On the lookout for a GT

Cyclone1

Member
Messages
504
I am looking for a GT to join my GS here in the Cotswolds.

It must have;
  • Light coloured interior
  • Sub 35k miles
  • Auto or MC, but the later must have no more than 15% wear
  • Full recorded SH with receipts
  • No more than 3 previous owners
  • Post engine mod for the variators
  • Not White
  • Preferably oval exhaust model
My budget is mid £30s.

Please DM me should you wish to discuss.

Every box ticked bar the mileage…..got to be tempting as looks stunning….

 

safrane

Member
Messages
16,748
As some will know I have been looking for an early GT for some time now to join my GS. However, in a market that is awash with monochrome cars, finding one in a more classical colour has proved to be a real challenge… one I almost gave up on.

Anyhow, whilst on my SM sabbatical I finally came across a candidate. A 4.7 MC, Nueto Blue with cream trim, chrome finishing and very low miles (14.7k). It was not with a known dealer, but worth a look. I went down to see it at the start of June, yes it has some defects, and the history was far from ideal (once out of Maserati Warranty the local garage messed with it), but with less than 1k per year use, it looked to have promise.

Being cautious I said I was only interested subject to an inspection and a deposit was paid, regardless of the dealer insistence that an inspection was not really needed as the car was in great condition (Yeh, we have all heard that before).

This is where the problems started!

Sports Italia were commissioned on my drive home, but frustratingly the dealer then refused to allow it off site and driven to SI to ‘keep the mileage down’ (PS it is only 42 miles from SI) and, as SI are unable to do an inspection off-site, I then offered to have it transported there at my expense… this was also refused. I remained adamant I would not buy without an inspection, therefore an alternative had to be sought.

After a number of google searches and calls, a well-known mobile mechanic was asked. They stated it was no problem and they could do it that week. Great I thought. However, after that initial call the mobile mechanic disappeared! Numerous emails, text, calls were made over the next seven days but still nothing… even the dealer tried, nothing… then their website was taken down! I therefore assumed they had folded… Can it really be that hard to get a car checked out!

My only option was to see if the dealer would have a change of heart; then ‘huzzah’ he agreed to take it to SI… but wanted £500 for his troubles… was this including the cost of said inspection I asked? Nope just his time!!!

At this point I was ready to say stuff it, but after taking an afternoon to calm down we came to an agreement that I would pay £200 to him if the car was not purchased after the inspection to cover his loss of half a day. As a man of my word, I text back to confirm this, to which he added “Oh and plus the petrol” Jesus!!!!

So, all was on at last to get the car checked out and hopefully on my drive.

The big day came, and I waited like an expectant father to hear news of how it fared on the inspection. In short, it was not as good as I hoped. I knew it had paint damage on one wing and the driver’s door had been painted at some time, there was a curbed alloy, a missing toggle on the driver’s seat adjuster and some of the buttons were starting to go sticky. I had anticipated spending c£2k to get it to my liking plus a major service for peace of mind, this was on top of the £31k purchase price which was high for a 2010 car even with the low mileage. However, the costs to get it in tip-top shape were far more than budgeted for.

  • Correcting the far from ‘to manufacturers spec’ previous service (wrong coolant type, IVECO Oil Filter off their truck range used! brakes not drilled out, odd PIS set-up etc)
  • Under seal
  • New Air-Con Compressor – Noisy/loose bearings
  • Remove evidence of rodent infestation in engine bay and check for any further damage
  • 2 x front Alloys refinished
  • Intermittent fault with indicators
  • New rear tyres required (presently 10 years old)
  • New chassis plates
  • Coolant Tank cracked
  • PAS radiator leaking
  • Painting of front wing 8mm stone chip
  • Paint Correction as lots of swirls and scratches on the bonnet and boot
It also had a number of cosmetic bits that were not included. 1st and R going tacky, rear of arm rest chipped, scuff to door card, front grille cracked at the top, bumper scuffed on the bottom, front bumper had been painted as had the passenger door, and OS rear quarter, NSF lower mesh in bumper loose and as mentioned the NSF wing needed painting

A grand total of c£4800k inc VAT of work making this a £35.8k car unless the dealer would cover some of the above, and as we all know other things come up when your having lots of work done.

Well… come on, what do you think he said – Nope its £31k and that ‘work ‘is to make it a new car. Am I expecting too much for a car at £31,000?

So, I walked away and wondered how long it would take to get the deposit back which he did do promptly, after taking £200 for his time and £60 for petrol to drive 82 miles to the inspection and back

In summary, Caveat emptor, if anyone looks at WX10 KJV and wants to buy it, then feel free to ask me or SI for the report and estimated costs (Paint costs and Detail were via Autoshop in Stroud at c£1100); all of which are very reasonable on their own but need to be weighed against the final purchase price of the car.

I am therefore still looking for a nice GT, that’s not black or white and does not have a black or red/burgundy interior, does have low mileage and owners… So, I will leave this to the pros and wait for Richard Grace etc to find one for me and save me from the hassle and pain of dealing with all the others out there.

1687102638756.png
 
Messages
320
As some will know I have been looking for an early GT for some time now to join my GS. However, in a market that is awash with monochrome cars, finding one in a more classical colour has proved to be a real challenge… one I almost gave up on.

Anyhow, whilst on my SM sabbatical I finally came across a candidate. A 4.7 MC, Nueto Blue with cream trim, chrome finishing and very low miles (14.7k). It was not with a known dealer, but worth a look. I went down to see it at the start of June, yes it has some defects, and the history was far from ideal (once out of Maserati Warranty the local garage messed with it), but with less than 1k per year use, it looked to have promise.

Being cautious I said I was only interested subject to an inspection and a deposit was paid, regardless of the dealer insistence that an inspection was not really needed as the car was in great condition (Yeh, we have all heard that before).

This is where the problems started!

Sports Italia were commissioned on my drive home, but frustratingly the dealer then refused to allow it off site and driven to SI to ‘keep the mileage down’ (PS it is only 42 miles from SI) and, as SI are unable to do an inspection off-site, I then offered to have it transported there at my expense… this was also refused. I remained adamant I would not buy without an inspection, therefore an alternative had to be sought.

After a number of google searches and calls, a well-known mobile mechanic was asked. They stated it was no problem and they could do it that week. Great I thought. However, after that initial call the mobile mechanic disappeared! Numerous emails, text, calls were made over the next seven days but still nothing… even the dealer tried, nothing… then their website was taken down! I therefore assumed they had folded… Can it really be that hard to get a car checked out!

My only option was to see if the dealer would have a change of heart; then ‘huzzah’ he agreed to take it to SI… but wanted £500 for his troubles… was this including the cost of said inspection I asked? Nope just his time!!!

At this point I was ready to say stuff it, but after taking an afternoon to calm down we came to an agreement that I would pay £200 to him if the car was not purchased after the inspection to cover his loss of half a day. As a man of my word, I text back to confirm this, to which he added “Oh and plus the petrol” Jesus!!!!

So, all was on at last to get the car checked out and hopefully on my drive.

The big day came, and I waited like an expectant father to hear news of how it fared on the inspection. In short, it was not as good as I hoped. I knew it had paint damage on one wing and the driver’s door had been painted at some time, there was a curbed alloy, a missing toggle on the driver’s seat adjuster and some of the buttons were starting to go sticky. I had anticipated spending c£2k to get it to my liking plus a major service for peace of mind, this was on top of the £31k purchase price which was high for a 2010 car even with the low mileage. However, the costs to get it in tip-top shape were far more than budgeted for.

  • Correcting the far from ‘to manufacturers spec’ previous service (wrong coolant type, IVECO Oil Filter off their truck range used! brakes not drilled out, odd PIS set-up etc)
  • Under seal
  • New Air-Con Compressor – Noisy/loose bearings
  • Remove evidence of rodent infestation in engine bay and check for any further damage
  • 2 x front Alloys refinished
  • Intermittent fault with indicators
  • New rear tyres required (presently 10 years old)
  • New chassis plates
  • Coolant Tank cracked
  • PAS radiator leaking
  • Painting of front wing 8mm stone chip
  • Paint Correction as lots of swirls and scratches on the bonnet and boot
It also had a number of cosmetic bits that were not included. 1st and R going tacky, rear of arm rest chipped, scuff to door card, front grille cracked at the top, bumper scuffed on the bottom, front bumper had been painted as had the passenger door, and OS rear quarter, NSF lower mesh in bumper loose and as mentioned the NSF wing needed painting

A grand total of c£4800k inc VAT of work making this a £35.8k car unless the dealer would cover some of the above, and as we all know other things come up when your having lots of work done.

Well… come on, what do you think he said – Nope its £31k and that ‘work ‘is to make it a new car. Am I expecting too much for a car at £31,000?

So, I walked away and wondered how long it would take to get the deposit back which he did do promptly, after taking £200 for his time and £60 for petrol to drive 82 miles to the inspection and back

In summary, Caveat emptor, if anyone looks at WX10 KJV and wants to buy it, then feel free to ask me or SI for the report and estimated costs (Paint costs and Detail were via Autoshop in Stroud at c£1100); all of which are very reasonable on their own but need to be weighed against the final purchase price of the car.

I am therefore still looking for a nice GT, that’s not black or white and does not have a black or red/burgundy interior, does have low mileage and owners… So, I will leave this to the pros and wait for Richard Grace etc to find one for me and save me from the hassle and pain of dealing with all the others out there.

View attachment 115717
sorry to hear about your bad experience
 

montravia

Member
Messages
1,618
As some will know I have been looking for an early GT for some time now to join my GS. However, in a market that is awash with monochrome cars, finding one in a more classical colour has proved to be a real challenge… one I almost gave up on.

Anyhow, whilst on my SM sabbatical I finally came across a candidate. A 4.7 MC, Nueto Blue with cream trim, chrome finishing and very low miles (14.7k). It was not with a known dealer, but worth a look. I went down to see it at the start of June, yes it has some defects, and the history was far from ideal (once out of Maserati Warranty the local garage messed with it), but with less than 1k per year use, it looked to have promise.

Being cautious I said I was only interested subject to an inspection and a deposit was paid, regardless of the dealer insistence that an inspection was not really needed as the car was in great condition (Yeh, we have all heard that before).

This is where the problems started!

Sports Italia were commissioned on my drive home, but frustratingly the dealer then refused to allow it off site and driven to SI to ‘keep the mileage down’ (PS it is only 42 miles from SI) and, as SI are unable to do an inspection off-site, I then offered to have it transported there at my expense… this was also refused. I remained adamant I would not buy without an inspection, therefore an alternative had to be sought.

After a number of google searches and calls, a well-known mobile mechanic was asked. They stated it was no problem and they could do it that week. Great I thought. However, after that initial call the mobile mechanic disappeared! Numerous emails, text, calls were made over the next seven days but still nothing… even the dealer tried, nothing… then their website was taken down! I therefore assumed they had folded… Can it really be that hard to get a car checked out!

My only option was to see if the dealer would have a change of heart; then ‘huzzah’ he agreed to take it to SI… but wanted £500 for his troubles… was this including the cost of said inspection I asked? Nope just his time!!!

At this point I was ready to say stuff it, but after taking an afternoon to calm down we came to an agreement that I would pay £200 to him if the car was not purchased after the inspection to cover his loss of half a day. As a man of my word, I text back to confirm this, to which he added “Oh and plus the petrol” Jesus!!!!

So, all was on at last to get the car checked out and hopefully on my drive.

The big day came, and I waited like an expectant father to hear news of how it fared on the inspection. In short, it was not as good as I hoped. I knew it had paint damage on one wing and the driver’s door had been painted at some time, there was a curbed alloy, a missing toggle on the driver’s seat adjuster and some of the buttons were starting to go sticky. I had anticipated spending c£2k to get it to my liking plus a major service for peace of mind, this was on top of the £31k purchase price which was high for a 2010 car even with the low mileage. However, the costs to get it in tip-top shape were far more than budgeted for.

  • Correcting the far from ‘to manufacturers spec’ previous service (wrong coolant type, IVECO Oil Filter off their truck range used! brakes not drilled out, odd PIS set-up etc)
  • Under seal
  • New Air-Con Compressor – Noisy/loose bearings
  • Remove evidence of rodent infestation in engine bay and check for any further damage
  • 2 x front Alloys refinished
  • Intermittent fault with indicators
  • New rear tyres required (presently 10 years old)
  • New chassis plates
  • Coolant Tank cracked
  • PAS radiator leaking
  • Painting of front wing 8mm stone chip
  • Paint Correction as lots of swirls and scratches on the bonnet and boot
It also had a number of cosmetic bits that were not included. 1st and R going tacky, rear of arm rest chipped, scuff to door card, front grille cracked at the top, bumper scuffed on the bottom, front bumper had been painted as had the passenger door, and OS rear quarter, NSF lower mesh in bumper loose and as mentioned the NSF wing needed painting

A grand total of c£4800k inc VAT of work making this a £35.8k car unless the dealer would cover some of the above, and as we all know other things come up when your having lots of work done.

Well… come on, what do you think he said – Nope its £31k and that ‘work ‘is to make it a new car. Am I expecting too much for a car at £31,000?

So, I walked away and wondered how long it would take to get the deposit back which he did do promptly, after taking £200 for his time and £60 for petrol to drive 82 miles to the inspection and back

In summary, Caveat emptor, if anyone looks at WX10 KJV and wants to buy it, then feel free to ask me or SI for the report and estimated costs (Paint costs and Detail were via Autoshop in Stroud at c£1100); all of which are very reasonable on their own but need to be weighed against the final purchase price of the car.

I am therefore still looking for a nice GT, that’s not black or white and does not have a black or red/burgundy interior, does have low mileage and owners… So, I will leave this to the pros and wait for Richard Grace etc to find one for me and save me from the hassle and pain of dealing with all the others out there.

View attachment 115717
Sounds like a near miss, Peter. A dealer to avoid methinks. Don't give up.
 

philw696

Member
Messages
25,119
Sorry to read this Peter and for the expenses incurred but I'm sure waiting a little longer and the right car will appear for you.
I just drove over a 1,000 miles last weekend to collect a Jaguar I bought blind in Spain.
Some would say Crazy but for me it was one of the best trips in my life.
 

Andyk

Member
Messages
61,039
Hi Pete…First if all great to have you back my friend. Can’t believe they didn’t want to do deal when they could see what needed doing. I know you are looking for something a bit different colour wise rather than the blacks etc but have you seen the grey one Dicky has for 30k ?
 

DLax69

Member
Messages
4,180
Peter...welcome back!

And good luck with the continued search...surely ought to be able to turn something up...
 

hashluck

Member
Messages
1,515
Low mileage cars are fine as long as they are used just enough in the right way and still serviced and inspected and work done on a time basis. That is where it all seems to go wrong in many owners hands. I cannot believe that state some of these cars get into. Good luck finding the right car (and dealer).
 

dickygrace

www.richardgracecars.co.uk
Messages
7,309
Sorry to hear of your ordeal Peter. I’ll let you know should I find anything that’s matching your criteria.
 

SE_123

Member
Messages
415
I'm not surprised by the list of work needed, or the response from the dealer.

How many people get an inspection? 5% of buyers? They know assume an easy buyer will be along in the next week or two. They will probably use some knowledge of what needs fixing to look like a good and honest dealer to do a deal.

I think history and seller is more important than low miles, parts can be fixed, so might as well get it cheaper upfront.
 

zagatoes30

Member
Messages
20,759
Looking at the list of issues most of those are not unusual on a car of that age regardless of mileage and as you point out £1100 was correcting the paintwork. The list of issues I got on my Spyder from an Emblem inspection was much larger but I put a plan together to do them over time and by the time I sold it most of them had been done (although still don't think it had a red plastic cover on the positive terminal of the battery).

Given you criteria you might be looking for the proverbial rocking horse poo and maybe with some careful planning of doing the jobs over time you might have had the car that was as close to your need as there is currently available. Each to their own but if it ticked all the boxes the to do list really isn't that bad. Heh ho we are all different good luck with your search