1999 Maserati 3200 GT from UK and Ireland - Comments

Exhaust manifold cracked at 10,000 miles, replaced under warranty.

Rear suspension wishbone split. Replaced under warranty.

Before buying I was a bit worried about variable road test reports. The car is a bit unusual to drive, drive by wire throttle and a slight lag on the turbo followed by ferocious power at around 2400rpm. It takes about a week to get used to, but after that it is simply glorious to drive.

370hp and 362ft/lbs of torque coming in at low revs is a lot to handle, and I leave the traction control on except when on track.

This car is a true racing car on the track and a 4 seater Grand Tourer on the road. I combined both this year around Europe, a very memorable 3500 miles.

Sounds like a bad car the way you put it.

Any more comments on reliability since your post? I know they have a dubious reputation (like most italian cars) but I'd be interested to know if the reputation is based on historical reasons rather than current build quality? Also, what are the servicing costs like compared to "mere mortal" cars...?

I had a 3200 and have had various problems, the ecu drained the battery and the bootlid and petrol cap became loose. Also trim began to fall off. Finally the car went out of control at 50mph and plowed into a tree. I was very disappointed because I heard so many things about how they had improved it. Perhaps the 4200 is better.

The car went out of control at 50mph, or the driver lost control at 50mph. These are two VERY different things. I would suspect the latter as being the truth.

These cars pay you back the same way you treat them. Cars don't veer out of control by their own account unless they encounter catastrophic failure of a component. If you can't drive these cars, you shouldn't own one and certainly not complain you had a close encounter with a tree...

There was actually a serious error in some of the 3200GTs chassis. I don't have the letter I received from Maserati here, but the car was called back for repair (free ofcourse).

Something in the front end caused some 3200GTs to lose steering-control.

Well I am surprised to hear these issues, but crazy as I am I am still looking for one.

Is the build quality that poor?

In answer to the query about reliability, I owned a 3200 GT for four years and during that time had three breakdowns: the first (complete shutdown of all engine functions) after a few weeks only, necessitating the call-out of a breakdown truck - cause: electrical; the second: refusal to start in my garage (again electrical) ; and the third a crack in a turbo pipe, which left me with only tick-over in first gear to get home (most embarrassing). A case of love - disillusionment - divorce...

I purchased a 3200gt from the local Ferrari agents here in Cape Town about three weeks ago and intend to use the car daily. So far I have been pleasantly surprised by the awesome performance, but also pleasant drive for everyday use. A great car by all means - keeping in mind we are still on honeymoon...

I have a 3200GT and have increased the boost, changed the air intake, installed an electronic boost controllern and lowered itn not to mention a big stereo. This is a car I drive every day (for the last 3 years) and it rocks.

I'm very pleased to hear there ARE people out there who are using their Masers everyday, and still sounding happy! I'm about to plunge for a 2003 4200 Coupe for day to day business use, around 20k miles a year.

Am I being blinded by desire, my head says Porsche 993, but my heart... I was even considering an older 456GT, so I have managed to convince myself that in fact now I am making the sensible choice in the newer Maserati.

Any experienced advice out there? Well, probably no matter what anyone says the gorgeous black/tan-leather beauty will replace my oh so proficient, but oh so dull 530i by the end of the month. I can't wait.

Doesn't the Maserati average something like 10 mpg? The Porsche and your existing BMW get much better mileage.

Obviously you can afford the gas, but for me I would get sick of stopping all the time to fill up, especially if I was doing 20K miles a year.

I am just about to collect a 2001 3200 GT having considered and rejected both porker 911 and Jag XK8. Both are no doubt practical, but 911's are everywhere, the Jag is too old (and auto) and both have less room in the back. Besides life's too short for dull cars. My understanding is that reliability got progressively better, but who cares if it breaks down, get the RAC out, no one is going to be laughing at your Maser.

PS Sympathise with the guy who ended up in a tree as an early recall was needed to rectify such a problem. That said, everyone still thinks you wanged it into a tree aided only by your right foot!

As a 911 owner just doing some research on possibily buying these, have also see other comments / crashes due to the steering recall. Quite alarming they could release a car onto the public with this, perhaps the most serious of problems.

Anyway, hasn't put me off and love the looks of the 3200GT, if not the later 4200. Blame the US for the rear lights apparently.

Having read all the comments from this site and others nothing can stop me now.

I have just bought a 3200 (2001) model and I cannot wait to get back to the UK to drive it!