Spoon stirring

[philw696]

Yes there are. I've got that mind on my Megane cup with all new suspension.

I recently went to Le Mans in a GT with good friends on here and trust me no squeaks, groans or rattles taking Newton's guts out of the equation.

 

[CatmanV2]

TBH I'd go the simple route and reject it. IANAL but if you go down this path, I suspect it's a bit of a rabbit hole. Sorry for your troubles, though

C

 

[schell70]

To put things a bit in perspective for you I paid £17,500 for my 2008 two years ago (at the time it was the cheapest in the country and I knew I was taking a risk) - I bought it from a reputable dealer who would admit he is a Salesman rather than a mechanic and generally just passes stuff through from what I could tell.

I'd already allocated £3k to deal with issues that may arise - specifically variator mod and rust

After purchase it went to SportsItalia and received the 'you've been lucky' from Matt!

Basically the front subframe was caught just in time and I had the end cap mod done due to the occasional light clatter after sitting for a week. A few other odds and sods were required including rust prevention so my warchest was justified.

I have to say that mine was in better condition to this in general (that boot trim would worry me!) - 2yrs in and it's now worth probably a bit more than my total investment but that is because they have gone up in value. It still has some niggles but thats normal!

What would scare me with this is the following:

1. Why is the boot trim the way it is?
2. What is under the wrap?
3. How bad are the front wishbone mounts?
4. MOT seems dodgy

If it was me I would reject it

Sorry.......

You can buy a cheap one that is 'ok' but they seem to be few and far between

 

[CatmanV2]

Buying online offers that extra protection that will now make it hard for me not to do the same again

Oh totally get it. I just worry that by not using the 14 day protection, you'll end up fighting every step. Since you're very unlikely to get that lot resolved in 14 days and it's not inconceivable that the dealer could use your 'doing stuff' to claim you caused issues. Or similar. $0.02 worth.

C

 

[montravia]

Recognising that your garage friend is albeit excellent there is no avoiding certain items that require specialist manufacture. I suspect strongly that as this has been subject to 'low cost maintenance ' the variators will require replacing. This requires them to be machined to match your vehicle. Dealer ..... > £4k. Sportsitalia probably less but would need confirmation.

It would be advisable to budget that otherwise if and when they go , it won't be saleable.



You need to see receipts for that work otherwise budget

 

[Vampyrebat]

That does very much look like my old lady

C

She looks in fantastic nick for a leggy old girl 'C'..........She is a credit to you!!

 

[TimR]

Oh totally get it. I just worry that by not using the 14 day protection, you'll end up fighting every step. Since you're very unlikely to get that lot resolved in 14 days and it's not inconceivable that the dealer could use your 'doing stuff' to claim you caused issues. Or similar. $0.02 worth.

C

I’m very much in this camp.....
Keep It Simple “#$0mething”

 

[Scaf]

I forget what the dealer at CC cars said when I called, but he opened up with something like the sat nav takes 10 minutes to turn on and there was some other issue.

I concur with the above comment, the car does look in fantastic condition in the photos.

The satnav will be the NIT and there is a fix for that as I understand it that is in the low hundreds

 

[Vampyrebat]

I forget what the dealer at CC cars said when I called, but he opened up with something like the sat nav takes 10 minutes to turn on and there was some other issue.

I concur with the above comment, the car does look in fantastic condition in the photos.

At the end of the day it is your decision how to resolve this, but I concur with others previously. If you can retrieve your money from Arthur Daley then do so, and maybe contact Richard Grace to see if he knows of any that may fit your choice and budget (it may cost a bit more but worth it to removethat doubt factor). If anyone has their finger on the pulse it's him!!........What ever the outcome I wish you the best of luck...

 

[Zep]

At least it seems to have brought some excitement to the newbie thread today

appreciate everyones comments and opinions.

It certainly has . I think you know what you want out of this, and how to get it. So if you keep it, good for you. And if you don’t, all you’ve lost is a few hours (on this thread and under the car!).

 

[MarkMas]

We have certainly taken an interest in your brave purchase, and what happens next. I found myself losing some sleep last night (but only about 10 minutes!!) wondering how it would pan out.

In the end, it is:
Reject what you thought would be your lovely first (bargain) Maserati, and try to get your money back (which sounds challenging but inevitable). And move on to another better first Maserati.
Or:
Accept it on the best terms you can get, and then enjoy spending an indeterminate amount of time and money putting it right, to your own satisfaction.

But I would agree with other comments that it sounds like you cannot trust the dealer's past actions or future promises. And it feels like the wrap may well be more than just cosmetic, and could be covering up something more than tired paintwork.

Good luck, however it turns out, and I hope you end up with a great car at some point.

 

[CatmanV2]

I wish you all the luck. I bought mine on emotion. In fact even Mrs C's first word was 'wow'
I really hope you get what you want: emotion is a powerful driver and can be even better when fulfilled

C

 

[PhillV8S]

I would just send it back under distance selling regs and enjoy the hunt again for a decent car. Window shopping is half the fun anyway right!
Mine has high miles but is a well known car on the forum. I buy on condition, seller impressions and service history.
To date over 3k happy hooning around without wondering if something was going to break. The first thing I ever check out when looking at a car is the MOT history. Loads of fails, advisories I move on to other options.
The GT is not a rare car so there will always be a nice pool to pick from. Take your time and pounce when the right car shows up.

 

[Tallman]

Don’t let pride or politeness get in the way of reason - think it over carefully and then get what you want, not what is offered - you are entitled to it.

My 2 cents? Return and wait for the right one, you will have had cheap school fees on this one. Too many apparent problems, red herrings and on top of that the wrap with god knows what under it..I had a couple of those situations myself and I’m glad I sat them out - patience really is a virtue when buying a Maserati - good luck with your decision though.

 

[philw696]

So they want to pick it up and repair the subframe...

No they need to replace it for starters and that will mean re bushing the front suspension too.

 

[Matt82]

Buying blind is the new way. I'm mid 30s. Lots of people I know do this and have done for a few years now. Had I have seen this car in person, I lose DSR protection and I'd have not got underneath too much. I'd go as far too say most wouldn't either.

These inspections that are mentioned, only any good if they are local to the car. Otherwise you have to buy it then go from there. If that's in person, recourse is limited.

The good news for me is the distance selling regulations are present so even if the dealer, who as I've mentioned above, seems to have a good reputation, doesn't willingly help, I can force his hand. Albeit, it can take weeks and court action.

I'm off to another friends garage now to take another look.

No one has yet answered my question though, how much better can one be bought for £20k..... Reading other threads, rust seems to be an issue.

Thanks for all the replies, I'll keep posting updates

For info, I sold my GT (Lj58afz), for £18.5k. 35k on the clock, full comprehensive service history from the same dealer (Joe Macari), no subframe rust, perfect colour combo of Grigio granito (the only non original paint was the front bumper, which I had resprayed due to stone chips) with sella leather, the only MOT advisory it had ever had was tyres

 

[CatmanV2]

No they need to replace it for starters and that will mean re bushing the front suspension too.

And they won't. Because it will take a month for them to find out it's really gonna cost £6k and then the 14 days is long gone.....

C

 

[Oneball]

Send it back, it’s going to end up with a patch on the subframe attached with some pigeon ****. Run now while you’ve got the chance, run like Mrs J W Bobbit has just got a new pair of pinking shears.

 

[Matt82]

As others have said, return it and get another one.
Even if you’re not paying much or any labour, parts still cost a fortune.
What will you be left with once you’ve done the necessary work?
It’ll still be a car with sketchy history, rough MOT history and hiding it’s paint under a wrap

 

[midlifecrisis]

I agree with the others, send it back, get money back and move on.
The quality of work that the dealer will give will be substandard if not dangerous.