opinions and thoughts welcome on options

[highlander]

going to sound like a forum time waster now but honestly I'm not!
as some will remember, I came on here to get info and pick brains prior to looking to get a 4200 around 15k plus mark to use as the main day to day car but having seen some seemingly fantastic 3200s in the offing, like outrun's simply gorgeous green goddess on his classified thread, going for a price which would mean I could get an inspected 3200 and use it for pleasure whilst keeping the alfa gt as day to day instead got me rethinking my options.......
so, in my position what would you do? and no, getting both not an option!

 

[CatmanV2]

Very different cars. Drive them and buy the one you like.

A 4200 is perceived as being more reliable and sorted than a 3200, but having said that I suspect Outun's would be so well sorted that reliability is less likely an issue

C

 

[davy83]

try searching this forum, you are not the first to ask this question. 3200 can be more problematic than the 4200, but both will require care and attention and some money to keep them running happily!

 

[Ewan]

They both have their foibles and in my experience the running costs are similar overall. So buy the one you prefer. For me, out of a 4200 and a 3200 it would have to be a 3200. I just find them that tad more special, quirky, cool and well....Maserati. Get the very best 3200 you can and keep the Alfa as your everyday car. The 3200 is the more likely to rise slowly in value also.

If you do go for a 4200, try to stretch to a face-lift car (2005 onwards). Definitely worth the little extra over an earlier 4200.

 

[Contigo]

Yep Ewan has it bang on. Facelift 4200 looks so much better that first gen. 3200 is quirky and the turbo rush is addictive but I wouldn't run one as an everyday car as just too unpredictable for my liking. I would drive them both and see which one as Benny likes to say gives you that "******** tingle"

 

[Andyk]

It's what suits you...so as above really you need to drive both and close together if you can so you can have it clear in your mind what one you prefer....They deliver there thrills and power in very different ways....

 

[SimonCC]

Greg I had the same thoughts/dilema when I bought mine a year ago. And at last nights meeting when both Phil's (Contigo) and my car were parked side-by-side was interesting to compare.

From the back I prefer the 3200 with boomerangs; from the side I prefer the 4200 Facelift because of the wheels. From the front the differences are mainly the higher bonnet line of the 4200, and the air vents on the 3200. The grill is bigger on the 4200 and some other cosmetic differences too.

Inside is very similar dash layout - 4200 has Info Centre (audio and satnav). 3200 has more leather and nicer roof lining (is it alcantara Phil?).

I always wanted a 3200, but having researched on here for a long time, I decided that with the 3200 there is more risk of niggly issues and possible more regular bills, and I'm not handy enough to tackle jobs myself, so bottled it and decided the 4200 was for me

I know it doesn't mean the 4200 is without issues, but from what I learned it is the safer bet. And in my first year of ownership the only bill I've had has been for a gearbox oil cooler which wasn't too lumpy. Just the annual service which I think is around £500-600 mark. I've spent much more on tweaking and improving it.

And have to say I'm thrilled with the car, was definitely worth waiting for the right one to come along. It is such an event every time I drive it. Infact just seeing it in the garage as well !! ;-) And never had so many admiring looks when I'm out in it (the car not me...)

 

[Maser Sod]

At risk of invoking the wrath of the 3200 owners ... in any search, take corrosion into the equation. All things being equal, an older car is more likely to show signs of it.

When I sold my 3200 it was starting to bubble around the wheel arches. The good thing of course is that you can inspect any prospective purchase for rust, and if there are no signs of it then you can do your utmost after purchase to prevent it taking hold. I always garage my performance cars, on the assumption that it is better for their longevity to keep them out of the elements.

On the subjective level, the 3200 is more fun to drive, but at the same time more of a handful - it's a GT with an ASBO. The 4200/GS is more of an all-rounder, which the missus is more likely enjoy driving.

 

[highlander]

cheers for thoughts guys.
wondered if this would bring out the 3200/4200 "best of the best" debate
I have tried a 4200 and a QP in the past and tbh I would obviously be more than happy witha sorted one of either even though they are different beasts, however it is comments like those by maser sod comparing the 3200 to a GT with an asbo (top quote bytheby!) that has always kept my interest in the older car as well as the attraction of affordability as a weekend pleasure car instead of a daily workhorse which any 4200 or QP would need to be since I would be spending more on outlay for either of them.
as said by most on here, I need to take a serious look at an "asbo"3200 and funnily enough............I hope to do that this weekend

 

[outrun]

Obviously I am bias here but for me it's 3200 or Gransport. The standard 4200 is nice but not as special as either. As I say though, I may not have the most balanced view here! These are special cars and should be an occassion to drive, especially when used as a weekend toy.

 

[allandwf]

If your keeping the Alfa and the Maserati is a toy then, if me, would go for the 3200. There are a few up here that I'm sure the owners would let you look round. Get it inspected, and keep something in reserve as a contingency. I've had mine two years now, hassle free

 

[highlander]

Obviously I am bias here but for me it's 3200 or Gransport. The standard 4200 is nice but not as special as either. As I say though, I may not have the most balanced view here! These are special cars and should be an occassion to drive, especially when used as a weekend toy.

bias??? surely not! lol

 

[alfatwo]

I agree entirely the later 4200 is a miles better car for an everyday faffer,but if you're after a weekend hooligan that turns heads wherever you go you can't beat an old school 3200GT!

Dave

 

[Almichie]

Tough choice, you need to pay a visit to Richard Grace and drive them back to back; only YOU can decide which is best (get the 3200!)