Hi Martyn,
I'm now coming up to two years with my GS and adore it. No issues, more fun than I ever expected. I did a write up a year ago (the sort of thing I looked for prior to buying) which I'd not change now...with the exception of saying I'm a bit fed up with how weedy the wheels are. Admittedly, I did take one out by hitting a brick left in the middle of the A272...but I've had three straightened and it feels like one's got a flat again. There's only so much weaving around craters you can do... Therefore, I can see the case for putting on after market hoops...though I think the GS wheels suit the car better than anything else. Anyhow, to save you hunting around the forum, here's my end of year report from a while ago. Good luck!
6000 miles and a little over a year into owning a GranSport, some thoughts to share...
1. Am still delighted with it and get an enormous buzz from driving it.
2. It is faster, better handling and much more nimble than I expected. The thrill of threading it down twisty roads hasn't diminished one bit. Still get a kick out of the way this 1700kg four seater feels like a two seat sports car. I've let a dozen people drive it and they park up (pleasantly) gobsmacked afterwards. (Have only made one person throw-up with hard cornering though my wife did nearly give birth as a result of a particularly good left - right - left combination). Pootle up a motorway at 80ish, suspension in normal mode, and its lovely: easy, loping, comfortable.
3. 5000+ rpm is utterly addictive. Many think the standard pipes are too quiet. I like them that way frankly - great noise when you want and no headaches down the motorway, plus no track day noise limit issues (at Goodwood at least. They registered the car at 98db).
4. Nine years old (NOW 10)and everything works! (STILL THE CASE!) Mine was well used before I bought it (and is now at 40k) so that might have something to do with it. I try not to leave it more than a couple of weeks without a decent drive and try to avoid traffic. Which means I end up standing still on the M25 pretty much every time I take it out... But still happy that every gizmo does what its meant to.
5. Its good in the rain and low temps. At least mine is...Tail out fun when its 2 degrees - not something I expected to be doing but the traction control bleeds out power so nicely you don't notice the intervention. Great windscreen wipers and no issues with misting up. Very usable in other words. (I NEVER EXPECTED TO BE THROWING A 400HP 1700KG CAR AROUND THE WAY YOU CAN WITH THIS...HUGE FUN)
6. The gearbox is OK at best, but doesn't spoil the fun. Stop start traffic is a pain and the clutch starts getting grabby. Got into the habit of selecting neutral whenever stood still for more than a few seconds - now second nature. Hope that's helping the clutch. I'll probably be told now that I'm knackering something else!
7. 22 and 7 mpg. Best and worst. Don't care. Full tank range is good if you don't drive like a bandit.
8. It rattles and its getting annoying. Have had the dash out and re-clipped bits of the leather interior but it still sounds like a convention of mice with tambourines. Something - I think something to do with the A/c sounds like milk bottles in a crate over bad roads. I'm now rather interested to know if 'they all do that sir'.
9. They should have put some springs on it. Unless on the motorway I keep it in 'Sport' for the snappier gear changes, quicker clutch engagement and more controlled handling (the difference between the two modes is noticeable). Problem is, drive over a concrete or rippled road surface and you get a headache and hitting even small bumps feels like a grenade going off underneath. It is the one thing that spoils the usability for me and the wife doesn't like it much either...It was kind of funny planting the throttle yesterday coming out of a big roundabout, hitting a bump and skipping sideways like a giant skateboard though...That happens a lot (and is probably shagging something important but...). Rubber band profile tyres don't help either I guess. (IF ANYONE HAS IDEAS ABOUT BETTER SUSPENSION TO PUT ON, I'D ENTERTAIN THE IDEA. PROVIDED IT DIDN'T COST A QUARTER OF THE VALUE OF THE CAR)
10. Given the incredible amount of vibration the suspension transmits, I'm amazed anything stays working / bolted together at all so I guess the build quality can't be that bad really. Bit concerning to read the thread on this site about suspension arms cracking (AND HUBS TOO, IT SEEMS) but my dealer says mine are fine (so far). That would be a show stopper. Have just noticed rear bumper / diffuser hanging a few mil low so that's something new to screw back on / kick / hit but that's offset by the wobbly knee'd joy I get checking the oil and looking at the engine.
11. The reaction to the car is really positive. Its not shouty and conspicuous and the fact that its rare adds to the appeal.
12. I still can't think of any other car I would replace it with, even at twice the price. DB9s are getting tempting but wouldn't do the sports car bit nearly as well. 911s...well, I have to one day (just don't tell my friend the car journalist who was so rude about my choice of wheels when we tried each other's motors out last year). 355? Always loved them but couldn't see me using it for work like I sometimes do with the GS. And, being a Ferrari, every mile would kill the value. Besides, the Maser has plenty of Ferrari DNA anyway (engine based on a 430 design with 360 gearbox, or something like that I believe), four seats and is just cooler. There - said it.
M
