Masrati 3200 high mileage
Discussion
I am considering this.
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/657748.htm
Now this is on Autotrader as well and the owner claims that the auto is less likely to suffer from the thrust bearing failure. Is that correct?
If I do go to look at it is there anyone in the midlands that I could get to do an inspection (over and above the RAC/AA) assuming I like what I see?
Is there a decent buyers guide...is there any knowledge as to what the high mileage issues may be?
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/657748.htm
Now this is on Autotrader as well and the owner claims that the auto is less likely to suffer from the thrust bearing failure. Is that correct?
If I do go to look at it is there anyone in the midlands that I could get to do an inspection (over and above the RAC/AA) assuming I like what I see?
Is there a decent buyers guide...is there any knowledge as to what the high mileage issues may be?
Edited by SLacKer on Monday 1st September 13:13
SLacKer said:
Now this is on Autotrader as well and the owner claims that the auto is less likely to suffer from the thrust bearing failure. Is that correct?
Absolutely correct.SLacKer said:
If I do go to look at it is there anyone in the midlands that I could get to do an inspection (over and above the RAC/AA) assuming I like what I see?
Any of the independants or main dealers will do it............for £'ssssss.SLacKer said:
Is there a decent buyers guide...is there any knowledge as to what the high mileage issues may be?
Make sure it has had the chains done (64k), mucho pesato's, other than that ensure it has had the correct Selena racing oil. The engines are pretty robust and should easily last that mileage assuming servicing hasn't been skimped on. I'd want to see a comprehensive service file with all the receipts showing the history before I even considered it.Check the shocks for seal leaks. There has been a few rust issues dicussed on here, so if it has been badly stored check around the usual places.
Plenty of info about these cars on here and maserati forum, enrico's (www.maserati-alfieri.co.uk) etc.
However, if you fancy a well sorted red/Crema one with full history in top notch condition PM me!
take a look at www.maseratiforum.co.uk for lots of info.
End-float issues are probably the biggest worry beyond electrical randomness.
End-float issues are probably the biggest worry beyond electrical randomness.
3200gt said:
SLacKer said:
Now this is on Autotrader as well and the owner claims that the auto is less likely to suffer from the thrust bearing failure. Is that correct?
Absolutely correct.
The problem I was thinking about is the crank float issue.
Edited by SLacKer on Tuesday 2nd September 07:14
If you are on a tight budget, and the car is mechanically perfect and the car is local then maybe but...it's not worth it in my opinion. Reselling that car once you have crossed the 80'000 mile mark will be tough. The colour combo is very understated, abit too understated if you ask me - these are Supercars! Instead of paying £13k for that car, buy a good'un at 15 grand - yes they are out there, if you are patient and prepared to make a cheaky bid you can pick one up with half the miles and hopefully mechanically maintained well. At 68k the car needs an engine out chains change so buyers are rightly weary if this has not been done. Most of these now suffer with rust spots/paint bubbling under the arches and rear lights. Buy a solid 3200 for £15k, low-medium miles, and set aside £1k-£2k a year for maintenance, and you'll be fine in the future.
Oh, and get the car inspected by a Ferrari/Maserati mechanic who knows the car inside out, like Gary Tait, who is up near you www.gtautos.co.uk and has more Maserati certificates than I have had hot dinners. The man loves his Masers and knows them inside out. He knows of a couple of good ones for sale too.
Oh, and get the car inspected by a Ferrari/Maserati mechanic who knows the car inside out, like Gary Tait, who is up near you www.gtautos.co.uk and has more Maserati certificates than I have had hot dinners. The man loves his Masers and knows them inside out. He knows of a couple of good ones for sale too.
Edited by runway78 on Monday 1st September 22:59
runway78 - thanks for the info regarding inspection.
Also got a PM from Mark Palmer from Hollingworth at Ombersley Ltd which are nearby and they do inspections either on site or mobile which is good to know.
Is there a level of mileage where the 3200 would become almost wortheless regardless of condition and service record? So say a 90K or 100K car would it become unsellable?
Is the Maserati suffering from the TVR, LOTUS (of old) and FERRARI issue where because they used to make cars with issues they continue to carry around that baggage now even though the cars are much more advanced. I am thinking of Jaguar as a company who had a period of ropey quality until Ford came along and gave them the money to sort it out (ironic that Ford had to sell just as the two fantastic models were hitting the market XK and XF).
I am well aware that on forums you tend towards the "I've got a problem with car X and it will cost me loads" kind of post but how many GT's are around where owners have had no issues.
Also got a PM from Mark Palmer from Hollingworth at Ombersley Ltd which are nearby and they do inspections either on site or mobile which is good to know.
Is there a level of mileage where the 3200 would become almost wortheless regardless of condition and service record? So say a 90K or 100K car would it become unsellable?
Is the Maserati suffering from the TVR, LOTUS (of old) and FERRARI issue where because they used to make cars with issues they continue to carry around that baggage now even though the cars are much more advanced. I am thinking of Jaguar as a company who had a period of ropey quality until Ford came along and gave them the money to sort it out (ironic that Ford had to sell just as the two fantastic models were hitting the market XK and XF).
I am well aware that on forums you tend towards the "I've got a problem with car X and it will cost me loads" kind of post but how many GT's are around where owners have had no issues.
I have had a number Masers: Ghiblis Cup, 3200, 4200 etc. Each one was better built than the previous one. The 3200 is capable of high miles. That is why you are seeing many these days with well over 60k on the clock. I sold mine with 78k on the clock, and I and the previous owner used it a lot - clearly 
I did not incur any HUGE bills, but he did: throttle body, timing chains etc. You must check if these have been done. The suspension arm bushes and shocks are prone to wear/leakage and are mighty expensive to repalce from Maserati - call the dealer and whince. However, there are cheaper options offered by guys sych as Matthew at Giallo cars and David Askew. BUT, it was a nightmare to sell and attracted no end of timewasters. The thought of selling a 90-100k Maser sends me into a cold sweat. If I hear, "is it the one with the funny lights" again, I will have to lie down.
Unfortunately, selling an exotic Italian car comes down to market perception. Most people, typically, want a car with low miles, for resale reasons. Which is silly, cos high miles car have bveen used reliably clearly. Try selling a silver F355 with high miles - ouch! Silly, I know, but thems are the rules. I can't stand the Ferrari Rosso red/tan combo so bought my 550 in sky blue. I loved it, but selling it was a nightmare. I guess it is called resale red for a reason. Why buy a 3200 with 80k on the clock for £13k when you can get a well maintained 40k car for £15-16k? Just my opinion. Unfortunately now, the cost of repair is getting steep relative to the value of the car. My advice is buy the best you can afford always. But yes, they can handle the miles.
I did not incur any HUGE bills, but he did: throttle body, timing chains etc. You must check if these have been done. The suspension arm bushes and shocks are prone to wear/leakage and are mighty expensive to repalce from Maserati - call the dealer and whince. However, there are cheaper options offered by guys sych as Matthew at Giallo cars and David Askew. BUT, it was a nightmare to sell and attracted no end of timewasters. The thought of selling a 90-100k Maser sends me into a cold sweat. If I hear, "is it the one with the funny lights" again, I will have to lie down.Unfortunately, selling an exotic Italian car comes down to market perception. Most people, typically, want a car with low miles, for resale reasons. Which is silly, cos high miles car have bveen used reliably clearly. Try selling a silver F355 with high miles - ouch! Silly, I know, but thems are the rules. I can't stand the Ferrari Rosso red/tan combo so bought my 550 in sky blue. I loved it, but selling it was a nightmare. I guess it is called resale red for a reason. Why buy a 3200 with 80k on the clock for £13k when you can get a well maintained 40k car for £15-16k? Just my opinion. Unfortunately now, the cost of repair is getting steep relative to the value of the car. My advice is buy the best you can afford always. But yes, they can handle the miles.
what about this one? newer, cheaper, less miles & warrantied
http://www.compucars.co.uk/vehicle-details.asp?mak...
http://www.compucars.co.uk/vehicle-details.asp?mak...
runway78 said:
If I hear, "is it the one with the funny lights" again, I will have to lie down.
I know what you mean about selling cars Lady Slacker had a Rav4 NRG (3 door) that I had to sell when she bought the polar bear kiling ML (funny that she gets a new car and I get lumped with the old one). Had two real classics
- I need a 5 door (plenty of pics showing only 3)
- Got an offer and then called me the next day to say they wanted a Diesel (well I could try a conversion)
As for the Maserati well it was in the colour combo I like and also it was relatively local (although this isn't the top criteria) and the ad hinted at belt changes etc. done recently. I take your point over get the best you can afford as a wrong un can cause severe wallet surgery.
We were in Verona last year and Lady S spotted this
and has been prodding me for the last year. I know it is a 4200 but we like both as they are very similiar shapes (except for those funny lights
)Edited by SLacKer on Thursday 4th September 08:22
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