If the decision to buy a car was based purely on its name then Maserati would be the world’s largest car manufacturer. But it’s not.

 

Problems with reliability, build quality and residual values pushed Maserati to the brink of extinction in the UK during the 1980’s and early 90’s. The purchased of Maserati by Fiat in 1993 did little to boost UK sales so when, in 1997, Fiat placed Maserati under the operating control of Ferrari, car enthusiasts around the world held their breath.

 

The first product of the new Ferrari era came less than two years later, in the shape of the new Maserati 3200GT.

 

One look at the rear of the car with its unique, boomerang shaped lights and powerful haunches hinted that this was no half hearted attempt to recapture sales. Under the bonnet the potent 3.2 litre, twin turbo charged V8 produced 370bhp powering the car to over 170mph. Inside, the cabin was pure Grand Tourer, with 4 seats and enough leather to furnish a small dairy herd. But best of all it delivered Ferrari style and performance for Jaguar money.

 

Now, 4 years on has the cars early promise been fulfilled?

 

The early cars have been criticised for an overly firm ride and buyers choosing the optional 4 speed auto may find it a little old fashioned, but get your hands on a good 6 speed manual, which now change hands for under £30,000, and you’ll have little to complain about.

 

In spring 2002 the car underwent a number of major enhancements, including the introduction of a new Spyder model complete with fully electrically operated soft top. Under the bonnet the engine grew from 3.2 to 4.2 litres, removing the need for the twin turbos' but still seeing the power rise to 390bhp.

 

In response to the ride and handling criticism the cars name came with the strangely named ‘sky hook’ electronic suspension system that adjusts suspension settings, gearbox changes (on the auto box) and traction control system. Whilst these changes did not elevate the car into the dynamic realms of a Porsche 911 or a Lotus Esprit these later cars are more than good enough to satisfy most drivers.

 

The introductions of the new 5 speed Cambiocorsa gearbox, applying F1 technology to gear changes via paddle shift controls, dispatched the old 4 speed box to the parts back catalogue and have proven popular with buyers, 80% of which now choose it instead of the manual box. One change that failed to gain universal approval was the loss of the unique boomerang rear lights that reverted back to a more conservative cluster design.     

 

On the road the larger, normally aspirated V8 sounds good and acceleration and top speed are superb, close to 180mpg puts this car firmly in the premiership of road going cars. On the down side some owners report heavy fuel consumption, sometimes as low as 10mpg in persistent town driving.

 

Servicing is once a year or every 12,500 miles with the exception of the first year when a 1,000 and 6,250 mile visit to dealer are required. Expect standard service work to set you back about £600 a time and even the 3 yearly cam belt change at £2,500 shouldn’t be to shocking to owners more use to maintaining a Ferrari.

 

So before you make your mind up about what car to buy next, imagine the following conversation. A friend asks, ‘what are you driving at the moment?’

 

You respond. ‘A Maserati’.

 

Feels good doesn’t it?

 

 

 

    

 

Check the following

 

• Boot – 5 piece fitted luggage set an extra £1,640 on new cars

• Headlamps – Xenon not standard but a popular option

• Wheels – 3200GT comes with 9 spoke alloys later 4.2 has 15 spoke alloys or optional 7 spoke

• Satellite Navigation – a £1,640 option but 95% of buyers choose it

• Seats - Full electric seat operation with lumbar support is standard

• Doors and dash are leather trimmed with owners able to specify non standard colours at a cost of £2,800.

• Warranty – cars built since September 2000 have 3 year 60,000 mile

• Cam belt – need changing every 3 years and will cost about £2,500

• Tyres – 18 inch tyres are uni-directional and last about 12-15,000miles

• Dealers – 15 dealers throughout the UK and channel islands

• Upholstery – choice of 5 colours from Avorio (light cream) to Nero (black)

• Spyder – whilst coupe gives 2+2 seating, Spyder is 2-seater only

• CD stacker – an option

The one to buy 

 

Maserati coupe with Cambiocorsa gearbox, Satellite navigation and xenon headlamps

2002 ‘02’ with 10,000 miles

Metallic blue and beige hide

Pay £48,000 at dealer   £45,000 privately