Sub £20k GranTurismo

[mrpbailey]

Hi Guys, new to the forum. Found out about it via pistonheads.
I am considering a Gran Turismo, at the cheaper end of the scale.

What are the main things to look out for on an early car in the sub 20k price range? I've had a scan back through some old posts and the variator issue seems to be the big one. Does this affect cars up til 2012? I see it goes up to a certain chassis number. Ideally I'd be after a car that's had this dealt with.
How do they hold up in terms of rust? Rotting sub frames etc? Are they ******* suspension components?
Is there a big difference between the 4.2 & 4.8, performance and noise wise?

I have just sold a quite heavily modified Noble M12 after 11 years ownership, so not expecting the GT to be as quick or sharp, but is the performance still exciting? Appreciate they are a big and heavy car.
Also have an Alfa 147 GTA so am used to the Italian marques temperamental nature at times!

Thanks!

 

[DaveT]

All of this Inc subframes etc is covered extensively around the forum as you have seen but suggest you speak with Richard Grace who can advise without obligation.

Variator issue can effect engine numbers up to 148697 but most important of all is to get a Pre Purchase Inspection. Best £350ish you will spend.

And yes, the 4.7 IS the one to have but your budget may need to be stretched to fit one. Otherwise you will get a decent 4.2 for that money.

Good luck.

 

[gb-gta]

I have a 147GTA too, alongside my 4.7 QP GTS.
Although granturismo’s and QP’s are plenty fast enough for a road car, outright performance is not the reason to buy one.
As they are relatively heavy and like revs to access all the power (bit like the GTA really) modern turbo cars can get the drop on you.

But this is missing the point, the cars are beautiful, sound awesome and are a real event just to drive about at normal speeds, as well as good fun to drive faster too. Not like a noble though, those are proper weapons!

I would say, research the exterior/interior colour combo you like, wait for one to come up and have it checked. Don’t worry TOO much about miles in a sub 20k car and buy on condition and history.