Request for thoughts on this GT from a Newbie..

Tucker85

New Member
Messages
9
Hello!

I'm scouting for a Granturismo currently and would like your thoughts on this one that's been posted on Autotrader & Ebay for a while..

http://www.perrys.co.uk/maserati-granturismo-v8-s-2-door-automatic/used-car-45396-22755231

I've spoken with the dealer who are Ford specialists who took the GT as part exchange for a Mustang. Aside from the mileage, it looks to be great value.

The variators do not appear to have been done from their review of the cars history (the engine number is less than 148697) but they had contacted Graypaul in Birmingham which is where it had been serviced last in February, they reported that the variators did not need attention.... but this does not fill me with confidence!

From comparing to similar available, I get the sense that the price could be too good to be true and would appreciate your thoughts.

Ive booked to test drive over the weekend and if all goes well I'll arrange an independent inspection. Please do let me know of anything particular I should look out for, or even better, if anyone on here knows this car!!

Cheers
Matt
 

GeoffCapes

Member
Messages
14,000
From what I understand, there's no way of knowing when the Variators are going to go.
I've been advised of a 90,000 miles GT that's never had its Variators done, and then there's 30,000 milers which need doing. Just the luck of the draw.

If they haven't been done, be aware that you'll need about 3 grand to do them.
Mine haven't, but I'll make the money available if they ever need doing.
 

StuartW

Member
Messages
9,321
That does look like good value for an MC-S, one the cheapest I have seen. You should check to see if it has been serviced regularly & when the next one is due. Also, get a clutch wear reading and check out the wear on the discs, particularly the fronts as they are expensive to replace. Also, see how long the warranty is that they offer and what it will cover.
Good luck
 

Contigo

Sponsor
Messages
18,376
That's too cheap :(

I'd check clutch wear for sure as that mileage if it's on the original one might need doing sooner rather than later, mine was done at 45k miles and was on original clutch.

check discs and pads as they are costly and also tyre wear and geometry, these are heavy cars meaning they wear all those things very quickly.
 

montravia

Member
Messages
1,625
From what I understand, there's no way of knowing when the Variators are going to go.
I've been advised of a 90,000 miles GT that's never had its Variators done, and then there's 30,000 milers which need doing. Just the luck of the draw.

If they haven't been done, be aware that you'll need about 3 grand to do them.
Mine haven't, but I'll make the money available if they ever need doing.


Qui' so me luv. All depends if the gal has been diligently serviced. Dick Lovett who look after mine advised not to worry since she's been impeccably cared for so you could be lucky. Factor it into the price but it's cheap even for a median mileage.

It ain't a catastrophic failure anyway. I've just factored it as a possibility
 

Tucker85

New Member
Messages
9
Thanks, will take all of this into account when viewing. The dealer has been little help so far so will definitely be getting an inspection if all seems to check out when viewing.

From the pictures it seems to be an mc shift however when searching the number plate it appears that it is an S model. I'm not yet an expert of the different model variants, could someone clarify what type of Granturismo it is??
 

Andyk

Member
Messages
61,338
A big watt welcome to the forum. That does look a great value GT S. Get it idependandly inspected and you could have a bit of a bargain. With the miles I've seen one for sale similar at 37k so if probably about 4K or so in it. Variators and clutch would put it back up to were it probably should be priced maybe. That's if they need doing...If not happy days.
 

Contigo

Sponsor
Messages
18,376
Looks like an MC Shift gearbox (flappy paddles), I believe the S is for 4.7 engines.

They all have flappy paddles Geoff.

The key is to look if there is a 1 and R button (MC Shift) or a gear selector (ZF box auto). It is possible someone put the Sport pack on the S model which gave the side skirts and oval tipped MC Shift pipes. It explains the price too.

EDIT: Just checked Photo's and it has the 1 and R buttons so it is an MC shift.
 

Felonious Crud

Administrator
Staff member
Messages
21,255
Defo an MC - no gear lever.

Check the interior trim as well. It has a tendency to get worn and tear. Some of the not-leather is quite thin. Simple enough to fix, but could be good bargaining points.

As per other comments, check clutch and especially front disks. Also the timing cover oil seals are bloody expensive to fix. Parts - cheap. Labour - wow! You'll need to take the engine covers off or get properly underneath to check them as dripping oil just collects on the undertray so there are no tell-take drips on the floor. If any work needs doing we can point you towards the right places to get it done, but make d4mn sure it's done as part of the purchase and before you hand over any cash.

Anyway, good luck - I hope it shapes up well.

PS - auto is terrible. Waste of time.