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

Vampyrebat

Member
Messages
3,117
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 !
I have loads of respect for the 32 because it was the last pure Maserati. But I wanted a manual also and NA engine also. So there was only one option for me, I also preferred the face-lift even though I know a lot of people on here prefer the Classico which is great as it makes us all different!!
 

gemini

Member
Messages
143
Being lucky enough to have both a 3200GT (two in fact, the blue and the white AC, hum) and a gransport (the blue US MCV who was for sale on ebay for a full year), I can give my humble opinion.

3200-GT21st-18-sur-22.jpg


About the 3200GT and the unreliability, I know I'm a little bit biased, but it's not as bad as people think.
Today, we know the common problems and we have solutions, often better than original. It's even possible today to interpret the error codes.
If your not too bad with a spanner, you can do about everything yourself, it's not that hard.

In 2019 and 2020, we had an european gathering for the anniversary (In Bade Wurtemberg and in Burgundy), and most of the participants did more than 1000 miles during the WE to participate.
3200gt-20th-anniversary-17-sur-37.jpg


Outrun is right when he say the 3200gt is a modern classic, and this model have (at least for me) a special place in the maserati history (last of his kind etc...).
And you can't forget the boomerangs.

3200gt-20th-anniversary-34-sur-37.jpg


About the 4200gt, you have to live with the cost of the CC. If the gearbox of the manual is the same as the one of the 3200, it's not ecstasy neither, I even think I prefer the CC.
The problem with the 4200 (to me at least, I agree to disagree of course) is that the model sits uncomfortably between the 3200gt and the gransport.

About the gransport (the MCV at least, but it's probably not so different for the "simple" GS), even if the shape is very semblable, on the road, it's a completely different car. More focused, more precise, less GT, less beautiful, nicer sound. Still a very analogue car.
MCV-4-sur-13.jpg


Well, you need to buy both ;)



MCV-9-sur-13.jpg


Ok, I know it doesn't help.
So buy a 3200 !
 

rs48635

Member
Messages
3,181
Whatever trident you choose, get the best one you can afford. Both have flocks of admirers on this forum. Both can consume serious amounts of money.
Buy the one you love and you will never waste a single pound on running costs.
I still have 3200 Asseto Corsa but not driven for some time because of a few issues. that prompted me to buy M139 QP. The epic N/A engine is just so amazing on every journey and the car so well built it has become my daily sh1tter. :)
The 3200 will be brought back to life. I love that car. it has a few gremlins, but has never actually broken down un like the newer one.
edit - the 3200 did fail. at home on the driveway clutch release bearing broke like warm toffee. Truck took it to Robert Grimaldi and came back better than ever.
I forgive them both.
 
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Gp79

Member
Messages
1,393
Both would be great.

In my opinion at this age 3200 / 4200 you’ll need to be handy with the spanners regardless which one you go for.
They have all the normal old car issues, rust, worn out suspension etc but parts prices are high and labour at specialists are a lot more. Hence some for sale have a lot of issues that need sorted.
If you get a good one you’ll be very happy!
 

lambertius

Banned
Messages
341
Both would be great.

In my opinion at this age 3200 / 4200 you’ll need to be handy with the spanners regardless which one you go for.
They have all the normal old car issues, rust, worn out suspension etc but parts prices are high and labour at specialists are a lot more. Hence some for sale have a lot of issues that need sorted.
If you get a good one you’ll be very happy!

If I can add to that, I'd add about $1k AUD to get yourself a Launch X431 scan tool. Since you're in Australia, there are no techs who were trained on these cars when released, and even the good indy shops may have never had one of these cars through the door. Being able to read codes and data will go a long way to saving you money even if you don't do any of the work yourself just by the cost of hours in troubleshooting.

Everyone is throwing out what they like about the cars, but I reckon at this point - test drive and see what you like. This is a toy car, so just prepare yourself that it has Italian build quality and that the 3200 is slightly more so and just enjoy the pain and suffering like a good little masochist.
 

Zep

Moderator
Messages
9,110
Regarding the Launch tool, for a 4200 / Gransport, if you are mechanically adept and happy to get your hands dirty, it might well be a good investment. If you aren’t, a standard OBD reader will give you engine codes and you will need experienced help with the gearbox if you have a problem.

For the 3200 there are pre-OBD and OBD cars, make sure you know what you are getting as there are different solutions for each type.

In any event, as I am sure you have, it would be a good idea to scope out what garages may or may not have experience with these cars, as this too might colour your buying decisions.
 

alfatwo

Member
Messages
5,517
Here you go, after nearly 8 years with the old 3200GT, I cracked it up for the first time In six months at the weekend, it was just perfect!

Dave
 

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rockits

Member
Messages
9,167
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...
Yes, I'm sure Rowan Atkinson, Nick Mason and Chris Evans etc. had a tough time counting their losses
 

rockits

Member
Messages
9,167
Seems most agree that the 3200 is the car slightly unhinged, the wild child always up for some fun but often not there when you need it.

The 4200 is the sensible choice but still far from sensible of course and still as most pre Ghibli/Levante Maserati's an event standing still or driving slow or slightly faster.

I was brave enough but for me the big and easy reason why I went 4200 was the engine. I'm not a big fan of Turbo's especially big boosty ones. I am also a fan of N/A engines mainly also supercharged lumps.

Unleashing that sublime 4.2 V8 all the way round the dial never tires. I'm not a fan of andenaline pumped activities or roller coasters much so the 3200 seemed to fill that area which is not a requirement for me. Others way want or need this.

I like to know when my power is coming and not have the surprise from **** when it all kicks off. It is one reason a hate driving modern turbo diesels or massively imbalanced torquey motors with zero top end.

Like others have said buy the best you can afford. It pays dividends.

Good luck with the search and journey. You will never regret it.
 

alfatwo

Member
Messages
5,517
I recon rockits mate,,a 4200 basically is a wimps choice ,same as an old Merc or a Saab there are all the same... as your still alive you obviously haven't driven a nice old 3200GT yet!

Dave
 

outrun

Member
Messages
5,017
I recon rockits mate,,a 4200 basically is a wimps choice ,same as an old Merc or a Saab there are all the same... as your still alive you obviously haven't driven a nice old 3200GT yet!

Dave

Yeh but there ain’t many nice ones left and plenty of rubbish ones, that’s the trouble.

Echoing the post earlier, I’d actually choose between a good 3200 and look after it so it stays good or a Gransport which is far better than a 4200 for me. Just more than the sum of the extra parts.

I love a good 3200 - see the post from my friend Graham on my old (and highlanders old) car which is a very nice one. Graham and I spent ages discussing what could have going wrong to stop her from running before finally working it out. Although frustrating that it wasn’t running when it looked soo pretty, there’s something to be said about the satisfaction of hearing her start up again. In the case of that car, it’s always had fastidious owners and was originally a demo for Lancaster’s so happens to have a silly spec. It’s green with green leather, green alcantara and green roof lining etc etc. They basically went daft when speccing it and that makes it a standout, as long you can handle the green!

I’ve had 2 Gransport. The first one is the infamous Silver Surfer which was a cat d car that @lozcb repaired and seriously upgraded with Larini, AP Brakes etc etc, sold to me, I spent some more getting it really set up and upgraded some more and then the guy I sold it to crashed it again (long story!). I loved it however it was a car that was designed to go well and not really win a concours event. The 2nd car is a Nettuno blue car that I sold to @jayblue who still owns it. That’s a really good one and certainly one that it worth top money.

In short, I’d actually look at a really good 3200, inspecting it and ensuring that it is good or a great Gransport which remains one of my favourite cars ever and something of a bargain these crazy days.
 

Glaze88

Junior Member
Messages
53
Sounds guys are superstars! You have given me great clarity while confusing the f#*k out of me ;)

I look forward to taking both cars for a drive over the weekend and feel grateful I have really good examples of both the 3200GT and 4200 Coupe.
 

rockits

Member
Messages
9,167
No worries. Good luck.

I went through a h3ll.of a.lot of cars in my journey to the 4200 so it was massively considered, planned and executed quickly when the best example available was there to be had.

I don't even take going for a pee lightly so everything has considerable research and discussion in my head prior to execution.

Different reasons to different people to different outcomes. One size does not fit all. Absorb all information and opinion then make your own mind up as to what gets you the most. Never be afraid to make a decision that nobody else is making if you genuinely think it is the best option for you at that time.

I listen to everyone but also listen to nobody. In my fuzzy logic that does make sense.....to me anyway

I have a vague recollection of a film talking about 'hearing' James Brown but not 'hearing' James Brown. White Men Can't Jump maybe? Might not have even been James Brown?!
 

Glaze88

Junior Member
Messages
53
No worries. Good luck.

I went through a h3ll.of a.lot of cars in my journey to the 4200 so it was massively considered, planned and executed quickly when the best example available was there to be had.

I don't even take going for a pee lightly so everything has considerable research and discussion in my head prior to execution.

Different reasons to different people to different outcomes. One size does not fit all. Absorb all information and opinion then make your own mind up as to what gets you the most. Never be afraid to make a decision that nobody else is making if you genuinely think it is the best option for you at that time.

I listen to everyone but also listen to nobody. In my fuzzy logic that does make sense.....to me anyway

I have a vague recollection of a film talking about 'hearing' James Brown but not 'hearing' James Brown. White Men Can't Jump maybe? Might not have even been James Brown?!

I exactly the same, the information has been great and I generally buy the Seller before I buy the car. Seems both sellers of these vehicles are exceptional enthusiasts who have done a lot of preventative maintenance and haven't spared a dollar when it comes to their cars:)
 

Nibby

Member
Messages
2,027
About the 4200gt, you have to live with the cost of the CC. If the gearbox of the manual is the same as the one of the 3200, it's not ecstasy neither,
Lovely cars you have.
I think the 4200 gearbox was made by Graziano and the 3200 gearbox was made by the German company ZF.