Fab thanks for the insight - my merc's HVAC is so noisy its a releif to switch it off ! if the Vantage is silent even more reason to buy one
- oh blimey a convertible XK - I got in such trouble for not buying one when I bought my hard top version!

 

It was the sound of the XK that sold me as well. I went to a multi line new car dealer that had a Maserati Coupe for sale. We drove there in our Vanden Plas. Hour plus drive to dealer and when we get there, the sales guy says one of the mechanics took home the key and won't be in for a few hours. He could've called me before I got there to tell us this. While sitting in the parking lot (we brought our dog with us), a guy pulls up in his XK. We talked Jags for a bit and I was impressed how different the same 4.2 V8 sounded in his car vs. ours. I knew then that an XK would be my next pick, not the Maserati. I have tried to warm up to the Maserati portfolio time and time again, but it just does not cut it for some reason.

 

Interesting - I looked at Maserati's in Lymington, a local dealer - looked great, never heard one but was seriously considering one but 'no nice noise' = 'no sale' I did wonder if I had made the right decision having never heard one but good to have confirmation I did - also never really heard one out on the road so must assume they are toned down for bigger market appeal

 

Maserati has better engine sound than Jaguar. They also have better transmission tuning and nicer brakes. That's where it ends. Interior materials are lower quality and steering is nothing to write home about. Maserati does the open valve on start like the Aston's so they actually are one of the better on start up like old Porsche. Jaguar is an overall better quality car and for sure is new dollar to dollar on Maserati. Maserati does a home run on the styling and is more mod friendly than Jaguar.

 

Sounds like I need to pay a return visit to the dealership for Christmas and see what they have to offer !