Is this a poison chalice
Discussion
So here it is. I've been asked to help my father-in-law find something interesting car wise. He wants something a bit sporty and possibly a convertible. He was thinking DB9 and more recently a Bentley continental. I have chucked the Gran Tourismo in as an option. He loved the look of it. I know very little beyond driving a 3200GT and a 4200.
Questions are what are the options on the gearboxes, any model years that updates were done and anything to watch out for. What warranty is best. Best dealers to look at?
He is more towards 80 than 70 but as fit as a fiddle and is fed up of boring cars. A last blast with something fun but comfortable.
Any advice would be appreciated as I do not want to cock up with any advice.
Thanks
Questions are what are the options on the gearboxes, any model years that updates were done and anything to watch out for. What warranty is best. Best dealers to look at?
He is more towards 80 than 70 but as fit as a fiddle and is fed up of boring cars. A last blast with something fun but comfortable.
Any advice would be appreciated as I do not want to cock up with any advice.
Thanks
The default answer on here will be go sign up to the SportsMaserati forum - lots of help over there.
Engine comes in two flavours 4.2 and 4.7, the former being offered with a ZF 6 speed slush box. The latter engine had the option of the full auto or an automated manual (MC-Shift).
Make sure you read up on the variator issue.
There was a thread on here about buying an early 4.2 which will be worth a read.
Engine comes in two flavours 4.2 and 4.7, the former being offered with a ZF 6 speed slush box. The latter engine had the option of the full auto or an automated manual (MC-Shift).
Make sure you read up on the variator issue.
There was a thread on here about buying an early 4.2 which will be worth a read.
rex said:
Would be a 4.7. Do these still have the variator issue. On reading it is a 16-30 hour job to fix. What sort of cost are they to do and are there any specialists in south East that do it.
Can the MC be driven as full automatic if desired
The issue applies to engine numbers below 148697 (includes some 4.7 units). You're looking at the thick end of £3-4k to fix.Can the MC be driven as full automatic if desired
Yes, there is an auto mode for the MC-Shift.
If it's a 4.7 then there was a change for MY13 (Sept 2012 onward).
Outside the front was changed...looked more akin to the MC Stradale.
Inside the seats changed (comfier IMO).
Engine wise the 4.7 was upped in power by 20bhp or so.
The auto-gearbox received improved software as standard (I think the pre-2012 cars could be spec'd with it later on). Makes for much less of a difference between the automated manual and the auto.
Key thing will be how he wants to use the car. The auto can be used as a full auto. The automated manual cannot IMO (and also has higher run costs - clutch changes).
In terms of general choices...has he hankered after any of these? And what's his budget?
If 4 seats aren't a requirement, Astons are very nice place to be and more "gentlemanly" than the Maser. A DBS would add a lot of sporting intent. The DB9 a cruiser perhaps more becoming of the older chap? Similar money to run IMO, but the DB9 will cost more to start with like for like I think.
Outside the front was changed...looked more akin to the MC Stradale.
Inside the seats changed (comfier IMO).
Engine wise the 4.7 was upped in power by 20bhp or so.
The auto-gearbox received improved software as standard (I think the pre-2012 cars could be spec'd with it later on). Makes for much less of a difference between the automated manual and the auto.
Key thing will be how he wants to use the car. The auto can be used as a full auto. The automated manual cannot IMO (and also has higher run costs - clutch changes).
In terms of general choices...has he hankered after any of these? And what's his budget?
If 4 seats aren't a requirement, Astons are very nice place to be and more "gentlemanly" than the Maser. A DBS would add a lot of sporting intent. The DB9 a cruiser perhaps more becoming of the older chap? Similar money to run IMO, but the DB9 will cost more to start with like for like I think.
rex said:
Many thanks for the replys. How low are the seats compared to the DB9. I get the feeling that the car is a bit higher. His wife has slightly less mobility and the DB9 was a bit low.
I'd suggest he take a test drive in a Bentley Continental GT - preferably a face lift 2008 edition with all of the toys including massage seats. If a balance of comfort and performance are required it is extremely hard to beat. Being four wheel drive it is also easier to make use of the standard 550bhp or 600bhp in the Speed model.Maserati's have there place but from reading what you've said a well spec'd Bentley GT might be just what he is after
Earlier GTs are more prone to higher bills with the bulk of the niggles sorted out from 2008 on wards... and no PH, I haven't one for sale
Rex
They are great cars, I went from a 996TT to one.
An event to drive one and loved by all.
They are pretty tough from my research and the auto vs MC is more a driving style thing. I have just had a parking sensor go on mine, that's it but only owned it 6 months.
I change my cars regularly but can't think what next, may be a keeper.
I live in north London and have an MC. It's a little lumpy for about a minute when cold but after that it's fine and really brings the car to life when driven in Ernest.
If you are in town happy to take you for a spin.
P
They are great cars, I went from a 996TT to one.
An event to drive one and loved by all.
They are pretty tough from my research and the auto vs MC is more a driving style thing. I have just had a parking sensor go on mine, that's it but only owned it 6 months.
I change my cars regularly but can't think what next, may be a keeper.
I live in north London and have an MC. It's a little lumpy for about a minute when cold but after that it's fine and really brings the car to life when driven in Ernest.
If you are in town happy to take you for a spin.
P
I bought the Granturismo when it was first launched and have to say I absolutely loved it. I now have an Aston Martin DB9 and a Bentley Continental GT, so can give a pretty good summary.
The Bentley is the best car, the Aston has the top wow factor (and is always admired by everyone) and the Maserati sits somewhere in between - which is a very good place to be.
Basically, if I could only have one of the three, I would go for the Maserati. It has looks to rival the Aston Martin and an comfort to rival the Bentley. Whilst not quite as engaging to drive than the Aston it is more so than the Bentley.
Hope that helps somewhat, if I can help further just ask.
The Bentley is the best car, the Aston has the top wow factor (and is always admired by everyone) and the Maserati sits somewhere in between - which is a very good place to be.
Basically, if I could only have one of the three, I would go for the Maserati. It has looks to rival the Aston Martin and an comfort to rival the Bentley. Whilst not quite as engaging to drive than the Aston it is more so than the Bentley.
Hope that helps somewhat, if I can help further just ask.
foibles said:
Bentley? sporty? Tell him to go the Gransport Spyder (ticks all the boxes I would think - and unlike the others is appreciating in value).
Incredibly rare and not often up for sale. Something like 26 came to the UK originally, I reckon half have been exported or written off. I'd love one.
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