Discussion
Thinking of possibly changing my 3200 to a 550, the 3200 has been great and has given me the confidence to run an exotic and "go large".
Not sure whether to do it this year, before 3200 cambelt service is due early summer, or spend the money on a big service and then keep it another 9-12 months. Don't expect that the 550 will depreciate much in the meantime (you can see how I am trying to convince myself). Any thoughts about most economical trade up strategy, the 3200 is a 2000 car with 44k on the clock and I would probably add 8-10k in the meantime.
I use my 3200 most days so I would also need to get a runabout if I moved to 550 so I need to factor that in. This leaves me right at the bottom end of 550 prices (its that or look for something else), I don't mind a well looked after older car with higher mileage, and I have seen some examples priced at under 50K now. I know the standard advice will be to buy the best car you can afford but would be interested in hearing from owners that have early cars and whether it would be best to look for something else rather than try and sneak into the 550 club and the bottom end of the market.
Cheers.
Not sure whether to do it this year, before 3200 cambelt service is due early summer, or spend the money on a big service and then keep it another 9-12 months. Don't expect that the 550 will depreciate much in the meantime (you can see how I am trying to convince myself). Any thoughts about most economical trade up strategy, the 3200 is a 2000 car with 44k on the clock and I would probably add 8-10k in the meantime.
I use my 3200 most days so I would also need to get a runabout if I moved to 550 so I need to factor that in. This leaves me right at the bottom end of 550 prices (its that or look for something else), I don't mind a well looked after older car with higher mileage, and I have seen some examples priced at under 50K now. I know the standard advice will be to buy the best car you can afford but would be interested in hearing from owners that have early cars and whether it would be best to look for something else rather than try and sneak into the 550 club and the bottom end of the market.
Cheers.
I've just got on to the 550 ladder at £43k. She's a 98 car with 40k. A brave buy, but so far, no disappointments. Was looking for a 360, but couldn't find what I fancied at less than £65k. I've done almost 2000 miles since Feb, including 140 miles each way to Goodwood at the weekend. 99mph there and back, and 19mpg! I plan on local specialist servicing. Belts are due soon - £68 each plus 6 hours to fit. I just don't see the down side so far.
I did notice a couple of cars at Goodwood with sports exhausts, so that will be the first expenditure - they sounded wonderful. Which would be best? Tubi or Larini or advise? I want something sporty, but definately not boy racer. If anyone knows the blue W reg 550 there, that's the sound......
I did notice a couple of cars at Goodwood with sports exhausts, so that will be the first expenditure - they sounded wonderful. Which would be best? Tubi or Larini or advise? I want something sporty, but definately not boy racer. If anyone knows the blue W reg 550 there, that's the sound......
Thanks for the advice guys. Tubi's on my xmas list. Anyone else have any input on the original thread? I'd be equally interested to learn of other experiences of these fine beasts....
Also considering a 3200 for the day job. (i.e I've got kids). Are they pretty usable? Mpg? Auto or manual? Would I still use the fezzer?
Also considering a 3200 for the day job. (i.e I've got kids). Are they pretty usable? Mpg? Auto or manual? Would I still use the fezzer?
3200 as a day car... absolutely, i do.
mpg - 17-18 if you are lucky.
i have a manual... auto is not so great but easier to drive if thats what you are after. manual demands attention.
kids in the back, cant comment past the fact that there is plenty of room. (no middle seat in the back)
servicing... find a decent independant and save £50 per hour!
would you still use the 550... hmm... i think i would have one or the other, they seem a very similar animal to me.
how about a 3200gt and a daytona or dino for the weekends (dare i even say, a noble!)?
>> Edited by antonyb on Wednesday 12th April 13:08
mpg - 17-18 if you are lucky.
i have a manual... auto is not so great but easier to drive if thats what you are after. manual demands attention.
kids in the back, cant comment past the fact that there is plenty of room. (no middle seat in the back)
servicing... find a decent independant and save £50 per hour!
would you still use the 550... hmm... i think i would have one or the other, they seem a very similar animal to me.
how about a 3200gt and a daytona or dino for the weekends (dare i even say, a noble!)?
>> Edited by antonyb on Wednesday 12th April 13:08
My 3200 is driven every day (approx 80miles a day) and my I get 25-27mpg. I am surprised at how quick you guys get through fuel and tyres - I must be a big girls blouse! For what I want the 3200 is perfect and I can only say how pleased I am with it. The 550 is a nice looking car but not something I could take to work or drive every day.
My 3200 is a manual and took a bit of practice but I would have it no other way.
>> Edited by spicy on Wednesday 12th April 13:32
My 3200 is a manual and took a bit of practice but I would have it no other way.
>> Edited by spicy on Wednesday 12th April 13:32
3200gt said:
My 3200 is driven every day (approx 80miles a day) and my I get 25-27mpg.
You sure?,even on a motorway cruise I'm hard pushed to get better than 20mpg. You sure your cam covers say "Maserati" and not "Mazda" (Joke).
Yep I checked under the bonnet to make sure it's the right engine
Maybe I've done the calculation wrong? I fill the tank after I've done on average 300-320 miles (every 4 days), I stick to Optimax and one garage (habit/OCD??). The petrol light never comes on as I like a big comfort zone and on average I fill with 50-55 litres of optimax (11-12 imperial gallons). My air con is on almost all the time as well.
Should I have used US gallons instead?
>> Edited by spicy on Wednesday 12th April 17:11
3200gt said:
Maybe I'm doing it wrong?
4.2 lt to the gallon right? so 55 lts is 13 gals. 320 miles divided by 13 = 24.6mpg.
Your doing real well then.
My conversion gadget says 4.55 litres to an imperial gallon or 0.22 imperial gallons to a litre.
www.torquecars.co.uk/Tuning/uk-mpg-calculator.php
Maple thanks for the encouraging post re the early 550, looks like it might not be a pipe dream after all.
While very cool, the only advantage I can see for running a 3200 and a 550 is that you've got more passenger space in the 3200, but I think there is a danger that both cars are trying to fill the same role in your life.
Personally I'm planning to go for an everyday car I can tool around in, visit clients and chuck a load of stuff in.
While very cool, the only advantage I can see for running a 3200 and a 550 is that you've got more passenger space in the 3200, but I think there is a danger that both cars are trying to fill the same role in your life.
Personally I'm planning to go for an everyday car I can tool around in, visit clients and chuck a load of stuff in.
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