Maserati 3200 GT?

[caduceus]

What are they like to own; ie- build quality, performance, auto box any good, expensive to run?
I currently have a Cerbera 4.5, but looking to get something more refined and comfortable. But still with a bit of poke and a nice exhaust note.

Is this the car to fit the bill?
Any opinions appreciated.

Thanks
Cad

[3200gt]

6 years in with mine and 34k miles and nothing has fallen off, broken, or gone bang!
Obviously it has been serviced on time with a main dealer and the normal items required but no more or less than any other car I've owned.

When looking make sure it has a full history and a red key and you wont go tar far wrong.

[Cardiff]

had mine a month now and love it, take a look at
www.maseratiforum.co.uk

you will learn more from there

[caduceus]

Thanks for the replies so far guys, and I'm glad you are enjoying your Masas.
But could you by any chance give me a bit more detail on what is so good about them, and how much services are, average real world MPG, insurance costs for a mid 30 yr old, etc.

I know they're good, but I need to know what I'm getting into before I start test driving.

Thanks
Cad

[3200gt]

Service (12k miles) costs are 500 ish for a minor and 800 ish for a major depending mileage 2k per year should see you ok. You will go through rear tyres pretty quick. I did a pair of pirelli's in 6k miles without even trying. found toyo's to be the best allrounders.

Insurance will vary on many factors but i pay 500 ish for 3k miles limited.

As to whats good about them, take a test drive, you'll either love it or loathe it and will decide within the first 10 mins. Once its in your blood youll be hooked.

Have a look at some of the masser owners profiles for more detailed costings.

If you have any specific questions just post em up.

[rs48635]

good points
Huge turbo induced grin factor
Fabulous interior, always feels like a special place to be
Maserati is my Dream drive/ownership.
Seen as iconic by petrolheads, less envy than the prancing horse
Unique style, with few ever seen.
Sensible family four seater (compared to 911 or cerbera anyway)
Accessible price, rabid depreciation already done
300+ miles range

Bad points
£60k + when new, parts and service to suit. Okay if you budget for it. Worrying if previous owner skimps on parts/service.
Impossible to pop to the shops, every journey is "the long way round"
err...that's it

[caduceus]

Thanks for that guys. More like the info I was after.

With regard to gearboxes, which is best? Auto, manual or paddle shift?
Is there a tiptronic? And how strong are the auto boxes?

Also, what kind of mpg does the 3200 return? On a run, spirited driving and combined average.
Where is the best place to buy from a dealer in the Herts/Essex/N London area?

Many thanks so far.
Cad

[andy355]

re auto v manual. auto box is a "simple" 4 speed. no tiptronic, or different modes. drives quite differently from manual, it suits the turbo engine quite well. manual feels faster though. i found the peddles too close together on the manual which surprised me as i have had other masers before and been ok.

my car developed a worrying clonk from auto box, which maranello couldnt replicate or find as it was intermittent. that and bits starting to rust led me so sell mine. but dont let that put you off, i think its a truly great car and was sad to sell mine

[rs48635]

agree with last.
Head says buy the auto, which suits the GT nature and turbo power delivery, also will save money on clutch replacement.
So I bought a manual Assetto Corsa
If you really don't have a strong auto/manual preference, buy on condition and history. Should give more scope to pick a colour as well.