A buying guide: 3200GT

Potenza3200

Potenza3200

Junior Member
Messages
216
Morning all.

Seeing as I'm now totally infatuated by the 3200gt and determined to be able to admire one in garage ASAP, it's only safe I stick the feelers out for a 'head up' on what I might be getting myself into! Realising that:

1. It's Italian
2. They're not getting any younger
3. It's Italian

I'm interested in any common faults, issues etc.. Also any information on turbo supporting upgrades, parts, recommended Maserati specialist etc. I'm a professional working in the Motorsport industry so please don't be afraid to throw tech specs, jargon etc my way!
 
StuartW

StuartW

Member
Messages
9,320
In the meantime Rich, there is copious information to be found on this forum - have a good search around and there are lots of owners on here too who will be more than happy to answer specific questions - good luck & welcome along
 
jluis

jluis

Member
Messages
1,703
Welcome aboard.
Boy, where do I start ...

These cars are great to drive and to look at.
The feeling they give when the turbos start to kick in is something else ...

However, they are expensive cars to maintain so it's better to check a few things in advance.

The most important think is to look into the service history to see if it has been properly maintained.
This inlcudes yearly oil changes with the correct Selenia racing type as the engines are sensible to the oil being used.

Some of them, particularly the manual ones develop crankshaft endfloat that at best will require an engine rebuild and at worst, another engine (or a new crankshaft and crankcase if you can get them)
For this reason it's important to have the endfloat measured prior to purchase, at a specialist if possible.

Also common is the throttle body that is one of the worst electronic throttle bodies design of all times and causes the sensors to wear out or the magnet to corrode.
Fortunately, this can be sorted by a rebuild to upgraded sensors for around £400
Symptoms include hesitant engine, limp mode, engine light, hard starting, won't start at all, etc

The engines have cambelts and chains.
The cambelts need to be changed every 3 years and the water pump and belt tensioner should also be changed, altough I would not change them at 3 year intervals. They last longer than that.
So, check if it has been done recently and if not, factor that into the buy price

Cam chains also have to be replaced but I don't remember the interval.
They are expensive to replace as the engine has to be removed, or, some good specialists can do it in situ.

Check for the life of the clutch as they are also expensive and factor that into the price.

Very important, check that all lights on the dash light up when you turn the key and that they all light out after the engine starts.
Some dodgy sellers might remove some light bulbs to conceal electronic problems
 
jluis

jluis

Member
Messages
1,703
Almost forgot, the wishbones have the balljoint built into it.
The balljoint is a wear item and will wear even faster if the boot is gone
The wishbone seems to crack on some cars and they are now ridiculously expensive to source.

Have any potential car that you might want to buy to be thourouly inspected in this area and expect repair costs north of 1000£ per arm in case any needs to be replaced.
 
Contigo

Contigo

Sponsor
Messages
18,376
Done the Guide, please can a mod make it "Sticky" and Benny not in that way you think :D
 
Potenza3200

Potenza3200

Junior Member
Messages
216
jluis said:
Almost forgot, the wishbones have the balljoint built into it.
The balljoint is a wear item and will wear even faster if the boot is gone
The wishbone seems to crack on some cars and they are now ridiculously expensive to source.

Have any potential car that you might want to buy to be thourouly inspected in this area and expect repair costs north of 1000£ per arm in case any needs to be replaced.
Click to expand...

That's great stuff, thanks!
 
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