I want to hear all about the 4200CC

[Neilf1965]

Good evening guys and girls.
I have a couple of questions and observations and would appreciate comments from all current or previous 4200CC owners. Spyders ok but not manual gearbox.
Firstly, what do people think of the "Vintage Pack"? Does it spoil or enhance the look?
And are all the gearboxes rubbish when in Auto mode, and does it take long to master smooth paddle gear changes?
I test drove a 2004 facelift with vintage pack and low 40K miles and to be honest was left a little cold compared to my 3200.
All comments for and against are sought to try and sway me up to the model although a 90K GS for £20,000 seems the way ahead.
Cheers
Neil.

 

[alfatwo]

Your right there Neal, the 4200's arent a patch on the old 3200 and cost lots more to maintain what with that funny gearbox
Early ones are to be had for Fiat 500 money..

Dave

 

[zagatoes30]

Never driven my Spyder in Auto mode so can't comment. I was advised against it and have never found a reason to try. I always use Sport mode and the gear changes are really smooth when pootleing around and really hard when thrash the socks off it - both perfect for that type of driving. The only time it gets a bit abrupt is when you are half way between one and the other, you want to progress quickly and smoothly but it changes gear quite hard. It might be the software version I have but it is only a minor irritation.

Driving a 4200 after my QP IV, similar 3200 Twin Turbo I felt the 4200 lacked some urgency I have now come to realise it just differs in the way it delivers power. It is more more seamless in the 4200 and the power is there is a consistent shove all through the rev range.

Not a fan of the Vintage pack not sure it offers anything over the original. If you like convertibles the Spyder is a great one, scuttle shale yes but a great all round open top car with a soundtrack to die for.

 

[zagatoes30]

Your right there Neal, the 4200's arent a patch on the old 3200's and cost lots more to maintain

Dave

 

[Parisien]

Plus 1!!!!!!!!!

P

 

[highlander]

Your right there Neal, the 4200's arent a patch on the old 3200's and cost lots more to maintain

nuff said

 

[philw696]

Your right there Neal, the 4200's arent a patch on the old 3200's and cost lots more to maintain

Dave

Sorry Dave in 4 years my biggest bill has been 4 Pirelli tyres.
In contrast my brother has spent as much as what my 4200 cost in a year on his 3200 all because he wanted boomerang's.
With the F1 gear box keep it in sport mode and drive it. If you need auto mode its not the car for you.
Phil.

 

[alfatwo]

Fair enough Phil, but my old 3200GT has only needed an oil change in the last 12 months....so no problems there then
And they look miles better than the baggy looking 4200's

Dave

 

[Elliott653]

Auto mode is horrible. Truly rubbish. Sport manual not only quickens the change - even though that's a bit tardy too, to be honest, but it also saves on clutch wear, apparently.

 

[alfatwo]

Thanks Elliott....and I thought the old 6 speed Getrag in the 3200 was er little difficult

Dave

 

[Elliott653]

Thanks Elliott....and I thought the old 6 speed Getrag in the 3200 was er little difficult

Dave

I can't be doing with those boomerangs though. They look silly.

 

[halbe01]

Different people like different cars of course. Some like boomerangs, some like the urgency of the turbo engine, some like the relative newness of a 4200 or GS and the naturally aspirated engine (with the sound to go with it). Personally I much prefer the 4200 but admittedly that's a judgement made with no real experience of the 3200.

 

[mjheathcote]

Regarding the vintage pack...tacky and cheap IMHO!

 

[CatmanV2]

Fair enough Phil, but my old 3200GT has only needed an oil change in the last 12 months....so no problems there then
And they look miles better than the baggy looking 4200's

Dave

Yeah, I think your statement was a bit extreme. My 4200 has had very little other than routine stuff.

C

 

[CatmanV2]

Auto mode is horrible. Truly rubbish. Sport manual not only quickens the change - even though that's a bit tardy too, to be honest, but it also saves on clutch wear, apparently.

I'd love the boomerangs, and would like to try the turbos. Not done yet.

Not driven in auto. Done it in snow and really *really* thought I'd broken it. I can't imagine auto would be any better.

C

 

[dem maser]

I can't be doing with those boomerangs though. They look silly.

Come on my north london friend....they dont

 

[CatmanV2]

Come on my north london friend....they dont

They look bloody awesome

C

 

[Andyk]

Sorry Dave in 4 years my biggest bill has been 4 Pirelli tyres.
In contrast my brother has spent as much as what my 4200 cost in a year on his 3200 all because he wanted boomerang's.
With the F1 gear box keep it in sport mode and drive it. If you need auto mode its not the car for you.
Phil.

I would have to agree with Phil.......I have always thought a 4200 would be a more reliable car than a 3200 to be honest.....In fact just looking at the threads on here over the years if would certainly point to that...

Vintage pack....I don't mind it but lots don't like it.....

Auto mode .... !!!! Most 4200 owners don't know it has one .... .......... Its bloody awful.....The ones I've driven have been anyway...

Must say for me though the 3200 is the better looking car....strange but it doesn't look as 'fat'....much sleeker.....I think it's because of the hump in the bonnet on the 4200...

 

[Phil H]

Never driven my Spyder in Auto mode so can't comment. I was advised against it and have never found a reason to try. I always use Sport mode and the gear changes are really smooth when pootleing around and really hard when thrash the socks off it - both perfect for that type of driving. The only time it gets a bit abrupt is when you are half way between one and the other, you want to progress quickly and smoothly but it changes gear quite hard. It might be the software version I have but it is only a minor irritation.

Driving a 4200 after my QP IV, similar 3200 Twin Turbo I felt the 4200 lacked some urgency I have now come to realise it just differs in the way it delivers power. It is more more seamless in the 4200 and the power is there is a consistent shove all through the rev range.

Not a fan of the Vintage pack not sure it offers anything over the original. If you like convertibles the Spyder is a great one, scuttle shale yes but a great all round open top car with a soundtrack to die for.

Exactly my sentiment, except for the QP reference as I've not had one so can't comment.

IMHO the 3200 and 4200 are both very good cars and a lot is down to personal preference in terms of looks and power delivery. I had no serious issues with the reliabilty of my 3200 and, touch wood, nothing of any consequence on the 4200, but I am picky when choosing cars.

I think the attraction of the Vintage pack depends on the paint colour; it's a bit contrasty on black but looks ok on blue, although it wouldn't deter me from buying the 'right' car if all the required boxes were ticked (history, condition, mileage, etc).

Good luck with the hunt.

PH

 

[Parisien]

Are we still on about those funny banana lights on the 3200....strewth..........so hilarious our good American cousins decided they weren't acceptable full stop ........the land of the free......eeeehhhhh????!!!!!


P