Can't believe I'm making the first step to owning a Maserati

[Yorkshirepud]

Hi all,

I'm Tim and hoping I can get some help from those that know far more than myself. I'm finally making the leap in owning my first Granturismo 4.2 - sadly can't quite stretch to the 4.7.

I have done a ton of research and keen to crack on.

Can anyone advise if it's best to buy an older (57) lower mileage (35k) example or a newer (10) higher mileage (63k) car. Both with FMSH.

Is there anything else I should be looking out for?

Thanks very much in advance all

 

[outrun]

I'd go lower mileage every time. You'll get both opinions though. Speak to Richard Grace, he has a nice 4.2 right now. Also speak to Nuvola and ADG Sevenoaks.

I think the 4.2s can feel a little leggy once the mileage is higher. A low owner, full history, lower mileage car is therefore what I'd look for.

 

[Yorkshirepud]

You know what, my gut tells me the same so thanks for that. Though they're reliable lower has to be best on a car like that. I've seen the one at RG, lovely car. I'll check out the others you mention.

Thanks again

 

[StuartW]

Good advise from outrun & good luck - the 3 specialists mentioned are the best bet. Well looked after, full history cars and a decent warranty which these 3 offer are the way forward. Don't be shocked if some of the cars have had multiple owners though - many people own them for a year or so and move on - they can afford the loss they suffer on depreciation it seems.
Keep us posted!

 

[Yorkshirepud]

That's great, thanks LincsOSCA. I'm sure like most, when it's your first you want to get it right and land yourself with a howler and a stack of unanticipated bills. It's taken me long enough to convince the other half. Pride is at stake here ;-). I have also told her it doesn't make much of a noise.

Will definitely be back in touch....purchase in next two weeks

 

[Doohickey]

Welcome. I've got an '08 4.2 now showing 49K and (touch wood) it's going well. More than happy with it.

Assuming you're in Yorkshire then I would be happy to meet up and let you see (and hear) mine. There will be quite a few of us at Cars in the Park at Newby Hall near Ripon next Sunday morning. (http://www.carsinthepark.org.uk/) If you're not displaying I think you can just turn up and pay on the gate.

Good luck in your search.

 

[Mr K]

Can anyone advise if it's best to buy an older (57) lower mileage (35k) example or a newer (10) higher mileage (63k) car. Both with FMSH.

Low mileage pampered garaged car every time. If driven on salty roads and kept outside, could be a different decision. So check for rusty subframes, these have been known to need work on cars younger than 9 years.

 

[Yorkshirepud]

Doohickey, that's brilliant and thanks. I'm only in Harrogate so not far from you or Newby Hall. I'm gutted as just taken a look at the site and it's when I'm away.

As you're a 4.2 owner do you ever feel like you should have held out for a 4.7? I honestly don't think I'll feel that as 405 will be plenty for me. Key though I guess is to never drive the 4.7.

 

[Yorkshirepud]

Mr K, noted and thanks. We have a driveway but an integrated garage thats been halved due to work on the house so no room for the car. Should these cars really be treated with a bit more respect than just sat outside all the time? You've got me thinking

 

[conaero]

The difference between the 4.7 and 4.2 is more to do with the gearbox.

Whichever one you go for you need to check the variator modification has been done.

I concur with Athol, lower mileage over age.

 

[Yorkshirepud]

Variable modification. Thanks for the heads up. I've not come across that yet, apologies for my ignorance. Is this a must and a standard process? What if this hasn't been carried out, what are the implications and is it easy to tell/find out if it has been done?

Thx again

 

[Doohickey]

As Matt said the main difference is in the gearbox if it's an MC shift (basically a robotised manual). I don't think there's masses of difference in performance most of the time and as you say 400+bhp is plenty on the road.

There is a difference in noise as well since the 4.2 doesn't have valves in the exhaust but I've had an x-pipe fitted which makes a decent increase in volume without being stupid.

The variator issue seems affect cars at around 45-50K miles although it can be earlier. It's an expensive fix but the view seems to be that there is another mod which can be done which is cheaper and may fix it. My car doesn't seem to be affected but no doubt could crop up at any time. There's plenty of threads on here about it but I'm not sure that any of them are conclusive. The 35K car almost certainly won't have had it done due to the mileage.

I've no doubt someone will be along shortly to disagree with me!!

 

[Yorkshirepud]

I reckon given where I live the standard exhaust noise will be plenty unless I want hate mail - inner town living.

So it's a cross fingers job? Are you saying there is a pre-emotive fix to the variator issue? Out of interest I don't suppose you know what the bill would look like, approximately, if it went?

 

[Yorkshirepud]

And if anyone knows of a Granturismo that is worth a look you know where I am. Budget 30k, if more then I need to think on as to how I fund it but not impossible - we have two kidneys after all.

Thanks again for all your help everyone

 

[Contigo]

Get one they are ace. Recently got a GTS MC shift and love it.

 

[Andyk]

A big warm welcome to the forum.....and good luck with your search...As above I think I would go lower miles car and def give Richard Grace a ring as he will give you some great advice and even find you your perfect car....

I do like this one at Ferrari specialist Furlonger. They have recently dropped the price by 5k as well.....Plus you get the 4.7 alloys and an exhaust upgrade by the looks of it.

http://www.pistonheads.com/classifi...granturismo/maserati-gran-turismo/5153184?v=c

 

[Keano]

Check the engine number and if it is less than 148697 then verify the modification has been done. This was a known problem but not a recall for the earlier engines. Mine is one of those and the fix has been done and i have added 20K miles since so it is not a deal breaker. Cost was below £1500

 

[Ewan]

At around the £30k mark, chat to Richard Grace. I see Saxton and Motorhub both have cars available in the high twenties, but I'd not touch either of those dealers. At below £30k you are buying the cheapest possible examples, from non specialist dealers who don't have the knowledge or equipment to check what they are taking into stock. But at just over £30k, you can buy a properly inspected car that us likely to be a far better and cheaper bet in the medium term. So if you could squeeze your budget up just a tad, it could make all the difference to your first experience of Maserati ownership.

 

[MrMickS]

Welcome. I know what you mean about not believing it. I still don't quite believe that I'm driving a Maserati even though I've driven almost 3000 miles in the last month. It does put a great big smile on your face though

 

[bigbob]

A big warm welcome to the forum.....and good luck with your search...As above I think I would go lower miles car and def give Richard Grace a ring as he will give you some great advice and even find you your perfect car....

I do like this one at Ferrari specialist Furlonger. They have recently dropped the price by 5k as well.....Plus you get the 4.7 alloys and an exhaust upgrade by the looks of it.

http://www.pistonheads.com/classifi...granturismo/maserati-gran-turismo/5153184?v=c

That car looks very attractive. Interesting that they upgraded the wheels later as that wheel did not come out till autumn 2008.