[thebk]

I am thinking of trading in my m3 and getting a maserati, but am trying to justify the premium of the GS over the regular coupe. Is it possible to make the exterior of a standard coupe to look that of a GS and if so what is the rough cost of doing so? Finally, in terms of exhaust sounds what sounds better and has more hp a coupe with a tubi, or the standard GS exhaust. Thanks for answering the newbie questions.

BTW am thinking of lightly used due to depreciation or leasing a new one.

BK

 

[RickBullotta]

If you're even remotely contemplating all of that hassle, get the GS. The 10 or 15K premium would easily be offset with the headaches, warranty issues, compatibility challenges, paint matching, ECU tuning, and so on...

 

[STARDOC]

To put things in perspective, the GS rear lip spoiler alone will cost you about $800. If you want to make it look like a GS, buy the real thing and you'll save enough money to add a few aftermarket parts. Regarding the exhaust, you have the ever popular TUBI, I own a Mille Miglia which I love, there is a Stebro, and the very expensive Kriseigg.
Lightly used is the way to go with these cars if you don't mind a few thousand miles.

 

[thebk]

From the sounds of it gransport is the way to go. Has anyone recently leased a new or lightly used one or do most of you buy? I have been lurking around the various forums and am a bit nervous of maserati depreciation especially with a new model coming out soon...

Also, as far as exhausts, which gives the most "exotic" ferrari like sound? I realize exhaust sound is very subjective, but have not seen many people change the GS exhaust.

Thanks again,
BK

 

[STARDOC]

From all I've seen and heard, leasing one of these cars financially does not make sense. The leasing companies will over depreciate the car over the lease period. FWIW, values of nearly new Maseratis have held their own over the last few months as more and more people are taking notice.
Regarding the GS exhaust, it is actually made by Tubi. Its the tamer version of the 3 Tubi offers. Most people have the middle and louder version on their cars. There are a few sound clips on this board.

 

[M!]

i agree that if you are going to spend the money, go for the GS.
i find that if you enjoy the maserati, the depreciation is not really a factor. make good use of it.
there are always some lightly used GS around, good luck.

 

[thebimbo]

Hi thebk.

You can guess the rest.

 

[haha]

...in terms of exhaust sounds what sounds better and has more hp a coupe with a tubi, or the standard GS exhaust...

"better" is rather subjective

stock GS (tubi OEM) sounds softer
there are two models one could purchase from tubistyle for Coupe/Spyder

don't expect much HP gain from muffler replacement (maybe 1 HP) these engines are highly tuned. You'll get about 10-15% if you swap out the entire exhaust system (header, midpipe/cat and cat back)

I would get the GS. Of course, 612 or 575 are better choices

 

[thebimbo]

More than this is mainly the reason but maybe not.

 

[thebimbo]

and BTW have a listen to the Trofeo exhaust which is just something else:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?tiszapped

 

[thebk]

I appreciate all the input...The problem is I like the gransport's exterior and added power, but prefer the all leather interior with navigation of the coupe and spyder. My thinking is to possibly buy a lightly used 05 coupe with the polished mesh grill and throw some money in mods like ecu flash, agressive exhaust, etc to make it even sportier than the GS. Again, I am just thinking here since I am still debating btw a Maser and a 911tt.

 

[haha]

...Maser and a 911tt.

porsche?! argh... yet again that's subjective too just get the GS, you won't regret it.

 

[BusDriver]

I picked a Maserati Coupe over a Porsche 911 Twin Turbo
http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=13429

I have had the Maserati 2 years and still love the car - the noise, the style, the driving experience, everything!

Highly recommend the Maserati over the Porsche

- Jon

 

[thebk]

The maser is the way I am leaning...I am a bit concerned that there is a new model coming out soon (2007?), but love the overall maserati package. One more quick question...did the 2005 or 2006 coupe get a facelift? I see some with polished mesh grills, which look larger than other coupes. Sorry again for newbie questions, but my initial search didnt answer my questions.

 

[STARDOC]

The 05 coupes did get some minor facelifts including a new back fender similar to the GS and a larger front grill and spoiler. One thing about the Sat/Nav., the only reason why I like it is because it looks "perrty." Otherwise, it is completely worthless. A better option is to do what some of the GS owners did on this board and put an aftermarket Pioneer Sat/nav system. Also I too debated over a 997 and the Maser and no regrets. There is no replacement for a V8. Also don't forget about the dime a dosen Porsche factor.

 

[M!]

if you are debating a 997 TT over a coupe then go for a 997TT.
996TT is old news. nice but old news.
stardoc is correct about the nav. get a GS and drop in your aftermarket unit.
a GS with full leather (option over the standard brightex) can be very nice.

 

[thebimbo]

BTW, a real bonk is better.

 

[chris7469]

Forget the Porsche.....

There are just too many of them on the road... I see them all the time.. I don't look twice. Those drivers snap their necks at my maz...

If money is no object then just buy a slightly used GS and trade it in on an 07 if you love it... I personally like the more subtle lines of the Coupe. I am not a huge fan of the GS ground effects but I like the GS wheels.

I would never recommend buying a new Maserati, especially a completely redesigned coupe. I would wait a year or two until they worked all the bugs out.

I love my Maserati. Dollar for dollar, these cars slightly used can not be touched.. I just don't think you can get the style, performance, and interior anywhere else in the 65,000 - 80,000 price range.

Good Luck! CM

 

[CDF]

and BTW have a listen to the Trofeo exhaust which is just something else:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bsX-qhciR2s&search=maserati

Terrific link, I always wanted to hear a Trofeo. That demonic sound is total perfection.

 

[kcdoyle]

I am thinking of trading in my m3 and getting a maserati, but am trying to justify the premium of the GS over the regular coupe. Is it possible to make the exterior of a standard coupe to look that of a GS and if so what is the rough cost of doing so? Finally, in terms of exhaust sounds what sounds better and has more hp a coupe with a tubi, or the standard GS exhaust. Thanks for answering the newbie questions.

BTW am thinking of lightly used due to depreciation or leasing a new one.

BK

Frankly I am a little surprised to see you asking this after seeing that you had an "M". After witnessing the almost violent reaction that fellow M5'rs had to guys (and gals) putting "M" mirrors, bumpers, badges, etc on "run of the mill" BMW 5 and 3 series cars, and calling them "posers"(one of the nicer terms!) that you would be interested in just looking like the GS. You paid a premium for an M car and I think that is just what one has to do for the GS.

KCD