What's the general opinion on

[posterboy]

Maserati?

I am thinking of picking up a 1999, 3200 GT. 3.2 L V8 bi turbo.

Anyone have an idea of Maserati's reliability, performance and handling, servicing and running costs?

I would also like to know PH's general opinion on Maserati, grand dad car or just another Fait with a good paint job

Thanks

[Strawman]

I know someone who ran one of these and never had any problems with it, but then it was new.
Image is of leftfield type character I think, if you have the money to run one of these you could have bought a Porsche or Aston, even a Ferrari, but you didn't so you are prepared to take a gamble.
I suppose they don't come with negative associations that some other luxury cars may in the minds of some people.
Looking at forums they can be troublesome though, like electronic throttle etc.

[Don]

If you want to buy something fragile and Italian - get a vase!

Lovely looking things. My friends with them have had nothing but trouble, though. Clearly that is hardly a statistical sample of much value...why not try reading Honest John...

[JohnLatham]

Someone on PH once said:

I haven't any problems at all with my Maserati












.......since I sold it.

[posterboy]

bump

[Wombat Rick]

Gorgeous cars but check the servicing costs if you are on a budget.
Even the routine stuff can be eyewatering.

[dave_s13]

Try reposting the same question with the word Maserati on the end, and join a maserati forum and ask people who have actually owned one too.

You'll get a far greater number of replies telling you they break a lot, cost a feckin fortune to run but are really very lovely.

[Road_Terrorist]

As far as image goes, Maseratis seem to be the new Aston Martin now that Aston Martin are too 'common'.

[fade2grey]

great cars.. get an inspection done before you part with any cash at an indy. Buy a sorted one as there are a few known problems.

Fab car, lovely looking & servicing should be in line with any other 180mph Uber car. Have a look at maseratiforum.co.uk for more info.

[posterboy]

thanks

[mcgus]

well I own one. one year in and the Spyder is behaving perfectly. Just back from 2750 miles in two weeks and 9 countries round Europe as far down as to Modena, Maranello and Sant'Agata. narry a cheap out of her! Just perfect. (well, apart from 16mpg!).

hey, but that's just me, I'm just an owner....;)

[posterboy]

mcgus said:

well I own one. one year in and the Spyder is behaving perfectly. Just back from 2750 miles in two weeks and 9 countries round Europe as far down as to Modena, Maranello and Sant'Agata. narry a cheap out of her! Just perfect. (well, apart from 16mpg!).

hey, but that's just me, I'm just an owner....;)

So the only grip about this car is the running cost, and servicing...?
I also read it is preferable to 2001 version

[Colossus]

Have run a 4200 Coupe GT for last 2 years and it has never missed a beat. I think there are significantly more issues with the 3200 and the overall build quality is not as good as 4200 but if you can find one with all of the issues sorted and can afford the general maintenance (which is not cheap but certainly not outrageous) I would get it. My own preference would be to get the later 4200 and a manual at that as it won't have the F1 pump problems and clutch wear the CC seam to have, prices are now at a level where they are not much more than the 3200's.

I agree with the post above that Masers seem to be the new Astons, I always get very positive reactions to the car and it does command a degree of respect on the road with people generally letting you out or move over to let you pass. I have really enjoyed having mine and frankly am a complete convert to the brand. As has been said above, visit the forums and do your research (also try Maserati Life although American is full of information and helpful people) and you will be and you should be best placed to sort through all the crud that hasn't been properly maintained. Hope you find the right car and let us know what you do.

[3200gt]

http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
and many many other threads on here will tell what you want to know. Do a search and then if you still have any speific unanswered questions I'll be happy to help.
Owner for 8 years.

[doodlebug]

Granddad's car? Classy sleeper more like. Most of the public haven't a clue what it is, but still give the thumbs up when they see it. Probably goes under most footballer's radar. TFFFT.

In the 12 months I have owned mine, the 4200 has so far been more reliable than the BMW I previously owned. FIAT reliability... right.
Now where did I leave that piece of wood?

I did buy mine with my eyes and wallet wide open, but have been pleasantly surprised at how "cheap" for a 180mph car it is to run. I'm now on first name terms with my local petrol station, though. Just spend some time buying the right one!

If you don't mind putting up with a permanent face-ache from all the grinning, get one. You won't be disappointed! Even if it all goes Pete Tong, you can still say "I drive a Maserati". Nothing gets much better than that.

Rick

[JohnLatham]

doodlebug said:

I'm now on first name terms with my local petrol station, though. Just spend some time buying the right one!

It's so thirsty you bought a petrol station?

[Bath of Kylies]

Check out www.maseratiforum.co.uk

They have a complete section dedicated to 3200s and 4200s. All the info (pros and cons) you could ever need.

And I love my 3200 - but do step into ownership with your eyes (and wallet) open...

[Diablo_Pete]

JohnLatham said:

Someone on PH once said:

I haven't any problems at all with my Maserati












.......since I sold it.

Very funny. Will remember that for when my lambo days are over.