Considering a Maserati Ghibli II
Discussion
Hi,
I'm seriously tempted to replace my Lotus Elise with a Maserati Ghibli. The Elise just doesn't get used enough, with the kids getting bigger... I think a Ghibli would be the ideal replacement
What should I look out for? Were there a lot of differences through the years? 2.0 or 2.8? And are they as expensive as I fear?
Thanks in advance
Bram
I'm seriously tempted to replace my Lotus Elise with a Maserati Ghibli. The Elise just doesn't get used enough, with the kids getting bigger... I think a Ghibli would be the ideal replacement
What should I look out for? Were there a lot of differences through the years? 2.0 or 2.8? And are they as expensive as I fear?Thanks in advance
Bram
Have a look and sign up to Sports Maserati forum http://www.sportsmaserati.co.uk/ there are some helpful people on here, there is a guy on there called "Pibbow" he has a Ghibli, would be worth starting this thread on there, i am sure he will reply and give you a lot of useful tips and info.
melvster said:
Have a look and sign up to Sports Maserati forum http://www.sportsmaserati.co.uk/ there are some helpful people on here, there is a guy on there called "Pibbow" he has a Ghibli, would be worth starting this thread on there, i am sure he will reply and give you a lot of useful tips and info.
I'd also look on www.maseratiforum.co.uk.2 litre engine was lhd cars and the limited cup edition. Uk cars had the 2.8L. I owned an 1995 car lhd 2.0 was rather randomly tail happy. build quality was good, nice and solid. Never had any problems with mine but servicing was disproportionately expensive.spares must be expenive too, though there are some breakers/importers. Rust could be an issue, biturbos used to badly, not sure about the ghiblis.
Might be a bit late, but here goes. You'd do better with a late "GT" than earlier ones, because that has the 456 rear diff among other tweaks and (in my experience) isn't unnecessarily tail-happy.
Rust around the A-pillar/windscreen area, rust around the arches especially in the bottom corners, rust around the bootlid (basically, they just folded the metal up and wonder why the crud collects there and rots).
Make sure all the electrics work. AC control units can pack up. If the clock isn't working it's probably the battery - yes, even though it's plumbed into the wiring loom, the clock itself runs off a watch battery ....
There are front chassis rails that run alongside the engine, make sure that these are not cracked where they join the bulkhead - this is a known issue.
Belt changes - very important, and as they are limited mileage cars normally, the changes should be done on time not mileage, every three years. A snapped belt could lead to a £6-7000 engine rebuild.
Prices for maintenance from specialists can mount up, mainly because they take more time (and care) over the work rather than the hourly rates being more expensive. Specialists, of course, don't jack your Ghibli up on the soft front chassis outriggers instead of the proper jacking points, causing them to get mangled (something else to look out for). So you pays your money and takes your choice - frankly, I'd never have anything major done by a non-specialist; if they get it wrong it'd cost a fortune to get put right.
PM me if you'd like more info or an honest appraisal of the Ghibli (I've run a GT for about 3.5 years now) or, as the guys above said, try the sportsmaserati or maseratiforum as well, there are a fair few knowledgable folk over there
Rust around the A-pillar/windscreen area, rust around the arches especially in the bottom corners, rust around the bootlid (basically, they just folded the metal up and wonder why the crud collects there and rots).
Make sure all the electrics work. AC control units can pack up. If the clock isn't working it's probably the battery - yes, even though it's plumbed into the wiring loom, the clock itself runs off a watch battery ....
There are front chassis rails that run alongside the engine, make sure that these are not cracked where they join the bulkhead - this is a known issue.
Belt changes - very important, and as they are limited mileage cars normally, the changes should be done on time not mileage, every three years. A snapped belt could lead to a £6-7000 engine rebuild.
Prices for maintenance from specialists can mount up, mainly because they take more time (and care) over the work rather than the hourly rates being more expensive. Specialists, of course, don't jack your Ghibli up on the soft front chassis outriggers instead of the proper jacking points, causing them to get mangled (something else to look out for). So you pays your money and takes your choice - frankly, I'd never have anything major done by a non-specialist; if they get it wrong it'd cost a fortune to get put right.
PM me if you'd like more info or an honest appraisal of the Ghibli (I've run a GT for about 3.5 years now) or, as the guys above said, try the sportsmaserati or maseratiforum as well, there are a fair few knowledgable folk over there
Edited by masermartin on Monday 25th April 15:47
The Maserti Ghibli Cup is the one to go for awesome engine from a 2ltr turbo has been featured in this months evo mag. I had one was great 4 seater car. These engines were benched tested to 550 bhp but where detuned to 330 bhp for road. Maserati reported of no engine failure in the life of the racing series. Love them and one day will go up in price I believe as they were limited run. Had a 430 biturbo which produced 400 bhp at the wheels left cosworths and M3's in its day. The grandsport or Asseo Corsa 3200 Gt is a great car to. Only issue parts can be expensive.
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