Current Alfa and would-be Maserati owner

[allandwf]

What do you mean by "far away" ? I flew down to buy mine and drove it 570 miles home. Distance should not really be an issue, just a logistical problem perhaps.

 

[Andyk]

A big welcome to the forum Antony....QP is a great car and one that bucked the trend as being a very reliable car from what you hear from owners.....MAserati started getting it right with the 3200 but as each new model came along they got better and better for reliability.....

 

[macaroni]

Here's a stupid question, does the QP have a euroncap safety rating?

I ask because I get a car allowance at work, which apparently depends on my car having certain criteria, one of which being a car has to have a 4 star safety rating.
I am currently living on borrowed time with my Alfa, as I only found this out yesterday, so I hope no-one notices!

Not a deal-breaker, but something else I need to consider.

 

[Fangio63]

I'm pretty sure that none of the maseratis have Ncap rating other than the new Ghibli..... and poss the new QP..

 

[bigbob]

I'm pretty sure that none of the maseratis have Ncap rating other than the new Ghibli..... and poss the new QP..

+1. Volume too small historically to warrant it.

As a footnote, is the OP buying a daily driver? If so would seriously consider a car that is at least 12 years old?

 

[macaroni]

Hi,
I am looking to buy a semi daily driver!
I currently have a Peugeot 205gti for half the week and use my Alfa 156 for the rest of the time and for family trips.
With my wife's impending Giulietta, the onus on me to provide family transport has diminished.

Quick update; I have stuffed the kids into the back of a Gransport (thanks ADG) and they fit fine so a coupe is on the cards, as long as they stop growing right now.

I looked at a QP and whilst it is beautiful car from the outside, it seems a bit too limo-like opulent on the inside and dare I say, kitch!
The example I saw had some issues too, ie not been serviced for 2 years and 20,000 miles and the seller wasn't prepared to get it serviced or move on price.
Rear tyre was also flat and the electric button for moving the rear seat moved the front passenger seat instead!

I am sorely tempted by Cowsurgeon's 3200 and another a bit nearer that has appeared on the market.

Every specialist I speak to warns me off 3200s, but it just makes me want one more!!

Antony

 

[alfatwo]

Dont worry about 3200's, there reliable if looked after properly I've had mine for nearly 3 years now and have had no problems

Dave

 

[allandwf]

^ I've had mine 2 1/2 years, also no problems.

 

[Fangio63]

Chap local to me has a 3200... he owns a garage .. (which helps I suppose - but he ought to know what to avoid...) ... had his 3200 now foe quite a few years.. done 97,000mls ... and still looks mint... I know he's in the owners club and regular at events ... might be on here too... worth a chat with a few 3200 owners..and perhaps 4200 owners before you decide..

 

[dem maser]

buy one!! had mine for 6 years and after the first year of issues I had 5 years trouble free.....needed a contactless pot and then it was alright

 

[highlander]

the 3200 if you get a cared for example and have it checked for no surprises is an excellent car.........but then I would say that wouldn't I?
you only need to decide on GTA or GT now............both have pros and cons. choices, choices, choices (half the fun though)

 

[CatmanV2]

I confess, I'd rather like a 3200. If I was buying now, I really don't know if I'd get a QP (huuuuuuge amount of car), 4200 ('safe' option) or a 3200 (hooligan factor)

See if you can't try one of each of the 4200 and 4200

C

 

[macaroni]

Thanks for all your replies and especially the guys with trouble-free 3200s!

If I went for a coupe I would want a 3200 for the twins, the tail lights and "pure" Maserati-ness of it.
I had a soft-spot for Biturbos and this seems like a pretty Biturbo!

Is it worth looking out for a version fitted with Skyhook dampers?

There are 2 out there at the mo for the same price with various pros and cons for each of them.
Basically, Cowsurgeons with Skyhook, upgraded hi-fi and loads of money spent on it and another with loads of money spent on it and 18 months left of a high-end warrantywise warranty on it.
My one reservation about the other one is that it has "Runway" tyres on it and I HATE cheap tyres, on any car.

Please keep the suggestions coming as it is really helpful, as I don't have any time right now to test drive anything.

Stupid time to start looking, I know...

 

[alfatwo]

All the 3200GT's originally imported in to the UK have the electronically controlled Bilstein race spec damper set up(same as Ferrari and Corvette)

Not sure it was called Skyhook back then though... After nearly 15years all 3200's have had huge amounts of money thrown at them! have fun...

Dave

 

[Contigo]

There were lots of cars that did not have the Bilstein red actuators fitted to them Dave and these flu ace a PWR button. The ones with the actuators to control the damping have a SPORT button fitted

 

[macaroni]

So...drove my first 3200gt today.

It was a beautiful looking car, 2002 6sp manual with 51k miles.

It was top dollar, so I was expecting perfection, but it turned out to have a few faults;

Firstly, the seller committed the cardinal sin...he had the car running when I arrived! I hate that!

Also;
Knackered front discs/pads. No pulling to either side so I guess the calipers are fine, but new discs and pads needed asap.
Aircon blowing hot air. Hopefully just a regas.
Drivers seat folding lever broken. This is essential for me as I have 2 big boys!
No record of clutch change anywhere. Felt OK, but a big question mark.

Apart from that, it drove nicely; idled nicely, brutal turbos and a Becker Auditorium sound system.

I'm smitten! I have 2 more to drive this weekend; another 2002 3200gt and a 4200CC.

Updates to follow.

BTW; it had a sport button, so it has the sexy dampers?

 

[alfatwo]

There were lots of cars that did not have the Bilstein red actuators fitted to them Dave and these flu ace a PWR button. The ones with the actuators to control the damping have a SPORT button fitted

Are you sure that was just on the early spec 98/99 chassis number cars...

Dave

 

[conaero]

So...drove my first 3200gt today.

It was a beautiful looking car, 2002 6sp manual with 51k miles.

It was top dollar, so I was expecting perfection, but it turned out to have a few faults;

Firstly, the seller committed the cardinal sin...he had the car running when I arrived! I hate that!

Also;
Knackered front discs/pads. No pulling to either side so I guess the calipers are fine, but new discs and pads needed asap.
Aircon blowing hot air. Hopefully just a regas.
Drivers seat folding lever broken. This is essential for me as I have 2 big boys!
No record of clutch change anywhere. Felt OK, but a big question mark.

Apart from that, it drove nicely; idled nicely, brutal turbos and a Becker Auditorium sound system.

I'm smitten! I have 2 more to drive this weekend; another 2002 3200gt and a 4200CC.

Updates to follow.

BTW; it had a sport button, so it has the sexy dampers?

Looking forward to your opinion on which drives the best, 4200 or 3200, do let us know.

 

[alfatwo]

4200's drive the best for sure,ease of op for everyday use etc......but if you want a hooligan weekend nutter the old school 3200GT can't be beaten!

Dave

 

[allandwf]

Brakes can get expensive if everything needs done, I have a bill for discs pads handbrake etc. for £2400 . Cheaper if you use the guidance from forum, but still pricey.