Palmball
MB Enthusiast
A quick update for old friends on here on my car life...the Maserati is history!
I've been doing for too many miles in it recently (and will do for the foreseeable future) as I'm doing a slightly different role at work which has increased my requirement to drive. I put 8k miles on the Maserati in just over 5 months and at this rate by Christmas it would have had 30k miles on the clock. In that car, the value would have been killed (even more than it already was in the short time I had it....horrendous is the only way I can describe the loss on that ).
Whilst I loved the idea, looks and sound of owning the Maserati, it wasn't exactly the pinnacle of build integrity (no surprise there huh!)...indeed, it was in the garage probably every 2-3 weeks for something new that had gone wrong. It was never anything major....just a new exhaust (twice), new rear lights (twice), new instruments (just the once), new door trim after it gave way and my girlfriends dad put his elbow through it (cars fault, not his), peeling leatherette trim, new steering pump......and I'm sure there was more. Anyway, the warranty was due to run out in 6 weeks and it was going to cost me £2.5k for a one year extension (yes, you have read that right....thats confidence in the product isn't it ). I did consider this but in reality have been looking at alternatives for the last 2-3 weeks and made a decision last weekend.
I initially was going to order a new C63 coupe (and saloon) but frankly the deals just aren't there at the minute and I'm not paying over £65k for one when I know, in a year there will be deals to be had (on either new or ex-demo's). Also, there a hell of a wait - order now and I'd be lucky to have seen the car before December.
So, for the time being, AMG was out. I did actually consider a new 2011 GT-R and actually, do really want one of these but again, not at £70k. These will also be £20k less in a year and if ever a car is going to be a super-short term prospect, this is it. So paying full whack for one is again not an option.
So, what did I decide on?
Well, I really am going to chastised for this but I have bought a Bavarian Motor Works Motorsport automobile. I can't even say it on here so fearful am I for the consequences.
I shan't waste my breath giving a detailed write-up as frankly, none of you will be interested but suffice to say that I'm actually surprised how much I'd forgotten how good they are and also, how much better the latest version is compared to one of the first production ones I had a couple of years ago. I can see why in the press they are still extremely highly regarded.
In all honesty though, I would have preferred a new C63 in the ideal world for a daily drive but I got the Bavarian Motor Works car, a fully loaded 2011 model in the colour I wanted (red with beige/light tan interior) with a 30% discount! Given the lack of good discounts on the C63, this meant it was a real £20k less than the equivalent C63 and no matter how good that car is, it's not a whole £20k better!
Just thought I'd let you know as for those going to the Goodwood track day, I wouldn't want you all to be in shock when I turn up in my Bavarian Motor Works Motorsport car
Indeed, one thing I do have now is one of the very best road cars for the track so after the Goodwood day, I'm heading straight of to Germany for a day at the 'ring May as well get the most out of it before I change my mind
Sorry everyone
I've been doing for too many miles in it recently (and will do for the foreseeable future) as I'm doing a slightly different role at work which has increased my requirement to drive. I put 8k miles on the Maserati in just over 5 months and at this rate by Christmas it would have had 30k miles on the clock. In that car, the value would have been killed (even more than it already was in the short time I had it....horrendous is the only way I can describe the loss on that ).
Whilst I loved the idea, looks and sound of owning the Maserati, it wasn't exactly the pinnacle of build integrity (no surprise there huh!)...indeed, it was in the garage probably every 2-3 weeks for something new that had gone wrong. It was never anything major....just a new exhaust (twice), new rear lights (twice), new instruments (just the once), new door trim after it gave way and my girlfriends dad put his elbow through it (cars fault, not his), peeling leatherette trim, new steering pump......and I'm sure there was more. Anyway, the warranty was due to run out in 6 weeks and it was going to cost me £2.5k for a one year extension (yes, you have read that right....thats confidence in the product isn't it ). I did consider this but in reality have been looking at alternatives for the last 2-3 weeks and made a decision last weekend.
I initially was going to order a new C63 coupe (and saloon) but frankly the deals just aren't there at the minute and I'm not paying over £65k for one when I know, in a year there will be deals to be had (on either new or ex-demo's). Also, there a hell of a wait - order now and I'd be lucky to have seen the car before December.
So, for the time being, AMG was out. I did actually consider a new 2011 GT-R and actually, do really want one of these but again, not at £70k. These will also be £20k less in a year and if ever a car is going to be a super-short term prospect, this is it. So paying full whack for one is again not an option.
So, what did I decide on?
Well, I really am going to chastised for this but I have bought a Bavarian Motor Works Motorsport automobile. I can't even say it on here so fearful am I for the consequences.
I shan't waste my breath giving a detailed write-up as frankly, none of you will be interested but suffice to say that I'm actually surprised how much I'd forgotten how good they are and also, how much better the latest version is compared to one of the first production ones I had a couple of years ago. I can see why in the press they are still extremely highly regarded.
In all honesty though, I would have preferred a new C63 in the ideal world for a daily drive but I got the Bavarian Motor Works car, a fully loaded 2011 model in the colour I wanted (red with beige/light tan interior) with a 30% discount! Given the lack of good discounts on the C63, this meant it was a real £20k less than the equivalent C63 and no matter how good that car is, it's not a whole £20k better!
Just thought I'd let you know as for those going to the Goodwood track day, I wouldn't want you all to be in shock when I turn up in my Bavarian Motor Works Motorsport car
Indeed, one thing I do have now is one of the very best road cars for the track so after the Goodwood day, I'm heading straight of to Germany for a day at the 'ring May as well get the most out of it before I change my mind
Sorry everyone