Lookin' for GS

[AerosGS]

I've only seen a GranSport in pictures but decided it could be the car for me. I'm tall and (for example) my head just brushes the roof of Astons I've sat in. I'm told that the GS Maser has lots of room for someone really tall -and having sat in a GTS that seems to be true (or is it?). A big plus would be the semi-usable rear seats (had a Jag. with useless leather at the back). Since this forum seems to be full of real enthusiasts I'd like to ask for help with 4 questions:
1) Is there a model year for the GS that is particularly beset with problems (e.g. The Jag Nikasil liner & cambelt tensioner problems).
2) The technical cloth sounds horrible -but is it really?
3) How can I verify the mechanical condition etc. of 2nd hand cars if the nearest Maser specialist is the one selling the car?
4) Is there a really good GS out there to buy say <$35k (pm me if you like).

Thanks for you help.

 

[GransportFan1]

Welcome Aeros.

To answer your questions....
1) I am 6 ft 1 and fit no problem in a GS, head does not touch the roof lining.
2) The Tech Cloth is not horrible no, i have been in 2 Gransport's which both had Tech Cloth and if looked after, it is a nice material.
3) To verify the condition of a Gransport, i would 1000000% you get an inspection done by a dealer or Maserati specialist.
4) There are nice Gransports out there especially below 35k however it depends on which country you are from as you do not state your location.

 

[conaero]

Hi, all the GS's were the same apart from the very early ones having a slightly different exhaust and cat setup.

They are bullet proof and as Adam says above, get an inspection done. I would shy away from the Tech cloth, pay a few more quid and get the leather its well worth it.

The usual things to look out for are front tyres wearing on the inner edges, brakes are expensive, and history, history, history, the oil is critical in these cars. I would go for one with sub 50k miles on it, and with your budget should be achievable.

If you are unsure, find a member on here that is close to you I am sure they will jump at the chance to show off their Maserati knowledge and go with you.

All the best in your hunt, post any cars you are going to see and we might be able to shed light on its history.

 

[AerosGS]

Welcome Aeros.

To answer your questions....
1) I am 6 ft 1 and fit no problem in a GS, head does not touch the roof lining.
2) The Tech Cloth is not horrible no, i have been in 2 Gransport's which both had Tech Cloth and if looked after, it is a nice material.
3) To verify the condition of a Gransport, i would 1000000% you get an inspection done by a dealer or Maserati specialist.
4) There are nice Gransports out there especially below 35k however it depends on which country you are from as you do not state your location.

I'm in Avon, UK. Thanks for rapid reply!

Cheerrs

 

[Parisien]

Hi Aeros,

Thanks for joining our forum and posting.

You've had some advice already........do buy the best you can afford in the best condition possible. Heres a few indie garages to check which is nearest you for the all important indie inspection!!!!!!. This will costs between £200-300, best money you can spend ...bar none......ok we have sourced cheap brake replacements, but a clutch and F1 pump with set you back the thick end of £2.5K.

INDEPENDENT MASERATI GARAGES UK

http://classicmaseratis.co.uk/

http://www.emblemsportscars.com/home.aspx

http://www.grimaldiengineering.co.uk/

http://www.cars.robertsaerospace.com/

http://www.autoshieldmaserati.co.uk/...rati/Home.html

http://www.davidaskew.co.uk/

http://www.giallo.co.uk/

http://www.mpsupercars.com/

http://www.auto-sportiva.com/

http://www.shiltech-ferrari.com/

http://www.ferrarimaserati.co.uk/

http://www.sgmsportsltd.com/

http://www.dadsspeedshop.com/

http://www.autofficina.co.uk/about-autofficina

http://www.bhpmsport.com/

http://www.verdi-ferrari.com/about.php

http://www.theferraricentre.com/service

http://www.auto-sportiva.com/maserat...icing-kent.htm

http://www.sbraceengineering.co.uk/


The usual PH and AT searches will reveal most of them! A few of the garages above also do sales.

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/list.asp?s=816

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/search/...ed-search-id/2c9218212fbaa6d3012ff987e5ca00b7


P

 

[GransportFan1]

For 35K then there are some stunners out there.

http://pistonheads.com/sales/2542672.htm

http://pistonheads.com/sales/2521660.htm

I particularly like this one, slightly over your budget but very low miles
http://pistonheads.com/sales/2924551.htm

http://pistonheads.com/sales/2808975.htm

and these 2 bang on your budget
http://pistonheads.com/sales/2947850.htm

http://pistonheads.com/sales/2897306.htm

and for exclusivity what about a GS Spyder??
http://pistonheads.com/sales/2834278.htm

there was only 24 uk rhd Spyder's which officially came to the u.k, that is quite cheap for a Spyder, most fetch around 40k although that one has 40k miles on it.


Do you have any colour(s) which you like and dis like??

 

[2b1ask1]

Welcome Aeros; friendly bunch on here with pleanty of sage advice for free.

Not really best placed to comment on head room as although I'm 6'1 1/2" I'm all legs and short in the back (far too wide at the moment too)... but I have to say I have not had any real issues in the front or back of Massers I've been in... Good luck with the looking and don't forget to get an independent done... I didn't but was very lucky and knew the owner & history.

 

[Parisien]

The rest of the links......hope they are of use......

http://www.sportsmaserati.co.uk/sho...-could-possibly-ever-want-)-)?highlight=links

P

 

[Andyk]

hi and welcome to the forum....good choice for your next car..looks like your questions have been answered....

On the tech cloth.....its not horrid bit difficult to sell on. Plus it depends on colour.....the black looks ok ont the right colour car, but stay away from the blue tech cloth its garrish.....full leather is always a better bet but will cost more.

Space the back is massive if you are used to thr jag and aston.....good luck with your search.

 

[BennyD]

Aeros, you might be struggling to get a GS for less than the $35k you have but there should be plenty around for less than £35k if that is what you meant. You could get a very nice 4200 for $35k, so you do have options aplenty.

 

[Maser Sod]

I'm in Avon, UK. Thanks for rapid reply!
Cheerrs

I'm local to you, and have bought a couple of Maserati's before without recourse to independent inspection. Happy to help if I am around. (Assuming I'm in the UK at the time.)

 

[Emtee]

Hi Aeros and welcome to the forum. Best of luck with your search. Let us know how you get on?

Em.

 

[Woody]

1) Is there a model year for the GS that is particularly beset with problems (e.g. The Jag Nikasil liner & cambelt tensioner problems).

The GS is widely to be considered to be the 4200, matured. I don't think there were any major changes throughout the model years with the exception of the LE cars being introduced in 2006 (assuming you're UK based). The LE pack was basically a load of extras bundled up at a bargain price (red calipers, full leather, electric/heated seats, sound system upgrade etc etc).

2) The technical cloth sounds horrible -but is it really?

Tis a personal choice. For me, I wanted leather, but I must say I saw a couple that the tech looked quite nice in. While its not widely liked, I've got a feeling it might become a desirable feature as they age as its quite unique. Personal choice though so look at both tech and leather cars and compare.

3) How can I verify the mechanical condition etc. of 2nd hand cars if the nearest Maser specialist is the one selling the car?

Even if buying from a Maserati specialist, it's worth getting it independantly inspected. There's no real basis for this but I think the only one I wouldnt be too fussed about getting the car inspected would be Autoficcina, all others I'd want an inspection. Its a couple of hundred quid but will potentially save you many more times that if its a polished nail.

4) Is there a really good GS out there to buy say <$35k (pm me if you like).

If you're UK based, as has been said, for £35k you'll have your pick of the bunch. It would pretty much buy you and GS for sale, with even the latest main dealer cars coming in at around that money.

Good luck with your search.

Ah, in terms of size, I'm 6ft 4 (and have a belly on me!) and I would say I'm on the cusp of being comfortable. I have to have the seat right back and sat back a bit, but I'm pretty comfortable at that. The only pain for me is that I can't sit fully back without cricking my neck a little...if the seat was an inch lower, it would be perfect. Perhaps I need a GT-S.....

 

[Stoner]

Aeros...welcome...you get alot of good advice from this bunch.
I purchased my GranSport Spyder (2006) last month...first Maserati after the usual string of German rides...best leap forward yet.
My '06 with 9,500 miles was $54,000 USD...as a point of reference...purchased in Florida.
Good luck...and the silver is GS is a grand choice.

 

[safrane]

Bristol myself

 

[Andyk]

And me only 9 miles from Bristol.....

 

[AerosGS]

Wow! Thanks so much for all the ideas and offers for help. Re color: I have to say I really don't like black cars with black interiors -I hate the heat that builds up when (if) the sun shines and makes me think of a dungeon. No offense of course to those with other tastes! Looking a leather options, there seem to be a lot of avorio out there and I worry that such a pale color will not wear well. I had a pale cream leather car once and was super dismayed at what a newish pair of jeans can do... So, I'm thinking maybe a beige or grey leather. This one caught my eye but its bloody miles away from Bristol :-( Anyone seen it, comments?

http://pistonheads.com/sales/2808975.htm

Again, thank you all so much for the thoughts and I look forward to keeping contact via this forum with you enthusiasts!

Aeros

 

[dem maser]

Like that colour, its a good one with a main dealer selling it and low miles id say if it could be had for 35k its a good enough deal.....

 

[dickygrace]

I've seen one similar and they're a great dealership but personally think the colour of the leather's awful. There was one similar for sale at a place in Heathrow for £24k, 05, higher miles but took an age to sell as we were all put off by the grey leather. The leather is very good quality and wears well. I've seen avorio cars that've done 50000 miles and looks fine. The only thing that may be required is a simple recolonising of the leather on the driver's seat bolster (£50)

 

[conaero]

Its nice but pricey...being main dealer, try Nareman:

elephone: 020 7603 3900
Mobile: 07946 306096
General Email Enquiries: sales@nuvolalondon.com

http://www.nuvolalondon.com

You are correct about Avorio it wear through at an alarming rate, you can get it corrected but its a pain.

I personally think that red is the best colour interior, it look gorgeous does not show the dirt like the lighter colours, nor the dust of the dark ones, black etc.

You might think yuck but you really should go see one in the flesh, they dont photograph very well.

Silver is very, very common on a GS so I would try for another colour if you can, but it usually comes down to right car at the right price, not necessarily colour.