There's no wrong choice here. Both are good options.
But purely as a personal opinion, if I wanted/needed my Maser GT to have 4 seats, I'd go for an MC-Shift. And if didn't need 4 seats, I'd get a 2-seat Strad for the more full-fat madness experience.
@cheburator that's the problem I bought two Ferrari blind without seeing or driving them the 456 first then the 360 my mind can be dangerous at times but it's certainly fun being a petrol head
I do like the blue MC-shiftThe hunt is still on. Two forum members have messaged me - thank you. I haven't forgotten you, but was waiting for the planets to align. Now that has happened, I really want to get moving. At present, I am sorely tempted by these two...
In the red corner - The Lincolnshire Stradale... Almost double the budget and "high miles", but it's a Stradale and a four seater, which would actually would fit its purpose perfectly.
In the blue corner - A London early MC Shift... Half the mileage, bang on initial budget. I am also a sucker for tan interiors.
- https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-de...&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=email_a_friend
The Stradale - I like the idea of it being a bit of thug in a Brioni, but you lot managed to sow the seed of doubt with regards to its "high mileage" and knock on effect if I ever come to move it on. Ceramics also scare me. The MC Shift - early car, so possible variator issues, and may still be on its original clutch, and also - part service history... Hmmm... Is the Stradale so much better to command almost 2x the price at 2x the mileage? I know they were very rare, but essentially it's the same car underneath - unlike like my GT3 and a boggo 911, where the only common things are the bodyshell... Part of me ( a big one) really wants the Race mode, the noise, the CF bonnet, and yet another says - buy the one owner, low mileage car and pocket some of the difference for 95% of the experience...
Any advise?
The difference will definitely be noticeable!I think I should drive both and see for myself if the difference is that noticeable. I am worried that it will be... When I was buying my GT3 I drove a standard Club Sport, a Comfort and my current tweaked CS. I knew within 150metres of the test drive that I was going to buy it...
I would definitely get a PPI on a 2008 4.7. It is likely to need some sort of work and if it’s the usual suspects: cam cover gaskets, suspension bushes/arms, engine mounts, disc & pads, clutch, rust prevention etc, you could be looking at a 10K bill.
Mine did and it’s a 2010 4.7 MC shift.
You can certainly save money on labour if you have the skills to work on cars.
Some of the parts are crazy expensive and some not so for you the experience should be pleasurable.
Wouldn't want to change a subframe without a lift though.
How did the viewing go?
First things first - very dark blue on tan and blue alcantara headlining looks amazing in the flesh. The rest of the car:
One or two stone chips, a couple of scuffs - one on the front bumper and one on the rear quarter. Two tiny lacquer peels - one on the boot and one on the C-pillar. No dings whatsoever. Also paint is definitely original. Needs a good cut and polish. Alloys have some scuffs, but have never been done and will need new centre caps. Matching Pirelli’s all round with plenty of thread left. Discs - good - easy 15k left in them. So are the pads. Red calipers.
Engine and engine bay - completely dry and clean, but I would expect it to be on 27k miles. Super smooth idle
Interior - hmm, it was OK - I just get a feeling that design wise the Italians have the upper hand. But quality wise, the Germans are streets ahead. A good clean would make it wonderful, but the soft touch buttons were borderline and the steering wheel was pulling above the airbag. Everything worked - aircon, seats, stereo
The drive... It was everything I expected it to be and it wasn’t. The car it most reminded me of was my old E61 M5. Rock steady, with enormous grunt higher up in the Rev range. But you could feel it’s heft. It could be hussled down B-roads, but it’s real element would be empty and wide Scottish A-roads or the French Rue Nacionals. I certainly wouldn’t do a lot of track days in it. Brakes were great, the MC Shift is superb, but I can also see why clutch life is laughable in comparison with BMW. In their attempt to make it automatic smooth, I guess clutch slurr is increased. Anyway, I loved the drama with open baffles and the pops on the overrun. Ferrari/Maserati know how to design great powerplants.
It also affirmed my view why I wouldn’t bother with a Stradale. The race car is immense. But it weighs 400kg less. £20k and double the miles isn’t worthy for the exclusivity and 110kg off a hefty lump. My 928 GTS 5-spd can fit that bill.
All paperwork, including the original invoice was there. 8 stamps and 4 invoices. 4 from HROwen and 4 from McGrath Maserati. All wallets and toolkit, air pump etc.
The only fly in the ointment- someone saw it before me and has booked it for inspection tomorrow. If he pulls out, then I have the first refusal. If he ends up buying it, at least I know now for sure I want one
Underneath looked very clean and leak free. No rust anywhere, but this was a 27k mile car. I would have been shocked had it needed any remedial work at this stage.
Sounds like the perfect match to me!Here is the link to the thread.