V8 Vantage v Maserati Gran Turismo

V8 Vantage v Maserati Gran Turismo

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Discussion

AMDBSNick

6,990 posts

161 months

Monday 27th July 2015
quotequote all
maybe someday said:
From what I've seen some of the cars for sale at the Indy's are extremely well looked after examples. McGurk's is a name that's been recommended, but never heard of Trinity yet.

Question is would you always request that any pre purchase inspection was done by a main dealer, or use an Indy?
Morning Andy,

I have had a car from McGurks (DB9V) and it has been fantastic. It has had one service from BR and had the seat recall done by Works Service. Both commented on what a brilliant example it is.

I would always use an Indy for pre purchase inspection. MD will simply do the 140 check which is not enough IMHO.

Nick

barbuckle

28 posts

236 months

Monday 27th July 2015
quotequote all
Jon39 said:
You may not have a great number of replies, because there are probably very few on here, who have owned both an Aston Martin and a Maserati.
The other point of course being, that we like our Astons, and on the Maserati forum ( if there is one), they would prefer their Maseratis.
Up until this year I ran Maserati 4200s for ten years (55K miles). Needless to say I think they are great value. You can anticipate a few maintenance items on these so warranty is worth consideration. Their replacement (GranTurismo) is a different prospect - bigger, heavier and less sporty than the 4200 GranSport - oh yes and considerably more expensive to purchase. Having tested the Granturismo sport (automatic) I felt it lacked driver feedback - more of a cruiser than a sporting tourer. (You could always look at the MC Stradale if you wanted something more "interesting".)

I always wanted to try a V12 and this year I decided the time was right. Only two cars were on the list - 599 Ferrari or Aston Vantage. (BTW I am a fan of the automated manual/F1/sequential gearboxes ... pick a name?). So I have now acquired a V12VS (did originally buy a 599 ... but that is another story).

I am delighted with the Aston - in terms of exterior design, interior finish and of course that incredible engine. The Maserati and Aston have one thing in common - lower red-line (certainly than the 599). I actually see the Maserati and Aston as being more simialr in nature than say the Maserati and Ferrari - they feel more like road cars rather than track cars. Also the reaction of people to the Maserati or Aston marques is more positive (for some reason).

Oh and regarding paint protection - I think it is a good idea if you intend "using" the vehicle. If you are near the Glasgow area I can recommend Robert at "Incredible Detail" in Hillington. He did paint correction and applied Xpel Ultimate film to my V12VS and did a great job. I did the whole front end, and sills/rear arches - the original "extended" film applied by Aston was rather meagre.






maybe someday

Original Poster:

164 posts

145 months

Monday 27th July 2015
quotequote all
V8 Vantage GT said:
Since it's an occasional car and you don't need a back seat, the choice is simple get the Aston. And invest in a good car cover. smile
Yeh I think you've pretty much stated exactly what I'm thinking smile

Car cover would be a requirement I reckon for the off season as well.

maybe someday

Original Poster:

164 posts

145 months

Monday 27th July 2015
quotequote all
barbuckle said:
Jon39 said:
You may not have a great number of replies, because there are probably very few on here, who have owned both an Aston Martin and a Maserati.
The other point of course being, that we like our Astons, and on the Maserati forum ( if there is one), they would prefer their Maseratis.
Up until this year I ran Maserati 4200s for ten years (55K miles). Needless to say I think they are great value. You can anticipate a few maintenance items on these so warranty is worth consideration. Their replacement (GranTurismo) is a different prospect - bigger, heavier and less sporty than the 4200 GranSport - oh yes and considerably more expensive to purchase. Having tested the Granturismo sport (automatic) I felt it lacked driver feedback - more of a cruiser than a sporting tourer. (You could always look at the MC Stradale if you wanted something more "interesting".)

I always wanted to try a V12 and this year I decided the time was right. Only two cars were on the list - 599 Ferrari or Aston Vantage. (BTW I am a fan of the automated manual/F1/sequential gearboxes ... pick a name?). So I have now acquired a V12VS (did originally buy a 599 ... but that is another story).

I am delighted with the Aston - in terms of exterior design, interior finish and of course that incredible engine. The Maserati and Aston have one thing in common - lower red-line (certainly than the 599). I actually see the Maserati and Aston as being more simialr in nature than say the Maserati and Ferrari - they feel more like road cars rather than track cars. Also the reaction of people to the Maserati or Aston marques is more positive (for some reason).

Oh and regarding paint protection - I think it is a good idea if you intend "using" the vehicle. If you are near the Glasgow area I can recommend Robert at "Incredible Detail" in Hillington. He did paint correction and applied Xpel Ultimate film to my V12VS and did a great job. I did the whole front end, and sills/rear arches - the original "extended" film applied by Aston was rather meagre.

Thanks for your perspective Barbuckle and strangely enough I did look at a 4200s just under a couple of years ago, but something stopped me. I ended up playing safe with a new car and have been hammered with depreciation, but that's another story frown

In time I may well go for a V12, but going to go for a V8 to start with. Totally get what you mean regarding the feel of the Aston being more of a road car than track car, although I know that they can take track use. I've driven several Ferrari's 348, 360, FF and 458 and as much as I love them, I'm not comfortable with getting one, not yet at least smile

That's brilliant to have a recommendation so close to home (I'm around 30 minutes from Hillington) for the film application and also for a detailer as well. That would almost certainly be a requirement in keeping the car for a period of time. I'm very careful in maintaining my cars, but swirl marks will always appear at times. Can I be cheeky and enquire what kind of cost roughly would be involved for a film protection and of not, no worries I'll speak to Robert and get an idea.

Looking at car cover, film application and a solar battery conditioner to start with and would be looking to have all funds in place to get set up straight away.

Thanks very much for your comments smile

maybe someday

Original Poster:

164 posts

145 months

Monday 27th July 2015
quotequote all
AMDBSNick said:
maybe someday said:
From what I've seen some of the cars for sale at the Indy's are extremely well looked after examples. McGurk's is a name that's been recommended, but never heard of Trinity yet.

Question is would you always request that any pre purchase inspection was done by a main dealer, or use an Indy?
Morning Andy,

I have had a car from McGurks (DB9V) and it has been fantastic. It has had one service from BR and had the seat recall done by Works Service. Both commented on what a brilliant example it is.

I would always use an Indy for pre purchase inspection. MD will simply do the 140 check which is not enough IMHO.

Nick
Good morning Nick,

It's great to get recommendations from guys who have used Indy's and with being north of the border, I guess that I'll need to put funds in place to have either an Indy travel to inspect a car, or source a car in close proximity to them, or one of their stock.

I'm not aware of any Indy's north of the border, but I do know someone who can source for me and they carry out very thorough checks of the history etc, but a pre purchase check would be a definite requirement in my opinion.

Thanks for your comments Nick smile

barbuckle

28 posts

236 months

Monday 27th July 2015
quotequote all
As you are probably aware the cost of paint treatment and protection will vary depending on what materials are used, how much coverage and how capable the tradesman is applies it. You really need to discuss what you want with the detailer to arrive at a price which suits you. You also have to be prepared to leave your car with them for a period if you want a decent job done.

maybe someday

Original Poster:

164 posts

145 months

Monday 27th July 2015
quotequote all
barbuckle said:
As you are probably aware the cost of paint treatment and protection will vary depending on what materials are used, how much coverage and how capable the tradesman is applies it. You really need to discuss what you want with the detailer to arrive at a price which suits you. You also have to be prepared to leave your car with them for a period if you want a decent job done.
All noted and totally with you on this. To be honest, just to know that there is a recommended film applicator and detailer in close proximity to me is a huge plus smile

More than happy to leave the car to have a great job done as well, not one for rushing people to get the car back, would far rather it was done right.

On the subject of support in the fairly local area, do you know of any Indy's that you would recommend or do you get your work done through in Edinburgh at Murray motors?

Thanks smile

V8V Pete

2,496 posts

125 months

Monday 27th July 2015
quotequote all
maybe someday said:
and a solar battery conditioner
What use is that going to be in the West of Scotland? hehe

maybe someday

Original Poster:

164 posts

145 months

Monday 27th July 2015
quotequote all
V8V Pete said:
maybe someday said:
and a solar battery conditioner
What use is that going to be in the West of Scotland? hehe
You have a point there V8V smile

I might try and invent a trickle charger that works using rainfall and wind then wink

barbuckle

28 posts

236 months

Tuesday 28th July 2015
quotequote all
maybe someday said:
On the subject of support in the fairly local area, do you know of any Indy's that you would recommend or do you get your work done through in Edinburgh at Murray motors?
Thanks smile
Well... only acquired the car recently and since it is not three years old yet I plan on trying the official dealer (for now).

maybe someday

Original Poster:

164 posts

145 months

Tuesday 28th July 2015
quotequote all
barbuckle said:
Well... only acquired the car recently and since it is not three years old yet I plan on trying the official dealer (for now).
Are you aware of any highly recommended Indy's north of the border Barbuckle?

barbuckle

28 posts

236 months

Tuesday 28th July 2015
quotequote all
maybe someday said:
Are you aware of any highly recommended Indy's north of the border Barbuckle?
I know of two with good reputations but have never actually used either:
George Morrison Motors, Rutherglen, Glasgow
PK Supercars, Elphinstone, East Lothian

Anyone have experience of these shops - or know any others?

maybe someday

Original Poster:

164 posts

145 months

Tuesday 28th July 2015
quotequote all
barbuckle said:
I know of two with good reputations but have never actually used either:
George Morrison Motors, Rutherglen, Glasgow
PK Supercars, Elphinstone, East Lothian

Anyone have experience of these shops - or know any others?
PK Supercars, that used to be MP Supercars Barbuckle?

downr

3,803 posts

127 months

Tuesday 28th July 2015
quotequote all
There's an old post on the AMOC forums where some people highly recommend Mulsanne Motors on the outskirts of Edinburgh. Looks officially like a Bentley place but they had/have an ex Murray Motors guy

maybe someday

Original Poster:

164 posts

145 months

Tuesday 28th July 2015
quotequote all
downr said:
There's an old post on the AMOC forums where some people highly recommend Mulsanne Motors on the outskirts of Edinburgh. Looks officially like a Bentley place but they had/have an ex Murray Motors guy
Thanks for that info downr smile

barbuckle

28 posts

236 months

Wednesday 29th July 2015
quotequote all
maybe someday said:
PK Supercars, that used to be MP Supercars Barbuckle?
Yes - the original partners parted company

maybe someday

Original Poster:

164 posts

145 months

Wednesday 29th July 2015
quotequote all
barbuckle said:
Yes - the original partners parted company
Thanks Barbuckle smile

maybe someday

Original Poster:

164 posts

145 months

Wednesday 29th July 2015
quotequote all
Thanks for your comments guys, looking it'll be the Aston for me when I'm ready then smile

JW82

135 posts

107 months

Thursday 30th July 2015
quotequote all
Hi there,

2 years ago I test drove a 4.7 Sportshift before eventually buying a GT-S Auto. I really wanted an Aston and drove this first for that reason. I guess I'm still after an Aston (hence why I'm loitering on this forum) but never ended up pulling the trigger.

I ended up with the Maser as I felt this suited my needs better (seats) and I didn't get on at all with the particular car 4.7 V8V Sportshift the dealer took me out in. The dealer I visited (Central London Main Dealer) had a really interesting view on pricing. In that, the price was the price and that was it. No discussion. At All. I tried asking for a few minor things to be done to car to see if this might go some way to placate both parties, but he organised for a quotation to be emailed to me instead which was circa £5k - which was essentially the callipers being repainted anything other than black and the alloy wheels being taken back to the original colour - as they were currently a gloss black. I also asked for some new mats!

I suspect I got unlucky with the particular car (Aston) as the door handle on the drivers side fell off along with the sat-nav console not being mounted properly and bouncing around the whole time we drove. The brakes felt about as confidence inspiring as a used condom but the main reason I went against it was that the transmission was just not for me and I went for the bigger car. I suspect I was really unlucky as a friend bought one just after and still has it. It is a lovely car and he has reported no problems at all. He also bought from another dealer as had a similar experience to me with the dealer I visited.

1. How would both fare being kept outdoors and not garaged?
I kept my GT-S on the street in a residents bay but did need to jump start it once after leaving it for around 2 weeks.

2. Is one more reliable than the other, in general terms?
Can only speak for the one I had but, it was pretty solid with some minor electrical issues only.

3. Would I be right and say that the Aston would benefit from a stronger residual value?
Probably yes

4. Both have a very strong 'feel good factor' although the Aston may just pip the Maserati on that front.
Both have a great exhaust note and I think, whilst different, both were fantastic. I am sure both would put a big smile on your face every time you jump in to drive off.


6. I am pretty meticulous in looking after my cars and know that full SH on both is essential as well as condition, but what one from the two generally costs more to maintain?
I know I went through tyres on my car pretty much more than any other car I had. Saying that, it was also one of the thirstiest cars also. I moved to a California and 458 Speciale after the Maserati - both of which visit the petrol station a lot less than the Maserati (which surprised me even)

Best of luck with the search. It's a nice position to be in!




maybe someday

Original Poster:

164 posts

145 months

Thursday 30th July 2015
quotequote all
JW82 said:
Hi there,

2 years ago I test drove a 4.7 Sportshift before eventually buying a GT-S Auto. I really wanted an Aston and drove this first for that reason. I guess I'm still after an Aston (hence why I'm loitering on this forum) but never ended up pulling the trigger.

I ended up with the Maser as I felt this suited my needs better (seats) and I didn't get on at all with the particular car 4.7 V8V Sportshift the dealer took me out in. The dealer I visited (Central London Main Dealer) had a really interesting view on pricing. In that, the price was the price and that was it. No discussion. At All. I tried asking for a few minor things to be done to car to see if this might go some way to placate both parties, but he organised for a quotation to be emailed to me instead which was circa £5k - which was essentially the callipers being repainted anything other than black and the alloy wheels being taken back to the original colour - as they were currently a gloss black. I also asked for some new mats!

I suspect I got unlucky with the particular car (Aston) as the door handle on the drivers side fell off along with the sat-nav console not being mounted properly and bouncing around the whole time we drove. The brakes felt about as confidence inspiring as a used condom but the main reason I went against it was that the transmission was just not for me and I went for the bigger car. I suspect I was really unlucky as a friend bought one just after and still has it. It is a lovely car and he has reported no problems at all. He also bought from another dealer as had a similar experience to me with the dealer I visited.

1. How would both fare being kept outdoors and not garaged?
I kept my GT-S on the street in a residents bay but did need to jump start it once after leaving it for around 2 weeks.

2. Is one more reliable than the other, in general terms?
Can only speak for the one I had but, it was pretty solid with some minor electrical issues only.

3. Would I be right and say that the Aston would benefit from a stronger residual value?
Probably yes

4. Both have a very strong 'feel good factor' although the Aston may just pip the Maserati on that front.
Both have a great exhaust note and I think, whilst different, both were fantastic. I am sure both would put a big smile on your face every time you jump in to drive off.


6. I am pretty meticulous in looking after my cars and know that full SH on both is essential as well as condition, but what one from the two generally costs more to maintain?
I know I went through tyres on my car pretty much more than any other car I had. Saying that, it was also one of the thirstiest cars also. I moved to a California and 458 Speciale after the Maserati - both of which visit the petrol station a lot less than the Maserati (which surprised me even)

Best of luck with the search. It's a nice position to be in!
Hi JW82,

Thanks very much indeed for your input, which has put a different slant on things so far.

I think that certain dealers are not interested in offering any deals at all, which is poor. I know of a businessman that walked into a dealership down south after having sold his business for around 30 million in jeans and a t-shirt and they wouldn't even talk to him and he wanted to pay cash for 2 DB9's! He then picked the brand new junior guy in the dealership and put the deal through him rather than the 'snobby suit' that met him at the door!

There are deals to be done on the Astons from what I gather although the margins may be smaller than on other marques.

It'll be the Aston for me when the time is right and I'll take my time and buy on condition and history, even private if needs be with a comprehensive inspection smile

Thanks very much for your comments smile