Considering a 3200 as a daily driver

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Escy

New Member
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6
Hi guys, i've been lurking for a while. I'm currently running a MR2 roadster with a 2zz engine (from a Corolla T Sport) and I have a Toyota Levin AE86 that's 270bhp as a fun car. I'm looking to sell both and get something that ticks all the boxes. I want something as fast as the AE86, fun but also can be left in a train station car park during the week.

My budget will be around 10k. My ownership period will be short, probably a year or so.

I'm thinking about getting a cheaper 3200, something that needs work, has high miles or is on the hpi register as I want to modify it performance wise. See if I can get close to 450bhp. I work on my cars myself so hopefully it won't cost me lots to run.

An other car in considering is a modified Mitsubishi Evo. I know these are very different to the 3200 and possibly more likely to get stolen at the train station.

Does anyone have a 3200 in South Wales that I could have a good look at?

Is there any decent diagnostic software for these cars? Can you get 25mpg on a motorway cruise?

I'm pretty sure I'd want a manual gearbox, are they the best option on the 3200?
 
Andyk

Andyk

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61,414
I had a 3200 which I used everyday. It was fine but that was back in 2007.....the car had 32k on the clock back then.....As long as you go in with you eye's open you could get a hpi registered car or one that needs work....but if it was me I would buy the best non category car you can find as although servicing on these cars is not as frightening as they used to be parts prices can still be eye watering expensive and I would say starting to get in short supply maybe...Plenty of specialist out there though. The best I got from my 3200 was 22 mpg.

Now most will say that the Auto is the one to have but mine was a manual and I wouldn't have changed to an Auto.....You need to try both and see what you think.

Sure someone will be along to answer your other questions.
 
hodroyd

hodroyd

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14,150
Personally I would go for Auto, but that's just me and it works really well in sport, no clutch to replace and no end float issues..!! They have a heck of a lot of power in standard trim, don't know if you could get 450bhp from this unit, probably could, but it would take some handling..!! Have a test drive in one and see what you think, when the turbo's spool up hang on..!!
 
highlander

highlander

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5,252
agree with robert. I was originally looking for a manual but once I tried the auto I could not look backward!
no idea re how far you can take the mods to get to 450bhp........and like robert, not sure how easy it wqould be to handle!
I'm sure richard grace has a fully sorted (including timing belt service) GTA in just now. shows 80k plus but also think it had an engine replacement done by dealer/specialist. would be worth a look and just a tad over your 10 thou budget, check out the classifieds.
 
Andyk

Andyk

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61,414
LeoNardo do ECU/engine upgrades for the 3200. I seem to remember they could get 460bhp from that engine with further mods. just read this in an old edition of Auto Italia.....Also DMS ECU upgrade claimed 438 bhp.
 
B

beau

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1,391
you really cant walk into Maserati ownership with a budget and stick to it, that doesnt work, the car will choose the budget lol

my combined average (i drive pretty hard) is 10.2 mpg

cant really compare to an evo because they are so different but i had a evo 5/v and i didnt really like it, i actually part exchanged it in for the 3200.
 
allandwf

allandwf

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11,032
A cheap 3200 may work as a daily, for a while, with luck on your side, BUT... they have the ability to bite you hard so budget accordingly. I also looked at a tweaked one around 460bhp when looking for mine, it was dark blue if I remember and was warned off. They dont really nead tweaked.
 
Contigo

Contigo

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Yup most are over the claimed 370 anyway. Mine was rolling roaded at 406bhp and 360lb/ft which is plenty and as Rob says wait until the twins spool up! Handful of a car in the wet!
 
conaero

conaero

Forum Owner
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34,708
Had a manual, if I ever bought one again it would be an auto for sure. It's got sacks full of oower so some can be wasted via the auto.

Manuals are tricky to drive. Auto is the best option for every day and loads of the issues don't affect the autos.

Expensive bits are brakes, suspension, tyres, exhausts and trim.
 
E

Escy

New Member
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6
I found a company that offer a re-map for £300 and the state "we can take from 370bhp up to 425bhp and from 362lbft torque up to 418lbft torque". I've read that they come from the factory with the cam timing incorrectly set. With that put right and a re-map and a de-cat it'd surely be near the 450bhp mark?

Like you say, they are probably plenty quick enough standard.

Anyone near Cardiff have one?
 
hodroyd

hodroyd

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14,150
There were rumours they de-tuned the engine that way from the factory to save Ferrari face..!! Escy, I would drive one before you decide to mod the car, don't forget all things are possible, but if you go too far all you do is burn expensive rubber..!!
 
Catalan3200

Catalan3200

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462
Mine was manual - in hindsight I think the Auto is a better ownership prospect. Fewer consumables (clutches) no issues with end float and generally a bit more "sorted".


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
 
davy83

davy83

Member
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2,832
There was someone in another thread who had his put on a rolling road and it produced 418BHP without remapping! i think Ferrari understated these cars to save face, as has been said.
Escy said:
I found a company that offer a re-map for £300 and the state "we can take from 370bhp up to 425bhp and from 362lbft torque up to 418lbft torque". I've read that they come from the factory with the cam timing incorrectly set. With that put right and a re-map and a de-cat it'd surely be near the 450bhp mark?

Like you say, they are probably plenty quick enough standard.

Anyone near Cardiff have one?
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