30th Oct 2007, 08:45

I am about to buy my first car, which will be a 3200GT, most likely 2001. I have been a little put off by some of the comments I have read here, and know that I have been well warned of what might go wrong. The poor guy who drove into the tree at 50 mph appears to have been unlucky, but honestly, I wouldn't want to drive into a tree in anything else.

22nd Nov 2007, 17:32

If you're in the market for a 3200, check a few key things before you buy, or you'll end up forking out a fortune to get them fixed, or end up in a tree like the poor guy earlier in the thread:

Look out for end float wear on manuals, this is due to the clutch design. The float bearing can wear out from the previous owner having held the clutch in for prolonged periods (stopped at traffic lights etc) rather than putting into neutral. The bearing isn't expensive, but the strip down to replace it is. Very. You need to get it checked by a specialist before you buy because (as far as I know) there's no easy way to tell by driving it until it goes completely. Autos naturally don't suffer from this.

Throttle body electronics fail (fly-by-wire throttle) because its position next to the manifold means it gets very hot. These are quite expensive to buy new, but can be re-conditioned. Scrap 3200's lose the throttle body first because they fail so regularly. The symptom is engine revving on it's own, sometimes quite subtle, sometimes right to the limiter. Leave the car idling after a run to warm it up, and see if the idle speed is erratic (it should vary a little, but not much). This symptom could also be caused by throttle potentiometer failure, but either need sorting out as you certainly don't want the car making errors regarding how to lay 370HP down through the rear wheels.

If it's an early 3200, make sure it has had the recalls done, especially the steering rack.

Mine broke down twice in two weeks (throttle body, then a wiring short that blew a fuse and killed everything except the brakes). Nothing else so far, but I hold my breath every time I turn the key. Having said that, when it's on song, this car is stupendous and addictive.

19th Apr 2008, 08:10

I've had my 3200 for nearly 2.5 years now, and was previously a 4 times Porsche owner, so I come from a Marque with a reputation for Panzeresque build quality.

All I can say is that the car is fantastic, but ensure you have deep pockets, because when it goes wrong it gets expensive. In the last 7 months I've had to reach into my pocket for a new starting motor, throttle body, rear disks and pads, service and exhaust rear boxes.

With regard to what a previous poster said about the idling being eratic being a sign that the throttle body could be on the way out, mine has always done this, and it was a long time before it failed, and it still does it with a brand new unit. As for the exhausts back boxes, the exhaust is stainless from the manifold to the back boxes, and the Maserati back boxes are made from paper or something similar as they last only a few years, so if buying, check the back boxes if they have not been changed to an aftermarket item already.

Otherwise, the performance is pretty much the same at legal speeds to the Gransport and Granturismo, and you get the boomerang lights which are a delight. Just to end, I hope to be having more Modena Tridents sitting on my drive for many years to come.

10th May 2008, 13:42

Hi. I have a 3200 GT; a lovely example but I keep getting a fuel smell in the cabin. It has been to the dealer twice now, and whilst they say "It'll be OK now", it is not OK. Does anyone have any idea what might be a cause? Cheers.

13th May 2008, 12:45

I notice that people were commenting on the driver hitting the tree and implying that he was a bad driver. I can tell you as a fact that this car has had problems with the steering rack falling off the car, and then the driver has little control. This is now a factory recall. I can also tell people that the front suspension cracks and although Maserati have not yet recalled it, mine has been done by the dealer three years ago, and it won't be long before others follow.

I also tell people that Maserati are not helpful,and just interested in profit. Don't BUY THIS MODEL OR THE NEW ONE; it's a very bad product.

18th Aug 2008, 11:51

Dears Maserati Owners: I am from Brazil and a Maserati 3200 GT Bi-turbo Year 2000 and need the Throttle Body, new or used part.

If someone knows where I can get it please send me a e-mail.

Thanks a lot.

30th Sep 2008, 11:14

My mate just bought 3200gt on 02 plate. Hope he knows what he's doing.

25th Oct 2008, 15:34

Who has problems that smell gasoline in the cabin?

I know what is wrong. I have the same problem. Contact me.

30th Dec 2008, 07:44

I had a 3200GT for a year. Interesting about the steering as mine seemed a bit out of control when you picked up speed, seemed to pull hard to one side and then back to straight and level for no reason. Must say, what a lovely car though, and I always look to see if I can pick up a bargain. Shhh, don't tell the wife.

17th Feb 2009, 15:54

Yes. If you go on the Maserati UK Forum you will get all the answers to all Maserati problems. But it does sound like you have a leak on one of your vacuum pipes. A hard thing to find as there are a lot of pipes, and it could be a pin prick. You could try a stethoscope? Good luck.

25th Feb 2009, 11:16

I've just sold one of my collection of Italian cars and am currently looking for a 3200GT.

Seems there a good for every bad experience. There person who's done 80K in his with little problems is a good example.

I don't intend to use the car everyday but I do intend to use it.

10th Mar 2009, 18:52

I was thinking to get a 3200 Maserati, but after reading the messages, I am afraid to get it...

18th Oct 2009, 08:27

I just bought a 1999 3200GT 5 days ago and already have a few problems. BUT it is a great drive and nothing like anything I have driven before. Like all mistresses, it's expensive but fun.

19th Oct 2009, 12:15

Like others here, I was looking into purchasing a '00 reg 3200 GT (Manual - 75k miles) as there's great value to be had (in terms of initial outlay) but I'm worried about the issues raised here - esp re; recalls etc. When people say 'deep pockets' with regard to maintenance... how deep are we talking about? As a novice supercar owner, should I just plump for a 911 instead and if so, any particular type? (Although that's a bit off topic)