3200 to 4200, have you made that step?

[Spike62]

Unsure if this has been visited but I would be interested in hearing views from owners who have owned the 3200 GT and made the step to the 4200.
Was it worth the additional outlay and the obvious loss I would take on my 3200?
Did you regret the upgrade or was it the best move you've made?

 

[lozcb]

You will miss those rear lights and those Turbo's Spike , but what you wont miss is the regualrity at which they used to go wrong , BUT those common probs throttle body/throttle pot have almost been eradicated now with Boomerangs solid state conversion , i consider the 4200 to be almost trouble free , apart from the F1 pump and the clutch change issues , both of which have vastly come down in price to make ownership almost economic , nearly 4 years into my 4200 ownership and i still love it to death


regards loz

 

[dem maser]

i wouldnt go from 3200 to 4200....

a better step will be a GS as for me theres not a lot in it with the other 2....

 

[Emtee]

Though I haven't made the step myself Spike, I did consider the 3200 very seriously before getting my 4200 three years ago and went to look at an AC and other 3200's along the way with serious intent. Things have moved on somewhat since then as my reasons for choosing the 4200 were based around perceived reliability and the fact that it would be my daily driver. The engineering niggles that put me off then wouldn't put me off now as they're well documented and fixes are available for most if not all.

From my little experience with the 3200, I'd say it's by far the purer drivers car, and the fact that it's the genesis of the line only enhances it's appeal.

You describe the possible move to a 4200 as an upgrade. Certainly this is true in terms of value, but in terms of the cars themselves, I'm not sure the distinction is so clear. If it's a value thing, then Dem is right, though I'd wait until next year as GS prices are set to fall... considerably.

Otherwise, I'd be tempted to stick with the 3200, but then I would say that as I've made just the same decision between my 4200 and a GS.

Regards, Miles.

 

[Spike62]

Great advice thanks

 

[Easyplan66]

If it was me I would hold on for a year and see what happens to GS prices, you have nothing to loose. enjoy your car as well

 

[conaero]

Spike, I went from 3200 to GS and to be honest, I would not have it any other way. For me, owning both cars has kept me happy for the past 5 year, its now that I dont know what to do. Leave the marque or spend £70k on a GTS, both I dont want to do.

The 3200 is a great car but Loz's comments are spot on. My 3200 was a high maintenance lady, thrilling, but always hurt the old wallet. The GS is such a different animal. Its better and worse.

Better, because everyday, its sublime to live with, reliable, comfortable, powerful, and loads more mods to keep your need for change satisfied. I love the CC gearbox, as my 3200 Manual was a dog to drive. Where the GS falls down is that its lost a little of that 3200 magic, ok it robbed me of every penny I had, but it does add to the personality of this brute of a car.

My recommendation, have both, and go from a 3200 to a GS, the 4200 although good might not be a big enough change for you to appreciate it.

 

[alfamaserman]

Spike, I made the change from a 3200GTA to an early 4200CC. The main reason was down to the condition of the 4200, which when buying secondhand has got to be an important consideration. I feel the 4200 is largely the same in looks inside and out apart from those rear lights but my car is red and the lights blend in quite nicely. Potential reliabilty issues such as throttle bodies have already been mentioned and I'm not a fan of elastic bands either - [cam belt]. I agree with Matt re the manual cars [3200 and 4200] - I found that the left foot space was limited.
Whether you change will more than likely be down the car that becomes available and the potential deal you can do.

 

[conaero]

Spike, take a look at WGG's red GS in Scotland, its beautiful and very well priced.

 

[dem maser]

also si's car in cheshire...one of the cheapest GS in the country....most peoples view is what i was saying spike.....

the 3200 to a 4200 is too similar..your getting better reliability but no lights and the power you have when the turbos spin is almost 3200 is the better drive for me.....

the GS however....reliable....good looks....great mods....maybe add the 3200 rear?? its the best one.......

 

[bigbob]

Yes I did it and really appreciate the much reduced 'failure rate'. That said I had nearly six years off from Maserati ownership after I sold my 3200GT so my views are a bit out of date.