2002 Maser GT 3200 - Thoughts?

I've been offered a Euro-spec 2003 GT 3200 coupe for about $22K....i can probably get it for $18K cash....

Don't have any or all the details I need on the car yet; mileage, services, etc., but will get within a few days...

Before I express ANY interest, thought I'l post here and ask for general opinions on the car ... known issues?

Like I said, more details to follow... any input would be greatly appreciated.

Mike

 

Anyone?

 

I had no idea the 3200 GT was made as late as 2003. I thought the last ones were made in 2002, at the latest...

For owners' experiences and other useful info about the cars, take a look at www.maseratiforum.co.uk; the site has several threads on the 3200 GT.

Cheers,
Gabriel

 

Gabriel,

You are right... it is a 2002 model...twin turbo, no accidents, good to very good shape...

I'll have more details when I get to drive the car...

Thanks for the lead on the website.... I appreciate it.

Mike

 

US$ 20K sounds cheap for a (presumably LHD...) Euro car. They are advertised at twice as much in www.classicdriver.com.

Gabriel

 

Actually, you can buy them all day here, Euro Spec, for between $20K and $25K.

They apparently aren't 'flashy' enough for the guys here.

Mike

 

yes, but he is in Kuwait

 

For reference sake, I looked and found two other similar cars in Kuwait as follows:

2001 3200GT, USD$13,600

http://www.q8car.com/Kuwait/English/Cars/Maserati/3200GT/2001/7522/ItemDetails.aspx

and

2001 3200GT, USD$9,600

http://www.q8car.com/Kuwait/English/Cars/Maserati/3200GT/2001/4584/ItemDetails.aspx

I'm thinking even $18K is way too much for the car... at least in this market.

Mike

 

You must be a happy man Mike: a 2001-2002 3200GTs would fetch at least NOK 500K (approx USD 80K) in Norway, where I live....

Gabriel

 

Gabriel,

Send me the money, and I'll buy one and ship it to you....

Mike

 

Last year of production is 2001!! But there are cars licensed after... The last years are the best on the 3200 GT. Several problems related with the CEL (Check engine light) were resolved and everything works fine.
It is a nice GT, powerful, fast. Don't expect a Ferrari regarding the chassis torsion but it copes with the handling. The brakes are ok but need good oil and good pads.

It is a beautiful car.

Strong engine if maintained. Timing belt must be changed every 3 years, MANDATORY!! See if there are water leaks... Exhaust manifolds are prone to crack if the car was bad driven with no time to warm it up and shut it down. See for noises at the sides when first start it!!

The turbos are very good and reliable. If the above mentioned for the exhausts is done.

After pushing it till temperatures are ok, it must sit for 15 minutes, working, and no smoke of any kind should come out of the pipes...
The engine is rounded in noise. Low and strong on acceleration but always smooth.
See if it warms as it should. No balance on the idle. Rises above the 1500 rpms stays and drops calmly till the 900/1000 rpm region.
OIL PRESSURE MUST BE ON THE 5+ MARK, DRIVING, AND CAN DROP TO HALF ON IDLLE. THESE ARE THE REFERENCE.

Sticky interior is a major fault. Could be better built but we can cope with this.

The Assetto Corsa is the best with stiffer suspension and better brakes.

I've been driving those cars for years and maintaining them at my shop - Italia Exotics , Lda.
Portugal.

Know them and would advice them. But always look for the best you can find.

Forget those biturbo stories!! A good Maserati is a always a good Maserati. The previous owners are what really counts.

All the best.

Mont

 

Mont,

What a GREAT post... thank you...!

I'll be in touch, by PM, if you don't mind....

Mike

 

Appreciate the offer!.... Would have been very nice had it been that easy, but unfortunately the taxes at point of entry and registration with Norwegian license plates would bring the final price at more or less the same level...

Of course, if a large number were imported and got the local market flooded, it's likely that prices woiuld be driven down quite a lot...

Cheers,
Gabriel

 

That's really a shame Gabriel...

Mike