The social envy thing...

[Gatito]

I'm sure this topic is familiar to every Maserati owner and I guess this must have been discussed before... it's just that I didn't find anything about it anywhere, so I thought I'd just ask.

So, to start with, I'm driving a 3200GT which, after quite some headaches, is now running nicely. I'm probably a bit traumatised by now, because unfortunately it doesn't make me smile every time I push the pedal down. It's not the car, it's me. What I do like, however, is the compliments I do occasionally get from strangers. I also like the fact that other Maserati owners greet me (and even the odd Ferrari driver). I don't think I would get anything like that from driving a fancy BMW, Audi or even Porsche.

On the other hand, I also do get (from work colleagues, some friends and even family) the odd stupid comment, the 'you must be rich, you're driving a Maserati' kind of comment. It's annoying because I'm actually not rich. My 3200GT did cost less than a 4 year old Audi A4 and given my low annual mileage and the non-existing depreciation I should have paid less for my car over a 2 year period than the young colleague who got himself a brand new Volkswagen Polo.

I really shouldn't be so silly and get annoyed about this. I drive a Maserati because I have good taste and a sense of style, right?

So, the question is, do you guys have similar experience and how do you deal with it?

 

[allandwf]

I have only ever had positives directed to my 3200, from a woman shop owner closing up to come and look at the car! to the local young team in their hot hatches and Subarus pull up and give it the thumbs up. I occasionally get the "you must be minted" comment from workmates, but usually the ones who know nothing about cars, I always reply that it's just an old one.

 

[highlander]

If you have not seen this, then listen at the end for the best reason to own any maser.......
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=ftvIyYYlAcU

 

[CatmanV2]

I have only ever had positives directed to my 3200, from a woman shop owner closing up to come and look at the car! to the local young team in their hot hatches and Subarus pull up and give it the thumbs up. I occasionally get the "you must be minted" comment from workmates, but usually the ones who know nothing about cars, I always reply that it's just an old one.

This, pretty much, in all respects. Anyway, what matters if someone thinks you're rich? It's not (yet) a crime.

My friends know me well enough to base my circumstances on other stuff, like not having kids and a lifelong passion for 'good stuff'
My family are happy if I'm happy.
Colleagues are people who work in the same company.....

C

 

[Phil H]

From the social perspective, friends/family/neighbours/etc I've never had anything but compliments. Workwise it's a bit different with petrol heads enthusing, whilst others have been somewhat cynical though perhaps envious.

Owning a Mas is not an automotive crime, this is:



PH

 

[VMSRTI]

The fact that it is a rarely seen car (although becoming more popular with the ghibli) in Aus, and the fact that it is an Italian sports car which most people have heard of, gives many the perception that they are expensive.
Of course they actually are expensive here (when new) but depreciation makes them more affordable than most people think.

Mostly positive comments have come my way although I do sense envy from some from time to time.
I now go out of my way to ensure that any tradesperson who comes to my house to do a quote doesn't see it because quotes seem to be somewhat inflated by those that have seen it.

 

[D Walker]

Had a mixture really, had mine at work on Thursday for the only time as it was best way to get it back after clutch repair. My colleagues new anyway, but some of the staff ( we are contractors) were like typical contractor, over paid blah blah etc. I did point out that the Ford Focus RS parked 2 bays along actually cost more than my car, (2 month old) however pointed out its probably worth 6/7 k less now.. Lol. Went down well.. Wouldn't care the car park is full of Mercs/ bm etc!!!!

 

[BJL]

Public perception of owners of exotica will never change. Those who follow their hearts are always seen as risk takers, playboys or those with more money than sense. No point arguing with their assumptions, just enjoy the assumption of privilege knowing they will never enjoy what you have.

 

[allandwf]

It was amusing when MrsAllandwf took the car to her work a couple of times. The youngsters were giving it look look there's a Maserati in the car park, those in the know replied oh yes that's Pams. That raised a few eyebrows! lol

 

[Wack61]

Maserati's are a rare sight on the road even with the ghibli

I was driving from the north west to central London 3 times a week in 2014 and I didn't see one so people probably assume they're more expensive than they are even when new

Also most people probably have no idea what their car actually costs because it's £249 a month

My neighbour did come over to look at it then said, I won't say what they call them ( but did anyway) a poor man's ferrari

He didn't notice the irony in his comment with him driving a diesel AMG

 

[philw696]

I for one dont want to follow the crowd and thats why I have a Maserati.
We could all lease/rent whatever.
Makes me laugh but I feel that BMW have spoilt the allure of M Power by badging up all the company car brigades chariots and MB too with sticking AMG the same way.
Just my thoughts though not wanting to offend anyone.

 

[SPX]

I think it's strangely specific to the cars "home" country though; British and Italian sports cars are cool, whereas I can't think of one German car that's got anywhere near the class and style of say a QP or an Aston Martin for example and as such people tend to give you the thumbs up.

 

[allandwf]

^ I agree. Also got massive thumbs up when I had TVRs ( A Cerbera and a Tuscan.)

 

[keith]

I raised a similar topic a little while back. I receive overwhelmingly positive comments, and a few jealous offensive comments and behaviour. I think its very much down to the location, and the fact they are not too familiar. In central London for example a Maserati will go pretty much unnoticed given the sheer number of super expensive cars in the area.

 

[Contigo]

Everytime I take the 3200 out it gets looks and comments. People crane their necks when being passed and some even give thumbs up. Once you have a loud exhaust then that adds another dimension to it as many more people look to see what is coming

Many people comment and pull the "You must be rich" card and I always respond with "No, these are the best kept secrets if you WANT to own one" especially with the help of these forums.

Whilst I can see why someone could fall out of love with a car I don't see how you can fall out of love with a 3200. I can guarantee you that with an exhaust mod like mine you would never want to sell it. In 10 years these cars will be worth significantly more than they are worth now.

 

[CatmanV2]

I simply love mine. I don't really care about the positive comments or the head turns (although they are pleasant) I care about how it makes me feel when I see it in the car park, or I step outside in the morning, or when I start it up, or when I bury the throttle (as much as I ever do) or even when I close the door with that tremendously solid thump or or or or.

Sorry, I need to go and have a lie down

C

 

[redsonnylee]

I didn't buy my car to worry about comments so not bothered either way.

When I first purchased the car someone in the office said "poor mans Ferrari" then found out he drove an old skoda. Never said anything.

However I mostly have very good feedback, even the younger drivers in their Alfa's love the car, I get a lot of people in petrol stations saying they love the noise or how much to fill up and smiling.

My neighbour on one side is a car buff & we we share a lot of equipment even a lawn mower so he loves the car & has photos of his children in it, My other neighbour is very appreciative especially when I took his son and his mine to footie in it. When we arrived they both received a round of applause.

I meet a lot of people who are generally interested and are shocked to hear it's 16 years old.

 

[Felonious Crud]

My neighbour did come over to look at it then said, I won't say what they call them ( but did anyway) a poor man's ferrari

Does that make a Ferrari a rich man's Maserati? The chap sounds like a dick.

 

[hoyin]

I bought mine so people would think I am rich .....

Muhahahaha.

 

[rockits]

Does that make a Ferrari a rich man's Maserati? The chap sounds like a dick.

Annoys me a little when people say stuff like that but I try to rise above it. It normally happens to be said from people who know nothing or very little about cars. Also have never driven either. It happened when I had the Boxster with comments of poor man's 911.

I don't agree about either sentiment. If I wanted to I could have bought a 911 and I could also have a Fezza over a Maser if I wanted one. However I'm not minted and tend to spend only what I need to to get what I think I want or need & spend no more than necessary. I like to think of it being efficient or careful rather than tight.

Surely comparing both marques the Maser the better decision as a lower entry point purchase price compared to a Fezza. That being said the ridiculous Fezza pricing continually going north is frustratingly tempting. Although surely this silly bubble can't keep moving forward without a correction of some kind? Can it?