the 3200s are old cars and if not kept up to date with services they will deteriorate............which will mean expensive to get back to spec...........even getting 4 good matching tyres could set you back near a grand. I have an auto so not sure on the clutch but for me, a high riding clutch usually indicates ready to go, but I'm sure a manual owner will be along to correct me if I'm wrong. 7 years since recorded as serviced is not good but it may have been taken care of by someone with a manual (though the odd tyres indicate possible corner cutting and or neglect to me, deffo would not drive it at speed!)...........only way to be sure is an inspection to show up cost to get right but I get the feeling this was not a true shopping expedition?Update 2 - the 4200 I planned to drive this weekend was sold, bummer, so I went to see an old Vreg 3200 manual, green with biege interior.
It was a tired old thing, with sticky switches, a full ashtray, rusty springs and warm aircon. 4 odd tyres, and the strangest stereo I've ever seen.
It went well enough, everything electrical worked, and the brakes and clutch seemed fine. Apart from the clutch biting point was very high. as was the one I drove in the week.
Is this common?
The service history, which stopped in 2007, threw up a service costing £10,854!! No decimal point intended.
It did feel good on the road however, but at £9995, it was over-priced.
The search continues...
Thanks guys, got 2 more to view tomorrow.
Re: insurance. Why are these cars so cheap? A 3200 is half the price of Alfa to insure!
or do what I did and keep the alfa for work stuff (and mpg ) and the maser for weekend fun!Thanks guys, I agree with you all.
No Highlander, mpg is not my main concern, but I will miss that economy. Then again, I thought I would miss the 50+mpg I got from my 20v JTD 156 and I don't.
The auto box did seem to work very well, especially in Sport mode.
I think I'll go for that one...