Back in 2014, you could get a 2001 Y-reg 3200 GT with 86,000 miles for £9995. Fast forward five years and this 2001 Y-reg that we found with 73,000 miles is £3000 more expensive. In fact, it’s one of the cheaper ones. Next up the price ladder is a 2001/51-reg auto with 55,000 miles for £14,700. They top out at around £21,000.
Maserati 3200 GT, £12,995: So what caught our eye, apart from it being the least expensive? First, it’s the automatic. The ’box has only four speeds but works well with the 370bhp twin-turbo 3.2-litre V8. In any case, replacement clutches are becoming almost impossible to find for manual versions.
Second, the car’s service history is described as “fantastic”. It’s just had a fettle and a cambelt change. There’s lots of paperwork, too, so it may be possible to assemble an invoice trail that shows what was done and when. A shame the numberplate appears to be hanging off. Doesn’t say much for the seller’s self-respect…
It’s a reminder that while we’re cooing over this GT’s sporty lines, we should check for the engine’s revs hunting at idle (a faulty throttle potentiometer), for oil leaks from the cam covers and for coolant leaks from the top hose into the V of the engine.
We’ll cross our fingers that on startup there’s no ‘engine check’ light. It’s a common fault and early cars without the later, universally compliant OBD (on-board diagnostics) port require main dealer or specialist diagnosis. Finally, on the test drive, we’ll feel for looseness in the steering and suspension and pray a pothole hasn’t dislodged the captive nut on the top front suspension mount. It requires removal of the engine to refit.
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Tigra?!?!?
Where is your self respect?
The Honda only wins.....
.....if you have no shame or you are 19!
Do you really want to be seen in that Jukebox?.....it looks like a car that some 'yoof' has taken down to Halfords, and added every 'go faster' appendage they have in stock. Its a mess.
Sort od wannabe BTCC driver.
When referring to the xr3i
Always loved the boomerang lit 3200, it just looks so right.
That Alfa looks stunning, not sure on the tigra, though I quite like the original tigra coupe which are few nowerdays.