GranTurismo Advice
Discussion
Hi all - I'm researching into buying a GranTurismo.
I've read abit about the difference between the Shift vs Auto Gearbox. For me, both seem fine and have their pros and cons so neither is a deal breaker. Any essential optional extras I should look for? Had a play with the current configurator and most items seem standard other than colours of interior and exterior. Main thing are the carbon bits as options I guess.
Unfortunately can't afford a Stradale so that isn't an option even though I have read that it is significantly superior
maybe one day eh...
Below are my following ideas/criteria...
- 4.7L engine version
- FSH (Main dealer or specialist) and ensure the major services have been carried out every 4 years
- Preferably grey in exterior colour
- Any age - are there any significant changes year on year? Appreciate the 2013 had cosmetic upgrades.
- Budget up to £45k but prefereably mid to high 30s
Why do some have a gear knob and other don't? Is that simply the difference between the Shift and Auto (with the Auto having a stick)? Also has the Shift gearbox been discontinued for the latest models? Just an FYI for me really.
Are there any software/tuning upgrades to recommend which should influence my decision? Such as the MC Stradale gearbox upgrade?
I've read abit about the difference between the Shift vs Auto Gearbox. For me, both seem fine and have their pros and cons so neither is a deal breaker. Any essential optional extras I should look for? Had a play with the current configurator and most items seem standard other than colours of interior and exterior. Main thing are the carbon bits as options I guess.
Unfortunately can't afford a Stradale so that isn't an option even though I have read that it is significantly superior
maybe one day eh...Below are my following ideas/criteria...
- 4.7L engine version
- FSH (Main dealer or specialist) and ensure the major services have been carried out every 4 years
- Preferably grey in exterior colour
- Any age - are there any significant changes year on year? Appreciate the 2013 had cosmetic upgrades.
- Budget up to £45k but prefereably mid to high 30s
Why do some have a gear knob and other don't? Is that simply the difference between the Shift and Auto (with the Auto having a stick)? Also has the Shift gearbox been discontinued for the latest models? Just an FYI for me really.
Are there any software/tuning upgrades to recommend which should influence my decision? Such as the MC Stradale gearbox upgrade?
Hi V12
I went through this process a few years back, what struck me was the massive variability on specification... and dare I say 'taste' of the previous owners.. and does that match your taste?
I searched on ebay and bought brochures corresponding to the approxmate age I had budgeted for... and got a feel for the options, looks etc.. GT's can be classy and gentrified..... and also outrageous... Try also to find an enthusiast seller....
Of all my cars I think the GT has been the least hassle.. very reliable. .. Don't discount the 4.2... Its plenty fast enough and great fun to drive..
I went through this process a few years back, what struck me was the massive variability on specification... and dare I say 'taste' of the previous owners.. and does that match your taste?
I searched on ebay and bought brochures corresponding to the approxmate age I had budgeted for... and got a feel for the options, looks etc.. GT's can be classy and gentrified..... and also outrageous... Try also to find an enthusiast seller....
Of all my cars I think the GT has been the least hassle.. very reliable. .. Don't discount the 4.2... Its plenty fast enough and great fun to drive..
Edited by AndrewCrown on Wednesday 14th February 02:02
Thanks for your response Andrew. Are you talking about the colours which were chosen? I see that as well. I will try and buy from a specialist trader/main dealer or enthusiast.
I am coming from a Nissan R35 GTR and C63 W204. Looking forward to a slightly better build interior (albeit a bit dated now) and something which is slightly understated compared to the GTR but with a fantastic noise.
I am coming from a Nissan R35 GTR and C63 W204. Looking forward to a slightly better build interior (albeit a bit dated now) and something which is slightly understated compared to the GTR but with a fantastic noise.
I have owned a couple of GTS and the very best you can get for budget is a 4.7 MC shift GranTurismo Sport. Budget 60+ for a strad.
The MC shift is the model with no gearknob as this is an automated manual with paddle shift, although does have an automatic function. The MC shift is a function that in basic terms speeds up the shifts when the car is accelerated at a high speed and revs.
The 4.2 is plenty quick but a bit lethargic as its a very big car, the 4.7 is a world of difference, it sounds epic, by far the best sounding car i have ever owned.
Always make sure you buy from an enthusiast and get the best car you can. If you want advice from owners go to sportsmaserati.com and ask anything. There are also cars for sale that have been known to the forum and this will give you peace of mind as you can ask how they have been driven and know what to look for. There is black 4.7MCshift i know of up for 32K with very low miles and in fantastic condition also a grey in the same spec and again in great condition for 35K on that site. Go on and ask they have always been helpful for me.
I have a 4200 spyder and Stradale now.
The MC shift is the model with no gearknob as this is an automated manual with paddle shift, although does have an automatic function. The MC shift is a function that in basic terms speeds up the shifts when the car is accelerated at a high speed and revs.
The 4.2 is plenty quick but a bit lethargic as its a very big car, the 4.7 is a world of difference, it sounds epic, by far the best sounding car i have ever owned.
Always make sure you buy from an enthusiast and get the best car you can. If you want advice from owners go to sportsmaserati.com and ask anything. There are also cars for sale that have been known to the forum and this will give you peace of mind as you can ask how they have been driven and know what to look for. There is black 4.7MCshift i know of up for 32K with very low miles and in fantastic condition also a grey in the same spec and again in great condition for 35K on that site. Go on and ask they have always been helpful for me.
I have a 4200 spyder and Stradale now.
V12Hunter said:
Thanks for your response Andrew. Are you talking about the colours which were chosen? I see that as well. I will try and buy from a specialist trader/main dealer or enthusiast.
I am coming from a Nissan R35 GTR and C63 W204. Looking forward to a slightly better build interior (albeit a bit dated now) and something which is slightly understated compared to the GTR but with a fantastic noise.
Yes colours... headliner, leather, leather stitching, trim inserts, carpets, wheels, wheel colours, brake calipers... endless variety and there are some quite awful combinations out there... I think I read somewhere the bright red interior is hard to live with and move on... Build quality isn't nearly as good as high Spec Mercedes... still nice enough though... I am coming from a Nissan R35 GTR and C63 W204. Looking forward to a slightly better build interior (albeit a bit dated now) and something which is slightly understated compared to the GTR but with a fantastic noise.
On engines and gear boxes.. many debates on many forums... best to go and try a few and get what suits you... whatever you go for, it will put a smile on your face... and they all sound fantastic...
My colour combination... surprisingly hard to find
For that price point you will be looking pre the autumn 2012 facelift as you suspect. MC shift came out 2008, auto a year later. Gearstick as you say and yes MC Shift is now discontinued.
Only extras worth having as far I was concerned were metallic, tyre pressure monitoring, heated memory seats and front parking sensors albeit some like bose and varying degrees of carbon. Auto comes with skyhook suspension (adaptive dampers) and full leather seats. MC shift comes without skyhook (2 fixed rate damping options) and leather/alacantara as standard. Lots of MC shifts have skyhook fitted but you cannot tell sitting in it- needs a drive.
I have the auto. Test both and choose. They are both very reliable, much more than the 4200 and 3200 that pre-dated them (have owned them all).
Only extras worth having as far I was concerned were metallic, tyre pressure monitoring, heated memory seats and front parking sensors albeit some like bose and varying degrees of carbon. Auto comes with skyhook suspension (adaptive dampers) and full leather seats. MC shift comes without skyhook (2 fixed rate damping options) and leather/alacantara as standard. Lots of MC shifts have skyhook fitted but you cannot tell sitting in it- needs a drive.
I have the auto. Test both and choose. They are both very reliable, much more than the 4200 and 3200 that pre-dated them (have owned them all).
Have you looked at finance on a MC Stradale? Why go for a lesser model if the Stradale is in reach on finance.
(Yes I know you shouldn’t finance a depreciating asset)
Im only asking as I’ve just bought a grey MC Stradale on finance and it wasn’t too crazy on numbers / residuals. The noise is immense and I honestly cannot imagine another car coming along in the next five to fifty years that sounds anything like one of these ....
(Yes I know you shouldn’t finance a depreciating asset)
Im only asking as I’ve just bought a grey MC Stradale on finance and it wasn’t too crazy on numbers / residuals. The noise is immense and I honestly cannot imagine another car coming along in the next five to fifty years that sounds anything like one of these ....
Edited by seastorm on Wednesday 14th February 19:16
Agree with the above that you're looking pre-Sport. I would therefore look for an MC Shift car but, then you have the clutch to think about in terms of running costs. But on that version of the GT the MC Shift is much better than the auto.
Comments on spec are spot on. Massive variability between cars. Interiors can go from looking a bit...cheap looking to very classy. But for the latter you'll need a very optioned up car.
On noise and road presence these cars cannot be beaten if you need 4 seats and your budget is where yours is (only competitors at any price point are the FF/Lusso or maybe a Rapide).
Grigio Alfieri is what you're probably looking for. Or Nuvolari. The others are a bit dark.
You definitely want a 4.7. And IMO, look for the carbon kits to sharpen up the look (outside and in).
Stradale, for me, is a bit of a curious thing. These are very big and heavy cars. The Stradale barely helps the latter. It's not a car to be chucked about really - can be pedalled very quickly, but it is very aptly named (GT).
Richard Grace and Nareman (Nuvola) are the places to look IMO.
http://www.nuvolalondon.com/cars-for-sale/maserati...
http://www.nuvolalondon.com/cars-for-sale/maserati...
(Mine's up for sale with RG but over your budget https://www.richardgracecars.co.uk/stocklist/ . IMO the Sport is worth a premium - better seats, more modern looks, more power and the auto is pretty much as good as the MC Shift version).
Comments on spec are spot on. Massive variability between cars. Interiors can go from looking a bit...cheap looking to very classy. But for the latter you'll need a very optioned up car.
On noise and road presence these cars cannot be beaten if you need 4 seats and your budget is where yours is (only competitors at any price point are the FF/Lusso or maybe a Rapide).
Grigio Alfieri is what you're probably looking for. Or Nuvolari. The others are a bit dark.
You definitely want a 4.7. And IMO, look for the carbon kits to sharpen up the look (outside and in).
Stradale, for me, is a bit of a curious thing. These are very big and heavy cars. The Stradale barely helps the latter. It's not a car to be chucked about really - can be pedalled very quickly, but it is very aptly named (GT).
Richard Grace and Nareman (Nuvola) are the places to look IMO.
http://www.nuvolalondon.com/cars-for-sale/maserati...
http://www.nuvolalondon.com/cars-for-sale/maserati...
(Mine's up for sale with RG but over your budget https://www.richardgracecars.co.uk/stocklist/ . IMO the Sport is worth a premium - better seats, more modern looks, more power and the auto is pretty much as good as the MC Shift version).
AndrewCrown said:
Yes colours... headliner, leather, leather stitching, trim inserts, carpets, wheels, wheel colours, brake calipers... endless variety and there are some quite awful combinations out there... I think I read somewhere the bright red interior is hard to live with and move on... Build quality isn't nearly as good as high Spec Mercedes... still nice enough though...
On engines and gear boxes.. many debates on many forums... best to go and try a few and get what suits you... whatever you go for, it will put a smile on your face... and they all sound fantastic...
My colour combination... surprisingly hard to find
Beautiful colour combo Andrew On engines and gear boxes.. many debates on many forums... best to go and try a few and get what suits you... whatever you go for, it will put a smile on your face... and they all sound fantastic...
My colour combination... surprisingly hard to find
Do you mind posting links to those cars on sportsmaserati.com? I couldn't find them that easily.
I think I will settle for pre-facelift MC Shift but will definitely try to test drive both!
I would love a Stradale as it is updated with the latest tech, interior and love the exhaust exits and sound! but i wanted to move away from finance as my last couple of cars have been on them and fed up of paying monthly for them! I was actually looking at a W204 C63 coupe but then these cars cropped up at not too far away from the price that they're commanding hence the decision to get this. I commute to work on the train so this is an occassional use car anyway.
What are the thoughts on the Skyhook suspension? It's a non essential for me as the reviews i've read/watched is that it is not good. Is it okay to get one with it? Or is it a definite no?
BTW, Thanks for all the polite and very helpful responses makes a nice change from some of the threads on other makes forums!!
I think I will settle for pre-facelift MC Shift but will definitely try to test drive both!
I would love a Stradale as it is updated with the latest tech, interior and love the exhaust exits and sound! but i wanted to move away from finance as my last couple of cars have been on them and fed up of paying monthly for them! I was actually looking at a W204 C63 coupe but then these cars cropped up at not too far away from the price that they're commanding hence the decision to get this. I commute to work on the train so this is an occassional use car anyway.
What are the thoughts on the Skyhook suspension? It's a non essential for me as the reviews i've read/watched is that it is not good. Is it okay to get one with it? Or is it a definite no?
BTW, Thanks for all the polite and very helpful responses
makes a nice change from some of the threads on other makes forums!!Don't agree with the comments that the MC shift is better than the auto on the GTS. I also like skyhook - nice ride in normal and firmer in sport once the roads open up. Thing is you should only take what road tests and we say as background information. Go and test both gearbox/suspension options and take a view on what is best for you.
Edited by EC2 on Friday 16th February 10:26
Pop down to Meridien Modena and buy this
http://www.meridien.co.uk/maserati/preowned/828336...
Am massively tempted myself... Especially if a nice extended warranty can be negotiated. It's rare for Meridien to retail cars of that vintage so it must be a really really sharp example... And not much more than buying through an indy.
http://www.meridien.co.uk/maserati/preowned/828336...
Am massively tempted myself... Especially if a nice extended warranty can be negotiated. It's rare for Meridien to retail cars of that vintage so it must be a really really sharp example... And not much more than buying through an indy.
V12Hunter said:
Do you mind posting links to those cars on sportsmaserati.com? I couldn't find them that easily.
...
I would love a Stradale as it is updated with the latest tech, interior and love the exhaust exits and sound! but i wanted to move away from finance as my last couple of cars have been on them and fed up of paying monthly for them! I was actually looking at a W204 C63 coupe but then these cars cropped up at not too far away from the price that they're commanding hence the decision to get this. I commute to work on the train so this is an occassional use car anyway.
What are the thoughts on the Skyhook suspension? It's a non essential for me as the reviews i've read/watched is that it is not good. Is it okay to get one with it? Or is it a definite no?
...
Cars advertised on Sportsmaserati:...
I would love a Stradale as it is updated with the latest tech, interior and love the exhaust exits and sound! but i wanted to move away from finance as my last couple of cars have been on them and fed up of paying monthly for them! I was actually looking at a W204 C63 coupe but then these cars cropped up at not too far away from the price that they're commanding hence the decision to get this. I commute to work on the train so this is an occassional use car anyway.
What are the thoughts on the Skyhook suspension? It's a non essential for me as the reviews i've read/watched is that it is not good. Is it okay to get one with it? Or is it a definite no?
...
http://www.sportsmaserati.com/classifieds.php?mode...
I posted the Nuvola and RG links above. Both have examples of the earlier and later models so you could check both in one go.
On the Stradale:
- the tech is no different to the Sport model. Engine's the same, interior is the same (on the 4-seat one. The 2-seater is a little different but frankly a 2-seat GT makes absolutely no sense whatsoever). More Stradales have more alcantara and carbon inside, though that is also possible to get on the std car (;)) and makes a truly massive difference to the interior ambience. Equally there are Stradales with normal leather interiors. Check specs carefully.
- the std GT sounds awesome as it is. I'm not convinced the Stradale gives a step change in this respect. You will not be disappointed by the sound of a 4.7, especially in sport mode.
- the Stradale does have different exterior panels. And the suspension is quite different. It's also MC Shift only, but as noted the difference between MC Shift and Auto on the Sport version is much less marked to the point that the advantages of the Auto make it hard to ignore.
- "Skyhook"...depends on what you're using it for. You can tell the difference between settings. Whether you prefer either of them over a standard single rate set up is going to come down to where you're using the car and personal preferences. It worked well for me and having the option to soften it off is handy.
Well worth taking some time and getting a go in the different models. You may find it worth stretching your budget (I did when I was looking).
Have a 2013 4.7 GT Sport facelift. Stunning car and easy to live with. The sport button works wonders between being a civilised GT and a screaming machine complete with pops and bangs. Back seats are practical and boot is decent enough. I went for a MC shift because I'm a fan of that era of F1 gearbox.
If you go for a 4.2 try to get a 4.7 exhaust fitted.
If you go for a 4.2 try to get a 4.7 exhaust fitted.
Murph7355 said:
Cars advertised on Sportsmaserati:
http://www.sportsmaserati.com/classifieds.php?mode...
I posted the Nuvola and RG links above. Both have examples of the earlier and later models so you could check both in one go.
On the Stradale:
- the tech is no different to the Sport model. Engine's the same, interior is the same (on the 4-seat one. The 2-seater is a little different but frankly a 2-seat GT makes absolutely no sense whatsoever). More Stradales have more alcantara and carbon inside, though that is also possible to get on the std car (;)) and makes a truly massive difference to the interior ambience. Equally there are Stradales with normal leather interiors. Check specs carefully.
- the std GT sounds awesome as it is. I'm not convinced the Stradale gives a step change in this respect. You will not be disappointed by the sound of a 4.7, especially in sport mode.
- the Stradale does have different exterior panels. And the suspension is quite different. It's also MC Shift only, but as noted the difference between MC Shift and Auto on the Sport version is much less marked to the point that the advantages of the Auto make it hard to ignore.
- "Skyhook"...depends on what you're using it for. You can tell the difference between settings. Whether you prefer either of them over a standard single rate set up is going to come down to where you're using the car and personal preferences. It worked well for me and having the option to soften it off is handy.
Well worth taking some time and getting a go in the different models. You may find it worth stretching your budget (I did when I was looking).
Thanks for all of the responses guys! Maseratifun mentioned there was a low miler for £32k but i couldn't see that one on the forum.http://www.sportsmaserati.com/classifieds.php?mode...
I posted the Nuvola and RG links above. Both have examples of the earlier and later models so you could check both in one go.
On the Stradale:
- the tech is no different to the Sport model. Engine's the same, interior is the same (on the 4-seat one. The 2-seater is a little different but frankly a 2-seat GT makes absolutely no sense whatsoever). More Stradales have more alcantara and carbon inside, though that is also possible to get on the std car (;)) and makes a truly massive difference to the interior ambience. Equally there are Stradales with normal leather interiors. Check specs carefully.
- the std GT sounds awesome as it is. I'm not convinced the Stradale gives a step change in this respect. You will not be disappointed by the sound of a 4.7, especially in sport mode.
- the Stradale does have different exterior panels. And the suspension is quite different. It's also MC Shift only, but as noted the difference between MC Shift and Auto on the Sport version is much less marked to the point that the advantages of the Auto make it hard to ignore.
- "Skyhook"...depends on what you're using it for. You can tell the difference between settings. Whether you prefer either of them over a standard single rate set up is going to come down to where you're using the car and personal preferences. It worked well for me and having the option to soften it off is handy.
Well worth taking some time and getting a go in the different models. You may find it worth stretching your budget (I did when I was looking).
I think I will look for a low miles 4.7L MC Shift as it will be occassional spirited drives. Although I will try to test drive both when I get time!
V12Hunter said:
Thanks for all of the responses guys! Maseratifun mentioned there was a low miler for £32k but i couldn't see that one on the forum.
I think I will look for a low miles 4.7L MC Shift as it will be occassional spirited drives. Although I will try to test drive both when I get time!
Do you really need 4 seats for your occasional spirited fun?I think I will look for a low miles 4.7L MC Shift as it will be occassional spirited drives. Although I will try to test drive both when I get time!
If not, get a V8 Vantage instead
Clutches are expensive in the MC Shift. Bear it in mind.
Murph7355 said:
Do you really need 4 seats for your occasional spirited fun?
If not, get a V8 Vantage instead
Clutches are expensive in the MC Shift. Bear it in mind.
I was looking at the V12 Vantage, hence the name but good ones with a stick a hard to find. The V8 looks a bit understated to me. Thought this is a great alternative and saves me a lot compared to the V12. If not, get a V8 Vantage instead
Clutches are expensive in the MC Shift. Bear it in mind.
Also when did the Auto Shift become standard? i.e. similar to the MC Shift in quality? 2013? Is it the models which are "MC Auto"?
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