Newbie planning to buy a 3200

Gogs253

Gogs253

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132
I've read the majority of posts on this forum to acquaint myself with the possible problems in owning a Maserati and it's reassuring to find that it seems the pleasure far outweighs the pain. I hope to learn from the experience of others and take heed of all the recommendations that have been made on this site.
I have loved the marque for many years but sometimes life just gets in the way of doing what you really want to do but now I have decided that my priorities are different. I do love forced induction engines and don't think that performance statistics can ever reflect the 'on the road driving experience' of turbo power. The mid range punch is incomparable. I've have been a SAAB fan for a long time and love their B234R engine which will reliably produce 400hp from the standard block - not expecting the same reliability from a Maser though.
Living in Scotland, I can foresee a fair bit of travelling before I find what I'm looking for.
 
allandwf

allandwf

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10,995
Welcome. Great choice of car. There are a couple of 3200s up here, I sold mine in May after 3 1/2 years or so. Where in Scotland?
 
highlander

highlander

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5,223
As Allan said, welcome along. Get a sorted one and they are not as "delicate" as public perception. I know of at least one other 32 north of the border but pretty sure there will be another couple who do not frequent the forum. When you find one you like the look of, put up on here, lots of knowledge about most of the cars out there on here.....some cars like mine have been owned by 3 or even more forum members, and even if not previously owned by a member, someone will know it, so you will be steered well! An inspection important if not recently serviced by an indie you can check with. Account for 2-3k per year to keep her healthy and fit and keep a smile on your face!
Long live the twins!
Look forward to hearing about your search.
 
safrane

safrane

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16,867
Welcome.

The 3200 still looks a class act, but a good one is getting harder to find as they are cosseted by keen owners not willing to part with them. However check with owners on here as well they do come up now and then.
Also mandatory inspection... best £300 you will ever spend and save you being put off the brand for life if you were to buy a dud.
 
Gogs253

Gogs253

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132
Thank you for the warm welcome.
I'm in Fife, Allan
Hi Highlander. I have read so many of the posts on here and 'buy the best you can afford' seems sound advice and I haven't been put off by the experiences reported here. A well sorted car will give so much pleasure although still not sure whether an auto or manual would suit me best - I think it will be more down to the individual car.
 
highlander

highlander

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5,223
Fife? Good, see you at the Scottish Italian car day then in May!
Edit. Re auto v manual. You will hear differing views I reckon but I will say I never owned or fancied an auto till I got marci and would not change to manual now, the thrill of getting the kickdown right with it dropping a gear and the twins coming on at the same time is simply superb.......does not make me miss "the control" of a manual anyway but can see why those that have a manual swear by them. The other benefit to the auto is no clutch.
 
allandwf

allandwf

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10,995
Pk Supercars have one at the moment. Nip in and speak to Phil about them, he looked after mine, and a lot of the Scottish owners cars.
 
highlander

highlander

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5,223
allandwf said:
Pk Supercars have one at the moment. Nip in and speak to Phil about them, he looked after mine, and a lot of the Scottish owners cars.
Click to expand...

Don't know that one but if serviced by Phil, should be up to spec and worth a look anyway. I would not let the 75k put me off, these engines can do the miles.
 
davy83

davy83

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2,823
Welcome to the forum sir, i am in Aberdeen so not that far from you, and like highlander have a 3200 auto. I think they are quite different drives, and both cars are excellent, so really you want one of each :). I have an auto, although i was looking for a manual, but after driving it i was sold. I got my car south of the border and drove it up as i could not find one in Scotland, so good luck with the search.
I bought a car with a few faults as i was looking for a hobby, but in the 8 years i have owned it i have worked on most of the car, and happy to help if you need it!
again welcome and good luck, check this forum for threads on what to look for there are a few good tips.
 
highlander

highlander

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5,223
The thing that will cause you the most pain with a 32 is not the "supposed" unreliability, the wishbones, or even the Italian electrics.......its Benny, but at least we have a 32 owner as mod now in place of him to keep the " bear" in check and poke him with a stick now and again to remind him of his place! Lol
 
Gogs253

Gogs253

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Messages
132
If I'm in UK in May, I'll definitely be at the Scottish Italian Car Day. I've read a few posts from Benny but don't feel qualified to comment lol.
I've had a look online at the one offered by Pk Supercars but have not had a chance to pop in to see it yet and have a chat. Pricewise it seems pretty cheap but condition is everything. Now that the bridge is open things will change - it was a bit of a long cold swim for me before. I plan to give Dickie Grace a call too to see what's likely to come up.
Thanks for the offer Davy - always happy to take the advice of people much more experienced than me
 
L

Luna 06

Junior Member
Messages
74
Welcome.
I had a 3200 with 22k way back. loved it and almost bought another. The milage I did on mine was mainly back to the dealer for regular repairs under the warranty. Did put me off, so went for a Face lift 4200. Amazing with no problems. May not have the vents and lights but in the right colour combo still looks amazing. Although without the turbos to me it did not feel as quick!
This year I wanted to get back to Maserati, maybe the mid life thing! and stared looking at the 3200. Was put off with what I saw. I kept putting up the budget and found that if I spent more, the lack of depreciation " if any" made it a viable purchase. Last year the prices seemed a lot lower.
Good luck in your search, and have a really good look for a superb example.
 
Contigo

Contigo

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18,376
What are you after I have a previously owner Grigio car in fine fettle which given the right price might sell.
 
Gogs253

Gogs253

Member
Messages
132
Thanks for the comments Luna. Like you, I do enjoy the way the power comes in with forced induction engines.

Thank you Contigo, that is certainly very interesting. I would prefer a later model, if possible, although condition and history would be more important. I would appreciate a few more details if possible. I would prefer to pay more for a well sorted example than a budget car with a multitude of seemingly small problems which could turn into a money pit.
 
Andyk

Andyk

Member
Messages
61,156
Gogs253 said:
I've read the majority of posts on this forum to acquaint myself with the possible problems in owning a Maserati and it's reassuring to find that it seems the pleasure far outweighs the pain. I hope to learn from the experience of others and take heed of all the recommendations that have been made on this site.
I have loved the marque for many years but sometimes life just gets in the way of doing what you really want to do but now I have decided that my priorities are different. I do love forced induction engines and don't think that performance statistics can ever reflect the 'on the road driving experience' of turbo power. The mid range punch is incomparable. I've have been a SAAB fan for a long time and love their B234R engine which will reliably produce 400hp from the standard block - not expecting the same reliability from a Maser though.
Living in Scotland, I can foresee a fair bit of travelling before I find what I'm looking for.
Click to expand...

A big warm welcome to the forum....you will get lots of advice on here to help you find the perfect Maserati for you. Good luck with your search.
 
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