Granturismo S

jmoon80

Junior Member
Messages
46
Hi. First post and feel like I'm missing something, as no on else has posted in here before...but given what I'm asking, thought I'd just go with the obvious!

I'm looking for a GT S. Budget c£40k. Mileage <30k. Preference for either an MC Shift, or (ideally but I understand quite rare) Auto with sports pack/MC Auto Shift software.

Grey/silver exterior would be first choice, but could be tempted by one of the brighter blues. I know 90% seem to be black, but unfortunately (from a buying choice point of view) I've never been a fan of black cars. That said, I've not seen a carbonio one in the flesh, so *just maybe* that would convince me.... Either light or dark interior is fine, but not red or blue. No offence intended to anyone with a pearl black auto with red interior!

I have spoken to Richard G, but figured it wouldn't hurt to put something up on here too in case anyone was quietly harbouring thoughts of selling.

I've already learned a lot over the past few weeks just reading this forum, so look forward to getting more involved when I manage to find a car.

Thanks

James
 

GeoffCapes

Member
Messages
14,000
Also speak to Harvey at AV Engineering. He's got a few on his books I believe.

Oh, and I'm not selling mine. And it has 41k on it so it's too high a mileage anyway.
 
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JonW

Member
Messages
3,259
Hi James

Welcome to the forum and good luck with your search.

I’m not thinking of selling, but the car you describe is almost exactly what I have, which is a Med Blu 2012 GT S, Auto with the Sports pack (which includes the MC Auto Shift software).

Plenty on here will suggest that the proper MC Shift (not the Auto) is a better drive, but having driven both, I decided that overall the differences in performance and sound were incredibly slight, and I wanted the ability to stick the car into full auto mode and not have to worry about wearing out my clutch...

I’ve had mine now for 2 years, have done 6,000 miles, and they are fantastic cars to own...

All the best

Jon
 

jmoon80

Junior Member
Messages
46
Hi James

Plenty on here will suggest that the proper MC Shift (not the Auto) is a better drive, but having driven both, I decided that overall the differences in performance and sound were incredibly slight, and I wanted the ability to stick the car into full auto mode and not have to worry about wearing out my clutch...

Thanks Jon. Am I right in thinking the sports pack gets you the same exhaust (and open valves below 3000 rpm) as the full MC shift, so is there really ANY difference in noise? I appreciate that on paper the shifts might be marginally slower, but I live without the bragging rights on that. I just don't want to miss out on the theatre.
 

jmoon80

Junior Member
Messages
46
Also speak to Harvey at AV Engineering. He's got a few on his books I believe.

Oh, and I'm not selling mine. And it has 41k on it so it's too high a mileage anyway.

Thanks, I will. I'm not wedded to mileage, as I won't be putting many on it anyway (prob 3-4k pa) just setting out my ideal wishlist really.
 

JonW

Member
Messages
3,259
Thanks Jon. Am I right in thinking the sports pack gets you the same exhaust (and open valves below 3000 rpm) as the full MC shift, so is there really ANY difference in noise? I appreciate that on paper the shifts might be marginally slower, but I live without the bragging rights on that. I just don't want to miss out on the theatre.

James

Yes - Mine has the same exhaust, and with the Sports button pressed the valves are open at all times. Therefore, when I’ve flipped the gear stick to the left and am driving it in manual mode on the paddles, I don’t think there’s any difference in sound (and there is definitely lots and lots of theatre!...)

I’ve also stuck a Larini x-pipe on as well, and that makes the car sound absolutely awesome under high revs, and when changing down...
 

GeoffCapes

Member
Messages
14,000
Thanks, I will. I'm not wedded to mileage, as I won't be putting many on it anyway (prob 3-4k pa) just setting out my ideal wishlist really.

Fair enough. If a few work things go my way over the next few months I may, change mine (for a Strad or Wonky Donkey). So will give you a shout if you haven't already bought one.
My pre-requisites when buying was no black or white GT's, and it had to be a MC Shift.
And the missus didn't want a red one. :rolleyes:

Kind of narrows your options down, but there are cars out there if you look in the right places.

An X Pipe is a must. Have one on mine. And maybe spacers but thats a personal thing.
 

Doohickey

Velociraptor
Messages
2,496
James

Yes - Mine has the same exhaust, and with the Sports button pressed the valves are open at all times. Therefore, when I’ve flipped the gear stick to the left and am driving it in manual mode on the paddles, I don’t think there’s any difference in sound (and there is definitely lots and lots of theatre!...)

I’ve also stuck a Larini x-pipe on as well, and that makes the car sound absolutely awesome under high revs, and when changing down...

Mine definitely sounds louder when in manual than in auto with the valves open. In auto the valves seem to open further at 2500rpm (you can actually hear them) but they are open fully all the time in manual. I've got an x-pipe on mine as well and the noise is epic.
 

bigbob

Member
Messages
8,952
I’ve got a regular 4.7 auto and in Sport Manual it drives really well so do you need the Sport pack? Also you can get an override electronics pack to get the valves working below 3000 revs and in Normal and Ice mode as well if you wish. Best of luck with your search, they are all great cars so just get one which has been looked after. Exhaust noise can be fixed on any car so let other choices drive the search.