GranTurismo Advice

GranTurismo Advice

Author
Discussion

V12Hunter

Original Poster:

70 posts

107 months

Tuesday 13th February 2018
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Hi all - I'm researching into buying a GranTurismo.

I've read abit about the difference between the Shift vs Auto Gearbox. For me, both seem fine and have their pros and cons so neither is a deal breaker. Any essential optional extras I should look for? Had a play with the current configurator and most items seem standard other than colours of interior and exterior. Main thing are the carbon bits as options I guess.

Unfortunately can't afford a Stradale so that isn't an option even though I have read that it is significantly superior smile maybe one day eh...

Below are my following ideas/criteria...

- 4.7L engine version
- FSH (Main dealer or specialist) and ensure the major services have been carried out every 4 years
- Preferably grey in exterior colour
- Any age - are there any significant changes year on year? Appreciate the 2013 had cosmetic upgrades.
- Budget up to £45k but prefereably mid to high 30s

Why do some have a gear knob and other don't? Is that simply the difference between the Shift and Auto (with the Auto having a stick)? Also has the Shift gearbox been discontinued for the latest models? Just an FYI for me really.

Are there any software/tuning upgrades to recommend which should influence my decision? Such as the MC Stradale gearbox upgrade?

V12Hunter

Original Poster:

70 posts

107 months

Wednesday 14th February 2018
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Thanks for your response Andrew. Are you talking about the colours which were chosen? I see that as well. I will try and buy from a specialist trader/main dealer or enthusiast.

I am coming from a Nissan R35 GTR and C63 W204. Looking forward to a slightly better build interior (albeit a bit dated now) and something which is slightly understated compared to the GTR but with a fantastic noise.

V12Hunter

Original Poster:

70 posts

107 months

Thursday 15th February 2018
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AndrewCrown said:
Yes colours... headliner, leather, leather stitching, trim inserts, carpets, wheels, wheel colours, brake calipers... endless variety and there are some quite awful combinations out there... I think I read somewhere the bright red interior is hard to live with and move on... Build quality isn't nearly as good as high Spec Mercedes... still nice enough though...

On engines and gear boxes.. many debates on many forums... best to go and try a few and get what suits you... whatever you go for, it will put a smile on your face... and they all sound fantastic...

My colour combination... surprisingly hard to find
Beautiful colour combo Andrew smile

V12Hunter

Original Poster:

70 posts

107 months

Thursday 15th February 2018
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Do you mind posting links to those cars on sportsmaserati.com? I couldn't find them that easily.

I think I will settle for pre-facelift MC Shift but will definitely try to test drive both!

I would love a Stradale as it is updated with the latest tech, interior and love the exhaust exits and sound! but i wanted to move away from finance as my last couple of cars have been on them and fed up of paying monthly for them! I was actually looking at a W204 C63 coupe but then these cars cropped up at not too far away from the price that they're commanding hence the decision to get this. I commute to work on the train so this is an occassional use car anyway.

What are the thoughts on the Skyhook suspension? It's a non essential for me as the reviews i've read/watched is that it is not good. Is it okay to get one with it? Or is it a definite no?

BTW, Thanks for all the polite and very helpful responses smile makes a nice change from some of the threads on other makes forums!!

V12Hunter

Original Poster:

70 posts

107 months

Friday 16th February 2018
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Seriously nice car and perfect for me. Hopefully my GTR sells soon and this is still available smile

V12Hunter

Original Poster:

70 posts

107 months

Monday 19th February 2018
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Murph7355 said:
Cars advertised on Sportsmaserati:

http://www.sportsmaserati.com/classifieds.php?mode...

I posted the Nuvola and RG links above. Both have examples of the earlier and later models so you could check both in one go.

On the Stradale:

- the tech is no different to the Sport model. Engine's the same, interior is the same (on the 4-seat one. The 2-seater is a little different but frankly a 2-seat GT makes absolutely no sense whatsoever). More Stradales have more alcantara and carbon inside, though that is also possible to get on the std car (;)) and makes a truly massive difference to the interior ambience. Equally there are Stradales with normal leather interiors. Check specs carefully.

- the std GT sounds awesome as it is. I'm not convinced the Stradale gives a step change in this respect. You will not be disappointed by the sound of a 4.7, especially in sport mode.

- the Stradale does have different exterior panels. And the suspension is quite different. It's also MC Shift only, but as noted the difference between MC Shift and Auto on the Sport version is much less marked to the point that the advantages of the Auto make it hard to ignore.

- "Skyhook"...depends on what you're using it for. You can tell the difference between settings. Whether you prefer either of them over a standard single rate set up is going to come down to where you're using the car and personal preferences. It worked well for me and having the option to soften it off is handy.


Well worth taking some time and getting a go in the different models. You may find it worth stretching your budget (I did when I was looking).
Thanks for all of the responses guys! Maseratifun mentioned there was a low miler for £32k but i couldn't see that one on the forum.

I think I will look for a low miles 4.7L MC Shift as it will be occassional spirited drives. Although I will try to test drive both when I get time!

V12Hunter

Original Poster:

70 posts

107 months

Wednesday 21st February 2018
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Murph7355 said:
Do you really need 4 seats for your occasional spirited fun?

If not, get a V8 Vantage instead wink

Clutches are expensive in the MC Shift. Bear it in mind.
I was looking at the V12 Vantage, hence the name but good ones with a stick a hard to find. The V8 looks a bit understated to me. Thought this is a great alternative and saves me a lot compared to the V12.

Also when did the Auto Shift become standard? i.e. similar to the MC Shift in quality? 2013? Is it the models which are "MC Auto"?

V12Hunter

Original Poster:

70 posts

107 months

Thursday 22nd February 2018
quotequote all
Ah yes the facelift front makes sense - just to need to make sure it's not been retro-fitted.

Thanks again everyone. I will patiently wait!

V12Hunter

Original Poster:

70 posts

107 months

Sunday 13th May 2018
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hoyin said:
If you are still looking for a Maserati there is my MC Shift with the sports handling pack that I believe meets your requirements.

It is being sold by AV Engineering in Kent.

Low miles 18,000 and full service history and in very very very good condition.

I am also a member of the sports Maserati forum.
Unfortunately I didn't get a notification of this! Think it's now sold right?
I'm back online and in the market smile

V12Hunter

Original Poster:

70 posts

107 months

Monday 14th May 2018
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V12Hunter

Original Poster:

70 posts

107 months

Monday 11th June 2018
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So ended up going for a GranTurismo Sport MC Shift.

Huge thank you to Harvey @ AV Engineering - such a nice guy, always answered my several questions and most importantly honest chap!