Porsche Boxster Alternative: Why The Maserati GranCabrio Is Truly One Of A Kind

[@magnificus8581]

As an owner of one for 5 years, I can assure you there has never been an occasion where I wished the sound of the exhaust was quieter.

[@ryants1]

How has your reliability been? I’m looking at one with 40k miles and no issues before. Not sure if I should look for less mileage

[@magnificus8581]

@@ryants1 pretty good and I got it with 75,000. I did not find upkeep extraordinary and was glad it was my first sports car

[@1970borntorun]

You obviously are NOT a wimpy Prius owner!! LOL

[@scima02]

I have owned 2 Ghibli's and now have a Grand Turismo MC Sport convertible. These cars are incredible, the style, sound and design has never been duplicated. Never had major issues with any of cars. There is nothing in the market like it, I get huge compliments every where I take it. It's a rare car that will never go out of style.

[@letitrip5139]

Do you feel the ride of the MC sport is too stiff or is it reasonably comfortable?

[@tjk9263]

I came across a Gran Turismo at a stop light the other day. It was a 2012 with a Ferrari built engine and silver color. Sharp looking car but the rumble from the exhaust was beautiful. Maserati has always had the greatest exhaust sound of any car maker.

[@andrewhigdon8346]

Agreed. I’ve had the same pleasure many times. The car was pretty. The sound was epic. Kinda loud, but so sexy it actually got your attention the SAME way as a stunning woman. For one moment,nothing else matters.

[@ZoomStranger]

My god man - I hope no children were watching!

[@Kelveron]

One of the most gorgeous looking cars of the past twenty years and what an engine!

[@dimitribroos]

More Maserati content please. Absolutely loving this!

[@eze8970]

Something about a Maserati that always makes you smile. Thanks J!

[@Thanos.m]

Honestly I think this is worth it just for the sound it makes alone despite its foibles

[@Thanos.m]

@J Tudor for me this and the Jag V8 are best sounding V8s on the market

[@loneokami6560]

@@Thanos.m with Jag V8 u mean Ford V8

[@Thanos.m]

@@loneokami6560 it is a Jaguar engine look it up AJ-V8 had nothing to do with Ford it was just manufactured by Ford as it was the parent of jaguar at the time

[@loneokami6560]

@@Thanos.m Bruh ppl said that the F Type 5.0 was an Coyote, my bad

[@3ducs]

Glorious sound! I had a '69 Ghinli, Euro spec 4.7, it roared like a lion just outside your tent while on safari. It would set off car alarms while driving past. It had a HUGE drinking problem, low teens at best. A real truck to drive, no power assist, even the clutch was a bear. But the sound...

[@dellhell8842]

The KZbinr with the best exhaust note in the business.

[@chrislox1]

Amazing noise! Sounds like something from a Steve McQueen film from the 60's!

[@tjk9263]

Can we all take a moment to talk about that epic shirt. Jay is a proverbial clothes horse! Well done sir.

[@hexgraphica]

Should wrap his Micra to match his shirts taste

[@barry5138]

He wears it well. Not many can pull that off without looking like a twerp

[@kenwheeler1525]

Comon J, where do u get these shirts from!? They’re epic!

[@JayEmmOnCars]

Claudio Lugli for the most part

[@jamp12008]

On par with James May on the shirt intelligence. They all somehow work. I’ve got a pal who a certain kind of shirt on worked on him. We called them Matty shirts. Difficult to explain but they didn’t look right on the rest of us so he’s the only one who bought them. Hope that made sense. It is Saturday night after all 😂

[@christiantava442]

Maseratis are elegant (not the new ones), that's why they are timeless.

[@ralkia]

Timeless as long as the car has under 20k miles lol

[@Omgiamsotriggered]

Also the worst thing you can literally buy NEW lmao, I dont know a single other brand that depriciates so much(again on NEW cars, used ones can be a steal), some of the cars ive seen literally depriciated 60-70% in 2-3 years. Serves them right, they ask insane prices for outdated cars with ancient tech, while they also are behind competition by at least 7-8 years lmao. Maserati GT was still sold in 2020 for 150-180k $, its insane, it has interior from 2005, and the steering wheel is one of the worst ive ever seen.

[@user-xq2fz5tz9t]

Until the warranty expires, and left us stranded with blinking dashboard.

[@ralkia]

@@Omgiamsotriggered They're garbage cars for people who buy for the brand image versus quality or performance.

[@k.matthews1158]

@@ralkia lmao. Some of us don't give a shit about infotainment

[@ChrisNF]

I have a Granturimo, every drive is sensational. Love it

[@demonic082]

Now you've done it. I've only gone and started searching car and classic

[@andybroer651]

Love the video, I have a 2011 GrandCabrio and a 2011 coupé both 4.7s bought them during the pandemic for a song... coupé had 13k miles and Cabrio had 11k miles. Lovely cars, the trunk space in the Cabrio is very small, but the rear seats will work if the trip is just for 2. The nice thing is the coupé will actually seat 4 adults and has boot space! The cars are not the fastest, but that isn't the point of the GTs... they look lovely and on a trip with my Coupé I got 22.4 mpg at an average of 79.8 mph! Not bad.

[@grahamcolls8466]

Great looking and sounding cabriolet. As James said the key to owning one of these is finding a trusted specialist

[@TheGenovski]

Man, this car looks stunningly beautiful. I clearly remember my first encounter with it. I’m still in love with it.

[@joelonghitano7335]

l have had my 2010 Grancabrio since new...still get excited driving and haven't had any mechanical issues with it in 13 years, love the car !

[@garrybuckland7787]

I've had a 2014 grancabrio for the last 6 months and absolutely loving it. One thing I only found out recently much to my delight is the secret "loud" switch under the steering wheel. Normally in sport mode the exhaust valves open and give that amazing sound. But there is an override switch which allows you to have the valves always open so you get that sound under 3k revs and also let's you hear that burbling and popping when foot is off the accelerator. If you want to hear the person next to you then just flip the switch back into quiet mode. Perfect. Found the switch by accident only when car was first valeted and they accidentally switched it on loud when cleaning and I couldn't understand why the car was so loud when popping down to the shops. My favourite switch in the whole car. {{UPDATE:: I found out from my Maserati Dealer that the switch I'm referring to is an aftermarket update that was made to my car and has been done to many others so if you don't have this switch, you could always find out from your local Mas dealer how much to install it as I really think it is worthwhile}}

[@k.matthews1158]

Are you serious ? Any link describing this

[@garrybuckland7787]

@@k.matthews1158 See my update above to my post. I found out last week that it was an aftermarket update made by Maserati. So clearly not all cars would have this but they made it sound like many owners come in to get this update done so worth an ask at your local dealer

[@twanstokkink4448]

I absolutely love this car. The 4 seats make it even more perfect!

[@paulbunyan9436]

Jay I agree that speed is not everything. I recently experienced a modified Lexus SC430. It's lowered on BC Racing coilovers with wider wheels and tires and has a muffler delete to free the naturally aspirated V8 monster. I must say, top down, 300 hp is plenty.

[@andrewhigdon8346]

You know Clarkson and crew declared that the worst car in the world. And I agree. So it’s modified. And has a lousy engine, which is now louder with the muffler delete. So, modified, it makes 300 HP. Wow. Where do you put the hamster food? Top down, 300, plenty? How about 600HP, 1000 lbs less, and 70 year old construction and tech? That’s enough. Just.

[@Punisher9419]

Maserati's are always so cool. I sort of want one but I already have an X100 XKR.

[@DPW864]

Having had both, there's absolutely no comparison. The Maser is a different league.

[@odinikita4821]

Jag is better

[@sparky4878]

Same here. Looked at various Maserati but I just love having a supercharger. My XKR is a coupe. A wouldn’t want a convertible like this plus I’m not bothered about rear seats. Have a small two seat convertible for properly chucking about twisty roads.

[@X8X8X8X8X8X8X8X8X8X]

@@DPW864 In what way, if I may ask? A 3200 GT is, if a good is offered, on my possible future shopping list.

[@DPW864]

@@X8X8X8X8X8X8X8X8X8X an X150, maybe. But an X100 is so much older. Built on the XJS, interior from the ford parts bin and dates back to 96. Its totally incomparable. (I still have an X100 XK just because I think its beautiful to look at).

[@tes77a]

Loving the recent Maserati reviews 👍

[@intellect1st122]

I've watched 20 reviews on the Maserati and yours is by far the best. Well done. 👍🏻

[@Mikea6972]

Great video. I can honestly say, I made the best purchase 3 years ago. I purchased a 2017 granturismo Mc. Mint condition with only 8k miles. Basically brand-new. It's the most beautiful car I've ever owned. And I've owned plenty of German beauties. This Italian car is like a sexy Italian woman. If you take care of her, she will take care of you 😉

[@richardgrace3482]

Cheers for the mention James. If it’s cheap, it’s for a reason. Another accurate review.

[@yaboiyosef7640]

But....... Mr demuro says its a bargain luxury supercar!

[@richardgrace3482]

@@yaboiyosef7640 I tried to watch one of his videos once but had to switch off when he began to speak. Cheap and bargain are entirely different.

[@Anonymouseys]

@@richardgrace3482 Give it time. I thought that at first (a good few years ago), but Doug really knows his stuff. Not many people have driven the sheer variety of cars he has.

[@stu1002]

Well deserved! I ended up buying my car from a main dealer, but have to say yours was by far the best stocked with good quality Maseratis when I was looking to buy mine. Your stock always looks absolutely immaculate.

[@richardgrace3482]

@@stu1002 thanks for saying so. I do make a huge effort to ensure they’re the best ones out there. 👍🏻👍🏻

[@jenncria]

I have the 2019 Grand tourismo convertible and I completely love it!

[@BenzinioB]

This is one of those cars you know it is not perfect but the moment you start the engine all the fouls disappear - the perfect imperfection. In red is the most gorgeous car I can imagine... especially the coupe

[@thedetailingdoctor5746]

Sounds epic one of my favourite engines by far

[@Isalei84]

That engine sound comes from heaven and it is performed by the best Italian symphony. It's incredibile how Maserati could tweak the F136 Ferrari engine exhaust note to make it sound perfectly.

[@Ardentautosports]

I’ve owned a 2011 GT and looking to purchase a 2011-2013 soon. They are awesome cars and pretty reliable.

[@fredsalfa]

Second car I’ve seen you like and watched to the end this time. Seems like a pattern emerging that you like Italian cars from what I’ve seen so far.

[@iankamuri9090]

If you put the captions on from the start of the video, YT lists the exhaust sound as 'Music'

[@greendegenerationx]

And rightly so!

[@MrRoyck10]

Boxster alternative with a front engine V8 and four seats, the list of alternatives are getting broader, I don’t do four seats so I only consider alternatives that have a lot more in common than an open top. The sound of that V8 is a wet dream for any Boxster owner!

[@JayEmmOnCars]

Most of the alternatives are a little closer in spirit however I figured I wanted to provide some options that were very different in flavour. In truth the only thing connecting all these cars is the top comes down, but for some people that is all that matters!

[@MrRoyck10]

Noted, most importantly it made an enjoyable content to watch. Thanks JayEmm

[@andrewhigdon8346]

Well actually for me it was click-bait. I thought Maserati had introduced a down market, compromised, smaller, lighter, less horsepower, version of the GranTourismo. WRONG. Awesome car though. The sound in person, is, well, let’s just say that every I’ve seen one since then I make a point to try to get a listen to that exhaust. Downtown Charleston, SC on King St, flanked with historic buildings, while decelerating from about 35 to a stop light, it was so beautiful, I can remember it like it was a minute ago. And then even with a gingerly application of the throttle, it sounded like a beast just gliding away. Awesome.

[@trogdortheburninator8149]

Great series James 👍 as a Boxster owner love it!

[@duntee1999]

Please review the E63 M6 if you can get hold of one.

[@iandavidson99]

Had no idea this car existed. Stunning looking!

[@justanotherinternetmusicia1248]

The Maserati GranTurismo is one of my only dream cars that might actually end up in my life. I think I’ll skip this but it still looks and sounds fantastic

[@cauchyschwarz9759]

Liked the video even before watching. Love the GranCab and the GT. People just choose the ignore them

[@JBsC6]

The maserati convertible is a sexy covertible thats quite affordable these days. The early versions were the sleekest and prettiest. Thanks Jay. Im a huge fan of your videos. Very enjoyable content

[@bonniedrasco8166]

Damn! You’ve just killed one of my dream cars but thank you for your honesty

[@shaundavenport621]

The major thing Masarati does have going for it is that sound.You can hear them a mile away!

[@mrporsche4236]

I love porsches.But there is no porsche that compares to this.What a car

[@mackenziepm]

JayEmm on cars: Increasing centreline repainting significantly since 2014.

[@deplorabledave1048]

"The sun is starting to come out on a regular basis". Sky is 100% overcast cloudy. Zero shadows being cast.

[@zhzhhhzhzhzzzz]

Not only did you buy my (actual) old 760Li Jay, you now own a 4.7 QP5, which is what I own! We have a similar taste in cars! P.S. thanks for the tip re rust proofing with Sports Italia

[@maseratim11rko7]

Saw one on the M25 in 2008. Bought one. Loved it. The end.

[@E..M..]

A good alternative to the Boxster would be the Toyota MR2 Roadster. In 2002 when I had bought one from new I felt it was the better car (test drove the Boxster, MX-5 and Z3) and even now a 2ZZ converted MR2 it might give the Boxster a run for its money in the entertainment department. Anyway, I absolutely love the GranTurismo and GranCabrio and people seem to forget that they were made when Maserati was fully under Ferrari (the M139 QP was made by Ferrari as well). They are closer to Ferrari than people think, especially Ferrari owners; a lot of the parts I used to order came in Ferrari boxes although that has changed now.

[@Sgcarnut]

Inspired by your video, I finally bit the bullet and got myself a 2019 model year grancabrio two weeks ago with just 10k miles on the odometer. The last unit sold in singapore before it was discontinued. Apprehensive of course about reliability and maintenance costs. But that sound at startup and in the tunnels …

[@marcdelaunay1]

Lovely to see the shirt is as shouty as the car lol!!!! Summer must be here!!!! Ace vid. Lovely car for a 4 seater GT Cabrio!

[@simonmurfin1910]

There’s one near me in dark blue with the plate CIAO X Which is nice

[@cornishrider]

Great alternative! Very proper thing, yes please instead of a Boxster

[@DennisFang1]

I’d swap my Boxster for a this Maserati any day 😅

[@yeahno....]

No one ever seems to discover the headrests can be moved up via the electronic adjustment of the backrest being move upwards

[@blitz-power]

Maserati has some of the best sounding cars ever!

[@AndyfromSurrey]

Not massive fan of this Maserati, but I will admit it sounds bloody awesome 😎

[@wayoutofbounds]

Great video, Jay! In the US, the Maser GT/GranCabrio are often shopped against the Aston Martin Vantage V8's from the '06 - '14 era. In your opinion, which one has the best V-8 engine note when using Wide Open Throttle?

[@visionist7]

Aston, and I say that as an Italian

[@josedealbuquerquejr.941]

Maserati for sure

[@harveybjackson203]

Looking at a 2019 here in the US at the moment, glad to see this review.

[@Recklessbanana]

Apart from the dashboard looks amazing

[@MrAlpinab7]

My eyes, OMG !!! That shirt ....mindblown.

[@majicflash22]

I own one and Its the best Car Ive ever owned. :)

[@elnyoutube123]

I dont think people realize the German cars in this class are more expensive to run than this car and much harder to work on

[@bakerdow9884]

Seriously 😊 I have heard that Maserati require more dealer specific fixes than German vehicles hence higher maintenance and repairs. Could you elaborate on this, thank you, I would really appreciate it.

[@bakerdow9884]

Example 6 series vs GT/GC

[@elnyoutube123]

@@bakerdow9884 @Baker Dow I've worked with and hung around mechanics all my life. Every single one of them would rather work on any car from Italy than Germany because they don't over engineer everything to the point where if something goes wrong it corrupts multiple other aspects of the car. And the quality of the parts are much better. Not tons of brittle plastic used like the Germans.

[@bakerdow9884]

@@elnyoutube123 I also have a preference of the Italian marques over the overengineering Germans. But I am worried about Maserati as there seems to be a perception that one needs to put aside £2k/£3k per year for repair risk and some horror stories of spending £10k after a used purchase. For e.g. some people run their BMWs on the cheap by self maintaining. But can you run a Maserati GT/GC at a reasonable maintenance e.g. ones with a ZF gearbox?

[@marcodegroot4079]

Quite a soundtrack indeed! The car even says, do not cover!

[@comeberza]

The flawed huge 4 seater convertible is that fetiche of mine that would ne difficult not to get into if I had some extra money 😂 that light interior is spectacular and driving around with 3 friends through a shore road top down is the kind of memory that sticks with you for decades

[@adilusa]

I was looking for a Boxster and have already test-driven several used cars but then I saw this video and went to test-drive a Granturismo... oh, boy, can't look back since then, I felt in love with Maserati from the first second I've started engine... looking to buy one pretty soon. insurance bites though I was quoted $390/month for 2013 GT S full coverage

[@ashleymackenzie7209]

First time I’ve come across this channel and I liked it a lot ! I am now a fan .

[@guyspooner4580]

Great video. Fair and informative. Thanks Jay

[@nigel.w]

Maybe the Bentley Continental GTC is its closest rival? Admittedly, a tighter cabin all round and certainly not as much room in the back. However, the W12 version starts from less money and has more than 110 extra horsepower, and a truck-load more torque. Although, also even more weight to carry around. Cabin is arguably nicer, although also more dated at the same time, and the seats are smaller if you are a bigger person. Exterior dimensions are also significantly less, which means it'll fit in a standard UK garage (16x8-feet), while the GranCabrio is actually too long by an inch or two. However, maintenance bills are potentially much more scary, especially for the W12. Maybe not a Boxster alternative, but realistically, neither is the GranCabrio. The GTC is certainly a GranCabrio alternative, however, and would be good to have a JayEmm comparative review of such.

[@drs2200]

The F12 BMW 6-series (2011 - 2018) is actually a pretty good alternative. Doesn’t sound as good as GT/GC, but has comparable (if not better) performance, room for rear passengers, newer infotainment and interior, and definitely larger trunk even with the top down.

[@Mexxx65]

3rd podium!!! Masers are indeed rare to see on the road.

[@jonathangillbanks3891]

Good (and very honest) review, James, as always. Didn’t know about the front subframe issue so thanks for that tip - do I assume this must be common to the Granturismo and Quattro Porte as well (both of which I’m considering) ?

[@minatormyth]

Dam I love them, I particularly love the coupes . Great lines, great style and what a sound🤗 The rust problem surprised me thought😳😳 I would say the genuine rival for this car is the jaguar XKR convertible......apart from the rear seats😂😂

[@conner.9262]

Would love your opinion on 2006 UP Lexus SC 430 ??? That too is a convertible !!!

[@Eren-Dagd]

its not a boxster alternative, only the occassion price is in the range its a much higher class car.

[@RJW14]

Man this is an ultra rare version ,only seen one on a demo stand. It's gorgeous though.

[@philipcupid6660]

Echoes of Steve McQueen with the exhaust system, when he's chasing the bad guys, JM!

[@pedromanafaia]

The BMW 6 cabrio is more of a comparison than the 4 series. I own a 640d and I love it. Plenty of space in the back seats.

[@daanvk2465]

I am wondering when you'll get to drive the new MC20. The new GranTurismo will be launched aswell this year, really looking forward to it.

[@RootBeerGMT]

Had a 2004 and now a 2005-nice cars

[@Barbarapape]

Maserati of old are highly desirable, but very expensive to run and maintain even with a good specialist. The sub frame and throttle issues are just two of the weakspots. As James has said, buy one with caution, a full inspection is a must, as is a confirmed service history. This comes from a previous owner of a Gransport who had his fingers burnt!

[@MrMpvincent69]

My 2008 Grantourismo is costing me a small fortune to own😥But it's worth every penny ❤️ £20000 but it's gorgeous 🥰😍

[@SurNavComms]

5:23 -5.53 If that soound doesn't entice you into Maserati ownership then you are already dead inside.

[@ligma_nutz]

Best sound any car has ever made is the 4.7 🥵

[@jonathancollard3710]

Lovely car/ good summary/ but you are forgetting the Bentley GTC which is equally huge and will fit four

[@anoneemous406]

Lol the Bentley is double the price.

[@chrissmith4531]

Great car to own and run. Next level to the XK, and just hints at the Ferrari experience… its a gateway drug….

[@ApothecaryTerry]

Looks great, but the running costs mean you do have to be at least as rich as it makes you look, which is a shame.

[@marcnobel3938]

Ah! Cool review! Well explained like always. - Just a little correction. There are some 4 Seaters (useable) Convertibles available. For example the S-Class Convertible (not to confuse with the SL). I think the Design of the Mercedes is even more elegant, you get it with a nice AMG Sound if you like and the interieur is not even on the same planet as the Maserati. Used one you can get now for around 65K as S550 Version.

[@ZATennisFan]

I know I'm late in commentating but you appear to have forgotten the Audi RS5 cabriolet😁I've driven a couple and they are magnificent. But you do want the first generation with the V8

[@WhiteMouse77]

...speaking about 4-seater covertible I always thought about Mercedes SLS Landaulet where the only roof panel and rear glass are replaced with fabric top that would fold down on trunk right behind rear seats making wind deflecting U collar meanwhile arch above side windows and crossbar between b-pillars remain in its place.

[@pete3198]

"I dont think ive ever seen anything with as poor a car to boot ratio before" Jaguar F-Type cabriolet would like to have a word with you! hahaha When I saw the boot of one of those in person I was horrified - even though I was shopping for a pure, dedicated weekend car, it still almost made me instantly cross the car off my list. And I daily drove a 1989 MX-5 for about 3 years!!!

[@StronthPL]

Boot space MX-5 1989: 135l F-type convertible: 196 l I know it isn't a lot, but still is almost 50% more than MX-5.

[@pete3198]

@@StronthPL On paper maybe, now try when the F-Type has the spare tyre in there (as the one I saw did)! The spare pretty much takes up the entire space.

[@naturshoot8448]

Have to agree. When you consider the F-type is wider than the XK it replaced, lost the rear seat area, and is only a little bit shorter, the lack of luggage space was a real shocker.

[@dwarfyh32]

The exhaust note wouldnt bother me. Unless you have enough money for this to play second fiddle to your 'fancy' car, this is a car you would want to be noticed in

[@t-lawsfitness6044]

Sounds epic mate

[@philipcupid6660]

JM, its ok with all the nonsense with noise level restrictions all over the shop, we need non dull vehicles.

[@MagnumTriumph]

It's just like a Porsche, except without all the blandness.

[@stms4411]

Or it’s nothing like a Porsche - for good or bad

[@ApothecaryTerry]

Porsche bland? Someone hasn't driven one (at least any decent one, properly). Take a 981 Cayman S/GTS down a good road, then if you still think they're bland I can only suggest Russian roulette- not that I want you to hurt yourself, it's just the only thing you'll find exciting if that car doesn't do it! I love the GranCabrio and GranTurismo, they sound incredible and look incredible. The driving and ownership experience is not great, but that's not the point. Porsche on the other hand are all about those things, although some of their cars also sound and look great too.

[@2702simmo]

Stupid comment. I love the look and sound of these Masers but then I’ve found out it’s 2100kg. As an old 911 owner I can guarantee you the driving experience down a good road of both would show that the Maser would be the bland one. What a stupid comment 😳

[@kookvision9295]

Every masertti review. It's rubbish, but sounds good.

[@lolkevandewitte1713]

…it’s Maserati….

[@shotab8758]

If you change Maserati GranGurismo 2008 front bumper with 2014 - 17 bumpers, it will look ridiculously good

[@5ebra1]

It sounds like an American muscle car. Great review.

[@nigeldeforrest-pearce8084]

I Know aMaserati GT Owned who highly recommends Them!!!!

[@smyffmawzz]

Damn!! I wanted the roof to go up and down .

[@MVD792]

It might have around a 1000 flawes.....but that sound!!!