3200 under 10k

[Andyk]

On the face of it two good value 2001 3200's .... Like the blue one...

http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/sales/3486713.htm

http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/sales/3489016.htm

 

[dem maser]

They can be had for corsa money, if the inspection comes back good then thats a good buy....

I do like the blue one also....

 

[Paco]

Both hovering around the cam chain service mileage - what value though!!!

 

[Andyk]

Cam belt/chain is £549 at Robert Aerospace so not a massive cost......

 

[Paco]

Cam belt is £549 at Mike's, chains are a bit more of a faff though.

I think, and can't be certain until I find the old post debating the matter, that he is of the mindset that the mileage limit for the chains is a bit arbitrary and they should be changed when wear is evidenced. But I may be completely wrong!!!

Plenty of folk don't bother with the chains, that's for sure, mostly scared at the expense of an engine out job (even though they can be changed in situ I beleive).

Myles at Emblem told me that changing the chains was usually the beginning of the bill at that service, and once "in to" the engine there tends to be a lot of "while we're in there we may as well....." jobs that add up!!

 

[Andyk]

Ummm...That sounds exspensive Paco.....What amazes me is how service costs have dropped over the last few years on a 3200 at specialists...When I had mine a service was £1200.....OK so parts are the killer but if you get a good one now it may not break the bank...

 

[blue520]

A chap just listed the blue one on the "old" forum.

 

[Andyk]

It seems good value depending on history and an indi check.....Seems like he has done a bit to it as well.

 

[blue520]

Having had a quick dig around i think the blue one is being sold by a motoring jounalist who writes for the independant on F1 matters. I know this doesn`t necessarily mean the 3200 has been well looked after but may help?

 

[Andyk]

Sort of gives a little confidence..Don't know why mind...

 

[Paco]

I reckon if you aren't doing big mileage they are an affordable proposition. Mike offers a fantastic service and I wouldn't hesitate to continue using him. Trouble is I'd need a trailer and 4x4 to get to him and back again!

 

[Andyk]

Why is that Paco...I'm South Wales and its not beyond the realms to get to him....

 

[urbanmaser]

This car looks in fantastic condition and what a car for the price of a Smartcar........if you want a supercar and providing the history checks out and all the 3200 niggly bits have been sorted then it is bargain of the century

 

[dem maser]

How much do chains cost?? Mine is approaching 50k i wont hit 68k till 6 or so years but still need to know....

 

[Andyk]

Having had a quick dig around i think the blue one is being sold by a motoring jounalist who writes for the independant on F1 matters. I know this doesn`t necessarily mean the 3200 has been well looked after but may help?

Now there was a jounalist about a year or so ago that wrote for BMW CAR magazine who sold his E39 M5 and replaced it with a blue 3200....Wonder if its the same chap...?

 

[Paco]

Andy I was being a bit tongue in cheek, Mike was happy to run me to the station, it was just an awkward place to get too and from without having someone to get a lift home with, baring in mind the car will usually be there a day or two. It basically wiped out two working days for me, for a run each way, which adds to the cost!

With a bit of planning it wouldn't be difficult, but he could do with a couple of snotter 147's to lend out!!!

Dem the chains themselves aren't dear, it's the labour, but Mike's labour is a lot less than everyone elses because he doesn't charge VAT on an already very fair hrly rate. From memory Emblem used to quote £1200 for the chains, but that was a few years ago.

 

[Andyk]

Right Paco...Get you now.....If I went for another Maserati...which will happen at some stage....I think it would be robert I take it to....I see he has changed his name to the Alfa shack....

 

[MAF260]

Myles at Emblem told me that changing the chains was usually the beginning of the bill at that service, and once "in to" the engine there tends to be a lot of "while we're in there we may as well....." jobs that add up!!

Very true, although I did it the other way round! The engine had to come out due to a snapped exhaust manifold stud (me being fastidious about a very minor blow that I was advised to leave well alone!) and whilst it was out I decided to have the chains replaced. The car had only done about 55k or so, but it seemed the sensible thing to do at the time. The cost was about £600 still, even with the engine removed. I'm still glad I did it as it made for a very easy sale when the time came.

 

[dem maser]

Thats just it, they will only need changing once really.....

 

[Phil H]

A point of interest on the blue car; the seller is David Tremayne, presumably the motoring author and consultant of some repute who has many books and articles to his credit. It's stated as being sold to fund a jet car project, which figures with his background.

PH