2000 3200GT or 2004 4.2 Coupe 90th Anniversary Model.

Glaze88

Junior Member
Messages
53
Hi Guys, Im in the market for my 1st Maserati and have selected 2 varients being a 2000 3200GT and a 2004 4.2 Coupe. Both cars have the same KMs on them at 90,000kms. Both have great service history with most of the main items up to date and in a healthy range owned by enthusiast owners.

I know these cars will cost any owner some money moving forward but I wanted to get some insight into what might be the better choice moving forward?

The 90th Anniversary Model is a Limited model release here in Australia with only 30 being offered in the Coupe model. Would this possibly appreciate over time?

The market is ridiculously low right now and seems like great value for a well cared for example.

Thanks for your feedback and what a great platform for a Maserati novice like myself!!
 

Phil H

Member
Messages
4,107
Welcome to the forum Glaze.

Many folk prefer the boomerang tail lights and relative purity of the 3200 styling, but spares availability is generally better for the 4200's. The 3200 also has timing belts to think about whereas the 4200 only has chains.

I've had both, and as much as I love the 3200 I would probably play safe and go for the 4200, especially if it's an Anniversary edition, unless I could find a truly excellent 3200 Assetto Corsa - there are some down under (I sold my Assetto to a chap in Melbourne).

Richard (Dickie) Grace of this parish would be a great source of advice:


as would Matt who owns this forum and SportsItalia:

http://www.sportsitalia.co.uk/

Good luck whatever you decide.

PH
 

Glaze88

Junior Member
Messages
53
Welcome to the forum Glaze.

Many folk prefer the boomerang tail lights and relative purity of the 3200 styling, but spares availability is generally better for the 4200's. The 3200 also has timing belts to think about whereas the 4200 only has chains.

I've had both, and as much as I love the 3200 I would probably play safe and go for the 4200, especially if it's an Anniversary edition, unless I could find a truly excellent 3200 Assetto Corsa - there are some down under (I sold my Assetto to a chap in Melbourne).

Richard (Dickie) Grace of this parish would be a great source of advice:


as would Matt who owns this forum and SportsItalia:

http://www.sportsitalia.co.uk/

Good luck whatever you decide.

PH
Thanks Phil, appreciate the feedback!!
 

alfatwo

Member
Messages
5,517
Hi Guys, Im in the market for my 1st Maserati and have selected 2 varients being a 2000 3200GT and a 2004 4.2 Coupe. Both cars have the same KMs on them at 90,000kms. Both have great service history with most of the main items up to date and in a healthy range owned by enthusiast owners.

I know these cars will cost any owner some money moving forward but I wanted to get some insight into what might be the better choice moving forward?

The 90th Anniversary Model is a Limited model release here in Australia with only 30 being offered in the Coupe model. Would this possibly appreciate over time?

The market is ridiculously low right now and seems like great value for a well cared for example.

Thanks for your feedback and what a great platform for a Maserati novice like myself!!
Hi Mate, welcome..

We've had this debate off and on for years!

Basically the 4200 version is a lot better car for everyday use, easier to find your limits and stuff

The old school 3200's on the other hand are vicious to drive and outrageous when the boost kicks in!
Old Masers are great to drive whatever model you choose!

Dave
 

outrun

Member
Messages
5,017
I agree largely with what’s been said.

If you want a classic that is very special but can be tough to look after, get a 3200.

If you want it be a bit more useable and less complicated but still special, get a 4200.

They are very different even though they look similar. The 3200 is a real modern classic now and when on song, can be great. The 4200 is in many ways better and actually i preferred mine (although i had 2 gransport not a 4200) but that’s because I wanted to get in and drive to Europe without worrying about it breaking or being temperamental.
 

Glaze88

Junior Member
Messages
53
lol, never ask that question when buying a car. Either get it because you want it or need it. If you're buying cars as an investment you're going to have a bad time...

Yeh I know, but I was just trying to find an angle I can run past the Boss ;)
 

Zep

Moderator
Messages
9,110
A warm welcome to the forum.

The folks above have the right of it. I would also say you shouldn’t limit yourself, see what’s available in your market and judge the condition on its merits.

And most of all, enjoy it!
 

zagatoes30

Member
Messages
20,758
It's all above the 3200 is the heart decision, the lights, the style, the smile when the turbos kick in but it is harder to maintain, has more known issues and parts supply is difficult. The 4200 is the head, still fast, will make you smile every time you drive it and parts are easier to come by. It still is an expensive car to maintain but if you buy one with lots of big ticket stuff already done it could be cheaper than you think.

Either way great cars that you will enjoy if you have any petrol in your veins
 

Glaze88

Junior Member
Messages
53
It's all above the 3200 is the heart decision, the lights, the style, the smile when the turbos kick in but it is harder to maintain, has more known issues and parts supply is difficult. The 4200 is the head, still fast, will make you smile every time you drive it and parts are easier to come by. It still is an expensive car to maintain but if you buy one with lots of big ticket stuff already done it could be cheaper than you think.

Either way great cars that you will enjoy if you have any petrol in your veins

Oh I have petrol in my veins:) I have 2 great options available that I will be checking out later this week. Fingers Crossed!
 

rossyl

Member
Messages
3,312
The 4200 exhaust note, I thought was brilliant, right through the rev range. It's a more reliable car, compared to a 3200.

The 3200 is a lovely car, but for me the potential issues made it a worry.

When I asked myself this question, a long time ago now, I went for a 4200. My opinion hasn't changed.

Both great cars, no matter which you choose.
 

Ewan

Member
Messages
6,756
I prefer the 3200, but would buy the 4200. The problem with end float issues on the manual 3200 and the lack of parts now for engine rebuilds means that if the worst happens, you are in very big trouble. 4200 is the safer bet.
 

davy83

Member
Messages
2,809
Its all been said already above. I have a 2001 3200 GTA and i bought it 5 years old, meaning to keep it for a year or two jsut so i had owned it for a while. I still have it. It has been unreliable, and frustratingly fragile, its ability to make you smile and decide to never sell it, is about equal to its ability to make you want to set it on fire. The 4200 is better engineered in every way, I suspect, except the hand brake and suspension which they decided to keep. The twin turbo engine is a masterpiece and hard to explain. Head and heart is about right, and I never was good and following my head. I should add I have driven my 3200 acorss Europe twice into Italy and back (From Aberdeen!) without the aid of a breakdown truck, so its not been all bad.
 

TimR

Member
Messages
2,654
I still hanker after a 3200...but there were just too many reasons to dodge the potential headaches...Its the car I still wish Id bought whilst Im glad I didnt. ( just !! )
I never wanted turbos...so there's that.
I always wanted a manual...so a GS is out.
The 4200's are a solid car. Great engines. Good enough looks ( Giugiaro is a genius and his influence is everywhere, even now....)
Make you r bed- lie in it...simples !
 
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StuartW

Member
Messages
9,306
I pretty much agree with the above but do have a soft spot for the 3200, my first Maserati. Of course now that I don't own it, it has no doubt been replaced by rose tinted glasses but that doesn't take away the better looks from the bonnet vents to the rear lights and not the mention the sumptuous interior.
They're both exciting cars for sure and the way prices are going, maybe you could get one of each?!
 

philw696

Member
Messages
25,113
Welcome.
Have had two 4200 Cambio Corsa the first one for 4 years and saw a fair bit of Europe.
The second one I took to New Zealand and it saw most of that over 4 years.
Don't get me wrong a good 3200 is a fantastic car and I've driven a few but you have to go with your eyes wide open.
 

CT3200GT

Junior Member
Messages
94
I have had my GTA for more than 2 years now. I have driven the 4200 as well. Very different cars but both great. I prefer the 3200 as to me it feels more visceral and special, I fancy the biturbo masterpiece and the looks of the 3200.. Everyone says the 4200 is more reliable and parts are easier to find. My alternative to the 3200 would be the gransport..