Thinking of upgrading from a 3200 to a 4200

[Skid1769]

Yes I know, I know...there is an absolute plethora of information on this website and other about the pros and cons of each. So, over the next couple of months I will be trawling through them all. However, if anyone has any constructive comments, they would be appreciated.

Cheers peeps.

Skid.

 

[Contigo]

Can someone edit the title to "Thinking of downgrading from a 3200 to a 4200" please?

I think you will be very surprised is all I'm saying. Drive a few before you sell.

 

[Andyk]

However, if anyone has any constructive comments, they would be appreciated.

Cheers peeps.

Skid.

Well that didn't even last for one post.....

This is a hard one as you have one stunning rare 3200 AC in the best colour ..... The 4200 is a very different beast almost lazy power compare to your manic 3200...Drive one and see what you think.....

 

[Contigo]

One post and then Andy says pretty much what I said lol

 

[Andyk]

Great minds....maybe

 

[Phil H]

I had an Assetto Corsa which is now in Australia, and I now have a 4200 cc.

The 4200:

• Is more refined than a 3200
• Will probably have less niggles than a 3200
• Might be easier to live with than a 3200

However, the A/C should be appreciated not only for its inherent beauty but also as a driver's car, let alone the fact that imho a good original one will hold its value just as well if not better than a 4200, and it might well appreciate in value.

PH

 

[Steve GS]

Just go the whole way and get a GS. Although I can't really have an honest opinion as it is the only maserati I've owned. And driven

 

[alfatwo]

Phil, You don't buy a 15year 400bhp old supercar to be refined,It dosen't have to be easy to drive or live with either

The old 3200GT ticks all the boxes...you can pose around in what most be one of best looking cars on the planet,or seriously kick **** big time, even today
It a hooligan machine with two hats!

Dave

 

[Phil H]

I don't disagree Dave, and I did say "the A/C should be appreciated not only for its inherent beauty but also as a driver's car", but Skid (the OP) must have a reason for asking, so I'm just trying to give a balanced view having had both. I only sold my A/C as I was planning something else, then life got in the way and I ended up with a 4200.

PH

 

[Contigo]

And last time we spoke you said you would love an AC if the right one came up. Would you go back and still be happy? Would you see it as a downgrade?

 

[Phil H]

I wouldn't see it as a downgrade Phil; they each have their attributes and although I find the 4200 easier to live with, a VERY good A/C would be nice as a keeper. That may be a bit nostalgic as the A/C was my first Mas, but for me the styling was spot on and the turbos provide the rush in both senses of the word.

The 4200 goes well, looks good, turns heads, and doesn't give me palpitations.

An A/C is that much more special, there aren't many left, and I wouldn't care about the palpitations.

PH

 

[alfatwo]

Thank Phil,your one of us really..
Regarding the old AC the spring rates for me are far too stiff for road use nowadays and I'm not a fan of dark interior's but nevertheless there very nice
A good 3200GT with a few simple mods is equally as effective but not so collectable I suppose!

Dave

 

[zagatoes30]

Good 3200s are great cars just there are very few around. A not so perfect 4200 doesn't try to rape your bank account at every opportunity and good ones even less so.

It's a head or heart decision, head says 4200 every time but your heart will keep suggesting you made the wrong choice. I struggled with this until I choose the Spyder, they never made a 3200 Spyder so I had no choice

 

[davy83]

isn't it fantastic that the 3200 and 4200 are so similar and yet so different, its not even close to a facelift, the 4200 was the platform for a complete range of cars, so clearly the answer is they are both brilliant, and quite different cars, so don't sell the 3200 keep it and buy a 4200 as well

 

[alfatwo]

Andrew...3200's are fairly bullitproof,theres lots of ******** out there..
If were passing next year you can have a go,It'll frighten you to death

Dave

 

[highlander]

Willing to concede there are benefits to moving over (not up or down ) to a 42 from 32......but enough to make me do it? I doubt it, if more perceived reliability is the reason then it would be the GS not the 42 for me from the early modern masers even though us 32 owners need to consider that the 42 is less likely to steal our mortgage payment for a month!. Money? Again not sure, 8 months ago 12k or so would get you a sorted 32, now it is more like 14/15k whilst the prices of 42s have remained steady at mid teen k for a sorted one. Looks? No contest I'm afraid, 32 wins hands down IMO. Choice? Yup, more choice out there for 42s with 32s becoming harder to find.
Whichever way the op goes, good luck and at least the AC is not lost and will end up in the hands of the only people willing to pay the premium for one, an enthusiast.

 

[Contigo]

I think what I like more about the 3200 is it still has the magic from the old Maserati's in it in the form of the engine and the plush interior where money just seemed to be thrown at it all day long. I imagine that they didn't make much money on the 3200 but I am willing to be proven wrong.

 

[Ewan]

It's very much a personal choice, as both cars have their benefits and drawbacks. One of the advantages of the 3200 not mentioned so far is the gearbox. If you want a traditional auto, you can have it. And the manual is nice to use as well. Whereas with the 4200 the early CC is not great, being a tad slow and clunky. And the manual version is a cable affair and not very satisfying either.

If it were to be a daily driver to be kept a couple of years or so, I'd go 4200. But if it were to be a weekend toy only or longer term investment, I'd go for a 3200. I just find the 3200 that little bit more special.

 

[Contigo]

But if it were to be a weekend toy only or longer term investment, I'd go for a 3200. I just find the 3200 that little bit more special.

That sums it up for me. As a daily the 3200 scares me, mainly because of its fragile can't really be relied on nature and also keeping the miles off as the prices do seem to be reflected in the miles. I use mine pretty much as a third car in the household so it comes out at weekends, for meets and special occasions but it also needs to be used enough to keep it ticking over.

 

[dem maser]

same....as a weekend car the 3200 is better