Off to see 4 Granturismos - which would you pick?

habanero

habanero

New Member
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30
Firstly, happy Friday.

Secondly, and more importantly, I'm hopefully trecking down to Meridian Maserati to look at 4 x Granturismos that range between £60 and £65k. They are a variety of specs and colours as can be seen below. And whilst I've trawled through various posts on here regarding specs and gearboxes and I must say that I am still genuinely confused. I'm not sure the way many sellers describe their spec helps.

So we have, drum roll please...

Contestant number 1: Maserati GranTurismo S AUTO - Sport Pack - Black, black and black - http://www.meridien.co.uk/maserati/used-cars/1543/maserati-granturismo/

Contestant Number 2: Maserati GranTurismo S V8 - Grigio, Sabbia and silver wheels - http://www.meridien.co.uk/maserati/used-cars/1622/maserati-granturismo/

Contestant Number 3: Maserati GranTurismo S MC Shift - White, black and black wheels - http://www.meridien.co.uk/maserati/used-cars/1752/maserati-granturismo/

And finally, Contestant Number 4: Maserati GranTurismo S Auto Sport Body Pack - Grigio, Avorio and silver wheels - http://www.meridien.co.uk/maserati/used-cars/1520/maserati-granturismo/

Now I do like to track day my cars and go on driving holidays. That may mean that the MC Shift ticks the box for me but I am a little worried it'll feel very old tech. And I do genuinely like white cars. However, they are all appealing and I thought I'd "ask the experts" first.

So, the million dollar question is, which one would you buy and why? Happy to hear thoughts on spec, colours, packs and gearboxes.

:thumb3:
 
B

bigbob

Member
Messages
8,972
Welcome.

All look fine. Main dealer prices are high but prep standards are too and you should get good service/warranty etc.

Ask to drive an MC and an auto, make that choice then it's just colour after that...
 
MikeyMaser

MikeyMaser

Member
Messages
475
OK, so the first one has the later Sport pack, which basically turns the GranTurismo S Auto into a very similar spec as the MC Shift. It will also have the improved MC Auto Shift gearbox software and exhaust system (see here http://www.topgear.com/uk/photos/maserati-granturismo-s-sport-pack-2011-08-03). It is also a Shadowline which means darker exhaust, no chrome window surround and no chrome door handles. Downside is no BOSE and no contrasting stitching on the seats?

The second one is a pretty standard GranTurismo S Auto which has BOSE in a classic Maserati exterior/interior colour combo. It has the earlier Sport pack to make it look like an MC Shift.

The third one is Gran Turismo S MC Shift. Shadowline and nice (IMHO) contrasting red stitching. Also got BOSE. It also has the Aerodynamic Carbon Fibre pack which includes carbon lip spoiler, door handles and door mirros. It also has black side sills which most of the white ones have and (IMHO) look good.

The fourth is GranTurismo S Auto, again with the earlier Sport pack.

If you want something traditional Maserati, go for two or four. The first one is very nice and you've got something that sounds like the MC Shift but with the smoother Auto gearbox. However, I'd go for the third one, especially if you like white cars.

Also, note that early Sport pack, later Sport pack and MC Shift all have different seats... so check you're comfortable with the one you choose!

And the later Sport pack and MC Shift cars have a more pronounced rear lip spoiler.

It's not complicated. Really. It isn't!
 
EXCF350

EXCF350

Junior Member
Messages
177
For me the two very big differences on the Granturismo's are the gearbox and the exhaust. The gearbox has already been mentioned. As for exhausts, how loud do you like your car? If you want the LOUD option then go for the sports exhausts with bypass (twin ovals). If you will only want a quieter, more civilised car then go for the quad pipes. BOSE probably preferable but still rubbish and after that go with what colour you prefer.
 
Fangio63

Fangio63

Member
Messages
614
For me...
1. is a bat mobile... too much black.... but if you are Darth Vader then thats your car.... ought to be an 460hp Sport at that money...
2. is one I considered ... they've had it a while .. must be vulnerable to a bid...
3. MC shift.. lovely.. but not for me
4. Wood is present in the interior... my dad would like it.. but that kills that one..

IMHO best available now is with a Forum member "Low and Slow"... great colour combo, cracking spec.. latest 460 hp Sport Auto with all the updates..

Do post your thoughts !..
 
Fangio63

Fangio63

Member
Messages
614
Just had an email in from Maranello Egham with their used car of the week... 2010 GT S ..Auto. 12k Nero/ Avorio Bose etc... £53,850.... Makes the Meridien car look pricey..

Also a handsome Red one with 1300 miles on just gone up on auto trader at £67k..... don't think that will hang around..

But if it's in range ... you should be looking Low and Slows car..
 
Classico

Classico

Member
Messages
895
Based on your criteria and what's available, I'd go with the MC-Shift.

Driven one. Not for me, but IMO the most aggressive shifting and sounding GranTurismo that Maser does.

Good luck.
 
c4sman

c4sman

Member
Messages
1,261
Fangio63 said:
Just had an email in from Maranello Egham with their used car of the week... 2010 GT S ..Auto. 12k Nero/ Avorio Bose etc... £53,850.... Makes the Meridien car look pricey..

Also a handsome Red one with 1300 miles on just gone up on auto trader at £67k..... don't think that will hang around..

But if it's in range ... you should be looking Low and Slows car..
Click to expand...

I got this email also and looks great value from a main dealer.
 
EXCF350

EXCF350

Junior Member
Messages
177
c4sman said:
I got this email also and looks great value from a main dealer.
Click to expand...

So good you had to post twice! Actually between that and the White one at Meridien, I'd go with the white one - £6K more but less miles, year younger and also MC Shift - but then I would say that since I've got an MC Shift
 
c4sman

c4sman

Member
Messages
1,261
EXCF350 said:
So good you had to post twice! Actually between that and the White one at Meridien, I'd go with the white one - £6K more but less miles, year younger and also MC Shift - but then I would say that since I've got an MC Shift
Click to expand...

Don't know what your talking about ;)
 
Maser Sod

Maser Sod

Member
Messages
1,965
Fangio63 said:
Just had an email in from Maranello Egham with their used car of the week... 2010 GT S ..Auto. 12k Nero/ Avorio Bose etc... £53,850.... Makes the Meridien car look pricey..
Click to expand...

I've always found Meridien pricey. People say that the prepping and the customer service there is second to none, but the second hand Maseratis I have bought from other garages have been excellently prepped.
 
hoyin

hoyin

Member
Messages
1,842
You have to drive them I see whether you prefer the MC shift vs the auto. No one else can make that choice for you.

Personally I prefer black and alcantara interior. I found the all leather a bit too slippery.

Also an all carbon interior as well. Felt better for me.

Also I preferred a car with the handling pack. Especially if you are talking about taking it on track rather than a skyhook suspension.
 
habanero

habanero

New Member
Messages
30
OK, got to Meridian and the White MC Shift had been sold so I test drove the Black 'Darth Vader spec' 2012 GT S Auto.

http://http://www.meridien.co.uk/maserati/used-cars/1543/maserati-granturismo/

Having had a great cross country blast in the M3 with all the M mode bits in the 'fun' settings I must admit I was a little underwhelmed. The Maser certainly isn't as quick as the M3, isn't as well tied down in either suspension mode and probably not as comfortable either. Having said that, it looked and sounded great and the sense of occasion made my M3 look very dull when parked next to some top Italian flair.

I always knew my current steed may be difficult to beat as a drivers car and maybe I'm missing the point a bit.

Anyway, on the way home I went past Romans International, a well known local car dealer to the stars. Whilst there were 2 (yes TWO) Maserati MC-12's inside I was drawn in by this stunning Red Gran Turismo and an MC Shift at that! Maybe it's known to the forum?

http://www.romansinternational.com/car/1047/maserati-gran-turismo-s-mc-shift

Pulled in, had a gawp at all the big ticket stuff (genuinely wow!) and then asked for a test drive of the MC Shift. Took it for a spin and it was of course very different to the DCT I'm used to but I think with a bit of practise I could drive round the slow-witted change. Still felt a bit twitchy compared to the M3 but all in all I preferred it to the Auto I tested earlier.

Now here's the thing, it's a one owner car with full history but it has done 47,000 miles. I do 8-9000 per year by the way. Romans, despite their high profile, offer nothing more than a crappy 3 month RAC warranty which can be extended for a year. But, it's a lot of car for the money.

Having been stung on previous 911 Turbo that gobbled up £12k in 2 years of ownership on repairs I'm understandably a bit nervous.

Anyway, i'll sleep on it and see where I go from here. Thanks for all the input, it was much appreciated.
 
Andyk

Andyk

Member
Messages
61,165
I have been looking at the advert for the red Romans car for the last two weeks hoping my numbers would come up....It's a great looking GT S in a great colour...Not many red around. The GT S will never be as composed as your M3...Very, very different cars......M3 is a truly great drivers car..........There are many cars that are faster, handle better, better as a drivers car than a Maserati.....but the only issue is...They are not a Maserati....If you get that you will love your Maserati and nothing else will do.....
 
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