Decisions, decisions.

[lofty]

Hello all
I'm currently on the look out for a Graturismo.I can't decide between the 4.2/4.7 or Auto/MC Shift.I drove both the 4.2 & 4.7 and both were great to be honest, the 4.7 seemed a bit more vocal and obviously slightly quicker, but the 4.2 is more than adequate it would seem.Both were auto's so I probably need to drive a MC shift to make a fair comparison, I'm working on that at the moment.The one thing that was slightly disappointing on the 4.2 were the brakes, the 4.7's were superior, but it was a much newer car, is that the difference or are the brakes bigger on the 4.7? Is skyhook a must have on the 4.2? Are they hard to resell without it?I currently drive a Audi R8 and cars without magnetic ride are hard to shift apparantly, so I was wondering if the same applies.Sorry for the newbie questions but any advise about the cars, dealers, warranties etc from present owners would be greatly appreciated, especially from anyone who has experience of the different models.
Thanks

 

[dickygrace]

Lofty, welcome to the forum, you'll find plenty of folk willing to advise you on here. My view of the cars is that a 4.2 is a wonderful car, a 4.7 is the full works. It is noticeably quicker than a 4.2 and has superior (dearer) brakes. Skyhook suspension is deemed an important extra to have and it may be difficult to sell a car without this option. The comfort pack is also pretty desirable too, which includes heated seats. Park distance control is a good extra to have as it's a big car and the front end falls away from you and it's not possible to see how close you are to things.
As regards clutch choices, all 4.2's are auto, most 4.7's are MC shift. For living with the car everyday and driving in traffic, the Auto is probably easier to live with, no judder when cold and no clutch needing replacing at 30000-40000 miles. Having said this, the most involved drive is with the MC shift and it is more fun on the open road.
As regards warranties etc, buy from a reputable outfit and ensure the car has been, or will be, inspected prior to sale. If it were my decision and money was available, I'd buy a 4.7, as most would, possibly an MC shift but probably an Auto, but they're around £10-15k more than an equivalent 4.2, as always, you get what you pay for. If I can be of help, feel free to give me a bell, no hidden agendas as I don't currently have any Granturismo for sale. All the very best with the search.

 

[dem maser]

Dicky has more or less laid it there for you....

Ive never driven the GTS for long enough to give you my review but what i will say is ive driven a GT 4.2 and well its alright but not very quick and do you really need a 4.2 GT is what i asked myself after driving a friends brothers one.

For less money you could buy a GS which is by far quicker and a better car overall

 

[bigbob]

Welcome. R8s are cracking cars. Would have one if I did not need rear seats.

Dicky has summarised things well. My thoughts:
-the 4.7 has bigger front brakes, same size rear brakes as the 4.2;
-you are very unlikely to find a 4.2 or 4.7 Auto without Skyhook. With the 4.7 MC, some do, some don't;
-what you buy depends on your budget. If you are sub £45k then it's a 4.2. At £50k+ then it's a 4.7; and
-the gearbox choices on the 4.7 need you to drive and then decide as they are very different. Auto has no clutch to replace, longer gearing and better economy. If it's a weekend blast car I would question why you are buying a GranTurismo but if so then the MC would be a better choice. As a daily driver, as mine is, then go for the auto (all IMHO).

Let us know what you go for.

 

[Andyk]

Hi Lofty and welcome to the forum....Sure you will get all the advice you need on here to buy the perfect car for you.

 

[Emtee]

Hi Lofty and welcome to the forum.

My only comment would be in relation to residual value, which only applies if you know you will be selling on in the not too distant future. Find a good 4.7 of whatever configuration and it will hold it's value better than the 4.2, in spite of the higher entry point, and will be easier to sell on.

Good luck with your search.....

 

[lofty]

Thanks for the info chaps. I've made a couple of enquires today and I'm possibly going for a test drive of another 4.2 on Thursday, I want to make my mind up between the two engines (and brakes) before I decide on the gearbox.The best P/x price I've had on my R8 was against the cheapest 4.2 I've looked at (indy), and the worst price (£4k less) was against a much more expensive 4.7 at a Maserati dealer, they are obviously as greedy as Audi dealers.Does anyone use an aftermarket warranty on their Maserati?

 

[Parisien]

Bienvenue Lofty.....let me guess.....not a fan of "It aint half hot" by any chance.......


Back to business................if you're more of the pressing on type.........maximise what a car can give, needs to be the 4.7........otherwise the 4.2 still a fab car, style, presence, relative rarity and a great place to be


P

 

[Strike]

I agree with the grandsport comment by dem maser

Out of interest what will they give you for the R8. I've always loved them!! And I have always wanted to be at a garage when I hear someone get offered p/x price. So I could waltz up and give you £100 more. ;-)

 

[Grinzzz]

not sure that a GS is better than a GTS...different yes but depends what you're after.

 

[dem maser]

Sorry grinz i meant the GS is better and quicker than the GT

 

[lofty]

I'm too young to remember It Aint Half Hot Mum lol
Part/X between £41&45K Its a 2007 4.2, not bad residuals for a 5 year old car that listed at only £76K ( before options) brand new.
I think it would retail at £49/£50K.I've got it on Pistonheads but don't hold out too much hope of selling private.

 

[Felonious Crud]

Hi Lofty, welcome.

Re aftermarket warranties, mine is with Warrantywise. So far so good. My local MD recommends them if out of Maserati warranty.
Dealers - Dicky Grace (above) or Nareman at Nuvola are well respected, and deservedly so.
MC box - seduced me. Fell for it hook, line and sinker.
It Ain't Half Hot Mum - now there's a blast from the past!

Let us know how you get on.

/Adam

 

[bigbob]

I'm too young to remember It Aint Half Hot Mum lol
Part/X between £41&45K Its a 2007 4.2, not bad residuals for a 5 year old car that listed at only £76K ( before options) brand new.
I think it would retail at £49/£50K.I've got it on Pistonheads but don't hold out too much hope of selling private.

R8 residuals have held up very well but then again they are easy to get serviced and look like a lot of car for sub £50k.

 

[dem maser]

Would rather a 997 turbo than an R8,
....they are common here and also mainly kids, under 30.....who wrap them in matt or chrome

 

[lofty]

I drove another 4.2 today and was still impressed, the brakes seemed much better than the first 4.2 I drove.The condition wasn't great for a 2008 so I've ruled it out for now.Back onto Autotrader and Pistonheads I suppose, having said that it's snowing outside, maybe I should keep the Quattro

 

[bigbob]

You just need the right tyres. I would take my Maserati on winter tyres over one of my Audi Quattros on summer tyres. Traction is important but stopping is vital.

 

[lofty]

What winters are you using bigbob?
Does anyone know the current cost to extend the manufacturers warranty, thanks

 

[bigbob]

Sotto Zeros - they are what Maserati recommend. Mind they were a pig to get and little else is available.

These cars are very reliable. Think I will pass on the extended warranty. IIRC it is about £2000 for year 4 or £3500 for 4 & 5.

 

[hodroyd]

Hi Lofty,
A warm welcome to the forum, you will get all the advice you can handle on here.
Cheers
R