NEWBIE HOPING TO ACQUIRE 3200, 4200 OR GRANTURISMO

[robert29]

Any tips will be appreciated. I am inclined towards the 4200 if I can find a properly maintained example. Budget 15-20k and I intend to continue with proper maintenance during my ownership. Light use max 3000 miles or so per year.

 

[bigbob]

All very different cars so go and have a look. Largely depends on gearbox choice (three on offer) and whether you want a turbo power delivery or not. I've had all three and they did get better with each version IMHO. FWIW I had manual 3200, manual 4200 and then auto Granturismo 4.7.

 

[robert29]

That's helpful..thanks. I would say not a manual or a turbo so maybe a 4200 Coupe auto or a cambiocorsa with paddles or a Granturismo auto (4.2). You say you have a 4.7 Granturismo. Given my 15-20 k budget that sounds more expensive ? Elsewhere someone said the 4.2 engine is prone to variator issues ?

 

[Nibby]

I’ve got a 4200 spyder and love it still after 4 years of ownership.
Stating the obvious but whatever you choose I would go for an expert inspection as even though these cars have come down in price the majority of parts are still extortionate.
Get a good one and you won’t be disappointed imho especially if your like me who had never had anything near as upmarket before.

 

[oldwaterman]

I've been mulling over whether to put my 31k mileage 2005 4200CC up for sale. Got it just over a year ago and nicely settled in to it, expected it to be a keeper at least for a few years. But some unwelcome health issues have landed with me. It was the best example for sale at the time and is still in top order. Full history, was a one owner car when I bought it, properly serviced. It's nero carbonio with cream upholstery, all stickiness on the air flaps and steering shroud removed, central console clean. Later so called face lift version but before the hike in road tax.

 

[safrane]

Given that budget I believe you are more suited to the 4200 than the other 2 models you are hinting at.

Be aware that keeping these in good shape can cost a significant amount if you are unlucky, and the cars are now at least 15 years old. Check the car out and look for history more than miles and please get a PPI done by a reputable garage who know the cars inside and out.

 

[DaveT]

Known to the forum and with 3k a year will be perfect. Not mine by the way

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-de...model=GRANSPORT&price-from=500&sort=relevance

 

[spkennyuk]

That's helpful..thanks. I would say not a manual or a turbo so maybe a 4200 Coupe auto or a cambiocorsa with paddles or a Granturismo auto (4.2). You say you have a 4.7 Granturismo. Given my 15-20 k budget that sounds more expensive ? Elsewhere someone said the 4.2 engine is prone to variator issues ?

4200 only comes in manual or cambio corsa variants. The cambio has an auto mode but it isnt great.

3200 had manual and auto options.

4200 Gransport was cambio corsa only if your considering those as well.

 

[allandwf]

In my opinion, for what it's worth lol, 4200 is the safe option with a lot to choose from, 3200 is last of the Maserati era cars , but almost relaunched them to where they are today.Gransport would be the pinnacle of the smaller cars and the one which probably would be the one to strive for. Would I have one over the 3200 manual? No, but never driven one.

 

[MrRMB]

Just bought a GS and very happy with it. Be patient as there are still lots of nice ones around. The black 4200 mentioned sounds nice and there is a really nice GS for a bit more cash that has all of the jobs done. It's a pale blue one.

 

[robert29]

I've been mulling over whether to put my 31k mileage 2005 4200CC up for sale. Got it just over a year ago and nicely settled in to it, expected it to be a keeper at least for a few years. But some unwelcome health issues have landed with me. It was the best example for sale at the time and is still in top order. Full history, was a one owner car when I bought it, properly serviced. It's nero carbonio with cream upholstery, all stickiness on the air flaps and steering shroud removed, central console clean. Later so called face lift version but before the hike in road tax.

I think we are currently corresponding via Classic Car ad?

 

[robert29]

Just bought a GS and very happy with it. Be patient as there are still lots of nice ones around. The black 4200 mentioned sounds nice and there is a really nice GS for a bit more cash that has all of the jobs done. It's a pale blue one.

thanks ...sorry for delay in replying as I don't really know how this string operates

All very different cars so go and have a look. Largely depends on gearbox choice (three on offer) and whether you want a turbo power delivery or not. I've had all three and they did get better with each version IMHO. FWIW I had manual 3200, manual 4200 and then auto Granturismo 4.7.

Thanks for that ....I am further forward in that I have found I didn't like the paddle shift I tried. It was clunky. Does the paddle shift improve on the 2005 facelift model ?

 

[robert29]

Given that budget I believe you are more suited to the 4200 than the other 2 models you are hinting at.

Be aware that keeping these in good shape can cost a significant amount if you are unlucky, and the cars are now at least 15 years old. Check the car out and look for history more than miles and please get a PPI done by a reputable garage who know the cars inside and out.

Thanks I have learnt more in the past 2/3 weeks and I have tried the 3200 auto and the 4200 paddle shift. It was pre 2005 so I wonder if post facelift the paddle shift was improved. I liked the auto on the 3200 very much. But the flashing warning light on the dash was off putting. I don't think the dash was working 100%. A later facelift 4200 may be the best bet ?

 

[robert29]

All very different cars so go and have a look. Largely depends on gearbox choice (three on offer) and whether you want a turbo power delivery or not. I've had all three and they did get better with each version IMHO. FWIW I had manual 3200, manual 4200 and then auto Granturismo 4.7.

Makes perfect sense if they improve them over time. Currently seeking 4200 post facelift.

 

[robert29]

I’ve got a 4200 spyder and love it still after 4 years of ownership.
Stating the obvious but whatever you choose I would go for an expert inspection as even though these cars have come down in price the majority of parts are still extortionate.
Get a good one and you won’t be disappointed imho especially if your like me who had never had anything near as upmarket before.

Thanks for that note. I like the 3200 I drove even though the dashboard had a warning light which didn't go out. The 4200 had a clunky paddle shift ...are they all like that or are post 2005 facelift cars smoother on the gear change?

 

[robert29]

Just bought a GS and very happy with it. Be patient as there are still lots of nice ones around. The black 4200 mentioned sounds nice and there is a really nice GS for a bit more cash that has all of the jobs done. It's a pale blue one.

Thanks is that GS still for sale ?

 

[mjheathcote]

Thanks for that note. I like the 3200 I drove even though the dashboard had a warning light which didn't go out. The 4200 had a clunky paddle shift ...are they all like that or are post 2005 facelift cars smoother on the gear change?

Shouldn't be clunky.
My early 2002 Classico isn't clunky, but firm and positive!
They did fiddle with the software over the years, smoother can mean more slip between changes, when in say 'auto'.
You have to remember it is a manual gearbox with an automated clutch, and not a torque slipping automatic gearbox.

 

[MrRMB]

The cambio corsa does take a bit of getting used to. I'm not really a fast driver, just like the look and feel. If I'm honest point to point my wife's 330d x estate is faster and easier but the car does have a lovely sense of occasion. I generally drive manuals and am experimenting with the lift off technique as I want it to be smooth. What is the best way to make smooth progress? Thanks

 

[Zep]

Thanks for that note. I like the 3200 I drove even though the dashboard had a warning light which didn't go out. The 4200 had a clunky paddle shift ...are they all like that or are post 2005 facelift cars smoother on the gear change?

In the 4200 it really depends on how it has been set up. I wouldn’t write it off until you have tried a few. A few points on the PIS setting can make a big difference.

 

[mjheathcote]

The cambio corsa does take a bit of getting used to. I'm not really a fast driver, just like the look and feel. If I'm honest point to point my wife's 330d x estate is faster and easier but the car does have a lovely sense of occasion. I generally drive manuals and am experimenting with the lift off technique as I want it to be smooth. What is the best way to make smooth progress? Thanks

You shouldn't have to lift off to make it smooth, I don't have to lift off. Maserati officially state you should not lift off when changing gear.