Buying Advice, please? - Used Granturismo

[Bobby Dandruff]

Hi everyone

I have just joined this site so please be gentle with me, and excuse any moronic questions......

My situation is: in Oct/Nov 2013, due to some extreme good fortune on my part, I should be in a position to replace my car and my wife's car. Forget the wife's car for the moment, this post is about me and my car!

I have always thought that the Granturismo is the most beautiful of cars and now I should be in a position to buy one. I have done lots of research and I'm pretty aware of the practicalities and impracticalities of the car but there is nothing like discussing it with actually owners

I will look to buy a used model and not a new one, and will be at the bottom of the current price range - I can see them advertised in the low £30ks.

Before going any further I should say that I have always been very cautious when buying cars and have only ever owned dealer supplied BMWs and Mercs, and have had a very practical approach to car buying.

So buying a Maserati is a big departure for me and I recognise fully that this will not be like owning a Merc - but you only live once....

I also have 3 boys and my wife is fed up with me driving a 2 seater so the 4 seats of a Granturismo is an easier sell to her!

So my question is: if buying privately rather than from main dealer, how can I ensure that I am minimising any risks to me, aside from HPI checks etc? Can anyone point me in the right direction or offer me any advice, please?

ALL advice is most welcome by the way.

Thanks

 

[Andyk]

Hi Bobby and a big warm welcome to the forum.......I can see how you would fall in love with the GT....A lovely looking car who's looks can drag ou in. Modern Maseratis are pretty much reliable...This changed with the introduction of the QP and reliability and build quality has been getting better every since.

I one bit of advice that you will get on here from every one is get an inspection from a good indy of which there is a list on here also. Another good starting point is Dicky Grace from on here. He is a respected member of the forum and deals in Maserati. Many members have purchased cars from him or just gone to him for advice....Well worth a call...

http://www.richardgracecars.co.uk/

 

[dickygrace]

Thanks for the recommendation Andy, I am more than happy to help. As Andy says, get an inspection and a car with a full Maserati history from reputable dealers and you should be fine. Mid £30k's should get you a 40000 mile 57/08 car. All the very best with your search and if you want to call with any questions I'm more than happy to answer and advise.

 

[Brendan]

I would certainly call Dickie as he is very knowledgeable about Maserati. This is what I did. I have never met him and never heard anything but good things about him.