New Granturismo owner

montravia

Member
Messages
1,617
I remember Mrs C came with me to get the GT. We walked into the car park and she saw, stopped dead and just went 'Wow'

****. Palladium Grey MC shift needed!

C
Well it's partially your fault, Cat. I was chatting about her (my now Mediterranean GT) to you while planning on going to see her.
Nothing prepared me though for the first sight.
Heart stopped then jumped to the throat.
Grantoorismio, Just anticipate the drive home. Mix of terrified and elation. A bit like pulling Immelmann's in an agile light aircraft.
I can still remember every second on the way home.
CONGRATULATIONS.
 

HenrysDad

Member
Messages
443
I remember Mrs C came with me to get the GT. We walked into the car park and she saw, stopped dead and just went 'Wow'

****. Palladium Grey MC shift needed!

C
When we pulled up at Mr Graces place Mrs HenrysDad said " Is that it? Its beautiful, you deserve it." I love her (the wife). Mind you she wasn't so keen when we had a "moment" in the wet on the Chapel bypass a few weeks later!
 

c4sman

Member
Messages
1,243
Congrats on your purchase grantoonriusmo. Love the story of how these cars cause people to throw logic out of the door! They’re great cars and tons of useful advice on here for any issues you encounter. Get it booked for a specialist inspection asap. Bought my first one without an inspection (although it was from a MD) and it worked out fine so hope the same for you.
Good luck!
 
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Ewan

Member
Messages
6,756
Well done. That’s total normal behaviour in Maserati-Land.
Modern retailing laws are on your side, so get it looked at by a knowledgeable indie, and in the highly unlikely event it’s a pup, simply return it (or have the dealer pay for the repairs). You’ve not been daft, so relax and enjoy.
 

Geordie-Chris

New Member
Messages
3
Congratulations on the purchase Grantoonriusmo, you'll have to get some photos up of your new purchase.

I'm based in Newcastle and own a white, 2011 MC Shift and absolutly love it, and can understand why you fell in love.

I also run the after sales side of a large garage based in Newcastle which specialises in sports and high performance cars - JM-Imports.

We look after several Granturismos, including my own. If you'd like to get booked in for an independent inspection drop me a message.
 
Messages
126
Congratulations on the purchase Grantoonriusmo, you'll have to get some photos up of your new purchase.

I'm based in Newcastle and own a white, 2011 MC Shift and absolutly love it, and can understand why you fell in love.

I also run the after sales side of a large garage based in Newcastle which specialises in sports and high performance cars - JM-Imports.

We look after several Granturismos, including my own. If you'd like to get booked in for an independent inspection drop me a message.

Hi Chris,

What a small world. Prior to buying one, I was looking for a specialist garage in the North East to service a Maserati. I've always loved the stuff you guys did with the JDM's and recently with Jurgens Lambo. So I was actually going to bring it into your place.

My friends cousin Callum has had a couple of cars off you, most recently a Mitsubishi EVO. I was added to a Whatsapp group yesterday and he mentioned that you ("Chris") had a Maserati and I should have a word with you. What a Coincidence.

I will send you a message to book an inspection. I've got a date now to pick it up.

Cheers
 

Drastignac

Junior Member
Messages
22
Hi all,

After 15yrs of wanting one. I finally purchased a 2013 Granturismo MC Sport Auto Shift yesterday. Hopefully I will be picking this up in a week or two.

Although the general consensus on the internet is that the Granturismo is pretty reliable. Have people ever taken their Granturismo to an independent garage, right after purchase for a "health check"?

In my mind, although the dealer (not main dealer) says they will be carrying out a service prior to pick up. I think it would be prudent to get a "specialist" to have an overall check of the condition of the car, for preventive maintenance, rather than reactive.

Although there's an understanding during purchase that you will have to spend a higher amount on maintaining a car like this, I would rather prevent any issues (coolant leak etc), than getting a huge bill after someone has happened.

As it's been a dream to get this car, I'm slightly nervous and paranoid. I've only ever bought new cars, so problems have been limited or infrequent.

By the way, are there many Maserati owner's based in the Newcastle area?
Congratulations on your purchase and welcome to the strange and wonderful world of Maserati owners.

3 month ago, I fell in love and purchased a 2013 Granturismo Sport MC Shift from a fellow forum member. I absolutely adore the car and I have never regretted my purchase for a second. The sound, the look of it, the sense of occasion when you take if for a spin...it's just very special!

This said, I still did an inspection before purchasing my car. It had been very well looked after and there was no major issue but not everybody is so lucky.

The GT is a amazing and reliable car but like a beautiful Italian mistress she needs to be showered with love, care and attention. If you do, she will age like Monica Bellucci. If you don't, you will end up with Donatella Versace... (I'm terribly sorry for the cultural clichés and poor metaphors...). As Aldous from AV Engineering or Matt from SportsItalia would tell you (2 of the most respected independent Maserati specialist in the country), they saw far too many grown up men cry in front of them while reading their POST-purchase inspection.

As a reminder, under UK law you have the right to cancel your purchase from the moment the order is placed until 14 days after taking delivery of the car. It doesn't matter if it's a new or used car, the law is the same. The dealer must provide you with details of their returns/cancellation policy. That should give you plenty of time to organise an independent PPI (after or ideally before you take delivery). If everything is in order and there is no hidden snag, you will have some piece of mind. If there is an issue, the PPI will allow you to renegotiate the price or ask the dealer to fix the problem. Win win.

Good luck.
 
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Sam McGoo

Member
Messages
1,745
Hi all,

After 15yrs of wanting one. I finally purchased a 2013 Granturismo MC Sport Auto Shift yesterday. Hopefully I will be picking this up in a week or two.

Although the general consensus on the internet is that the Granturismo is pretty reliable. Have people ever taken their Granturismo to an independent garage, right after purchase for a "health check"?

In my mind, although the dealer (not main dealer) says they will be carrying out a service prior to pick up. I think it would be prudent to get a "specialist" to have an overall check of the condition of the car, for preventive maintenance, rather than reactive.

Although there's an understanding during purchase that you will have to spend a higher amount on maintaining a car like this, I would rather prevent any issues (coolant leak etc), than getting a huge bill after someone has happened.

As it's been a dream to get this car, I'm slightly nervous and paranoid. I've only ever bought new cars, so problems have been limited or infrequent.

By the way, are there many Maserati owner's based in the Newcastle area?

Welcome to the club and congratulations!
2013 Sports are lovely things ;) so I can understand how your heart ruled your head after seeing, hearing and feeling it.

I'm sure you'll be fine, but as others have said, you really should get it inspected asap by someone that knows these cars well, while you still have 'protection' and possibly a chance to negotiate any potential costs.
They ARE good, reliable cars. They AREN'T cheap to maintain and people tend to sell/trade them in at service time or when some big ticket items need replacing. So even the the normal wear and tear items, if due replacement at the same time, will quickly dent your wallet and maybe leave a sour taste early in your ownership.

What mileage does the car have?

I suspect the dealer service will be an oil and filter change, and being a 2013, your car will be due a 'major' service which includes:
Oil
Oil Filter
Air Filter
Pollen Filter
Carbon canister
Auxiliary belts
Coolant change
Power steering fluid change
Brake fluid change
Lambda Sensors (although most don't do them, depends on your mileage)

General items that can get costly if due at the same time, - Tyres, brakes/ disks.

Items to get checked and keep an eye on -
-Subframe corrosion. Should be OK on a 2013, unless its been a Scottish /coastal car most of its life, but get it cleaned and undersealed ASAP.
  • Front wishbone suspension bushes (these will need replacing at some point, 30-40kmiles ish).
  • Cam cover/front casing gaskets weeping oil. Very common, will need re-sealing at some point.
  • A/C compressor bearings worn/loud
  • Sticking/Seized exhaust valves
  • Broken Springs (from potholes probably)
  • ABS sensor Faults (will have a dash warning light)
The other big ones, variators, rear engine waterpipe etc, shouldn't effect you with a 2013 car.

The above looks like a big scary list, but really are all just wear and tear items, so don't worry, just be aware. Any random warning lights/behaviour, will probably just be the battery needing replacement and/or needing an 'Italian tune up' :biggrin:

We look forward to seeing pictures and hearing about your ownership. :cool:
 
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Sam McGoo

Member
Messages
1,745
Congratulations on the purchase Grantoonriusmo, you'll have to get some photos up of your new purchase.

I'm based in Newcastle and own a white, 2011 MC Shift and absolutly love it, and can understand why you fell in love.

I also run the after sales side of a large garage based in Newcastle which specialises in sports and high performance cars - JM-Imports.

We look after several Granturismos, including my own. If you'd like to get booked in for an independent inspection drop me a message.

Hi Chris,
Heard nothing but good things about you guys over my years with Supras, Zeds and GTRs, so good to see one of you here.

So........... when are you producing a Supercharger kit for us? :biggrin::biggrin:;)