2001 3200GT vs earlier years

[RossWA]

Hi Guys,

I have read that the 2001 models benefited from a number of improvements to steering brakes and accelerator,that made them "easier" to drive. Can I have your opinions please, is there a big difference?
If I am shopping for a 3200 should I be looking for a 2001in preference to earlier years?

Cheers

Ross

 

[conaero]

The biggest improvement/issue is that the late type, 2001 on have OBD compliant interface, which basically means you can buy a $20 code reader of Ebay instead of having to take it to a dealer each time and having the connect the Maserati/Ferrari specific SD system to it and charge you accordingly. I think the system new is circa $30k

Other than that, it was subject to a yellow paint pen....by this I mean that every nut and bolt that was tightened had to have a blob of yellow paint on it to show it have been tightened.

Other improvements were the hypersensitive throttle, which is still terrible in the 2001 on model so god know what it was like before.

It does make sense to go for the later model if you can afford it but as with all of these cars, history and condition is more important.

 

[Parisien]

Other than that, it was subject to a yellow paint pen....by this I mean that every nut and bolt that was tightened had to have a blob of yellow paint on it to show it have been tightened.

.

I find this either breathtaking in that the assembly guys couldn't be trusted/idiots or.....a brilliant way of ensuring a nut was tightened...even then am sure ways around said safety system....


P

 

[conaero]

It was a system implemented by Ferrari, sort of a quality control system, its sounds stupid, but you can't argue with where Maserati build quality is today, we have to 'doff our caps' to Ferrari for that one!

 

[hodroyd]

I have not driven one of the earlier cars, but our recently aquired 2002 car (2001 build) is good on most counts. We have the Assetto Corsa so our results may be a little misleading compared with a non AC car. The throttle is supposed to be improved over earlier cars, our throttle is still very responsive which I would expect anyway, but it is easy to control once you are used to it. Apparently earlier cars had a very either on, or off throttle which could produce a jerky drive, the 2001 onwards do not do that. There were also supposed to be improvements on the brakes, which on earlier cars were savage, adding to the jerky drive. The 2001 has keen brakes but again once used to them the drive is good. Steering on the AC is great, but I do not know if standard GT's are the same as the AC, as a few things were upgraded to make the drive suited to potential track use on the AC. I would say overall if you buy a 3200GT 2001 model, you will not be dissapointed.
These are my personal opinions and are not intended to offend any other member!! Hehehe

 

[davy83]

Do not underestimate the importance of the ODB interface. Without it every small niggly problem is a trip to a dealer, and these cars do develop a lot of stupid little problems especially related to electrics

 

[hodroyd]

Thanks for the tip Davy, I might just get a reader / ODB, should save a few bob.

 

[conaero]

Do not underestimate the importance of the ODB interface. Without it every small niggly problem is a trip to a dealer, and these cars do develop a lot of stupid little problems especially related to electrics

Indeed, that was sort of what I was trying to say.

Makes life a whole lot easier!

 

[hodroyd]

You got there in the end Matt, thanks.

 

[Rex B]

Hi

I have a 2000 3200 manual and can only comment from my experience over the 3 years I have owned it and from the automatic I tested while looking to purchase mine.

The throttle is very sensative and with the backlash in the drive train it can take some getting use to, but you do get use to it and then it can be very rewarding. The automatic is easier to drive as the auto box helps the take up of drive and smooths out the power delivery but who likes easy. I find the brakes fine, push hard and it stops very well, I would imagine though that with the wrong pads ( competition ) that take time to get warm that cars could be a problem but mine has the Maserati pads in and I have never found them a problem. The find the steering Ok but this was thought by many testers to be the biggest improvement of all and so without driving a later car I can not really comment on this. Some on the forum have owned both and I am sure will give a view. The most important thing is to, test drive one if you can to be sure you like one, purchase one with a good history, get it inspected by an indie or take someone who know about them with you. Condition is untimatley more important than year.

Rex B
Manuall 3200

 

[dem maser]

Also have an AC, its different to other models so i cant advise....

All about luck, i know some people with early 3200s that have had no trouble and others with 2001 had trouble