Excellent board.....first post....seeking some advice regarding Gran Sport purchase. I just sold a 2002 GT coupe. Originally wanted a Gran Sport, but decided to purchase an older model to see if I liked the car given horrific depreciation on newer models. Ulitmately, didn't want to buy a new car, decide I didn't like it, then sell it 3 months later for a $30,000 loss. Long story short, I just loved the GT. Absolutely wonderful car, but better than that, sold it after 6 months and 3000 miles for same price I paid. It seems to me that the real depreciation on these cars starts to level off after two years, and as long as you sell it before warranty expires, losses are minimal. Which brings me to the 05 Gran Sports......looks like the absolute best prices for clean cars are low to mid $70's, but more likely high $70's. I think that now, the bulk of the depreciation is baked in, and from a timing standpoint, this is a very good entry point for the GS. The only issue that is muddying the waters for me is that it seems Maserati NA is offering "stripped" 06 GT's at discounted prices. Specifically, one on Ebay has had a "buy it now" of $69k for what seems like forever. I understand the traditional manual has been improved on the newer GT's, and I have never driven the F1 Transmission. I also understand the F1 is well executed on the GS, but I still read various posts about clutch issues etc. For GS owners who have driven a GT, would be curious as to whether you would rather have 05 used GS, or new 06 GT with Tubi and upgraded wheels? Costs, when everything is said and done, would probably be a wash between the too.
Second question: Seems the GS comes fully loaded. Are any built without skyhook? Are there really any must have options, or are they all essentially the same except for color, and a few exotic options like a fire extinguisher?
Third question: Is there any "certification" or extended warranties anyone is aware of if purchased through dealer?
Finally, any thing to look out for on used GS?
Thanks in advance for any thoughts.
steve
Second question: Seems the GS comes fully loaded. Are any built without skyhook? Are there really any must have options, or are they all essentially the same except for color, and a few exotic options like a fire extinguisher?
Third question: Is there any "certification" or extended warranties anyone is aware of if purchased through dealer?
Finally, any thing to look out for on used GS?
Thanks in advance for any thoughts.
steve