Granturismo, M5, Panamera 25k budget

[CraigJ]

Currently have our W166 ML350 for sale and looking to replace with a petrol car.
Was originally going to lease a pickup via my company but really don't want another slow diesel to go along with my van.

Looking for some thing fun, fast and that wont lose too much in value over 2-3 years.

Must be able to fit a baby/child seat in the back for out 16 month old daughter.
Car wont be used for any commuting just for when we are out as a family.

No interest in any small hatchbacks etc. Really don't want another black car either.
Must be petrol, preferably a V8

Top of the list a Maserati GranTurismo. I really do like these and have for quite a while. There's quite a few in budget and it ticks all the boxes.

Panamera, These have grown on me over the last few years and reviews are great. Looking at the 4.8 V8 but not many in budget.

F10 M5, didn't know these were available from about 20/21k now. With out a doubt the fastest on the list but its still just a 5 series which does bother me a bit.

CL 63/600, Love these and full of tech but seem to lose lots in value over little time so wont pay 25k for one.

C63 coupe, Nice looking coupe esp in red. Big V8 but unsure if it will bring the wrong attention.

Would be nice to hear from owners past or present.
Any info on the above cars would be good to hear either good or bad.

[DaveH23]

Nothing really to add but surely it should be the E63 not the C63 you are looking at if the M5 is an option.

[CraigJ]

I don’t mind the E63 except they all seem to be black, white, grey etc and just look very boring with mostly black leather.

I’m only considering the C63 in coupe form and not the saloon.

The M5 seems to be mostly a nice blue with cream/white leather so a nicer place to be. But as said it is still just a 5 series.

[ilikejam]

I don't really know anything about them and you may have already written them off, but I'd maybe also looking at the M6, Bentley Continental/Flying Spur and maybe Jag XF-R

[CraigJ]

I drove the old shape M6 a few years ago before i bought a 997. Was a great engine but the inside was so boring and the wife hated it. The newer shape is still over budget, think they start around 30k.

Bentley just isn't for me same with the Jag.

[philipbrown123]

How about an Audi S5 / S6 / S7 or S8 ?

[CraigJ]

The Audi's just don't do anything for me. I like the RS5 but not enough to buy one.

[anonymous-user]

E92/93 M3? V8 that wants to be revved, will fit the seat in the back, can pick up some very decent examples in your budget and I don't think good ones will depreciate much more.

E.g. Convertible, red interior, low miles, 2 owners:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

[AndrewCrown]

Craig

Maserati GT
Read the reviews on Autotrader...you’ll see my review from 2014... 4 years on I still feel the same...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-reviews/maserati/...

Buy from an enthusiast....if they’ll let go of it!

[Parisien]

AndrewCrown said:

Craig

Maserati GT
Read the reviews on Autotrader...you’ll see my review from 2014... 4 years on I still feel the same...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-reviews/maserati/...

Buy from an enthusiast....if they’ll let go of it!

Maserati all the way, you will experience that special feeling every time you turn the key, fabulous to look at, be in and not terribly hard to keep, the rest are anonymous boring white goods IMVHO!


Join the sportsmaserati.co.uk forum.



P

[CraigJ]

Already on there.

Been reading up for a few weeks.

The GT is top of the list but until i see and drive one i wont know if its for me so keep options open.

[ZX10R NIN]

With your budget you're looking at en early 4.2 & these suffer with a Cam issue, which if the car you buy hasn't had the fix carried out then it'll cost a fair few grand. You can check with Maserati as to weather the GT you're looking for has had the Cam Variator work carried out/

At that end of the market I'd actually go for a Gransport over the Granturismo:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

CL63's at this price point have steadied out depreciation wise so they won't be shedding money at the rate they once did.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

[CraigJ]

I’m well read up on the variator problems. Not really concerned by it.

No interest in the Gransport at all.

[ZX10R NIN]

Then go for the Granturismo, you won't regret it one thing I will say is that the 4.2's are quite muted so something like a Larini system is a good call.

[CaptainSensib1e]

Gran Turismo is a great shout, beautiful cars

The new Mustang also ticks also ticks all your boxes and has much less potential for big costs. I have one and the back seats are fine for kids, even has Isofix!

[BlackR8]

CraigJ said:

I’m well read up on the variator problems. Not really concerned by it.

No interest in the Gransport at all.

You can probably squeeze into a 4.7 Mc Shift Granturismo for a tab over your £25k budget (£26-28k). From what I have heard they are a big step up from the 4.2 and the MC-Shift I believe is the one to go for (which I don't think was available in the 4.2)

[CraigJ]

Seen a few under 30k with the MC shift box but to be honest I want the ZF auto.
The car will be used mainly for family duty’s and I have a Westfield I’m supercharging over the winter so the performance side is covered.

[pdavison]

I've been looking at Granturismo's and started at the 4.2's, then looked at 4.7's and have now pushed the budget up to bring the MC shifts into reach.

When a seller isn't aware whether the variator work has been done or not, is there anyway to tell?

Apologies for the thread hijack

[CraigJ]

There will be a clatter for a second or 2 on cold start up. Usually after standing over night.

The fix is to have the cam cap machined and a 1 way valve fitted to stop the oil draining away over time when stood.

The noise won’t cause any damage to the engine. It’s more of an annoyance.

[CraigJ]

Also if it has been done by Maserati they will have a record of it.

If the engine number is below 148697 it will be an affected one.