3200GT Test Drive thoughts....
Discussion
So I went to test drive the car today and thought I'd let you know what I thought.
The actual car was in need of some TLC and so was a bit disappointing. During the test drive and at the 1st opportune moment I decided to explore the performance and in a straight line on a dry bit, floored it in 3rd. Imagine my surprise when it appeared to just wheel spin ridiculously. This scared me and I began to doubt my ability to handle this type of car but something just wasn't right. I popped it into 5th at about 25mph and again floored it and sure enough, the same effect. Clutch knackered and slipping really badly. I then just had to pootle back so never did get to really see what it was like.
On inspecting the car it needs a couple of rear tyres and the drivers seat needs attention and all in all I just couldn't justify the spend on a car in that condition. I know they will put all the bits right but it just didn't feel right, if you know what I mean.
I also think that an auto might be a better car in terms of my wife driving to and from work in it.
The plus bits were really everything else. I sat in a newer 01/51 auto and it was in the condition I expected and I have to say it was just awesome. Much more than I was expecting.
So to sum up as I can hear snoring, I am sold on the 3200GT but in auto form and in 'proper' condition. I am now going to take a bit of time finding the right one and when I do I'll post some piccies.
Cheers
Pete
The actual car was in need of some TLC and so was a bit disappointing. During the test drive and at the 1st opportune moment I decided to explore the performance and in a straight line on a dry bit, floored it in 3rd. Imagine my surprise when it appeared to just wheel spin ridiculously. This scared me and I began to doubt my ability to handle this type of car but something just wasn't right. I popped it into 5th at about 25mph and again floored it and sure enough, the same effect. Clutch knackered and slipping really badly. I then just had to pootle back so never did get to really see what it was like.
On inspecting the car it needs a couple of rear tyres and the drivers seat needs attention and all in all I just couldn't justify the spend on a car in that condition. I know they will put all the bits right but it just didn't feel right, if you know what I mean.
I also think that an auto might be a better car in terms of my wife driving to and from work in it.
The plus bits were really everything else. I sat in a newer 01/51 auto and it was in the condition I expected and I have to say it was just awesome. Much more than I was expecting.
So to sum up as I can hear snoring, I am sold on the 3200GT but in auto form and in 'proper' condition. I am now going to take a bit of time finding the right one and when I do I'll post some piccies.
Cheers
Pete
I went for a 2001 auto. The auto is a little less exciting, but I do a lot of town and dual carriageway driving, plus my wife needs to be able to drive it, so it made sense for me. You loose some of the involvement of the manual, but in a straight line up to about 100, for most average drivers, the auto and the manual would be neck and neck. The auto also wins the traffic lights grand prix every time - effortless blast off! Like you, I found there was a big difference with the fit and finnish of post 2000 models.
Having spent the first weekend with a manual I am obviously not qualified to comment on long term use but I can say that you do get used to it fairly quickly and a test drive isnt long enough to get more comfortable with it.
It probably does come down to the mix of driving you do and if you are in town all the time the manual would be a bit tiring (I think it is better 3rd gear upwards).
It sounds like the car you drove wasn't great but don't let that put you off!
As for the wife - can't get mine out of it.
It probably does come down to the mix of driving you do and if you are in town all the time the manual would be a bit tiring (I think it is better 3rd gear upwards).
It sounds like the car you drove wasn't great but don't let that put you off!
As for the wife - can't get mine out of it.
I drove the auto for about 6 months.
I'd agree that the manual is far more challenging if you want an ultra-smooth pull off with passengers but at least you know when the gear change will come in (unlike the auto).
Slamming your right foot down in anything up to 5th will obviously result in wheel spin due the torque.
I'd agree that the manual is far more challenging if you want an ultra-smooth pull off with passengers but at least you know when the gear change will come in (unlike the auto).
Slamming your right foot down in anything up to 5th will obviously result in wheel spin due the torque.
bad loser said:
Slamming your right foot down in anything up to 5th will obviously result in wheel spin due the torque.
I agree. Also the word Slam you right foor and Maserati in the same sentence is not good. I find a gentle nustle or caress work's better.
Had mine out most of the weekend and it behaved it's self very well.
I have an auto 3200 and it's great for town driving. Sometimes I wish I'd gone for a manual for the 'imput' side of things and then whenever I drive a manual car through London it reminds me why I went for Auto!
Yesterday was good - cool air, dry roads and the back of the car snaking around as I floored it.
Yesterday was good - cool air, dry roads and the back of the car snaking around as I floored it.
Basically both Boxes are good fun in the correct environment.
I personally love manual Boxes as I have total control over the Changes (prob due to my personality! ) but having driven the auto I understand both arguements.
Its down to the driver and their requirements.
I would go for Auto if I spent all my time e.g in London but for the South Coast, I love my Manual.
This Paddle shift lark seems the way forward though as a middle of the road option.
I personally love manual Boxes as I have total control over the Changes (prob due to my personality! ) but having driven the auto I understand both arguements.
Its down to the driver and their requirements.
I would go for Auto if I spent all my time e.g in London but for the South Coast, I love my Manual.
This Paddle shift lark seems the way forward though as a middle of the road option.
anniesdad said:I was with a mate last week who's driven a Golf GTi with DSG and he said exactly that. He said it was so smooth it was a bit of a non event - impressive from a technical point of view but no fun to drive.
Interestingly the DSG box in the new Golf GTi gets marked down in this months EVO for being too good.
I drove the TT 3.2 DSG Roadster for 9 months and the DSG manual/automatic gearbox started to get me a bit paranoid toward the end. It can be extremely dangerous if when approaching a roundabout you nearly – but not quite - stop. The gearbox never seems to consistently make up it's mind if it should be in 2nd/3rd or 1st/2nd.
As most if the time it is a seat of the pants skateboard you always expect to launch off at the roundabout like a bullet out of a gun. However if the "auto" box didn't decide on 1st/2nd then you find yourself sloooowwwwllly placing yourself right smack bang in front of the oncoming traffic.
I had an early model and I understand that there is now a software upgrade available, or will be soon. Alternatively (if you can stand the constant cocktail shaker effect and you are wearing ear protectors) - keep it in sport – then it will always select 1st/2nd at every opportunity.
In comparison with my 3200 GTA the TT DSG is very unrefined, sometimes dangerous and slower off the mark. In the TT you get so much noise and so thrown around that you actually think you are going as fast as a supercar (but in fact you aren't!). However, you can achieve similar fuel bills if you keep the TT in Sport mode all the time!!!
Would I want another TT DSG? No – the gearbox is just too unpredictable.
As most if the time it is a seat of the pants skateboard you always expect to launch off at the roundabout like a bullet out of a gun. However if the "auto" box didn't decide on 1st/2nd then you find yourself sloooowwwwllly placing yourself right smack bang in front of the oncoming traffic.
I had an early model and I understand that there is now a software upgrade available, or will be soon. Alternatively (if you can stand the constant cocktail shaker effect and you are wearing ear protectors) - keep it in sport – then it will always select 1st/2nd at every opportunity.
In comparison with my 3200 GTA the TT DSG is very unrefined, sometimes dangerous and slower off the mark. In the TT you get so much noise and so thrown around that you actually think you are going as fast as a supercar (but in fact you aren't!). However, you can achieve similar fuel bills if you keep the TT in Sport mode all the time!!!
Would I want another TT DSG? No – the gearbox is just too unpredictable.
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