Thinking about a Maserati

[james S]

Evening Italian collective.

Following a long history of German cars with a few Brits thrown in, I think it might be time for something Italian. I originally thought of a Ghibli or Quatroporte, but GranTurismos just keep catching my eye.

I am used to having a big saloon as an everyday car but think I could probably get away with a two door for a year or so. So I popped into a dealer at the weekend, and was slightly surprised to find that whilst the service costs of the Ghibli was about £500, I was told to budget nearly £2,000 for a basic service on the GranTurismo and I am not sure of the service interval. Does this sound about right?

The 4.7 looks like its a considerable premium over the 4.2, which I guess is also age related. Is the 4.7 really that much better? I am not so worried about the purchase price, but want to avoid losing too much if I keep it a year. Is there any particular model which holds its value particularly well.

Finally anything else I need to consider - thanks all

James

[james S]

Thanks Colossus - v helpful

[james S]

Thanks all.

I will probably wait until after the worst of the winter now, but will keep an eye on cars moving through. I think if I go GT then I'll keep my A8, which is next to worthless now anyway. I'll probably get rid of my Caterham to make some room. Oddly I love driving the Caterham in winter when teh day si clear dry and free of ice

Hardly a priority, but I'd be interested to hear what the mpg you are achieving in mixed driving. Its never going to be good, but its its much less than the published number then I'm going to be filling up rather more frequently than I like

[james S]

Oddly the perceived flashiness is one of the things that's kept me away from Italian exotica. I prefer things a bit understated, but I have to admit a growing keenness for Maserati!

[james S]

All helpful stuff guys - thanks. When time allows I go and try the two gearboxes which I think is the first consideration

[james S]

Morning all

Thanks for the help thus far. I haven't managed a test drive yet as work and travel have pretty much precluded it. However I 'm aiming to spend a few hours at a Maserati dealership over the Christmas break.

I had thought I'd prefer an auto, given the character of the car, but I keep reading that the overall noise experience is better with the MC shift. Is this just a matter of blipping on change down or other wizardry, or is there some more profound difference at play here. Also it seems people with the MC sue quite a lot more fuel. Is this the box, or the temptation the MC brings?

Thanks all
James

[james S]

Thanks Dougie - I've a bit to learn yet i guess