Looking to join club Maserati - but which one to buy?!

[Stimpz]

Hello everyone..

Seriously considering buying a Granturismo, and I wondered if anyone might be kind enough to provide some advice?

I don't need the car for my commute, so will rather mainly be using it at the weekends (but I live in London..).. I have a budget of up to around 70k and so far I've settled that I definitely need to get an '10+ GT-S of some type.. Open questions I have below, if you have any thoughts would be greatly appreciated!

- Auto vs. MC-Shift?
- How much better is the sound-track on the MC?
- Does the MC clutch really typically go at c. 20k and how much would this cost to repair?
- Is the MC ride more comfortable (for GT'ing) when sport is off?
- Is the MC really just that much more fun?

- Regular Sound or Bose?
- From what I read from audiophiles, neither are 100% perfect?
- Bose worth it, or no?

- Oval Exhaust vs Dual?
- Does it make that much of a difference to sound, or is this really just down to Auto vs MC again?

- Skyhook?
- Avoid or not? Or is this comfort vs performance (so similar to auto vs MC?)

- Main dealer vs Indy?
- Ok to buy from Indy if I get a Trident extension?
- Should I get a Trident (5y) extension? Or is it a waste of money?
- Is a PPI necessary if I'm buying a car under warranty?

- Anything specific that it's really important to check on a used GT before buying?

Many, many thanks in advance!

 

[conaero]

Well, where do I start.

If you are intending to use it as a weekend weapon then it's GTS MC Shift all the way, it really is that good and the noise is stunning.

From what I am lead to beleive, Skyhook is a waste of money, the standard setup is actually better. The Hifi is pants, Bose or otherwise, but we all just press the sport button and open the window an inch, thats all the audio entertainment you'll ever need.

The Trident extention warranty is the only one to go for but if you are buying a 10 plate or newer you dont need to worry about tgat just yet, you can add it up until the last day of the factory warranty.

As for indie vs main dealer, it's up to you they are all good but obviously you will save a fair bit with the indies.

Check out Nareman, Nuvola, he has probably the best selection of used Maseratis outside the dealer network.

 

[Parisien]

Hi Stimpz, thanks for joining and I am sure a few of the current owners who also went through similar pros and cons scenarios will pass by.......enjoy the hunt!


P

 

[Andyk]

Hi Stimpz...and a big welcome to the forum....What a great choice you have........

 

[Emtee]

Good luck with your search Stimpz and welcome to the forum. Let us know how you get on?..............

 

[Stimpz]

Well, where do I start.

If you are intending to use it as a weekend weapon then it's GTS MC Shift all the way, it really is that good and the noise is stunning.

From what I am lead to beleive, Skyhook is a waste of money, the standard setup is actually better. The Hifi is pants, Bose or otherwise, but we all just press the sport button and open the window an inch, thats all the audio entertainment you'll ever need.

The Trident extention warranty is the only one to go for but if you are buying a 10 plate or newer you dont need to worry about tgat just yet, you can add it up until the last day of the factory warranty.

As for indie vs main dealer, it's up to you they are all good but obviously you will save a fair bit with the indies.

Check out Nareman, Nuvola, he has probably the best selection of used Maseratis outside the dealer network.

Thanks all for the welcome, and thanks Conaero for your comments..!

So MC is that much better huh?! I can't say that I'm not tempted.. My only concerns with it were i) cost of replacing the clutch and ii) comfort for a longer road trip.. Should I be worrying about these things do you reckon?

Re Skyhook, sounds like I should ditch that - thanks for the tip..

Now, off to check out Nuvola..

Cheers!

 

[Dan!]

Hiya Stimpz, whilst Conaero has pretty much summed it up perfectly in his post above, I've included my 2p worth to your post below.

Hello everyone..

Seriously considering buying a Granturismo, and I wondered if anyone might be kind enough to provide some advice?

I don't need the car for my commute, so will rather mainly be using it at the weekends (but I live in London..).. I have a budget of up to around 70k and so far I've settled that I definitely need to get an '10+ GT-S of some type.. Open questions I have below, if you have any thoughts would be greatly appreciated!

- Auto vs. MC-Shift?
- How much better is the sound-track on the MC? Much better, Click here: http://youtu.be/83En_MY81SY
- Does the MC clutch really typically go at c. 20k and how much would this cost to repair? When mine was serviced at 12,000 miles it was 25% worn
- Is the MC ride more comfortable (for GT'ing) when sport is off? Makes no noticable difference imho
- Is the MC really just that much more fun? Yes

- Regular Sound or Bose?
- From what I read from audiophiles, neither are 100% perfect? Correct
- Bose worth it, or no? Nope, open the window as mentioned above

- Oval Exhaust vs Dual?
- Does it make that much of a difference to sound, or is this really just down to Auto vs MC again? If I remember correctly, the oval is MC-Shift and the twin pipes are auto as opposed to them being an option

- Skyhook?
- Avoid or not? Or is this comfort vs performance (so similar to auto vs MC?) Can't comment on non-skyhook as I had it on both of mine, nothing wrong with it imho

- Main dealer vs Indy?
- Ok to buy from Indy if I get a Trident extension? Only ever bought from main dealer, but as said above be sure to get the Trident extension
- Should I get a Trident (5y) extension? Or is it a waste of money? It's insurance, only an expensive waste of money when you need it and haven't got it
- Is a PPI necessary if I'm buying a car under warranty? Don't know, never had it mentioned to me

- Anything specific that it's really important to check on a used GT before buying? Check for Deer fur..? Check the tread on the inside edge of the front tyres, these cars are set up to toe out and so wear the insides much more than the outside. Check electrics as much as you can, they can have a mind of there own. Check the parking sensors work, sometimes mine did and sometimes they didn't

Many, many thanks in advance!

They really are superb cars. I can see me going back to a GT-S at some point in the future. If you have a £70k budget look at Meridian Modena's site, you'll see my last Black GT-S on there. Even if I do say so myself, it's a very good spec with carbon steering wheel and trim. (It also has a 505BHP DMS re-map still on it, but don't tell them that )
Happy hunting!

 

[ENZ525]

Welcome to the forum Stimpz,
Good luck in your search,
Regards,
Enzo.

 

[Stimpz]

Hiya Stimpz, whilst Conaero has pretty much summed it up perfectly in his post above, I've included my 2p worth to your post below.



They really are superb cars. I can see me going back to a GT-S at some point in the future. If you have a £70k budget look at Meridian Modena's site, you'll see my last Black GT-S on there. Even if I do say so myself, it's a very good spec with carbon steering wheel and trim. (It also has a 505BHP DMS re-map still on it, but don't tell them that )
Happy hunting!

Thanks for the welcome Enzo and many thanks GT Dan for all your comments and tips..!

In particular, your posting of the MC clip has pretty much swung it for me.. And interesting to hear the clutch does last a while, although I guessit is a function of how much you look after it..?

Great tip on the inside edge of the tyres too, will be sure to check that out..

Think I have my heart set on a bianco, bordeaux (or possibly rosso, jury still out on that one..) interior.. Your car looks great though, why are you selling it??

 

[Dan!]

Part ex'd it for the Lambo... Pure impulse purchase

(Review in the Lambo section )

Look forward to seeing "the one" when you find it. And please make sure you hang around once you do, there's a great bunch of lads on here and plenty of activities and meets.... The Christmas meet is the stuff of legend!

Best of luck,
Dan

 

[conaero]

Oh forgot to say, the clutch is covered under the watranty, so I would not worry about it.

 

[fcz360]

I was given and extra years factory warranty when the screwed up a service - Is the clutch wear really under warranty????

If so ill get one fitted before it runs out!!!


MC shift is great and the noise is incredible! Better than any other car of its type.. imho
I agree the Bose system is mediocre at best. So i dont use it - I do use the Noise button tho....a lot
The sat nav comes on and off... its italian
Ive had both Skyhook and standard and i think there is very little difference really

Oh and you can get people in the back in relative comfort - unlike any Aston, and ive tried.

I love it but just wish they could learn how to trim a car inside like Ferrari and Aston - too much plastic

 

[Andyk]

Wouldn't have thought clutch wear is..Thats wear and tear surely......Is it covered....?....Good if it is...

 

[conaero]

Re the warranty clutch, they won't replace it of it wears out but what tends to happen with these cars is that the cover or bearing fails, then it's covered under warranty.

I bought my GTS with 7,900 miles on it and it had had a warranty clutch just before I purchased it.

There does appear to be a link between Auto mode and clutch failure. What you also need to remember is not to ride the clutch. Driving it hard slams the clutch shut and causes less wear vs gentle use in 1st and reverse gears.

 

[Andyk]

That makes sense Matt............Would struggle to get a replacement on wear and tear.....

 

[conaero]

Indeed Andy. If we are talking how long a clutch will last till it starts slipping, then I would say if auto has not been used and the owner does not ride the clutch, 30k should be easily achievable.

 

[Andyk]

Speaking to Paul from DL he said the the same Matt...around 30 to 35 for a clutch...........So if viewing anycar getting close to 30k on you should take that into account if the clutch has not been replaced.............There always seems to be more Maserati coming up for sale with 35k ish or 60k ish on the clock.....Wonder if thats because clutch is looming..........the adverts do not mention new clutch either which you would make a big thing about if changed.

 

[Stimpz]

Many thanks everyone..

Hmm.. As I live in centralish London, even if I just want to head out to the open roads, I'm looking at 30mins (if I'm lucky!) of start stop traffic, lights and speed bumps, before I can get out of London!

So, should I be worrying more about clutch wear or not? Driving aggressively in town may not be viable, how inevitable do you think is clutch wear in slow urban traffic (how easy is it to drive in traffic without riding the clutch)..? I read the MC has issues starting on an incline (especially when cold?), and reversing on an incline is basically a no-go, is that true?

Related, while I'm thinking of it, what's the ride height like on the GT-S for speed bumps.. do you need to slow right down to 2mph as you might for an AM?

Cheers

 

[Dan!]

Mine being 25% worn at 12,000 miles may give away the nature of my driving then...
Interesting that a car that's been driven relatively hard could be more desirable than one that's poodled around London in traffic for all its life.
With the Lambo I've found that I'm in the habit of selecting Corsa mode as it makes more noise (no surprise there...) and because it gives the quickest gear change. In normal or even in Sport it rides the clutch terribly, which may well go a long way towards why the e-gear has a reputation for munching clutches.

Is it right that these new DSG double clutches never need changing? How comes?

 

[Dan!]

Many thanks everyone..

Hmm.. As I live in centralish London, even if I just want to head out to the open roads, I'm looking at 30mins (if I'm lucky!) of start stop traffic, lights and speed bumps, before I can get out of London!

So, should I be worrying more about clutch wear or not? Driving aggressively in town may not be viable, how inevitable do you think is clutch wear in slow urban traffic (how easy is it to drive in traffic without riding the clutch)..? I read the MC has issues starting on an incline (especially when cold?), and reversing on an incline is basically a no-go, is that true?

Related, while I'm thinking of it, what's the ride height like on the GT-S for speed bumps.. do you need to slow right down to 2mph as you might for an AM?

Cheers

I think just driving it in manual mode will help rather than in auto. The full on aggressive shift only happens when your foot is on the floor and the revs pretty high, so the vast majority of any shifts for any car are not going to be at maximum attack.

With regards hill starts, I never found them an issue, especially as it holds it on the brakes to prevent you rolling back. There is however a bit of drive train shunt in reverse. It's not the end of the world, you'll get used to it, the secret is to just be positive with it. If you are hesitantly on/off on/off the accelerator it won't like it.

On the way to my office there are speed bumps, I had to go over them relatively slowly or it'd scrape the nose on the way down the bump with the suspension bounce. Generally didn't find it too much of an issue, just be mindful of the fact that there's quite a long overhang in front of the wheels and you should be fine.