3200 ebay no reserve

[Andyk]

Hi Guys (first post),

I did a bit of research and it seems he is a member on another UK Maserati Forum.

Seems a friendly enough chap, but he does seem to be doing quite a bit of DIY on it. I fear the cambelt change was carried out in 07, but only 10K Miles or so in 5 years or so....plausible I suppose.

Seems like quite a few of the common problems have been resolved. He seems to have had the ABS issue for a long time now, even back in 09 iirc. So either different ABS issues have arisen or nothing has been resolved. I know he has tried though. A few other things concern me as he has mentioned that he has isolated his heater matrix due to coolant loss, and this cured the loss, but I hope the matrix has now been replaced and recommissioned as it were , most likely it has, but perhaps it shows signs of cutting corners, or simply a logical and positive DIY step in curing the issue and probably job carrried out as well as a good indy/dealer....who knows !

I am quite keen on picking up a 3200 GT. I am relatively mechanically minded and have a few cars, so the Maserati will hopefully fit in nicely, along with a few of my other Teutonic mistresses

Great Forum you have here, guys and gals !!

Thanks

Kumaran

A big welcome to the forum Kumaran..The only way to see if she is a good one is go and have a look and get an inspection carried out ... You could get a bargain.

 

[M5 London]

did some research with M5 london on this......

car has no full history, stroy we got was "i bought it for the wife through our son whos a trader but she dont like it" to which begs the question "is it registered in your wifes or your name?"
"no its under my son whos a trader", whats happened is they bought it to sell and cant!!
porblems have come up with some other inspection and they trying anything to free the car from them........

Actually that was the story with the Blue one up at £8500 or so at 99,800 Miles on PH... He came back to me with the details on the History. Cambelt was changed at 50K Miles and quite some time ago.

The burgundy one on Ebay with no reserve with ABS issue, I have started talking to him. He has owned it since 2007 and I have read ALL his posts over that time. He seems to have attended to a few bits and pieces and seems quite genuine.

Also I thank you for offering your time on Good Friday to come and view the car with me. Very kind of you indeed !

 

[M5 London]

Thanks everyone for a Warm Welcome !! This forum with its experienced and knowledgeable members seems to have taken 80% of the fear and uncertainty out of the challenge of purchasing a straight car.

Hi Kumaran and welcome!

That's all interesting stuff, as you say isolation of the heater matrix shows a degree of intuition and engineering nous on the owner's part, but I know all too well how easy it is to think "hmm ok well I know what the problem is and I've cured the coolant loss, I'll sort out the matrix next weekend...." which never happens!!!

This car looks like good value, hope it goes to a good home.

I agree. I will be seeing it soon !

cambelt change in 07? only done 10k on it?

needs changing im afraid, i dont change belts with mileage done, i change on duration.....

i only do 3k a year in mine, but still every 3 years they need changing

Agreed !! How much does a good independent charge for a cambelt change these days ?

Agreed Dem, you just cant take the risk with cambelts, and when or if you do it, change all the tentioners and guide wheels as they have been know to sheer off their castings.

All that said, failing cambelts are not one you hear of very often on the 3200.

The heater matrix I believe is a dash out job from memory so its one that would get put off as its a big job.

The heater matrix is the same as in an Alfa 166 by the way, as is the pollen filter.

The ABS issues is an expensive one so make sure thats been remedied. It can be a simple case of dirty pickup rings on the hubs, but more often than not its the ABS unit which is big bucks!

The biggest thing to check on these cars, especially the manuals is Enfloat bearing wear. Do a search, all will be revealed. You need to have this checked at a dealer with the aid of a DTI gauge. You can get an idea of wear on extreme ones by seeing if the oil pressure drops or moves when you press the clutch with the engine nice and hot. You can also get someone to pump the clutch and watch the front engine crank pulley for movement.

Good luke with it.

Thanks !

I take on board your point about the end floats.

I think the matrix is back in. Interestingly my ABS Unit failed on my current car, and I got that sorted very quickly and for not much money. My concern here is I have read plenty of stories that some of these firms have been unable to repair the units in these Maseratis.

Just for info guys there are some good companys out there for sorting out abs pumps and ecus that I use. bba reman and actronics you will find them on google. They rebuild everything from dashboards to climate control displays.

Yes, I have in fact used BBA Reman, they are great. My fear is the owner is quite clued up, and he I feel has tried something similar.

Majority of the time its the ecu at fault and a rebuild on a Bosch system is usually around 125 plus vat and carriage.

Yes sounds about right, but only if they can do it, otherwise it gets sent back to free of charge.

A big welcome to the forum Kumaran..The only way to see if she is a good one is go and have a look and get an inspection carried out ... You could get a bargain.

Will do Andy, thanks !!

 

[M5 London]

I am leaving to see the Burgundy one in 30 mins.

 

[Andyk]

Have fun and good luck.....Hope it's a good one as it looks lovely...

 

[ENZ525]

Welcome to the forum Kumaran,
Good luck in your search...
hope it goes well today
Regards,
Enzo.

 

[Parisien]

I am leaving to see the Burgundy one in 30 mins.

Let us know how it goes.........


P

 

[M5 London]

Interesting car guys.

Nice owner.

I am considering this car.

Of the issues that I am not comfortable with at the moment :

1) There is a damp patch, in the rear nearside footwell. To touch it felt like some type of oil...... ?

2) At idle it seems to hunt around a bit....But in drive, with the brakes its smooth. Are the idle regulator or equivalent known weak points, or is this a symptom of something else ?

3) Cambelt changed in 2006 and 10,000 miles since, but also 6 YEARS. I don't mind doing it immediately though.

The bodywork is in a word : POOR.

It will need a bottom half respray at the least.

Its going to need about 5K/£7K to get it the way I want it, over time.

I am going to sleep on it.

 

[nigw]

Interesting car guys.

Nice owner.

I am considering this car.

Of the issues that I am not comfortable with at the moment :

1) There is a damp patch, in the rear nearside footwell. To touch it felt like some type of oil...... ?

2) At idle it seems to hunt around a bit....But in drive, with the brakes its smooth. Are the idle regulator or equivalent known weak points, or is this a symptom of something else ?

3) Cambelt changed in 2006 and 10,000 miles since, but also 6 YEARS. I don't mind doing it immediately though.

The bodywork is in a word : POOR.

It will need a bottom half respray at the least.

Its going to need about 5K/£7K to get it the way I want it, over time.

I am going to sleep on it.

I cant think what an oily patch in the rear footwell would be! the hunting could just need a throttle reset or could be needing a refurb throttlebody or new throttle pot. As you say, it's well overdue a cambelt, but if the bodywork is also poor then overall I would say steer away. By the time you've spent getting this one right, you may as well have bought a good one to start off with.

I've just got home after 10 hours of drinking, but think my advice would be the same if I were sober

 

[Andyk]

Nige, thats impressive for someone with so much alcohol on board..............Good advice I would say...

 

[conaero]

I tend to agree with the above. They all do hunt a bit on idle but factor in a new throttle body, the bodywork but more importantly the cambelt is my main issue. Anyone who has not changed the cambelt is obviously on a budget and that is never a good thing with these cars.

There are plenty more out there.

 

[Parisien]

Ditto....pass on by.....for a few quid more you can lay your hands on a well cared for eg......keep looking and do get an indie inspection before committing


P

 

[Rex B]

I would think that cam belt was not changed because it had only done 10K mile, I am not saying this is right just a probable reason.

3200's do hut a bit at idle , mine has a contactorless throttle bodyand sometimes its steady as a rock and other times it fluckuates a 1000 rpm especially when cold., the service manual even suggests this is normal. It however could also be a sign of TB or other problems

I do agree with the others you will get a lower miles with a good history for the combined total of what you are talking about, and it will be worth more on resale later.

Rex B
Manual 3200

 

[M5 London]

Sound advice by everyone on here, and on paper, I am in agreement with you all.

However a few points :

This will be a 7th car if I buy it.

I don't care so much for resale value to be honest. It is at an almost negligibly low level currently.

Although I am not involved with cars professionally at all, I have good access to mechanics and body shops and am pretty mechanically minded myself.

I like the owner of this particular car. Something pretty straight about him.

I am seeing this purchase as an almost long term project car. I do not need to rely on it in any way.

Having said all of the above, I am very happy and particularly keen to keep hearing all of your advice guys !!

Many Thanks

Kumaran

 

[M5 London]

I cant think what an oily patch in the rear footwell would be! the hunting could just need a throttle reset or could be needing a refurb throttlebody or new throttle pot. As you say, it's well overdue a cambelt, but if the bodywork is also poor then overall I would say steer away. By the time you've spent getting this one right, you may as well have bought a good one to start off with.

I've just got home after 10 hours of drinking, but think my advice would be the same if I were sober

Nige, thats impressive for someone with so much alcohol on board..............Good advice I would say...

I tend to agree with the above. They all do hunt a bit on idle but factor in a new throttle body, the bodywork but more importantly the cambelt is my main issue. Anyone who has not changed the cambelt is obviously on a budget and that is never a good thing with these cars.

There are plenty more out there.

Ditto....pass on by.....for a few quid more you can lay your hands on a well cared for eg......keep looking and do get an indie inspection before committing


P

I would think that cam belt was not changed because it had only done 10K mile, I am not saying this is right just a probable reason.

3200's do hut a bit at idle , mine has a contactorless throttle bodyand sometimes its steady as a rock and other times it fluckuates a 1000 rpm especially when cold., the service manual even suggests this is normal. It however could also be a sign of TB or other problems

I do agree with the others you will get a lower miles with a good history for the combined total of what you are talking about, and it will be worth more on resale later.

Rex B
Manual 3200

Mass reply guys :

It had a new throttle body, by Verdi of all people, about 2 years ago ....If the throttle body is still good, then perhaps I will start looking for vacuum leaks as a possible reason and or stick idle control valve (or equivalent)....

Regarding the timing belt, yes its not great that it hasn't been changed, but considering the owner has had the car since 72K Miles, so 7K Miles in 5 years and 10K Miles since the last belt change....but yes very naughty of him.

So apart from the risk of the belt snapping, are there any mechanical issues that arise from not changing the belt in a timely fashion ?

Thanks

 

[conaero]

The reason it's 3 years regardless of mileage is the belt is made of oil basically and it dries out overtime, this will then lead to cracking and then snapping. Considering a belt change at an indie is what, £300, it shows the car has been run on a budget, which unturned makes me wonder where else savings have been made. These cars are all about maintenance.

For the sake of £300 vs a cambelt failure on an engine with so many valves is a risk not worth taking in my book.

Keep looking, the right one will show up soon.

Tell me what spec your after and we will find you one.

 

[M5 London]

The reason it's 3 years regardless of mileage is the belt is made of oil basically and it dries out overtime, this will then lead to cracking and then snapping. Considering a belt change at an indie is what, £300, it shows the car has been run on a budget, which unturned makes me wonder where else savings have been made. These cars are all about maintenance.

For the sake of £300 vs a cambelt failure on an engine with so many valves is a risk not worth taking in my book.

Keep looking, the right one will show up soon.

Tell me what spec your after and we will find you one.

Thanks !!

Noted the point regarding reading a bit into the owner as he has not changed the timing belt. But in your opinion, putting that aside and possibly a woefully neglected car, which I don't actually think is the case here, are there any long term effects caused by excessively late timed belt changes ?

Which indy do you you recommend does the the belt change ? I like in Central London. I presume for £300 they will not be changing the metal chains too though ?

In terms of what I am after, I am after one that is showing good overall value. I know that this may sound like an expensive mistake but I am happy to take a reasoned view of what I am entering into....but could fail, I do admit !

 

[nigw]

Thanks !!

Noted the point regarding reading a bit into the owner as he has not changed the timing belt. But in your opinion, putting that aside and possibly a woefully neglected car, which I don't actually think is the case here, are there any long term effects caused by excessively late timed belt changes ?

Which indy do you you recommend does the the belt change ? I like in Central London. I presume for £300 they will not be changing the metal chains too though ?

In terms of what I am after, I am after one that is showing good overall value. I know that this may sound like an expensive mistake but I am happy to take a reasoned view of what I am entering into....but could fail, I do admit !

Nope, a delayed cambelt replacement wont have had any effect on the engine but you'd want to get it done fairly soon after purchase. Camchains are £1200+...cambelt and tensioners is £350-400 usually.

Do be wary of buying a cheap car that needs lots of money spending on it...do the sums carefully and then add a bit (!) - it may stack up, but usually to buy a 3200 that's right to start off with!

 

[conaero]

It's a fair point you make about the rest of the car, without seeing it, it's impossible to forge an accurate opinion. These cars are not very expensive to purchase but they are very expensive to maintain correctly.

The main purpose of this and similar forums is to offer the enthusiast a cost effective way to maintain these cars.

You mention rust and cambelt. These items arise as a direct result of not being maintained correctly. Of course, ever car has its price so if it's cheap enough and you enjoy the challenge then fine.

Having owned and been around many 3200's there are certain rules you must adhere to.

1. Always buy the best car you can afford.
2. Always get an independant inspection.
3. Always make sure it had a complete service history.

Get this wrong and your looking at a money pit.

Give us an idea of budget, colours, man/auto and distance and we will find you some decent examples.

As for an indie around London, there are a few but Rob at Grimaldi seems to have the best reputation.

If you do end up on having the cambelt done on a 3200 the mechanics generally do not remove the radiator, they pull it to one side, which results in the cracking of the coolant pipe flanges, we see it time and time again, so insist whom ever does it removes the rad or at very least the coolant pipes.

The rough idling can be for to the plate on the underside of the plenum has a gasket that can fail causing air fluctuation and wild idling. If its not that bad I would look at the throttle pot first.

 

[conaero]

I have just had another look at the ad. The car has had the chains done so that is one major headache out of the way. Cambelt is about £350 plus it might need discs, a couple of tyres an the most expensive item, the ABS. If things go well you could get away with £2k. Then you have to factor in the paint. If you want it mint an know people in the trade I would go for a full blow over for around £1500.

So as a guide you are looking at spending £3.5k on a car that would be worth £11k max, probably more like £10k, so working backwards you need to be looking at a purchase price of £6.5-7k.

This ofcourse does not take into account an 'agro' factor, so a good price for this car is £6k max. I think it will go for close to 7k in the end.