dickygrace
www.richardgracecars.co.uk
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If you’re after a manual, from my experience the Cayman is the one to buy, and I’m a fully self-confessed Maserati nerd.
In a strange way I quite like this design oversight on the earlier models.Cupholder
"When not if" certainly feels apt right now - been a good while since I've been drawn in so much by a particular model; I feel similarly when I see a particularly well specced late XKR, but seeing as those are anywhere from 25-30k, the 4200 really appeals in its stead.Sounds like you're already lost to the trident Jamie, so it's more a matter of when instead of if.
As others have pointed out, the market is small, and a good car with a reasonable price is not as easily found as one might expect (all the more reason to have a serious look at Andy's car).
I thought it was only 5 but I may be wrong, best wait for god to impart his wisdomHi Jamie,
Glad you like it, I think it looks pretty good too. I'm not sure the best way to communicate privately without putting an email address here for the world to see!
I don't know how long or how many posts you need before you can PM.
The forum owner @conaero may be able to shed light on it?
I was asked today by my brother/sister in law what I want for Christmas..."a cup holder" was my answer. One of those hooked to the passenger seat items that cost £100 odd.Andy that is stunning! I'm a bigger fan of the black/grey interior than I'd expected (I regularly take flak from friends on how much I adore "old man beige" Vs resale black) and the black paint really does suit the car. Let's chat a bit more about it - I'm not sure how forum rules go in terms of sharing contact info, so if someone could give me a steer (ha!) I'd appreciate it before I stick my foot firmly in my mouth.
Dicky - the sensible part of my brain says that a good manual Cayman is almost definitely the better choice overall, but the other, far more persuasive part is replaying the exhaust note of the 4200 over and over to drown it out. I've always been a contrarian at heart, really.
Russ - I'm with you on weird idiosyncrasies being a plus more often than not! The fact that my XE S's infotainment is utterly hopeless and none of the apps designed for it less than 10 years ago work AT ALL anymore I find funny and character building more than annoying. No cupholder reduces the chances of me getting brave with a coffee and spilling it everywhere anyway
Not looking to buy (although it looks like a great car for the price), just curious what the gears are like when cold? I really have to limp mine around the block on a cold morning until it's up to temp. I have just had an old change which was like sludge, even though it was seemingly done only 3yrs ago so not sure if that has improved it much. Out of interest how big a job was the cables, bearings and bushes? Mine is at 82k milesObviously I'm biased, owning a manual, but since I've refurbished the gearbox end linkage with new bushes and bearings (along with recent gearchange cables and oil change) the change is light and slick.
A decent Cayman is a fair bit more to purchase and they do have a 'slightly' fragile engine. Lovely cars though
Neither do I, not had any storage problems over a dozen years of ownership.Say what you like, I still dont drag mine out over the winter months. It's a bit the case of 'damned if you do, damned if you dont...." Running the motor only to get it sweaty doesnt appeal much either...
If only I had heated garaging...!
edit- I might warn you against the bigger 19" wheels too...(crash bash smash bump ! )
The salt destroys them though, they aren't built in mind for a wet damp salty winter!Ran mine all winter for several years
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Yes, I ran my 3200 last winter and will do so this year. I've taken the trouble to give the underside a bit of DIY help with a wire brush, and a 3 layer protection of kurust, stonechip and waxoyl where needed. I think it also depends where you live; we don't usually get much salt thrown about on the Isle of Wight as the Gulf Stream helps to keep us a few degrees warmer. Trips to the Mainland are another issue though, but nothing to stop you getting the jet washer on the underside if necessary. Also, worth taking a look at your garage / storage. Damp and unventilated buildings will not do the car any favours! A friend down the West Country has had some rust bubbling up paint on his Spyder for this very reason. If you have a damp and unventilated garage I reckon the car will probably do better outside, getting some heat through it when it's used, and with a breathable cover over it to keep the rain off it. These cars were engineered to withstand a bit of weather; at least my 3200 doesn't let rain in the boot like a QP! When I was looking around to buy a 3200 I was pleasantly surprised by the rust free condition of almost everything I saw.Ran mine all winter for several years
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The salt destroys them though, they aren't built in mind for a wet damp salty winter!