing a search.
Having owned variants of your potential options apart from the TT:
XK - nice image, comfortable for everyday, feels good when you get in it, massive boot for the type of car. Downside for me is auto only, very small rear seats, handling not as good, depreciation and new one coming out.
996 - the best practical combination for everyday performance, reliability and residuals top notch. The only downside in my view is that its not special enough. You are either a Porsche man or not, it will be the closest thing to your TT though.
3200 - rare, good performance, nice image. Possible to use everyday but feels much more like an exotic. Every journey is an "event". Unbelievably large rear space. Downside is that it will be more expensive to run than the others, and the performance/handling is not as good as a 911 in the real world.
Personally I prefer the standard 3200, it can ride a bit harshly at times anyway and I wouldn't want to go a harder set up. Also think you get a better exterior and interior colour choice with the standard model. Prefer the standard wheels as well. Just my opinion!
Having owned variants of your potential options apart from the TT:
XK - nice image, comfortable for everyday, feels good when you get in it, massive boot for the type of car. Downside for me is auto only, very small rear seats, handling not as good, depreciation and new one coming out.
996 - the best practical combination for everyday performance, reliability and residuals top notch. The only downside in my view is that its not special enough. You are either a Porsche man or not, it will be the closest thing to your TT though.
3200 - rare, good performance, nice image. Possible to use everyday but feels much more like an exotic. Every journey is an "event". Unbelievably large rear space. Downside is that it will be more expensive to run than the others, and the performance/handling is not as good as a 911 in the real world.
Personally I prefer the standard 3200, it can ride a bit harshly at times anyway and I wouldn't want to go a harder set up. Also think you get a better exterior and interior colour choice with the standard model. Prefer the standard wheels as well. Just my opinion!
I can only really give you a biased opinion. Its a nice car, and for the money it's just totally under rated. It suffers from being considered a Ferrari's poor cousin. Everything works on them. Including air con. (Used to have TVR's)
There's load of room in the back and the boot is a good size. There is no hate towards the car from scrotes. Its a GT not a race car.
You will be supprised how mad it is. The power just keeps on coming and your left with no doubt that it will hit its top speed. I keep getting tempted for a tubi. It really sounds the dogs B.
It cost as much as a TVR to run and service. Just keep the oil topped up. It also drinks petrol, big style. Then again, you not buying a euro box with 50mpg and no soul.
Its becoming a Classic, relativly painless to own and a totally charming car, on all counts. I think there nearly bottomed out in price for a mint example. The lights make then stand out from the 4200. Depreciation seems to have slowing the more press coverage Maserati is getting.
There's load of room in the back and the boot is a good size. There is no hate towards the car from scrotes. Its a GT not a race car.
You will be supprised how mad it is. The power just keeps on coming and your left with no doubt that it will hit its top speed. I keep getting tempted for a tubi. It really sounds the dogs B.
It cost as much as a TVR to run and service. Just keep the oil topped up. It also drinks petrol, big style. Then again, you not buying a euro box with 50mpg and no soul.
Its becoming a Classic, relativly painless to own and a totally charming car, on all counts. I think there nearly bottomed out in price for a mint example. The lights make then stand out from the 4200. Depreciation seems to have slowing the more press coverage Maserati is getting.
Having owned a 3200 for 20 months (sold earlier this year) heres my experience, and some distilled wisdom I've picked up from these hallowed pages. The gang here are knowledgeable about these cars and we love them - but they're not all perfect!
OK, the Assetto will handle slightly stiffer than the standard, but there isn't a massive difference. It has slightly more power (not so you'd notice though), and it's a bit lower and stiffer, but a 911 will still eat it for breakfast round a track - as the guys have already said this is a GT not a track car.
Yep they're a bargain. But they do depreciate. buy private with a warranty for best price, and get an inspection done. In fact get an inspection no matter who you buy from. Looking at past maseratis - [even awesome special limited editions like the ghibli cup] - they all depreciate - not much levelling out. So, buy it cos its big hearted and beautiful. Buy because it makes you grin like a fool when the turbos kick in. Don't for a minute think you're making an investment though!
This is true - ON AVERAGE. Individual cars are individual cars - a well looked after regularly serviced 99 will be a better bet than a slightly ropey 02. Especially now - most cars have been in the amrket a while and owners will have dealt with the small manufacturing defects like poorly fitted trim etc.
See my profile for a reaosnable reflection of running costs - on an 18 month old 8000 mile car. Factor in some more wear and tear. Remember that if you're getting mroe than 14mpg then you're doing well, and that every trip to the dealer will cost you a 1000 quid.
Budget a fund of AT LEAST 3k per year for servicing wear and tear - for around 10k miles P/A and you won't go far wrong.
Oh and it will happily hit 170 - I did in mine!
Boggie said:
I want something that handles well so I am leaning towards the Assetto Corsa variant
OK, the Assetto will handle slightly stiffer than the standard, but there isn't a massive difference. It has slightly more power (not so you'd notice though), and it's a bit lower and stiffer, but a 911 will still eat it for breakfast round a track - as the guys have already said this is a GT not a track car.
Boggie said:
and there are a few examples around for under £30K which seems very reasonable considering what I would get for my money.
Yep they're a bargain. But they do depreciate. buy private with a warranty for best price, and get an inspection done. In fact get an inspection no matter who you buy from. Looking at past maseratis - [even awesome special limited editions like the ghibli cup] - they all depreciate - not much levelling out. So, buy it cos its big hearted and beautiful. Buy because it makes you grin like a fool when the turbos kick in. Don't for a minute think you're making an investment though!
Boggie said:
I hear that the build quality improved when Ferarri took complete control, can anyone tell me exactly when this happened and how to tell them apart.
This is true - ON AVERAGE. Individual cars are individual cars - a well looked after regularly serviced 99 will be a better bet than a slightly ropey 02. Especially now - most cars have been in the amrket a while and owners will have dealt with the small manufacturing defects like poorly fitted trim etc.
Boggie said:
Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks!
See my profile for a reaosnable reflection of running costs - on an 18 month old 8000 mile car. Factor in some more wear and tear. Remember that if you're getting mroe than 14mpg then you're doing well, and that every trip to the dealer will cost you a 1000 quid.
Budget a fund of AT LEAST 3k per year for servicing wear and tear - for around 10k miles P/A and you won't go far wrong.
Oh and it will happily hit 170 - I did in mine!
Mr.T
Agree with much of what you write but for the record, the Assetto Corsa had an identical power output of 370bhp to the "standard" version.
Ferrari took over Maserati BEFORE the 3200 was productionised and launched in 1998. All 3200s were therefore built under Ferrari's total control.
Agree with much of what you write but for the record, the Assetto Corsa had an identical power output of 370bhp to the "standard" version.
Boggie said:
I hear that the build quality improved when Ferarri took complete control, can anyone tell me exactly when this happened and how to tell them apart.
Ferrari took over Maserati BEFORE the 3200 was productionised and launched in 1998. All 3200s were therefore built under Ferrari's total control.
Nigelo said:
Mr.T
Agree with much of what you write but for the record, the Assetto Corsa had an identical power output of 370bhp to the "standard" version.
I stand corrected
(said the man with the orthapedic shoe) Boggie said:
I hear that the build quality improved when Ferarri took complete control, can anyone tell me exactly when this happened and how to tell them apart.
Ferrari took over Maserati BEFORE the 3200 was productionised and launched in 1998. All 3200s were therefore built under Ferrari's total control.[/quote]
Very true. Though I seem to remember that Ferraris stake increased to 100% at some point during that period you mention - so it went from part to total control IIRC?
Anyone got the details - tis all rather hazy for me...
Cheers for all the replies, what a great forum! At least you lot are a little more polarised than the those on the TT Forum, their views on the 3200 are poles apart. So although I have whittled down the contenders I still can't make up my mind. It now boils down to either the new TT next year or a 3 year old Maserati by Christmas.
I love the looks, sound and whole Maserati thing of the 3200 but I also appreciate the Germanic build quality and reliability of the Audi (should I still include the 996?).
Oh bugger - I used to be indecisive but now I am not so sure.......
I love the looks, sound and whole Maserati thing of the 3200 but I also appreciate the Germanic build quality and reliability of the Audi (should I still include the 996?).
Oh bugger - I used to be indecisive but now I am not so sure.......
every
Having driven a 3200GT on a track day, I still can't get the thought of owning one out of my head. I think the TVR will be first on the list, but if that had to go, a 3200GT would be next.
I've heard, possibly through the Rumour Factory that generates all manner of rubbish about whichever car if you listen long enough, that the early 3200GTs suffered with dodgy electrics/wiring.
Is this right, can it be fixed by a Maser dealer, and does it usually stay fixed after?
>> Edited by MarkoTVR on Sunday 23 October 17:39
I've heard, possibly through the Rumour Factory that generates all manner of rubbish about whichever car if you listen long enough, that the early 3200GTs suffered with dodgy electrics/wiring.
Is this right, can it be fixed by a Maser dealer, and does it usually stay fixed after?
>> Edited by MarkoTVR on Sunday 23 October 17:39
Mines a 2000 model, and I've had it since 6 months old and done approx 30k. The only electrical probs I've had are a sensor between the heads causing a warning light on the dash to come up. This was caused by the dealership cleaning the engine bay with a detergent jet wash after a service. They replaced the sensor foc, and the throttle potentiometer got sticky, simply solved by disconecting the battery to reset the ECU.
It seems that todays cars are so electrically orientated that if anything goes wrong with them the first port of call is to disconnect the battery for 5 mins to reset everything.If this doesn't solve the problem only then send it off to the dealer.
When I was looking for mine I too had reservations re electrics and it seems that the garage queens are the ones that suffer any type of faults. As long as they get used maybe once a week or more they dont cause problems.
Hope this helps.
It seems that todays cars are so electrically orientated that if anything goes wrong with them the first port of call is to disconnect the battery for 5 mins to reset everything.If this doesn't solve the problem only then send it off to the dealer.
When I was looking for mine I too had reservations re electrics and it seems that the garage queens are the ones that suffer any type of faults. As long as they get used maybe once a week or more they dont cause problems.
Hope this helps.
sco said:
The sensors are sometimes a bit unreliable but much better if you let them go out before turning the ignition from power to engine on.
Hi Sco
Just out of curiosity, do you mean by this statement that you get warning lights coming on intermittently (e.g. 'check engine', 'error'). Or are you seeing unreliable sensors in another way?
cheers
maser sod said:
Hi Sco
Just out of curiosity, do you mean by this statement that you get warning lights coming on intermittently (e.g. 'check engine', 'error'). Or are you seeing unreliable sensors in another way?
cheers
Hi
The one that I get from time to time is "Code", it comes on and stays on but it just goes off when I turn the car on next time. I have had "Oil Level" do the same even when it is fully topped up. I don't get anything come on intermittently while driving.
I have had "Check Engine" while stuck in traffic a couple of times in hot weather but I have assumed that is engine temp.
Cheers
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