Leaving a Maserati Granturismo S - what next?
Discussion
Hello all,
Long time lurker, first time poster! I am here to call on the collective wisdom of the forum before making a purchase - a friend of mine did so and bought a car he wasn't even considering before numerous kind folks made the suggestion (McLaren 12c as it happens).
My current situation is as follows:
I have a Maserati GranTurismo S, and am looking to upgrade it. The GTS is a fantastic car, great looking, amazing noise (mine is an MC Shift) and turns heads everywhere it goes.
On the downside, it is my second one and like an ex girlfriend I probably shouldn't have gone back - it just isn't quite as good as first time round. I think second time I can see the flaws that people see in this car that I was blind to before - the gearbox isnt great, it isn't a blisteringly quick car, it could do with a few more horse power, it feels a little dated perhaps (I am in a 2009 plate) etc. Again this isn't to take anything away from a great vehicle, especially at the prices they can be attained for which make them hugely accesible, but half a year into my second one it is time for a change.
Now here is the dilemma - budget isn't particularly an issue, however I live in a house with no garage that is on a road just off a main road. Whilst the GTS doesn't look out of place here at all (it is in a reasonable area etc), a Ferrari would! If I had a garage I would no doubt get a 458 at this point in time but it isn't sensible all things considered.
So I am looking for a supercar (or close to a supercar) which isn't going to look ridiculously out of place, and as such I have ruled out the Bentley Continental, any form of Lambo, any form of Ferrari.
I seem to have whittled down my choices to 2 fairly different cars, a Vanquish (on a 13/14 plate) or a 911 (991) Turbo (brand new) or Turbo S (12-18 months old).
Does anyone have any other suggestions on anything I could be considering as a "below the radar" option? I would also be keen to hear from anyone who may have made the transition from Maserati to Porsche - I am aware I will be sacrificing "exotic" but hoping "practical" along with a big upgrade in terms of modern tech will make up for it......
Would welcome any thoughts, thanks in advance!
Long time lurker, first time poster! I am here to call on the collective wisdom of the forum before making a purchase - a friend of mine did so and bought a car he wasn't even considering before numerous kind folks made the suggestion (McLaren 12c as it happens).
My current situation is as follows:
I have a Maserati GranTurismo S, and am looking to upgrade it. The GTS is a fantastic car, great looking, amazing noise (mine is an MC Shift) and turns heads everywhere it goes.
On the downside, it is my second one and like an ex girlfriend I probably shouldn't have gone back - it just isn't quite as good as first time round. I think second time I can see the flaws that people see in this car that I was blind to before - the gearbox isnt great, it isn't a blisteringly quick car, it could do with a few more horse power, it feels a little dated perhaps (I am in a 2009 plate) etc. Again this isn't to take anything away from a great vehicle, especially at the prices they can be attained for which make them hugely accesible, but half a year into my second one it is time for a change.
Now here is the dilemma - budget isn't particularly an issue, however I live in a house with no garage that is on a road just off a main road. Whilst the GTS doesn't look out of place here at all (it is in a reasonable area etc), a Ferrari would! If I had a garage I would no doubt get a 458 at this point in time but it isn't sensible all things considered.
So I am looking for a supercar (or close to a supercar) which isn't going to look ridiculously out of place, and as such I have ruled out the Bentley Continental, any form of Lambo, any form of Ferrari.
I seem to have whittled down my choices to 2 fairly different cars, a Vanquish (on a 13/14 plate) or a 911 (991) Turbo (brand new) or Turbo S (12-18 months old).
Does anyone have any other suggestions on anything I could be considering as a "below the radar" option? I would also be keen to hear from anyone who may have made the transition from Maserati to Porsche - I am aware I will be sacrificing "exotic" but hoping "practical" along with a big upgrade in terms of modern tech will make up for it......
Would welcome any thoughts, thanks in advance!
So you want a supercar that doesn't look like a supercar? A bit difficult to judge what you're looking for. If its performance only then there is a lot of choice out there. Quite a few AMG mercs come to mind. Maybe even the new GT if you don't want to go the Porsche route. I personally think the 991 turbo would be a great choice. As a very left field alternative why not think about the mercedes G wagen(obviously the G63). It stands out but doesn't shout 'knob' and should be quite practical too. If you do think about that, it's probably worth asking if they will be coming out with the limited edition 4x4 squared which uses the same suspension gubbins as the 6x6
Hello chaps,
Sorry for the delay replying to the helpful comments thus far, was actually down at Porsche followed by Aston Martin this AM which was a helpful experience.
Apologies for any lack of clarity, the best way to describe it is as someone has helpfully put, I want a supercar or close to a supercar that isnt going to make people think "knob" haha. Not of course that a Lambo or Ferrari makes someone a knob, but you know what people are like.....I dont want any "unwanted" attention that a Ferrari, Lambo or Bentley could bring.
The Maserati has been fine, no unwanted attention at all. I think they are a bit below the radar, they are "cool" in a way some others aren't perceived as. The Stradale did cross my mind, the extra few bhp would make a huge difference to this car, but thinking it might be too close to what I am leaving!
I have had M3's, 335's, 640's in the past and of course the 2 x Granturismos - I am kind of thinking I don't want to go back to a Merc or BMW (particularly given something like a Ferrari 458 is in fact affordable, it is just a choice that I don't feel now is the time to buy one, so I think an M4/M6/C63 etc wouldn't keep me interested for too long), and I don't think that would feel a step up from a Maserati. Good shout on the G Wagon though, thought did cross my mind! Also briefly considered an SLS, as again the Merc badge helps it go a little under the radar, but I don't particularly want a 2010 plate without main dealer warranty, which is where the budget would take me. I also think the cabin would feel a bit dated despite the car being an outrageous vehicle......
2 seats or 4 doesn't really matter, with the only caveats being I am 29 and I am 6 foot 4 - referenced solely so as to avoid anything that could be deemed "old man" or anything too small that would look strange clambering in and out of.
Appreciate the brief is a little challenging here! There is a bit of me that thinks by process of elimination I have the 911 Turbo, any of the Astons and the R8 as pretty much the only choices??
I saw the 911 and a Vanquish this morning, both feasible financially. I have to say the Vanquish left me underwhelmed. I think it was the spec I saw it in, it was a convertible without the more aggressive wheels and just looked a bit meh. In the spec it was in it looked a bit old man, didnt excite me overly and it felt as if it would just be a better/newer version of what I have already got but with the ability to hit 60 in about a second quicker. I am sure someone will come along and tell me I am massively underestimating it, and I am in fact hoping to drive it during the week to see if it stirs any emotion.
The 911 Turbo - wow. I have never been overly into Porsches until this gen 911 came out and the turbo I saw this morning was the first one I have seen in the flesh. White with the black sunroof, the Turbo S alloys etc. It is beautiful and looked a huge huge step up from the Granturismo. It looks like it is from a different era altogether, uber modern both outside and in the cabin. It is also massive compared to pictures and my previous perception of the size. Furthermore it takes me from the world of grand tourers into the world of sports cars, but without being insanely impractical (service intervals, service costs, everyday usability etc).
Not saying game over quite yet but struggling to see what is going to come up and blow the 911 out unless someone is going to pull something out the bag :-D
Sorry for the delay replying to the helpful comments thus far, was actually down at Porsche followed by Aston Martin this AM which was a helpful experience.
Apologies for any lack of clarity, the best way to describe it is as someone has helpfully put, I want a supercar or close to a supercar that isnt going to make people think "knob" haha. Not of course that a Lambo or Ferrari makes someone a knob, but you know what people are like.....I dont want any "unwanted" attention that a Ferrari, Lambo or Bentley could bring.
The Maserati has been fine, no unwanted attention at all. I think they are a bit below the radar, they are "cool" in a way some others aren't perceived as. The Stradale did cross my mind, the extra few bhp would make a huge difference to this car, but thinking it might be too close to what I am leaving!
I have had M3's, 335's, 640's in the past and of course the 2 x Granturismos - I am kind of thinking I don't want to go back to a Merc or BMW (particularly given something like a Ferrari 458 is in fact affordable, it is just a choice that I don't feel now is the time to buy one, so I think an M4/M6/C63 etc wouldn't keep me interested for too long), and I don't think that would feel a step up from a Maserati. Good shout on the G Wagon though, thought did cross my mind! Also briefly considered an SLS, as again the Merc badge helps it go a little under the radar, but I don't particularly want a 2010 plate without main dealer warranty, which is where the budget would take me. I also think the cabin would feel a bit dated despite the car being an outrageous vehicle......
2 seats or 4 doesn't really matter, with the only caveats being I am 29 and I am 6 foot 4 - referenced solely so as to avoid anything that could be deemed "old man" or anything too small that would look strange clambering in and out of.
Appreciate the brief is a little challenging here! There is a bit of me that thinks by process of elimination I have the 911 Turbo, any of the Astons and the R8 as pretty much the only choices??
I saw the 911 and a Vanquish this morning, both feasible financially. I have to say the Vanquish left me underwhelmed. I think it was the spec I saw it in, it was a convertible without the more aggressive wheels and just looked a bit meh. In the spec it was in it looked a bit old man, didnt excite me overly and it felt as if it would just be a better/newer version of what I have already got but with the ability to hit 60 in about a second quicker. I am sure someone will come along and tell me I am massively underestimating it, and I am in fact hoping to drive it during the week to see if it stirs any emotion.
The 911 Turbo - wow. I have never been overly into Porsches until this gen 911 came out and the turbo I saw this morning was the first one I have seen in the flesh. White with the black sunroof, the Turbo S alloys etc. It is beautiful and looked a huge huge step up from the Granturismo. It looks like it is from a different era altogether, uber modern both outside and in the cabin. It is also massive compared to pictures and my previous perception of the size. Furthermore it takes me from the world of grand tourers into the world of sports cars, but without being insanely impractical (service intervals, service costs, everyday usability etc).
Not saying game over quite yet but struggling to see what is going to come up and blow the 911 out unless someone is going to pull something out the bag :-D
Did exactly the same trade and after a Maserati QPS and 2 GTS I moved to Ferrari FF and I can report I get more What the Eff than what a knob!
It's glorious and as I have kids I ruled out the Porsche And Vanquish but of the two I preferred the Porsche which was a genuine surprise!
Devonboy
It's glorious and as I have kids I ruled out the Porsche And Vanquish but of the two I preferred the Porsche which was a genuine surprise!
Devonboy
I'm moving from 996 Turbo to Gran Turismo. Despite knowing the Porsche is faster and most likely less trouble to own. But I just love the shape and noise of the Maser so have to scratch it. I too want to use my cars and be able to park just about anywhere without too much worry or leave them out overnight if I have too and both these will do that better than a Horse or Bull and I wanted to carry more than 2 occasionally. I think under your circumstances you know the answer; enjoy the Porsche!
Devonboy - thanks for the comment, I imagine the FF must feel like a huge step up from the Maserati? The pace of that thing is incredible. I must say having not been a "Porsche Man" before I would have thought I would prefer the Vanquish but I felt they were incomparable, in favour of the 911! An upgrade from the FF is a tough task, dont envy you when the time comes to consider such a thing!
rog - the Maser is easy to fit a couple of normal sized humans in the back, it will definitely tick that box. And I don't worry about leaving it anywhere, I just don't think they are viewed with any form of disdain whatsoever. It gets compliments wherever it goes, people taking pictures, recording videos on their phones etc etc. Haven't heard a bad word said about it, and it is an absolute beauty. I am sure you will enjoy it! If you are interested in white, mine is on autotrader and in my opinion very competitively priced at mid 40's. Let me know if you haven't got one lined up :-)
rog - the Maser is easy to fit a couple of normal sized humans in the back, it will definitely tick that box. And I don't worry about leaving it anywhere, I just don't think they are viewed with any form of disdain whatsoever. It gets compliments wherever it goes, people taking pictures, recording videos on their phones etc etc. Haven't heard a bad word said about it, and it is an absolute beauty. I am sure you will enjoy it! If you are interested in white, mine is on autotrader and in my opinion very competitively priced at mid 40's. Let me know if you haven't got one lined up :-)
I have just chopped my MC Shift S in for a Cayman GTS and I am so happy. The only thing it doesn't do better is carry 4 people.
It fits in parking spaces and I don't have to worry to much about leaving it. (my Maser got hit 4 times while parked all together £12000 worth)
Cheaper to tax and run, Faster, better feel, just as big a sound track I could go on and on….. OK it's a Porsche and not so exotic but it still turns heads.
It got to a point where I could not enjoy driving the Maser because I'd worry and stress over leaving it parked.
It fits in parking spaces and I don't have to worry to much about leaving it. (my Maser got hit 4 times while parked all together £12000 worth)
Cheaper to tax and run, Faster, better feel, just as big a sound track I could go on and on….. OK it's a Porsche and not so exotic but it still turns heads.
It got to a point where I could not enjoy driving the Maser because I'd worry and stress over leaving it parked.
simong800 said:
rog - the Maser is easy to fit a couple of normal sized humans in the back, it will definitely tick that box. And I don't worry about leaving it anywhere, I just don't think they are viewed with any form of disdain whatsoever. It gets compliments wherever it goes, people taking pictures, recording videos on their phones etc etc. Haven't heard a bad word said about it, and it is an absolute beauty. I am sure you will enjoy it! If you are interested in white, mine is on autotrader and in my opinion very competitively priced at mid 40's. Let me know if you haven't got one lined up :-)
Lovely car but white just isn't doing it for me, sorry. And that's from someone who currently owns a white and had a previous white too! I think the Maser looks best in black from my perspective. Good luck with the sale.
kryten22uk said:
BMW i8
I was going to suggest this as well. Drove one the other day and the reaction was nothing but positive so I would be surprised if it attracted ne'er-do-wells. Performance may suffer by comparison against a 911 turbo though.Alternatively maybe a California but in a subdued colour or the Mercedes AMG-GT.
Audi R8? It would be under the radar so as not to attract unwanted attention and by all accounts the V10 is seriously quick. If it were me, I would be looking to drive the MC Stradale, they are quite different from the regular GTS and everyone who has driven one has nothing but good things to say. that said, if you fancy a change I would look at the Audi over the Porsche, if only because you see a 911 of one form or another several times a day in London. I think you would miss the feel good factor you get with owning a Maserati, not sure it would be the same in a 911 Turbo, regardless of how good the car actually was to drive.
Good luck, nice problem to have.
Good luck, nice problem to have.
Thanks for the suggestions chaps, R8 and i8 were definitely 2 cars I really strongly considered as close rivals to the 911. Having driven the 911 turbo today, I was blown away! The performance was just something I haven't experienced before, definitely the fastest thing I have been in! The R8 is the closest rival in terms of performance, ticking the box of not being too ostentatious etc etc out of the other suggestions, but the 911 did it for me and I pick it up on Friday. Counting down the days now, the 991 is a truly outstanding bit of kit. I probably had made my mind up before the thread in hindsight haha, but was keen to see if my mind could be changed! The fact it couldn't suggests to me I have made the right choice. Thanks to everyone for the help and suggestions, some compelling rivals and as someone rightly said a good problem to have. Cheers!
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