Advice for a newbie...

alangt

New Member
Messages
3
Hi all

I'm new to Maserati, but seriously considering taking the plunge. Currently I have a Lotus Evora (NA), but fancy something a little more refined, and have always loved the Granturismo. I found this, and it's within budget and I like the low milage...

http://www.johnhollandsales.co.uk/u...-with-i-pod-connection-full-maserati-history/

Obviously, it's not the 4.7, but I'm happy with the sound (it's a big step up from the Evora) and prefer the lower maintenance costs especially brake pads etc. It's mainly for town driving, to and from work, etc not long motorway journeys

Are there any tips from the forum, particularly
- any issues I should look out for before I buy?
- would people recommend a warranty, it's near 4k for 3 years, or save that and address issues if they arise?
- any recommendations on providers of extended warranty
- are 4.2 owners happy with the town / country road power? It's certainly not as nibble as my Evora, but only 0.2 secs slower to 60mph, so it's no slouch....

Any one else gone from an Evora to a GT? If so, how did you find the change??

Thanks Alan
 

iainw

Member
Messages
3,386
39k for A 4.2 AUTO.
He must be smoking something - or prices are on the up.
I think you have to go 4.7 in that budget.
They are fantastic cars.
 

rockits

Member
Messages
9,167
GTS is a great car but a 4.2 Auto at nearly 40k is too much money. That is getting into 4.7 money and 4.7 MC money as well.
 

StuartW

Member
Messages
9,306
Welcome along and as others have said, if your budget is just shy of £40k, an S is the way to go. If you have a good search around the forum, you will see that you should be looking out for variators, air con compressor, brake discs (which are particularly expensive on the 4.7) and the clutch is costly on the MC-S. Buy from a good specialist if you can such as Nuvola, Richard Grace or ADG and you won't go far wrong - good luck
 

murph7355

New Member
Messages
245
Have you driven one yet OP? I think a 4.2 auto will feel its weight too much for you coming from an Evora. Especially one that's 4.7 money.

I'd find a 4.7 if I were you...
 

MrPea

Member
Messages
3,012
Welcome. I've never lived with either the Evora or a GT, but from decent test drives of both you'll find a big change in driving style as the GT really is a grand tourer compared to the Evora which is a touring version of a proper sports car. The Maserati drama and style (inside and out) will always make you smile more than the Lotus. I also think you'll like the feel of the steering as, when driving, that's one thing that impressed me in both Evora and GT.

As others have said, don't pay too much, just because selling the Lotus provides that much cash. Buy well, get a known car to us lot or an above named dealer, and keep the change as a war chest just in case.
Oh, and get driving some 4.2 and 4.7s to see if you'll be happy.

On an aside, earlier this week I'd started thinking that it could be rather fun to go for an Evora as a new daily!
 

Andyk

Member
Messages
61,038
After the Evora the 4.2 will feel like a tank...especially in the bends....but they are very different cars. You will def find it more comfortable and you get that lovely noise. Always found the Evora noise in standard form a bit of a let down. And the GT is such a great looking car. If you are buying the 4.2 as it will cost a bit less to run that a 4.7 then don't be put off by everyone telling you to go 4.7. Yes it's the better drive but the 4.2 is still a very good car.

As for the John Holland car...As all have said its far too much to pay for a 4.2. Yes it's a later 2010 car so looked at in isolation it's priced about right I suppose but you can get one good one for 30k to 35k. You really don't need to pay 40k for one. As soon as you drive it out the showroom you will lose a shed load of money as most buyers spending 40k on a GT would go for a 4.7 do a very limited market for a 4.2 at this price range.

I would give Rich Grace a call. He is a very respected Specialist on here and if he doesn't have a car he may be able to find you the perfect car for you. He also is good for advice and always willing to talk.

Www.richardgracecars.co.uk
 

dickygrace

www.richardgracecars.co.uk
Messages
7,309
He called me yesterday morning and I told him the same as everyone on here. Thanks for the recommendation though Andy.
 

alangt

New Member
Messages
3
Great thanks for the advice everybody!

Lots to consider..... quick question on the warranty, what's the consensus? Buy one for piece of mind, or save the money for if and when it's needed?
 

alangt

New Member
Messages
3
On an aside, earlier this week I'd started thinking that it could be rather fun to go for an Evora as a new daily!

I've used an Evora as my daily for 5 years, with no problems, it's robust and the engine seems bulletproof (but not loud enough, even in sport mode). TBH I'll be sad to see it go, it's a joy on country roads
 

outrun

Member
Messages
5,017
Great thanks for the advice everybody!

Lots to consider..... quick question on the warranty, what's the consensus? Buy one for piece of mind, or save the money for if and when it's needed?

If you buy from a reputable dealer, there will be at least 6 months warranty included. Dealers get them for less so you can negotiate a longer deal if the sums stack up etc. It's a personal thing and up to you. All I would say is that you shouldn't let the reputation that Maserati sometimes has lead your decision. You will be pleasantly surprised by reliability and most can tell you stories about German brands they've owned that cost fortunes. I can with Porsches. The Maseratis have cost less to maintain. Just because the 80s cars were rust attraction devices from a small manufacturer doesn't mean that these issues are not in the past. They largely are. Sure, there are some known faults but a good one, well maintained, should be fine.
 

CatmanV2

Member
Messages
48,541
I extended my warranty wise warranty. Apart from anything else, the price they offered me for 12 months was less than the amount of their cheque that was sitting on my kitchen counter......

My first one cost very little to keep in order. The GT not so much. We'll see how this year goes.

C
 

Andyk

Member
Messages
61,038
Great thanks for the advice everybody!

Lots to consider..... quick question on the warranty, what's the consensus? Buy one for piece of mind, or save the money for if and when it's needed?

Get a warranty if you can....Its a Maserati and if things go bang it will not be cheap to replace....