Thinking of a Maserati Gran Turismo.....
Discussion
First off, excuse my forum name, been on here a loooong time....
So I currently have an Aston Martin Vantage, had it just over 18 months and I love it to pieces. It's only a weekend car as both the wife and i have company cars and have done 2 European Road trips in it and it is just faultless. I am a bit of a mileage snob however and it will be on 55k by the time I get back from Germany in September so wanting to change.
I have been test driving certain cars so far this summer, both more spacious and accommodating as the plan is hopefully to pop out a sprog at some point in the next 12 months (but can live without 4 doors). Drove a C63 507 edition which I did like alot, but was much quieter than I thought it would be (from the inside at least), also tried an RS4 Avant and RS5, less said about those the better, other than they're quite quick. M3/4/5 no doubt will be very fast but won't sound so good and be a bit dull too, plus most of the above are pretty common sites on the road these days.
So I keep looking at the Maser's because I really can't think of anything else that will come close to the drama, noise, rarity and road presence of my Vantage. Think a 4.7S with Skyhook is top of my wish list. Anybody here tell me if i'm looking at the wrong car?
Thanks in advance
So I currently have an Aston Martin Vantage, had it just over 18 months and I love it to pieces. It's only a weekend car as both the wife and i have company cars and have done 2 European Road trips in it and it is just faultless. I am a bit of a mileage snob however and it will be on 55k by the time I get back from Germany in September so wanting to change.
I have been test driving certain cars so far this summer, both more spacious and accommodating as the plan is hopefully to pop out a sprog at some point in the next 12 months (but can live without 4 doors). Drove a C63 507 edition which I did like alot, but was much quieter than I thought it would be (from the inside at least), also tried an RS4 Avant and RS5, less said about those the better, other than they're quite quick. M3/4/5 no doubt will be very fast but won't sound so good and be a bit dull too, plus most of the above are pretty common sites on the road these days.
So I keep looking at the Maser's because I really can't think of anything else that will come close to the drama, noise, rarity and road presence of my Vantage. Think a 4.7S with Skyhook is top of my wish list. Anybody here tell me if i'm looking at the wrong car?
Thanks in advance
Edited by EvoEd on Tuesday 11th July 21:52
As long as you know what the car is - I came from a 997 which is far more similar to the V8V in feel.
GT has 4 propper seats you can get child seats in the back although a baby seat for the first 6-12 months wouldn't work
If you like a good looking good sounding car there isn't much out there at this pricepoint apart from the V8V and Masser GT
It is really big and quite heavy but has that sense of occasion. Interior of V8V is plusher.
I'd imagine running costs are similar between the two, maybe £1k a year with the occasional unlucky £2k-£3k shocker
And Skyhook ... not sure I'd bother, it's a £5k refresh if it goes and I can't feel much difference between mine with / without sport mode on
Where in the UK are you?
GT has 4 propper seats you can get child seats in the back although a baby seat for the first 6-12 months wouldn't work
If you like a good looking good sounding car there isn't much out there at this pricepoint apart from the V8V and Masser GT
It is really big and quite heavy but has that sense of occasion. Interior of V8V is plusher.
I'd imagine running costs are similar between the two, maybe £1k a year with the occasional unlucky £2k-£3k shocker
And Skyhook ... not sure I'd bother, it's a £5k refresh if it goes and I can't feel much difference between mine with / without sport mode on
Where in the UK are you?
Im based in the North West.
Why would a baby seat for the first 12 months not work if you don't mind me asking?
I know it's totally different to mine, but if I kept mine or got a newer 4.7 one then it would only be something I could then use, don't want it becoming an expensive ornament. Missus really enjoys going out in it and whilst I understand things will be different with a little one in tow, the option is at least there, lol
Why would a baby seat for the first 12 months not work if you don't mind me asking?
I know it's totally different to mine, but if I kept mine or got a newer 4.7 one then it would only be something I could then use, don't want it becoming an expensive ornament. Missus really enjoys going out in it and whilst I understand things will be different with a little one in tow, the option is at least there, lol
Edited by EvoEd on Tuesday 11th July 22:46
SportsMaserati forum is very helpful indeed, but some immediate thoughts on two fantastic cars.
- if you really need usable seats in the rear - and don't forget for smaller children, they need room to extend their legs straight out (not yet big enough to have legs bending into the footwell) - then the GTS is a significantly better option than the DB9.
- From a noise perspective they are both magnificent; not sure there is much in it unless you definitively prefer the V12 sound. The MC Stradale in Race mode however takes things to a new level
- if you really need usable seats in the rear - and don't forget for smaller children, they need room to extend their legs straight out (not yet big enough to have legs bending into the footwell) - then the GTS is a significantly better option than the DB9.
- From a noise perspective they are both magnificent; not sure there is much in it unless you definitively prefer the V12 sound. The MC Stradale in Race mode however takes things to a new level
EvoEd said:
Im based in the North West.
Why would a baby seat for the first 12 months not work if you don't mind me asking?
I know it's totally different to mine, but if I kept mine or got a newer 4.7 one then it would only be something I could then use, don't want it becoming an expensive ornament. Missus really enjoys going out in it and whilst I understand things will be different with a little one in tow, the option is at least there, lol
Because initial baby seats are rear facing, so it's a right faff getting the baby in & out as you have to contort yourself in & manouvre the baby into the seat, or if you are frequently taking the seat in & out you will inevitably damage the interior as there isn't much space. The front seats take ages to move out the way too as they are electricWhy would a baby seat for the first 12 months not work if you don't mind me asking?
I know it's totally different to mine, but if I kept mine or got a newer 4.7 one then it would only be something I could then use, don't want it becoming an expensive ornament. Missus really enjoys going out in it and whilst I understand things will be different with a little one in tow, the option is at least there, lol
Edited by EvoEd on Tuesday 11th July 22:46
Once they are in a forward facing seat it is easier as you don't have to rotate then & drop them in
Also the rear facing baby seats are huge and passenger will have limited footroom
It really isn't practicl as the only car with a baby, you'd be better off with a Rapide / QP. Or wait for them to be out of the group 0 seat. If you're not sure, take a rear facing seat to the dealer and have a go if they will let you. Would drive you mad. Also the car is very wide and unless you get the parent and child space at the supermarket it makes all of that even harder to do. And not much space in the boot for a trip away with travel cots, buggy etc
jakesmith said:
Because initial baby seats are rear facing, so it's a right faff getting the baby in & out as you have to contort yourself in & manouvre the baby into the seat, or if you are frequently taking the seat in & out you will inevitably damage the interior as there isn't much space. The front seats take ages to move out the way too as they are electric
Once they are in a forward facing seat it is easier as you don't have to rotate then & drop them in
Also the rear facing baby seats are huge and passenger will have limited footroom
It really isn't practicl as the only car with a baby, you'd be better off with a Rapide / QP. Or wait for them to be out of the group 0 seat. If you're not sure, take a rear facing seat to the dealer and have a go if they will let you. Would drive you mad. Also the car is very wide and unless you get the parent and child space at the supermarket it makes all of that even harder to do. And not much space in the boot for a trip away with travel cots, buggy etc
It won't be our only car, it's a weekend / holiday car. Wife has an A5 and I've got an estate car for work so plenty of sensibleness, which is why I don't want to get a fast 4 door saloon, still want some type of sportiness in my toy. Once they are in a forward facing seat it is easier as you don't have to rotate then & drop them in
Also the rear facing baby seats are huge and passenger will have limited footroom
It really isn't practicl as the only car with a baby, you'd be better off with a Rapide / QP. Or wait for them to be out of the group 0 seat. If you're not sure, take a rear facing seat to the dealer and have a go if they will let you. Would drive you mad. Also the car is very wide and unless you get the parent and child space at the supermarket it makes all of that even harder to do. And not much space in the boot for a trip away with travel cots, buggy etc
I test drove a B9 before I bought my Gran Turismo S, the Aston felt like a bus compared to the Maserati and I was not impressed by it at all.
I had a rear facing isofix chid seat in the back of mine with no serious issues.
I loved the MC shift box, it was fantastic fun on country roads but was a bit jerky round town.
With regards to the suspension, I had the MC handling pack which is almost identical to the Stradale set up, it made it a lot better round corners with only a minimal loss of ride quality and the lower ride height also helped the looks, I would chose that or the standard set up in preference to the skyhook system.
I loved mine and it was the best sounding car I have ever driven.
I had a rear facing isofix chid seat in the back of mine with no serious issues.
I loved the MC shift box, it was fantastic fun on country roads but was a bit jerky round town.
With regards to the suspension, I had the MC handling pack which is almost identical to the Stradale set up, it made it a lot better round corners with only a minimal loss of ride quality and the lower ride height also helped the looks, I would chose that or the standard set up in preference to the skyhook system.
I loved mine and it was the best sounding car I have ever driven.
Mr Ed said:
It won't be our only car, it's a weekend / holiday car. Wife has an A5 and I've got an estate car for work so plenty of sensibleness, which is why I don't want to get a fast 4 door saloon, still want some type of sportiness in my toy.
That's ok then it's fine for occasional child use just not so good for day to day family use. I'd say go for it!I've been away for a few weeks and after spending the day in the Maser today, wow, it's still such an event to drive and I haven't found another car that sounds as good!
I've got the MC handling pack which I preferred over the skyhook and the shadow line kit (no chrome) with full carbon which I think gives the car a much cleaner look.
I've got the MC handling pack which I preferred over the skyhook and the shadow line kit (no chrome) with full carbon which I think gives the car a much cleaner look.
Mine was a similar spec apart from being an S rather than a sport, it had shadowline, carbon rear spoiler, mirrors and front winglets, MC handling pack and the MC shift gear box.
The only issue was that the carbon fibre parts stone chip quite easily and if I had another I would get paint protection film fitted.
The only issue was that the carbon fibre parts stone chip quite easily and if I had another I would get paint protection film fitted.
DB9 has no room in the back. Forget it.
GT is a great car. Bigger and heavier than the Aston. So expect it to not be quite as sharp/quick (it isn't). But it looks and sounds just as good.
Interior wise, watch specs carefully. If the original owner went to town on the carbon and alcantara options they can feel as good as the Aston inside. But if they didn't, they don't.
Agree with what others have said about child seats. You could put the kid in the passenger seat and your Mrs in the back, but that might not go down too well
I kept my Vantage for a fair while into having our first child. Indeed I only traded it for a GT when no2 child was here. He was in it very briefly rear facing. Now goes front facing. Not something you want to do every day though. But being able to take all 4 of us out is a big bonus (even if the fecker doesn't go down my main drive!).
If I were you I'd enjoy the Aston for a bit longer and see how you go. Just three of you, with the Aston, gives you the opportunity to tell your other half you'll just take junior out to give your OH some rest Then keep a detailed eye on GT's and the specs available.
Also, RS4's are great cars With the wing backed buckets they're less practical than a GT (mine's a B7. B8's are better I believe), but as a point to point car they are much quicker and with the right exhaust they sound great. Little point if you have a company car though (unless you can jack that in for cash?).
I'd also consider a later 911. Though they're pricey, and I'm not sure there's enough room in the back for young children.
GT is a great car. Bigger and heavier than the Aston. So expect it to not be quite as sharp/quick (it isn't). But it looks and sounds just as good.
Interior wise, watch specs carefully. If the original owner went to town on the carbon and alcantara options they can feel as good as the Aston inside. But if they didn't, they don't.
Agree with what others have said about child seats. You could put the kid in the passenger seat and your Mrs in the back, but that might not go down too well
I kept my Vantage for a fair while into having our first child. Indeed I only traded it for a GT when no2 child was here. He was in it very briefly rear facing. Now goes front facing. Not something you want to do every day though. But being able to take all 4 of us out is a big bonus (even if the fecker doesn't go down my main drive!).
If I were you I'd enjoy the Aston for a bit longer and see how you go. Just three of you, with the Aston, gives you the opportunity to tell your other half you'll just take junior out to give your OH some rest
Then keep a detailed eye on GT's and the specs available.Also, RS4's are great cars
With the wing backed buckets they're less practical than a GT (mine's a B7. B8's are better I believe), but as a point to point car they are much quicker and with the right exhaust they sound great. Little point if you have a company car though (unless you can jack that in for cash?).I'd also consider a later 911. Though they're pricey, and I'm not sure there's enough room in the back for young children.
Murph7355 said:
DB9 has no room in the back. Forget it.
GT is a great car. Bigger and heavier than the Aston. So expect it to not be quite as sharp/quick (it isn't). But it looks and sounds just as good.
Interior wise, watch specs carefully. If the original owner went to town on the carbon and alcantara options they can feel as good as the Aston inside. But if they didn't, they don't.
Agree with what others have said about child seats. You could put the kid in the passenger seat and your Mrs in the back, but that might not go down too well
I kept my Vantage for a fair while into having our first child. Indeed I only traded it for a GT when no2 child was here. He was in it very briefly rear facing. Now goes front facing. Not something you want to do every day though. But being able to take all 4 of us out is a big bonus (even if the fecker doesn't go down my main drive!).
If I were you I'd enjoy the Aston for a bit longer and see how you go. Just three of you, with the Aston, gives you the opportunity to tell your other half you'll just take junior out to give your OH some rest Then keep a detailed eye on GT's and the specs available.
Also, RS4's are great cars With the wing backed buckets they're less practical than a GT (mine's a B7. B8's are better I believe), but as a point to point car they are much quicker and with the right exhaust they sound great. Little point if you have a company car though (unless you can jack that in for cash?).
I'd also consider a later 911. Though they're pricey, and I'm not sure there's enough room in the back for young children.
Are they really much quicker than the GT, which engine GT & is that due to poke, handling, confidence, gearbox, all etc?GT is a great car. Bigger and heavier than the Aston. So expect it to not be quite as sharp/quick (it isn't). But it looks and sounds just as good.
Interior wise, watch specs carefully. If the original owner went to town on the carbon and alcantara options they can feel as good as the Aston inside. But if they didn't, they don't.
Agree with what others have said about child seats. You could put the kid in the passenger seat and your Mrs in the back, but that might not go down too well
I kept my Vantage for a fair while into having our first child. Indeed I only traded it for a GT when no2 child was here. He was in it very briefly rear facing. Now goes front facing. Not something you want to do every day though. But being able to take all 4 of us out is a big bonus (even if the fecker doesn't go down my main drive!).
If I were you I'd enjoy the Aston for a bit longer and see how you go. Just three of you, with the Aston, gives you the opportunity to tell your other half you'll just take junior out to give your OH some rest
Then keep a detailed eye on GT's and the specs available.Also, RS4's are great cars
With the wing backed buckets they're less practical than a GT (mine's a B7. B8's are better I believe), but as a point to point car they are much quicker and with the right exhaust they sound great. Little point if you have a company car though (unless you can jack that in for cash?).I'd also consider a later 911. Though they're pricey, and I'm not sure there's enough room in the back for young children.
jakesmith said:
Are they really much quicker than the GT, which engine GT & is that due to poke, handling, confidence, gearbox, all etc?
Yes. The GT is 10cm wider than the Audi and getting on for 30cm longer! It's also around 150kg heavier. On the B and minor A roads I use these are key factors despite my Sport GT being around during 40bhp more powerful.
The Audi also has an exceptional 4WD system which inspires a lot of confidence.
These are the main differences, but they add up significantly point to point (straight lines, motorways etc will be a different story and they'd be quite evenly matched).
This is no shame on the GT as IME the RS4 is an incredibly quick point to point car that many cars would struggle keeping up with on smaller roads. And "GT" cars are better suited to sweeping A roads and motorways.
In its replacement Maserati really need to focus on weight. Paring down the width and length would be handy too, but not such that it cannot house 4 people.
Murph7355 said:
In its replacement Maserati really need to focus on weight. Paring down the width and length would be handy too, but not such that it cannot house 4 people.
You have just described a modern day Gransport which many of us would like to see but sadly probably could not be built any more due to various regulationshttps://www.pistonheads.com/regulars/ph-carpool/ma...
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