Maserati 3200 - positives?

[Chappersmatt]

Hi there,

There are many comments on the Maser 3200 in the forums, but I'm yet to read any notes by owners that actually report having few problems. I know this model has some issues with reliability but surely there must be some good ones out there!?

Can anyone give me some positives to rationalise my desire to buy a second hand one?

Thanks
Matthew

[David A]

They're great, buy one.

HTH

Dave

[3200gt]

David A said:

They're great, buy one.

HTH

Dave

Seconded.
Had mine from six months old now (2000 year) and I can honestly say it has been no more trouble over 30k miles than any other car that I have owned. It has always been main dealer serviced, on time, every time, regardless of mileage and has not cost the earth.
They are not like early 90's massers and are well built, rust free and reliable. Sure, you get some quirks as you would with any 170mph+ car but thats character and not anything to worry about. In fact thats partly what makes them so endearing. The interior is a lovely place to be and makes even the most tedious traffic ridden journey enjoyable. The driving experience is excellent and handling is surefooted (in the dry with the traction on) but be a handful if your not carefull in the damp/wet.
Did I mention the tail lights?
If you want facts and figures for running costs etc then drop me a mail.

[Nigelo]

Unreliability? Perhaps for those improperly maintained otherwise that's an urban myth.

hope this helps

[Chappersmatt]

Thanks "300GT" - finally someone who's had success with one! I'm convinced for sure after testing a couple recently, problem is the wife!

I can afford the second hand price - around 18-19K and I'm fully aware of all the pitfalls, common probs (boxes, steering rack etc). However, I'm worried about things going wrong.

I guess the best option for me is to buy a fully consistently serviced one that has just had a good service, i.e belts done and with the knowledge that most of the big issues have been sorted. I'm only looking to get the 3200 for 2 years before it will have to make way for the diesel estate! Therefore, if I buy one in great condition, what do you expect the running costs to be for 2 years? Obviously, no one can gaurantee that things will remain in good order, but if the biggies are done before I buy, can I get away with not spending too much in 2 years? Obviously, I will need to service it twice in this period.

[fade2grey]

3200's are fab cars, take a look at www.maseratiforum.co.uk & have a chat to the guys on there.

one thing to note however is that although they are 'affordable' with the prices dropping, they are still high performance cars with the running costs to match. Independants will cut the cost & most of the foibles are known these days. The fact there are quite a few high (ie 100k) milers around is a good sign too!

[3200gt]

Running costs are dependant on mileage but with reasonable use and without tearing the arse out of it every mile you do you should be comfortably within £2k PA + consumables. Baring any unforseen mishaps rear tyres are likely to be your biggest exspense over a 2 year period. If your not going to be hammering it every mile you do then go for something a little harder compound than Pirelli or Michelin (I got 6k on rears out of these makes) like Toyo's which are cheaper and seem to last twice the mileage or more.

Personally I wouldn't consider anything which didn't have,
Full main dealer history, the RED KEY, the recalls done (3 I think from memeory), and makes sure it has had a recent cam belt change (due every 32k/3yrs) with chains due every 64k. Importantly run it on only Selina oil as in the manual and let it do its full system check before starting, otherwise you'll have the red error light on every 5 mins.

The back boxes are prone to rusting through but one of the age you mention has most likely had those replaced already.

[Chappersmatt]

Thanks for this - great help.

How much will the oil cost me per year approx. I will only do 5K per annum.

What is a full system check before starting??

[rs48635]

JFDI. Ignore the naysayers, there are 10 people who will tel you about the problems, to evry one who has none, maybe some of them do not own one.
Had mine 17 months, done more than 12k miles without issue. I did eventually get some new silencers, which was a shame as the noise was epic. Keep an eye on the oil, and only use Selenia Racing 10W60. Get used to grinning a lot

[3200gt]

Chappersmatt said:

Thanks for this - great help.

How much will the oil cost me per year approx. I will only do 5K per annum.

What is a full system check before starting??

Full oil change every service which is 12k miles so if you only do 5k pa then you will get away with just one service whilst you own it so long as it has had a service before you pick it up. Cant remember the per litre cost which means it cant be too bad or I would recall it. But it is VERY important to have the correct oil in this type of car.

The system check is the cars "brain" going through all the systems to check for faults. Bit like a pre flight check if you like, switch the ignition on one turn and the engine check light will come on, leave until this goes out (approx 5 seconds), then turn the starter motor.
Many when they first get one, jump in and just start the engine making the car "think" that multiple faults have occured because it didn't get the expected response from the systems and thus the engine check light stays on permanently and in servere cases puts the car into limp mode limiting the revs to approx 3k.

[3200gt]

Just remebered, there has been plenty of talk about crank end float on the manuals, not sure of the details as mine is an auto, but if you email PHer wicked one or nigelo im sure they would be able to give the full gen on that problem. As I understand it, it only affects manuals and mine has had no troubles.
When I got mine I test drove both manuals and auto's and found I much prefered the auto as it is far more refined gear change and a lot easier in traffic.

[CCCS]

As mentioned earlier use Selenia racing 10W60 oil. I recently bought 5 litre from an Alfa dealer for less than £50.

I only bought this because the car appeared to need some after a track day, other than that I've not needed to add oil since I've had the car.

Let a recognised independent garage carry out your servicing. A minor service costs approximately £500 from memory, leave it to the experts.