Buying a Maserati 3200 GT

[Propman]

Hi there, I am after some help. I have read most of the forums with regards to buying a 3200 GT, the costs, the likes and dislikes and I have decided that I am going to buy one. Now as I work away quite a lot I am in the position where I do not need a car, a hateful position to be fair. However, i will be in a position to buy said Maserati around the end of this year, beginning of next year. Now, my question is this, what would be the best buy, a GT or GTA. I have set my heart on light blue, cream leather interior, should one become available as it is such a stunning colour and it reminds me of my first ever TVR.
If any one has any info regarding the good and bad points of owning a GT or GTA I would love to hear them. I keep checking the classifieds and I am straining at the bit to buy one now but it would just be sat in a garage for the next 9 months and it would be such a waste of a beautiful machine. hence the reason I sold my beloved Alfa. Any information would be much appreciated.

Many Thanks

Propman

[pacoryan]

Suggest you revisit the forums as this debate is as old as the hills! In short the auto is civilised and avoids the need to replace the clutch every 25k miles or so - the manual on the other hand is a bit more of a handful, and a lot more exciting to drive.

It will come down to personal preference, I found the slush-box made the Maser a little dull and less involving, and I loved the lunacy of the manual - however there are many very happy GTA owners out there who wouldn't have it any other way.

Try both!

[mr_tony]

As said - old topic - many discussions in the past - dig through as all the same logic applies.

Main points are like all other purchases of cars (classics as they are now 10 years old)

1. Buy on condition not mileage.
2. It's probably going to be more cost effective to buy the best you can possibly afford - fixes are expensive, and parts prices are no different to Ferrari and in many cases more.
3. Test Auto and Manual - I'd go manual though - loved mine. Watch out for 'crank end float' on these though.
4. Check all the recalls have been done and insist on FSH - independent is fine as long as its a well known one.
5. Make sure you have a slush fund of a few k for the unexpected. It's a 10 year old highly strung itallian machine that may or may not have bits wearing out, or past abuse, so expect the worst and be suprised pleasantly if the wedge stays in the bank gathering interest.
6. Get an inspection by a specialist.
7. Read my profile and others here for example running costs - there is quite a spread so bear this in mine.