Owning a Maserati Granturismo without a garage

[CraigNicol123]

Hi Everyone

I am going to be buying a GTs soon and looking for people's opinions. I currently stay in an Aberdeen city centre flat that has a shared private car park. I say private but it's just a key fob entry so anyone could get access to the car park.
It is parallel parking rather than next to cars so no danger of door dings, I am however just slightly concerned about having the car in open view and accessible by anyone who fancies a look.

I definitely wouldn't be comfortable keeping a red Ferrari or lime green Lambo in this car park for example but as a GT is definitely more understated I don't think it will bring any unwanted attention, in the way of vandalism etc. I have had a nice 2013 C class amg for the past 18 months with no problems at all.

I am considering getting one of these covers for extra security however I think that having it covered up might actually draw more attention to the fact that is is something valuable. http://www.specialisedcovers.com

Does anybody on here keep their masers in similar conditions and if so how has it been? Generally what kind of attention do they attract and in your opinion is it madness to keep a Maserati in this type of car park. Obviously it depends massively on where you stay etc but just looking for peoples opinions.

I could rent a double garage close to my home for £250pm so just trying to weigh up both options.

 

[Classico]

Depends on the sort of people who have access to the area. Haves? Have-me-Nots?

The GT doesn't stand-out like a Ferrari or a Lambo, but it does draw attention.

No comparison between a Merc C class and a GT.

All it takes is one envious person.

I personally wouldn't park it in an area like that all things considered.

Good luck.

 

[safrane]

All depends on the area and who walks by.

I have kept mine here in London and Bristol. In London it is a basic car when compared to my neighbours RR, Lambos and Astons with a plethora of Ferrari...often just at the side of the street.

It tends to stand out more in Bristol so I only park it in the posh end if I am not putting it into the garage.

 

[allandwf]

You mentioned your Merc, what other makes and models are in the car park? I think what I mean will the GT stand out like a sore thumb? If it was me I wouldn't have a cover for that reason.

 

[Needamaser]

Like already said depends on the areas.
What are the other cars like in the car park?
If full of Beemers etc then probably no-one will notice. If 15 year old Corsas then maybe a problem.
Aberdeen is cash rich and high end cars abound.
Over the years I have never had a problem in Aberdeen parking in hotels and public car parks.
If your area is not "rough" I would do it.

 

[Needamaser]

You type faster than me Allan! Lol

 

[CraigNicol123]

Thanks for the replies. The car park is a bit of a mixed bag to be honest, plenty of new mercs, audis, beemers etc and plenty of run of the mill fords, Peugeots etc, no absolute rafts though.
Il just have to see how it goes and if there are any issues look to getting a secure garage. I'm just imaging the worst case scenarios, finally getting my pride and joy, then waking up the next day to a keyed, dented, graffitied pile of scrap! Obviously an exegaration!

 

[hoyin]

It is only a car. I have a garage but it is full and the GT is the car I leave outside on the street. I don't see any problem and haven't had a problem.

No one around me has any car like it. In fact it is now parked behind a Corsa and a banged up Toyota Avensis.

I think you are worrying too much. Isn't that what insurance is for?

 

[CraigNicol123]

That's the kind of answer I was looking for hoyin

 

[ChrisQP09]

I would only be concerned of parking next to one of those cars. Park next to someone you know is decent or just inspect the car daily for door chips etc.

It is a terrible but necessary course of action. Alternatively when I bought my first range rover, I also bought 2 crappy fords for 300 each, sorn them. I had space to do this but when I came back from work, I reversed one and put the Range in, leaving nothing either side to touch the Jeep.

The Maser from rear is understated, people have commented on my new "Mazda" no joke. From the front exotic-ness starts ringing Joe Blogg's alarm bells.

 

[CraigNicol123]

I would only be concerned of parking next to one of those cars. Park next to someone you know is decent or just inspect the car daily for door chips etc.

It is a terrible but necessary course of action. Alternatively when I bought my first range rover, I also bought 2 crappy fords for 300 each, sorn them. I had space to do this but when I came back from work, I reversed one and put the Range in, leaving nothing either side to touch the Jeep.

The Maser from rear is understated, people have commented on my new "Mazda" no joke. From the front exotic-ness starts ringing Joe Blogg's alarm bells.

What an effort Chris lol, well done! Unfortunately I only have one designated space so buying two bangers to barricade the maser is not an option!

 

[highlander]

Ime masers do not automatically bring the same negative attention that Ferrari, porkers and lambos do. Yes, it can happen but searching here you will not find many posts on the subject of malicious damage. People who recognise these cars usually do so positively with a smile on their face, those that don't recognise them usually walk past.
Personally I think you will be fine without the cover.

 

[drewf]

I worked in Aberdeen for 18 months, and parked a brand new Jag XK8 every night on the streets. Not a mark on it... There are plenty of spendy cars in Aberdeen - I wouldn't worry about parking a GT in a private car park.

 

[davy83]

I have a flat in Aberdeen centre and often park my 3200 (admittedly not worth as much as a new GT) in the street and have never had any problems, many admiring looks and some great compliments from passers by but never damage, or trouble of any sort. Only time i had problems was parked my car outside a castle while i was visiting it, and a girl got her friend to take a picture of her sitting on the bonnet, only she was 40 stone and trashed the front bumper!!!

 

[Felonious Crud]

Only time i had problems was parked my car outside a castle while i was visiting it, and a girl got her friend to take a picture of her sitting on the bonnet, only she was 40 stone and trashed the front bumper!!!

Wouldn't be the first time I'd seen someone leaning on a car or sitting on a bonnet for a picture. Amazing level of stupidity.

 

[CraigNicol123]

Thanks for the encouraging replies and its good to hear some of your have had expensive cars in Aberdeen without garages and without trouble. Il need to show this thread to the wife and that will be another reason not to get one disproven

 

[ChrisQP09]

Thanks for the encouraging replies and its good to hear some of your have had expensive cars in Aberdeen without garages and without trouble. Il need to show this thread to the wife and that will be another reason not to get one disproven

I'm sure you'll be fine, just be vigilant and spend an extra minute parking as correct and safe as possible. This should save you £.

 

[safrane]

Clearly shows that to you the car is very special and that you have 'Invested' in it...and as such want to keep it well looked after. When I walk around London and see cars worth more than my home left on the streets being covered in dirt, bird droppings and carrying a number of scrapes makes me feel rather sad that somthing can be treated in such contempt as a disposable item.

 

[CraigNicol123]

Clearly shows that to you the car is very special and that you have 'Invested' in it...and as such want to keep it well looked after. When I walk around London and see cars worth more than my home left on the streets being covered in dirt, bird droppings and carrying a number of scrapes makes me feel rather sad that somthing can be treated in such contempt as a disposable item.

Totally agree with this. Spending the amount of money I will on the GTs is a big deal for me. It's something I have been working towards for a long time and that is going to make getting one even more special.

 

[Felonious Crud]

My house is covered in bird ****. Despite being worth more than my car with some shame I confess that the car generally gets better looked after than my house.