Newbie from Leicestershire

[chunks]

Hello all,

Looking to purchase a 2008/09 Granturismo within the next month or so. I've previously owned 6 Alfas including a V6 Brera and Giulietta Cloverleaf - All have been superb to own and drive, but am looking for something a little different. I'll be honest and say that I don't really know a lot about the Granturismo, so any buying advice would be welcomed! One thing I'm not sure about is whether to get an extended warranty from the likes of warranty direct. From what I have read the reliability of the GT seems to be pretty good.

Regards

Chunks

 

[Andyk]

Hi Chunks and a big welcome to the forum.....great car the GT which I'm sure you will get loads of advice of here to make sure you get a good one...

 

[bigbob]

Welcome. Have a read through loads of posts in the GranTurismo section. Personally I tend not to go for warranties as I prefer to pay as I go. These are reliable cars so enjoy.

 

[conaero]

Hi Chunks, well where do I start, ok the engine/transmission:

Comes in 3 base variants:

1. 4.2 V8 Auto Box
2. 4.7 V8 Auto Box
3. 4.7 MC Shift Box (paddle shift manual)

There is a cab and an 2 seater MC Stradale, but these are more specialist niche cars.

The 4.2 Auto is more of a cruiser. The car is heavy so to get descent performance you need the 4.7 engine but they are very thirsty.

It depends upon how much you have to spend but if you can, get the 4.7 if you are going to use it as a weekend car, and my choice is the MC Shift. An exhaust note to die for, powerful and manual paddle shift box straight out of a Ferrari 599.

Trim, 4.2 are all full leather, but the 4.7 comes in full leather or half leather/Alcantara.

Full leather commands a premium over the half, but the Alcantara grips you and you dont slide around so much.

The GT was facelifted some 18 months ago and I like the seats and steering wheel but the jury is out on the front bumper.

Reliabily wise, the story is good. Pealing trim, aircon pumps (£5k) halfshaft splines (ping upon pull away after engaging reverse), brakes (high speed vibration) are knows issues so get it inspected and go for a warranty.

Early 4.7 MC shifts are now about mid £40k's and I personally dont think they will slide much below £40k in the next 3 years so now is a good time to buy.

4.2 can be had for as little as £30k but there are loads out there and its a buyers market. Remember if you have a 4.2 you will also struggle to sell it too.

My old one if for sale and I know you could have it for mid £40's and it is a very sorted and well loved car. I have not owned it for over a year by the way so have no vested financial interest in it:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Maserati-...8585301?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item43bcb1ea55

 

[bigbob]

Nice summary Matt.

 

[chunks]

Hi All,

Many thanks for the welcome and advice. I'm probably looking to get an early example - My only problem now is choosing the right colour! I think the black looks great, but blue and red also look nice.

 

[Andyk]

Three colours that reall suit the GT..Whatever you get I'm sure you will love it...

 

[Parisien]

Depends on the interior combo too.......not a big fan of a solid red in the GT though

P

 

[Andyk]

It looks good as long as the wheels are dark.....But the black seems to be the most popular...

 

[Parisien]

It does suit the black wheels, but need to the interior be correct....ie you can change wheels to any colour any time

P

 

[Andyk]

Saw one with blavk and red stitching, etc and it looked good as does tan/beige colour...All black is a bit much on a red car.

 

[Torenno Performance]

Welcome chunks!

Problem with WD, I found is they hammer you, when you change your car mid term.