Hello all.

[JonW]

In all honesty, I don't think the MC box is going to suit me.

Maybe I'm off the mark here but I get the impression it's a gearbox for open road driving without much traffic.

I intend to use the GT as a daily driver (I do 13 miles each way of mostly A roads) for most days of the week (I intend to have two cars).

Sometimes there is a fair whack of traffic although once some road works are done, it will improve but there will still be the possibility.

From the reading I've done, it isn't the best for very low speed driving and I also wouldn't want the replacement clutch bill. I understand the box is out of a 599 Fezza?

Whereas ZF are probably the best gearbox manufacturer in the world and their 6 and 8 speed units are super smooth. I prefer that smoothness, longivity and practicality.

I need to drive an MC I guess to be sure!

I would also like to go for a 2012 facelift model as things stand as I prefer some of the subtle improvements.

If you can find a 2012 Auto with the optional MC Sports pack that would give you the MC software, the look of a MC Shift, and get you some of the way towards the thrills of an MC-Shift when driving, but still have the practicality of a pure Auto when you can't be bothered and just want to pootle...

 

[JohnC]

I would say don't rule out either transmission option until you have driven them both and make sure they are both fully warmed up before making a judgement too. From experience, the MC-S is none too clever when it is cold

Yes, it would be nice to try one to see.

Having had a regular slushy in a lot of my previous cars, I find I get on well with them for 90% of my driving.

If you can find a 2012 Auto with the optional MC Sports pack that would give you the MC software, the look of a MC Shift, and get you some of the way towards the thrills of an MC-Shift when driving, but still have the practicality of pure Auto when you can't be bothered and just want to pootle...

So I like the following one although it is out of my price range at the moment.

It mentions Sport pack but how can one tell if it has it if not mentioned?

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201608046473652

 

[JohnC]

OK so just looking through newer ones - I guess the exhaust tips are more like the pre 2012 MC Shift and the boot has a spoiler (stuck on or integral to the lid it seems) and of course the software you mention.

Out of interest - on the pre 2012, are the MC Shift back boxes different to the 4.7S or is it just the tips?

 

[JonW]

So I like the following one although it is out of my price range at the moment.

It mentions Sport pack but how can one tell if it has it if not mentioned?

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201608046473652

Yep - this is a 2012 with the Sports pack.

There are many more experienced than me on here, but I would say key visual signs are the lower side skirts, slight lift in the boot spoiler, slightly different splitter on the front lower bumper, and the oval shaped exhausts (rather than twin round pipes)

This is the spec I ended up buying, as my car is a daily driver as well.

 

[bigbob]

Understanding Maserati spec is a bit of an art. The Sport pack came in for 2012MY but then and earlier there was a Red Esse external pack which was everything bar the gearbox/exhaust opening changes - you need a drive to tell the difference. 2013MY brought the new nose, seats and 20 more bhp.

Personally I think these cars are very colour sensitive - both inside and out - and I would start my search with those parameters first and then see what choice you are left with. I've done 40k miles in 5+ years in mine so please ask on anything more specific.

 

[JohnC]

Thanks gents.

I'm only really drawn to black and the very dark grey actually (I think I prefer the dark grey). My current car is black and my previous one was a similar dark grey.

I'm not keen on any of the other colours at all that I've seen as yet which I am sure will put me at a strong disadvantage. I wish I liked white as there is a nice 2012 for sale!

I am going to be very selfish on this car in all respects.

Often I've compromised on colour albeit usually without regret - I want to go for a colour I actually want.

Some questions which come to mind (most I've answered already on here and from browsing, ahem, the odd one for sale!).

What is involved with the 4 year service? On one MGT for sale, it showed a picture of a "4 year service" invoice and it looked quite reasonable to me.

How much are main dealer rates and are they worth considering?

As the cars get older and the mileage goes up - are there any huge bills to expect (I spotted one at 91,000 miles for sale which made me wonder - not many for sale in this mileage bracket)?

 

[bigbob]

Four year service is £2.5k or thereabouts. If it's less than £2k and at a main dealer it's likely they haven't done everything.

 

[JohnC]

Do you know what the Maserati hourly rate is as well for regular work (I guess it might differ depending on where in the country)?

On the pre-2012, you have the 4.2 GT, 4.7 S, 4.7 MC Sport and then the Stradale and specials. Is the S in 4.7 S still Sport?

 

[CatmanV2]

Do you know what the Maserati hourly rate is as well for regular work (I guess it might differ depending on where in the country)?

On the pre-2012, you have the 4.2 GT, 4.7 S, 4.7 MC Sport and then the Stradale and specials. Is the S in 4.7 S still Sport?

Got to be looking at £100 per hour

C

 

[SPX]

Welcome to the forum John, I knew you'd start to get serious about the GT sooner rather later pal.

 

[JohnC]

Cheers mucka!

 

[iainw]

Do you know what the Maserati hourly rate is as well for regular work (I guess it might differ depending on where in the country)?

On the pre-2012, you have the 4.2 GT, 4.7 S, 4.7 MC Sport and then the Stradale and specials. Is the S in 4.7 S still Sport?

For main dealers its around 125+ VAT, probably around 75+ VAT at indies.
I use my MC shift on short journeys with variable traffic and its no trouble at all.
I had similar concerns to you before purchase.
Auto is fine IMHO, however I almost always use the paddles and its like second nature with no problems.

For the looks and VFM I think a low to medium mileage 2010-11 is the best bet at the moment.
For a tiny bit more than 2012 Sport Pack money you can get a facelift model if you wait for the right one and the right seller.

There will be many different opinions on here though and only you know what your priorities are.
Agree with you re: colour choices, and you are right not to compromise - you will regret it.

I still can't believe how good they are for the money.

 

[JohnC]

Thanks Iain - that's interesting on the MC in traffic.

There seems to be a lot more MC than not!

My preference at the moment is a 2012 I think.

 

[Neil183]

Hello John, I second that re the MC in slow moving traffic, I find it no problem at all, especially when fully warmed up.
Don't forget to try Nareman at Nuvola, he always has well sorted cars and is well regarded by the forum, with excellent after sales also.

Happy hunting!

 

[JohnC]

Cheers Neil.

I'd seen a few at Nuvola but had never heard of them before although they looked alright from what I'd seen.

I read a couple of positive things about them.

I'm guessing from your sig you bought your one there?