RE: Maserati GranTurismo: PH Buying Guide
Discussion
Guvernator said:
The thing is I wouldn't class major component failure as running costs. I've run performance cars before so servicing and consumables being more expensive I can deal with, you have to pay to play as they say but a major component like an engine failing is something else entirely.
Even the BMW and Audi's that you've stated have major issues sometimes, right now I'm dealing with a DSG issue on my Audi on a 42000 mile car, apparently it's a known fault
. Thankfully it's under warranty but I just don't think major components like the engine or gearbox should just fail and if it's happening to lots of cars then that is a manufacturing fault and should be rectified by the manufacturer ASAP rather than what most try to do which is just trying to sweep it under the carpet.
Agreed but unfortunately many manufacturers won't cover major component out of warranty, there is a long list of cars and members on here that have tried over the years to get manufacturers to cover them and failed. Even the BMW and Audi's that you've stated have major issues sometimes, right now I'm dealing with a DSG issue on my Audi on a 42000 mile car, apparently it's a known fault
. Thankfully it's under warranty but I just don't think major components like the engine or gearbox should just fail and if it's happening to lots of cars then that is a manufacturing fault and should be rectified by the manufacturer ASAP rather than what most try to do which is just trying to sweep it under the carpet.I really wouldn't expect Porsche or Maserati to stand by a car with several owners that is now somewhere between 9 (oldest 4.2) and 11 years old (oldest 997)
You cant really blame them either at best you usually get goodwill unless you have a warranty or are a good customer.
Only really saying its always wise to go in with eyes open.
Re audi / bmw agreed there are several specifics with issues there as well. I have an Audi too .. not under warranty !!!
Agree they can't be responsible for every failure, especially on older cars but it seems we are increasingly seeing cars with major component failures which become apparent within the first 1-3 years which don't get sorted. I've read countless stories of 996's and 997's needing new engines in year one when they were new and yet it took Porsche years to even acknowledge, let alone rectify the issue which finally got sorted on the 997 gen 2.
The Maserati cam issue has been apparent since at least the introduction of the 4200 and the early 4.2 Quattroporte's and yet it's still happening on 4.7 GT's, that's a time-span of well over 10 years. Surely someone at Maserati at some point should be thinking, hang on a sec, perhaps we should try to fix this?
I'm sure the number cruncher's probably worked out it's just cheaper to fix them under warranty and then ignore them once they are out of that period but that doesn't factor in the PR damage it does. Would I buy another Audi with a DSG, despite the fact they are fixing it for free? Not very likely.
The Maserati cam issue has been apparent since at least the introduction of the 4200 and the early 4.2 Quattroporte's and yet it's still happening on 4.7 GT's, that's a time-span of well over 10 years. Surely someone at Maserati at some point should be thinking, hang on a sec, perhaps we should try to fix this?
I'm sure the number cruncher's probably worked out it's just cheaper to fix them under warranty and then ignore them once they are out of that period but that doesn't factor in the PR damage it does. Would I buy another Audi with a DSG, despite the fact they are fixing it for free? Not very likely.
It's just too big to appeal to most people! The mc stradale was desirable, in the way anything italian, exotic, and affordable is! But even that with all its all stripped out sexiness was still a very big lass... It genuinely wouldn't fit in my garage. It was always a bit "merc CL or this" in my head (what else is there in big stylish coupe world? obviously this is what you'd pick!) but it's not a desirable class of car.. If you can blur the lines of sports car and practical (like a 911) I think people love it.. I don't think this ever managed that trick... To paraphrase every motoring journalist ever - it's a man in a suit and running shoes! Not cool!
The 3200 was so damn sexy, and a great size, and a proper 4 seater too.. That's what this should've been! Obviously all in my opinion..
And still I quite like it. Bloody Italians..! Why are they so damn desirable!?
The 3200 was so damn sexy, and a great size, and a proper 4 seater too.. That's what this should've been! Obviously all in my opinion..
And still I quite like it. Bloody Italians..! Why are they so damn desirable!?
Guvernator said:
The Maserati cam issue has been apparent since at least the introduction of the 4200 and the early 4.2 Quattroporte's and yet it's still happening on 4.7 GT's, that's a time-span of well over 10 years. Surely someone at Maserati at some point should be thinking, hang on a sec, perhaps we should try to fix this?
The variator issue referenced in the article does not affect the 4200/GranSport. And it only affects QPs and GTs manufactured during a certain time period, after which the design was changed. There are lists of impacted engine numbers that have been circulated online. So you are incorrect in stating that it was a problem that wasn't addressed for 10 years.Also, a large number of cars have already had the issue fixed when it became a problem. So you can buy earlier cars where variators are a non-issue because they've been fixed and later cars with a different design.
And even then, the variator problem costs circa £3k to fix (and will be covered by a warranty if you purchase one), which is much cheaper than getting a rebuild on a 997 engine.
For they money, you cannot get anything with those looks, that sound and an ability to carry 4 adults in comfort.
And no, I don't own a Graturismo, I have a GranSport.
exceed said:
It was written by an amalgamation of owners.
Mine definitely doesn't have rear seats...
The newer models do (2013+), but it's still correct in the article.
Well written guide, with some great pointers!
They look much better without the rear seats too.Mine definitely doesn't have rear seats...
The newer models do (2013+), but it's still correct in the article.
Well written guide, with some great pointers!
I got a good telling off by a traffic officer for a manouvere in a Stradale...
Jonny TVR said:
Bought my 2014 MC shift 7 months ago, done 7K miles in it with no issues to note. Service is due every 12.5 miles or 2 years. I think the running cost is more likely going to be £2K on mine
I did 11k miles in 20 months in mine, I had no issues of any sort and all it cost me apart from fuel and insurance was two rear tyres and a 4 wheel alignment, I did not have to service it or even top up the oil. The supplying dealer did not recommend a 6k mile oil change and told me to come back after two years/12k miles.
m1980k said:
The variator issue referenced in the article does not affect the 4200/GranSport. And it only affects QPs and GTs manufactured during a certain time period, after which the design was changed. There are lists of impacted engine numbers that have been circulated online. So you are incorrect in stating that it was a problem that wasn't addressed for 10 years.
Also, a large number of cars have already had the issue fixed when it became a problem. So you can buy earlier cars where variators are a non-issue because they've been fixed and later cars with a different design.
And even then, the variator problem costs circa £3k to fix (and will be covered by a warranty if you purchase one), which is much cheaper than getting a rebuild on a 997 engine.
For they money, you cannot get anything with those looks, that sound and an ability to carry 4 adults in comfort.
And no, I don't own a Graturismo, I have a GranSport.
My brief research at the time led me to believe that it affected the 4.2 and 4.7 engines through quite a long period but happy to bow to your superior knowledge. Any ideas what years where effected on the QP and GT's? Might be useful to know for those looking to purchase.Also, a large number of cars have already had the issue fixed when it became a problem. So you can buy earlier cars where variators are a non-issue because they've been fixed and later cars with a different design.
And even then, the variator problem costs circa £3k to fix (and will be covered by a warranty if you purchase one), which is much cheaper than getting a rebuild on a 997 engine.
For they money, you cannot get anything with those looks, that sound and an ability to carry 4 adults in comfort.
And no, I don't own a Graturismo, I have a GranSport.
Guvernator said:
My brief research at the time led me to believe that it affected the 4.2 and 4.7 engines through quite a long period but happy to bow to your superior knowledge. Any ideas what years where effected on the QP and GT's? Might be useful to know for those looking to purchase.
The later 4.2 Engined Dry Sump cars (4200, GS) all hard non return valves fitted so didn't have the same failure rate at all. There has been a handful of instances of failures on that engine.The engine numbers affected are lower than 148697.
Anyway forget issues, Any performance car has problems.
Porsche IMS, Audi RS gearboxes, DRC failure, Cam lobes, BMW Vanos issues and SMG actuators to name but a few of the common ones.
The GT is probably the best looking car from the last 10 years and the GTS is THE best sounding engine ever made.
Here is mine in full lunatic mode
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=45tocOzce_s
Before and After H pipe
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wbLVTkmaVvM
Porsche IMS, Audi RS gearboxes, DRC failure, Cam lobes, BMW Vanos issues and SMG actuators to name but a few of the common ones.
The GT is probably the best looking car from the last 10 years and the GTS is THE best sounding engine ever made.
Here is mine in full lunatic mode
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=45tocOzce_s
Before and After H pipe
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wbLVTkmaVvM
v12v8 said:
Had my MC Shift for nearly a year now. So far my 997 has cost me more and that has been ultra reliable too! Hope this post isn't the kiss of death for my Maser ownership....
Lots of info on any issues/parts/events on the SportsMaserati forum.
Yep, as a moderator on there I can vouch for it being THE best internet forum in the World! Lots of info on any issues/parts/events on the SportsMaserati forum.
I think the XKR 5.0 would be a lot faster in a line, and better equipped with toys like adaptive cruise, DAB etc, and way cheaper to run. But nowhere near the exclusivity or badge, and I like XKRs. I'd say a competitor is more like the DBS but for the same money you're buying one that's a 3-4 years older. V12 though yum
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