I Drove a Maserati For The First Time

"CounterTorqueSteer" (countertorquesteer)
03/06/2014 at 22:42 • Filed to: Maserati

2011 GranTurismo. Don't get me wrong, it is gorgeous and had a great sound. It just didn't feel that special...

DISCUSSION (45)

Brian Silvestro > CounterTorqueSteer
03/06/2014 at 22:44

Gran Touring car = not supposed to feel out of place/different than a normal relaxing car. Meant for long distances.

But I can't say much because I've never driven one.

Manuél Ferrari > CounterTorqueSteer
03/06/2014 at 22:48

I've never driven one. Is it the massive size that makes it feel kind of boring to drive?

I can appreciate big GTs, but I wouldn't buy one. I've been lucky enough to drive the Ferrari 612 a lot and I really like the car. But it's just so big that it doesn't feel nimble. I wouldn't spend 6 figures on a car unless I feel comfortable taking corners quickly in it. When it comes to cruising I'd rather buy a cheaper 4 door car...

Manuél Ferrari > Brian Silvestro
03/06/2014 at 22:55

But for that kind of money I don't want normal. It needs to make me feel like a Sir.

Maserati should just throw a few monocles in the glove box of every new car.

Brian Silvestro > Manuél Ferrari
03/06/2014 at 22:57

I thought you died again until you started recommending my posts.

Are you back in the Californias?

Driving around in a Maserati is the epitome of class and coolness. You'll get nothing but respect. But then it's not as fun as something mid-engined in that price range, is it, Rusto?

rb1971 ARGQF+CayenneTurbo+E9+328GTS+R90S > CounterTorqueSteer
03/06/2014 at 23:00

I just bought a 2009 Granturismo S with the F1 box so I clearly disagree. I think inside and out it's one of the best looking cars made in the past 25 years, and has a lot of the charm of owning an Italian car without much of the ridiculousness (I am aware of one with 75k on it still running strong), and with less shouty look-at-me than a Ferrari or Lambo. They also sound great. I didn't love the regular slush box but I like the F1. Still wish it had a real 6 speed, and have my mechanic looking in to whether it would be possible to swap in a 6 speed from a 3200.

Dsscats > rb1971 ARGQF+CayenneTurbo+E9+328GTS+R90S
03/06/2014 at 23:22

Pictures?

Manuél Ferrari > Brian Silvestro
03/07/2014 at 00:24

I'm still half dead. Got back late Monday but been so busy and tired.

We need a mid engine Maser comeback. How about a Maser version of the LaFerrari? They did the same with the Enzo.

They shall call it the Maserati LaMaser

Brian Silvestro > Manuél Ferrari
03/07/2014 at 07:53

I don't care what they call it, they should definitely make it though. The MC12 was just a cooler Enzo, so the next one would (somehow) be a cooler LaFerrari.

Manuél Ferrari > Brian Silvestro
03/07/2014 at 15:26

Actually "La" never made sense, it's French.

It should be called "Maserati il Maserati"

Brian Silvestro > Manuél Ferrari
03/07/2014 at 15:29

I bet they'd name it that too just to fuck with everyone.

So did you end up buying a mid-engined supercar?

Or have you lost most of your brain cells from all of the alcohol and strippers?

Manuél Ferrari > Brian Silvestro
03/07/2014 at 15:40

No new car.

I lost all my brain cells and money!!

Spent so much... I got so drunk I started buying stuff for my friends. Not good for saving for supercars

Brian Silvestro > Manuél Ferrari
03/07/2014 at 15:47

I can almost see you doing that, it's funny yet heartbreaking at the same time.

Manuél Ferrari > Brian Silvestro
03/07/2014 at 16:48

I felt compelled. The bachelor spent a LOT of money to ensure his friends had a good time. I had to step up and help out a little bit. I didn't spend nearly as much as him but at least helped him minimize how much he spent a bit.

There are certain expectations of you when you have 2 M3s and a Porsche. Just imagine if I did have a Lambo...

Brian Silvestro > Manuél Ferrari
03/07/2014 at 16:53

God that would be one of the few awful downsides of supercar ownership. Everyone (sometimes just random people) would ask you for money all the time.

But it's worth it!

Manuél Ferrari > Brian Silvestro
03/07/2014 at 16:59

I'm already preparing my answer. "Sorry I had to take out a huge loan for this car so I can barely afford gas and Top Ramen"

Brian Silvestro > Manuél Ferrari
03/07/2014 at 17:03

"A bed? No, I sleep on the floor. I consider myself very fortunate I have a pillow."

Manuél Ferrari > Brian Silvestro
03/07/2014 at 17:07

"A floor? I don't have a floor. I sleep in the car."

You know what I'm really worried about right now? I'm worried that I'll see the Huricane in person and like it more than I do in the pics. I like the pics but not enough to become a truck stop whore to pay for one.

So I'm really hoping I won't fall in love when I see it in person. I really don't want to become a truck stop whore. That would be very unpleasant and very dangerous.

Brian Silvestro > Manuél Ferrari
03/07/2014 at 17:09

The Huracan is drop dead amazing in the pictures, like really beautiful. It's so clean and simple, yet still has the signature mean Lambo looks. You might have to become a truck stop whore.

Also, should I buy this Alfa? It's a Classic Car Club car, and it's $16k.

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Manuél Ferrari > Brian Silvestro
03/07/2014 at 17:20

Damn it. My Mom is going to be so sad to learn that I've become a truck stop whore.

Wow would you be able to buy that Alfa, or would your Dad kill you?

Brian Silvestro > Manuél Ferrari
03/07/2014 at 17:23

But your mom will be simultaneously proud of you for buying a supercar right?....Right?

A GTV is one of my dream cars. I told my dad how much I wanted it, and he said he'd "call me later" today, which is more than I ever get from him regarding a used car. I want it so bad...

Manuél Ferrari > Brian Silvestro
03/07/2014 at 17:29

No. She already thinks my Dad and I are crazy. She drives a 3 year old C250 that she's only put about 15,000 miles on so far. Cars are not important to her.

Man if you can make this car happen it would be pretty cool. It won't depreciate. Ever.

Brian Silvestro > Manuél Ferrari
03/07/2014 at 17:36

My dad and I have gotten my mom into cars over time, and once she started using the 3 series she got addicted to the straight 6 power. My sister is hopeless, however.

If I got this Alfa, I'd keep it for a while, then maybe I'd move to a 4C, than something much more powerful and manual'd.

Manuél Ferrari > Brian Silvestro
03/07/2014 at 17:52

If you end up having the garage space to keep this car then never sell it. GTV values can only go up from here. Everyone on Petrolicious has a serious GTV addiction!

Brian Silvestro > Manuél Ferrari
03/07/2014 at 17:53

If I buy it I'll seriously consider keeping it for the rest of my life, it's so cool. I wonder how high they'll go up in price..

Manuél Ferrari > Brian Silvestro
03/07/2014 at 18:14

I wonder too. Some gearheads love Alfas so much that they'd pay more for a classic Alfa than a classic Ferrari that's faster and worth more, just because the Alfa is worth more to them.

Have you chatted with this guy?

http://cacoalminer.kinja.com/

He just told me that he used to have ALL the best Porsches ever made: 2.7, GT2 RS and GT3 RS 4.0!!

Manuél Ferrari > Brian Silvestro
03/07/2014 at 20:25

I need your consulting advice.

I'm now 90% sure I should wait until at least next year before buying something mid engine. It's just way safer and more responsible.

But the oppohaulic disease is still affecting me. There is that 10% of my mind that refuses to be responsible. It urges me to get something now cause you never know if you'll survive to see tomorrow. It tells me to forget furniture and re plastering the pool. It tells me not to worry about how old the paint on my house is and how bad it looks. It urges me to get an R8 and just trade it in later if I'm in a position for a Lambo or Ferrari.

What do I do about this disease? I've been pretty good about not looking for cars for sale online. But that alone doesn't stop me from thinking about it.

These are the kinds of things you'll need answers for once you're a part time car addition psychologist!

Brian Silvestro > Manuél Ferrari
03/07/2014 at 21:07

Being a (self-declared) car addiction psychologist, I can only tell you to look at it from two perspectives.

1. From the "awesome car addict" perspective: Since I'm sure you almost died in New Orleans, you may be onto something about not seeing tomorrow. You'll have all the fun, and achieve a life goal. Not to mention the women. All the women.

2. From a "realistic" perspective: I would think about it in a long-term sense. Sure, you can do all of that house this year, but still drive the same cars for another year. Or, you can buy a mid-engined supercar this year, and do all of the house stuff next year. That gives an entire extra year with owning the supercar.

Manuél Ferrari > Brian Silvestro
03/07/2014 at 21:10

Hmmmmm

So many good points.

Plus I'm probably LESS likely to die driving the car than partying. And once I have a big car payment I literally won't be able to afford to party!!!

Damn it I should just buy the Nick Cage car tomorrow.

Brian Silvestro > Manuél Ferrari
03/07/2014 at 21:12

The Nick Cage car is a great excuse to buy a supercar. It's awesome.

And by reading some of your other comments, I'm actually pretty concerned by the amount of money you dropped in NO.

Manuél Ferrari > Brian Silvestro
03/07/2014 at 21:23

Haha me too.

I think it was probably around $6000

oh lord that hurt to type it out :(

Brian Silvestro > Manuél Ferrari
03/07/2014 at 21:26

MY EYES

That hurt to read :(

I'm sure you had your (most likely drunken) reasons though.

Maybe you should wait a little, how about next month?

Manuél Ferrari > Brian Silvestro
03/07/2014 at 21:33

It is so crazy, haha.

This is the craziest part - I not only purchased a one way ticket from Dallas to OC that I never used and couldn't get refunded because it was for the wrong date and on American, I also failed to use the free Southwest leg that I had purchased.

I had paid for the flight to NO myself because our company's Southwest points are under my Dad's account and he forgot his username and pass and couldn't get through to Southwest to reset it. Their wait time was super long everytime he called cause of weather issues that were going on. I got worried about not being able to get the departure time that I wanted so I paid for that leg myself and then later used the company's points to buy the expensive return ticket back.

When I missed the flight back the credit went back onto my Dad's account. And I misplaced his username and pass that he had emailed me and couldn't use his points to buy the one-way that I used to get to Dallas or the one-way I used to get home from Dallas. I even tried going to the ticket counter before leaving Dallas and telling them that I was in a rush and couldn't enter the rapid rewards info before booking the flight because I didn't want the last ticket to be sold. They would have retroactively applied it by crediting my card back and using the points for the flight, if it had been under my name. They said that I couldn't use my Dad's points while there in person, you can only do that online.

So the net result was instead of me paying for the flight out and using the company's points to fly back I paid for 3 different legs on Southwest myself, plus one leg on American that was a mistake that was never used! I can't believe I'm such an idiot that I paid for 4 times the number of flights that I was originally going to pay for...

Brian Silvestro > Manuél Ferrari
03/07/2014 at 21:37

Oh god that hurts my insides!

That's why driving is better no matter where you're going.

How do you sleep at night knowing that you wasted like 2 months worth of supercar payments there?!

Manuél Ferrari > Brian Silvestro
03/07/2014 at 22:19

Driving is so much better!

I haven't been sleeping at night! I've had terrible nightmares all week. Knowing that I wasted 2 months of supercar payments is hurting my soul, haha

Brian Silvestro > Manuél Ferrari
03/07/2014 at 22:21

It would crush me, that's why I'm so adamant about minimizing spending what limited funds I have.

Manuél Ferrari > Brian Silvestro
03/07/2014 at 22:47

On that same note I'm using how bad I feel about how much I spent to make some responsible decisions right now.

I just paid off and and closed a personal loan from my credit union that I took out when cash flow was very tight last year. And I just paid down $5K of principal on the E46 M3 loan. That loan is down to $14K now and the car is worth at least $22K so I'll net more out of a sale or trade now. And by paying off a big chunk of the loan the percentage of my next automated payment that goes to principal will be higher so I'll waste less money on interest.

I already paid off one of my credit cards and I will pay off the other one now. I'll still be making payments on my 401K loan, life insurance loan and the loan to my Dad. But at least I'm paying down a good chunk of debt tonight and reducing how much interest I'm paying each month.

I could have done this earlier but I've knowingly been making just the minimum monthly payments to leave as much cash in savings as possible. It felt good to build up some savings again after getting down to 0 for a point last year, even if the money in savings wasn't really my money since I had all these outstanding loans to pay off.

Also I was kind of letting my savings build at the expense of paying extra interest because I knew that I'd need a chunk of cash for a down payment if I got an exotic car loan for an exotic car. But it's not smart to pay unnecessary interest just to open up the possibility of buying something sooner than I should.

Even if I do buy something this year instead of waiting longer it might actually be necessary to pay off as many open lines of credit as possible first. Lenders don't only look at how much you make, your credit score (mine is actually great despite all these loans, all they care about is whether you pay on time or not), and how much you can put down. They also look at your debt to income ratio as well. There is a good chance that I would not qualify for a 144 month auto loan until I totally eliminate some of existing credit lines. And not only that, I heard it can take 90 days for a monthly payment to disappear from your credit report after you've paid off a loan.

So doing the responsible thing and paying off loans may actually help my chances of getting an exotic loan if I decide to do it sooner than later. It's better to pay down debt and then save up the down payment I need before pulling the trigger on something. It would have been pretty insane to continue making just the minimum monthly payments and used my savings for the down payment on yet another loan.

If I have a good next 6 months at work I could potentially pay off everything but either the E90 loan or the life insurance loan and only have one monthly payment that I'm responsible for other than my mortgage (since work pays for the 997 loan). If I could do that plus save up a down payment for a new car loan then I could make something happen this year without feeling like a total crazy person. And even if it doesn't happen this year then at least wanting to get the supercar motivated me to do the right thing and minimize how much interest I pay!

Brian Silvestro > Manuél Ferrari
03/07/2014 at 22:52

Damn! So much planning and detail. You're really thinking rationally. I think once you have all of the debts/loans minimized and start building up a chunk of cash, maybe you can go for it.

But settling loans and such should always come first.

Also, work pays for the 997?! I need to get a job where you work.

I'm sure if you work hard (which it seems like you do) then time will fly and you'll have your car sooner than you think.

Manuél Ferrari > Brian Silvestro
03/07/2014 at 23:10

Yeah so many details, haha. I wouldn't have typed out that whole reply for anyone else but I know you are just as addicted as me and might find yourself in a similar situation later. Plus it's good info to have for your future car addition consulting business, haha. You can tell your clients "look don't be like Rusto, make sure to keep the number of personal loans you have under 3 at all times".

Yeah work pays for the 997. That's the perk of being a partner. If I'm really patient and work hard and pay off all loans but the 997 loan then I'll have zero loans I'm personally responsible for other than my mortgage. Doing that before getting another car would be ideal. That way I wouldn't have to sell the 997 or the E90 and the exotic car loan payment would be my only silly "this is totally unnecessary" monthly payment.

And I think you're right. If I continue to work hard time will fly. While this NO trip wasted a lot of money it also blew off steam and now I'm more focused. I have zero desire to party locally and feel like I'll be content doing nothing but working, hanging out on Oppo, and doing cheap stuff with my friends like watching sports and playing cards. The only personal trip I have lined up is for the wedding of the guy that just had the bachelor party.

Brian Silvestro > Manuél Ferrari
03/07/2014 at 23:16

But I'm sure you'll get blackout drunk for that as well! Seeing as how much fun the bachelor party was.

The CCC guy sent me the pictures of the Alfa, it has some rust issues that would cost around $5k to resolve, but I'm still convincing myself it's a good buy. I can't shake this addiction.

sex on wheels

Manuél Ferrari > Brian Silvestro
03/08/2014 at 00:34

Get it!!!

All Alfas have rust issues so it probably is still a good deal!

Once you fix the issues and garage it the car will be good to go!

Brian Silvestro > Manuél Ferrari
03/08/2014 at 11:07

I know I want it so bad. I'm afraid once tell my dad about the rust, he'll immediately say no.

Manuél Ferrari > Brian Silvestro
03/08/2014 at 15:28

You just have to convince him that rust and leaks are totally normal for all classic Alfas.

Wait that might be hard. He will believe you. But he may not think it's OK, lol

Brian Silvestro > Manuél Ferrari
03/08/2014 at 15:31

He's very skeptical as of now, he says we'll talk when I get home for spring break next weekend. We're going to the CCC regardless to check it out. Hopefully I can convince him to become a member.

Manuél Ferrari > Brian Silvestro
03/08/2014 at 15:41

At least there is a chance!!

If you make it happen it will be pretty nuts. You'll win the Oppo award

Brian Silvestro > Manuél Ferrari
03/08/2014 at 15:42

I'll be satisfied with life at such a young age!

That would be my second award.

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