running costs 3200gt vs 4200
running costs 3200gt vs 4200
Author
Discussion

twisted2fit

Original Poster:

118 posts

241 months

Wednesday 19th April 2006
quotequote all
Hi everybody,

Im looking into buying a 3200gt and i know lots has been posted before but here goes again.

I think one can pick up a nice 3200gt with about 30,000 miles on the clock for approx 22k? and a similiar mileage 4200 for about 30k?

my questions are:

1. i know the 4200 is definitely a better car (chassis, engine etc) but is it 8k better?

2. I read that services for the 3200gt cost more becoz they take 8 hours as opposed to 4 for the 4200. Why is that?? Whats the difference?

3.Ok i get the bottom line is that that running costs for 3200gt would b higher but when u factor in the cambiocorsa goes through clutches do u guys think it balances out?

4. From a modifying point of view can u up the boost reliably on a 3200gt? Do u need hybrid/turbos? Can u get bigger injectors if need be? How much psi do they run and how much can u go upto on the stock setup? Whats the most bhp u guys seen relaibly?

5. So Alfa and Maserati gonna be together. Does that mean I can if not now but in the future service my a 3200gt/4200 at an alfa garage?


Thanks guys


twisted2fit

Original Poster:

118 posts

241 months

Wednesday 19th April 2006
quotequote all
anybody?

mr_tony

6,347 posts

294 months

Wednesday 19th April 2006
quotequote all
twisted2fit said:


1. i know the 4200 is definitely a better car (chassis, engine etc) but is it 8k better?


IT's a different car, but the general consensus of those here who've owned both would suggest that the 4200 is better - but not so 'exciting' - the thump of the turbos spooling up is rather addictive!!!


twisted2fit said:

2. I read that services for the 3200gt cost more becoz they take 8 hours as opposed to 4 for the 4200. Why is that?? Whats the difference?


More complex machine - twin turbos, less room in the engine bay etc etc


twisted2fit said:

3.Ok i get the bottom line is that that running costs for 3200gt would b higher but when u factor in the cambiocorsa goes through clutches do u guys think it balances out?


Possibly. I think a lemon of a 3200 will cost more to run than a normal 4200. Equally a lemon 4200 qill cost more than a well sorted 3200. In the end condition is very important, as is service history. The main cost is labour time on these cars - so if a lot of work needs doing it will be expensive...

twisted2fit said:

4. From a modifying point of view can u up the boost reliably on a 3200gt? Do u need hybrid/turbos? Can u get bigger injectors if need be? How much psi do they run and how much can u go upto on the stock setup? Whats the most bhp u guys seen relaibly?


It can certianly be done - I have specific details kicking about somewhere if you want. IT was recommended to me that I didn't just turn up the boost - new intercoolers and cooling system apparrently worth sorting if you're intending on uppingn things a lot. Also bear in mind that you would want better brakes and suspension ot handle more power...

twisted2fit said:

5. So Alfa and Maserati gonna be together. Does that mean I can if not now but in the future service my a 3200gt/4200 at an alfa garage?


I don't think thats likely any time soon!




twisted2fit

Original Poster:

118 posts

241 months

Wednesday 19th April 2006
quotequote all
thanx for that. Its appreciated:-)

3200gt

2,727 posts

249 months

Wednesday 19th April 2006
quotequote all
Apart from the overall shape, they are virtually different cars.
My preference is definately for the 3200, I think it is the original design concept without the watering down. I have driven both and much prefer the 32 just for the grin factor it envokes, those turbo's are addictive. I doubt you will need to increase the boost they have more power than 99.9% of drivers can use on the road already.

THIS IS FOR ALL 3200 OWNERS. Be sure the one you have/buy has had the current steering recall done to it. They are changing some steering brackets from bolted to welded. The bolts have started to shear with the obvious consequences.

If you get a well sorted 3200, and say do 10k pa service costs won't be more than 2k pa so hardly expensive for the performance you get.

mr_tony

6,347 posts

294 months

Wednesday 19th April 2006
quotequote all
3200gt said:
Apart from the overall shape, they are virtually different cars.
My preference is definately for the 3200, I think it is the original design concept without the watering down. I have driven both and much prefer the 32 just for the grin factor it envokes, those turbo's are addictive. I doubt you will need to increase the boost they have more power than 99.9% of drivers can use on the road already.

THIS IS FOR ALL 3200 OWNERS. Be sure the one you have/buy has had the current steering recall done to it. They are changing some steering brackets from bolted to welded. The bolts have started to shear with the obvious consequences.

If you get a well sorted 3200, and say do 10k pa service costs won't be more than 2k pa so hardly expensive for the performance you get.


Very important point about the steering recall - your dealer will be able to tell you givne a chassis no whether the recall has been done.

Do bear in mind that although regular maintenance ona good car (3200) will be 2kish a year - if you have a problem it's rare to spend <1000 quid to get it fixed. So have a spare cash fund handy to cover the inevitable unexpected happenings...

For the tuning details the upgrades are 'leo nardo' - chuck it in a search engine. I did have a rpice brochure for this - I seem to remember total upgrade cost would be around 10-15k for something in the region of 500bhp... Not sure if that included new brakes / suspension though...

>> Edited by mr_tony on Wednesday 19th April 17:12

3200gt

2,727 posts

249 months

Wednesday 19th April 2006
quotequote all
mr_tony said:

For the tuning details the upgrades are 'leo nardo' - chuck it in a search engine. I did have a rpice brochure for this - I seem to remember total upgrade cost would be around 10-15k for something in the region of 500bhp... Not sure if that included new brakes / suspension though...


Not sure that leo nardo are still available. I think that pretty much died a death around about the time the 42 came out?

jcosh

1,243 posts

257 months

Wednesday 19th April 2006
quotequote all
3200gt said:
mr_tony said:

For the tuning details the upgrades are 'leo nardo' - chuck it in a search engine. I did have a rpice brochure for this - I seem to remember total upgrade cost would be around 10-15k for something in the region of 500bhp... Not sure if that included new brakes / suspension though...


Not sure that leo nardo are still available. I think that pretty much died a death around about the time the 42 came out?


It may be about to reappear in a slightly different (better) form than before. Watch this space.......

johnnyboy225

431 posts

275 months

Thursday 20th April 2006
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Just wanted to add my thoughts - I've posted before how I was in a right old quandry over buying a 3200... drove numerous examples, took ages deciding, and still couldn't find the right one for me - despite the emotional, powerful and compeling pull of how cool the rear lights are, the vents in the bonnet, and the grunt from the twin turbos......

I went for a gorgeous 4200 example with Cambiocorsa gearbox - 6 months on, I would still definitely do that, the 4200 for me is a more sorted car, and the engine by far and away (and I mean by far and away) makes up for lack of boomerangs.... and the flappy paddles are fantastic....

Regarding comparative performances of the two models, there is little it (slightly better numbers for the 4200, but nothing your average Joe is going to be able to notice).

As has been said earlier, either 3200 or 4200 are extremely rapid cars. I can confirm that the only thing that has out-dragged me thus far is a 996 Turbo.. nothing else has come close (know I'll eat those words!!!) ....

At the end of the day, get whatever draws you the most - just get a good example, with full history, get a proper warranty, put some money aside for the unexpected, and then enjoy enjoy enjoy

Whether you get a 3200 or 4200 we'll welcome you to the marque......

Good luck choosing.... let us know....

cheers

David A

3,717 posts

276 months

Thursday 20th April 2006
quotequote all
johnnyboy225 said:

As has been said earlier, either 3200 or 4200 are extremely rapid cars. I can confirm that the only thing that has out-dragged me thus far is a 996 Turbo.. nothing else has come close (know I'll eat those words!!!) ....



We have it on very good authority that a 4200 spyder will outdrag a new M3 cabrio, easily all the way up to the M3 limiter...

Dave

johnnyboy225

431 posts

275 months

Thursday 20th April 2006
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nice one....

sco

213 posts

259 months

Thursday 20th April 2006
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The other big cost on these cars has been depreciation, you could argue that the 3200 has (hopefully?) started to level out a bit but the 4200 is still on a higher point on the depreciation curve.

But you can spend a lot of time gazing at a crystal ball when you could be driving a cool car, whichever you choose.

twisted2fit

Original Poster:

118 posts

241 months

Friday 21st April 2006
quotequote all
Thanks for all the info guys. Another quick question is I live in Aberdeen any of u guys know where i could get one serviced up here if i bought one?? Ive heard Topgear in livingston does ferraris and lambos but thats like 2 1/2 hrs from here:-(

elster

17,517 posts

235 months

Sunday 12th November 2006
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Sorry to drag up an old post.

However I am also in a similar position.

I am just wondering what the actual costs of daily running and servicing are between the two models.

This would be for a 2nd car so only <5000 miles p.a.

What is this about the "red" key?

What are key things to look for when testing a car out IE for lemons??

andy355

1,346 posts

263 months

Sunday 12th November 2006
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whatever car you go for you need an independent inspection. by a specialist.

the red key thing is as follows. basically if you lose the red one, you cant have replacement keys made. so if you lost both regular keys you would need an ecu change. the red key is not however needed for servicing etc and therefore sits around at home and seems to evaporate if the number of red key less cars is anything to go by

to return to the flavour of the original earlier thread, the 3200 feels much faster to me and needs less revving to perform than the 4200. but its all about personal taste.

servicing is less on the 4200 allegedly due to less thingamies and widgets

Edited by andy355 on Sunday 12th November 12:59

3200gt

2,727 posts

249 months

Sunday 12th November 2006
quotequote all
elster said:

What is this about the "red" key?

www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=325252&f=63&h=0

The above link covers the red key issue.
Running costs for me on 3k miles pa are between £1-2k pa. I have heard 4200's are a little less to run. Insurance on limited mileage costs me just under £500.00. Things to look for 2 official recalls, cam belt service at 34 and 68k. Obviously, full main dealer history, check the back boxes at the joint to the pipe. Replacements are £500 - £1200 depends what you go for. Get it put on the diagnostic reader at a main dealer or competent indi to check what faults have been stored. If it says anything about the throttle petentiometer it costs £600 - £800 to replace. NEVER start it untill the check engine light has gone out on the dash.
Other than those items they are pretty reliable, not like masers of old.
Plenty of stamps in the book plus general condition will give you the best overall impression though. When you get one you'll go through the gauge watching syndrome for a few months but it'll soon pass.
In generall terms they are no more or less reliable than any modern circa 400 bhp Italian car but in styling they knock spots off anything the Germans have to offer.

When you get one prepare for the innane grin whenever you take it out!

Ghibli Cup

35 posts

253 months

Sunday 12th November 2006
quotequote all
3200gt said:
mr_tony said:

For the tuning details the upgrades are 'leo nardo' - chuck it in a search engine. I did have a rpice brochure for this - I seem to remember total upgrade cost would be around 10-15k for something in the region of 500bhp... Not sure if that included new brakes / suspension though...


Not sure that leo nardo are still available. I think that pretty much died a death around about the time the 42 came out?


An alternative would be Modena Performance, a relatively well known Maserati tuner in Germany. They offer various various upgrades up to 590HP for the 3200GT, not really cheap however as it's not just about increasing the boost...