8 weeks in - thoughts and feelings on the GTS

Cyclone1

Cyclone1

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531
bigbadwedge400 said:
I've been meaning to write an update to this post which I started after buying the Granturismo as often people write reviews with enthusiasm going into ownership but don't give a true summary when leaving!

So here goes..

Not once did I manage to refrain from smiling when that incredible V8 roared into life and I clicked the MCShift into gear. The sense of drama that these cars give alongside genuine practically and usability cannot be rivalled by many other cars, and certainly nothing I have owned so far comes close. The rear leg room and access when the seats move forward is brilliant and perfectly suited for a family of four with younger kids. Adding to that, child seats (my youngest is now 5) as long as you use a slim one fit really well and seatbelts are easy to access. The soundstage and punch from the Bose stereo was also superb which again surprised me as I've heard of some complaints in that department but theirs must be faulty or mine was upgraded!

The way the car drove on the open road inspired so much confidence and seemed to shrink around you. This is particularly impressive as it's SUCH a big car! In fact, the physical size of the car when parking is one of the drawbacks but if you plan your journeys and car parks (which I do as I'm rediculous when it comes to car care) then it's not an issue.

Only minor complaint on the road was the self cancelling indicators when turning right into a roundabout which would often drop half way round! But if that's the only gripe on a Italian Supercar, that's just brilliant in my mind.

Age Old Debate on auto VS MC Shift...I was fixated on getting an MCShift car as I knew it was the ultimately the most engaging option. I tried both but stuck to my guns when searching. I did not regret that decision for one second. The sound...the shifts....heaven! Before owning one, I feared that single clutch automated systems would be 'awkward' and 'Jerky' and generally not pleasing to use. True, if I had that gearbox in my Mercedes C250d I would think it was a bad box, but put the silky smooth 9 speed ZF box from my Mercedes into the Granturismo and you would lose the heart, soul and passion that it brought. To anyone on the fence between the boxes, ignore the haters and go with your heart!

A few of my friends have asked why I only had her for a short period and I have told them it is absolutely nothing that the car did wrong. I originally bought the GT as a fair weather daily alongside a smart car for the station and daily chores but the car was just WAY too nice an example to use for the regular school runs etc so it didn't get used as much as I expected. But the biggest factor, I love a convertible and seeing as I only used in totally fair weather it seemed like it was missing something. Cannot blame the car for having a roof!

In summary, the Granturismo is one of the few cars which exceeded my expectations in many respects and is a car that I will always have fond memories of. Will I have another Maserati one day? Absolutely.

Final comment, after not having interest in the private classifieds, she was sold via Richard Grace. Richard is one of the few honest and straight talking guys in the motortrade who knows exactly what he is doing and made the whole process an absolute joy. Genuinely cannot recommend his services any higher. He buys the best cars and I will only retail cars that pass his and his inspection teams checks. I will certainly speak to him when coming back to the fold.

My next journey? I'm having a midlife crisis and male menopause are setting in! I've sold the Granturismo, Smart Car (another brilliant car!!) and my TVR Tuscan and bought a Mercedes C250d cabriolet and collecting a Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder (pre LP car) next week. Manual or E-Gear? MCShift made me go E-Gear ;-D

Cheers,

Matt
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Great write up and ownership experience (albeit short). All the best with the new cars and I’m sure you enjoy the Lambo.
 
philw696

philw696

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25,546
Second that a Great write up and life is short with so much temptation out there so fill your boots is my motto.
 
dickygrace

dickygrace

www.richardgracecars.co.uk
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7,342
Great write up and glad you’ve found a Lambo. Thanks again for the mention, easy to sell a car as well looked after as yours.
 
Motorsport3

Motorsport3

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888
I was really fond of your white GTS. Visually I prefer the pre-facelift models and yours was well kept too by the sound of it. It will be interesting to hear your views when you go Lambo, but if you want to do the middle-age crisis properly go 2-wheels ;-))
 
bigbadwedge400

bigbadwedge400

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117
Motorsport3 said:
I was really fond of your white GTS. Visually I prefer the pre-facelift models and yours was well kept too by the sound of it. It will be interesting to hear your views when you go Lambo, but if you want to do the middle-age crisis properly go 2-wheels ;-))
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Thanks:)

I was heart set on a white one when looking as I really think it suits the car, helps the curves stand out and makes the whole car stand out. I adored the blue interior too.

I'd love a bike but I can't afford a divorce and that would be straight on the cards if I did !!
 
Motorsport3

Motorsport3

Member
Messages
888
bigbadwedge400 said:
Thanks:)

I was heart set on a white one when looking as I really think it suits the car, helps the curves stand out and makes the whole car stand out. I adored the blue interior too.

I'd love a bike but I can't afford a divorce and that would be straight on the cards if I did !!
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Baby steps, get a CBT claiming practicality. Practice for a year on a 125 w clutch. Then get a full license. It's the right thing to do as you do learn a lot and become a better rider. Then when you have a big birthday or a success to celebrate get a Ducati!
 
bigbadwedge400

bigbadwedge400

Member
Messages
117
Motorsport3 said:
Baby steps, get a CBT claiming practicality. Practice for a year on a 125 w clutch. Then get a full license. It's the right thing to do as you do learn a lot and become a better rider. Then when you have a big birthday or a success to celebrate get a Ducati!
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I like your thinking...one of my friends is at step two of that process right now ;-)
 
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