Ghibli GT - a few questions
Discussion
I might have to unfortunately sell my Chimaera and replace it with a daily driver. I've always fancied a Ghibli and they look like a bit of a performance bargain at the moment.
From what I can understand they have a reputation for being a reliable car (especially when compared to the old biturbo) but expensive for servicing and parts.
I can't seem to find any information on what to look out for on these cars though. The only thing I do know is to make sure that the 48,000 mile service has been done because that involves an engine out job and 30 odd hours labour...
Question is, has anyone on here had one because I'd like to know what the ownership experience is like. Also what to check/look out for when viewing one.
Thanks for your help.
From what I can understand they have a reputation for being a reliable car (especially when compared to the old biturbo) but expensive for servicing and parts.
I can't seem to find any information on what to look out for on these cars though. The only thing I do know is to make sure that the 48,000 mile service has been done because that involves an engine out job and 30 odd hours labour...
Question is, has anyone on here had one because I'd like to know what the ownership experience is like. Also what to check/look out for when viewing one.
Thanks for your help.
The Ghibli is a fantastic little car, smaller and easier to drive around town than a 3200 and less 'showy', but very tough looking in it's on right. but I am afraid the independent garage back-up/experience just is not there. If you are handy with spanners or live relatively near to Bill McGrath (Hertfordshire), Autoshield (Cheshire), Emblem Sportscars (Dorset) then you will be fine, otherwise ownership will be an even bigger labour of love. Some will say that a car is a car is a car, so anyone competent can service it. Quite, but you'll have the luxury of paying the local mechanic's labour rate as he tries to figure out x,y,z, which may well be a common Ghibli fault (of which there are many by the way).
The best cars to get are the last of the line models that were assembled under Ferrar's watch. They will still rust around arches, bootlids etc, but they are better than the earlier ones. Better does not necessarily mean good, by the way. Maserati got their act considerably better come the 3200, so for the difference of a few grand the 3200 is a way better bet. Still a labour of love, but just as expensive to service as a Ghibli when it goes properly wrong, and it looks like a 'proper' exotic car to the man on the street, if that means anything to you. I have owned a Ghibli GT Auto and Cup, and loved them to bits but the thought of owning a 80'000 Ghibli, and not living close to an indy sends a shiver down my spine.
Oh, and be prepared to travel to look at them. Plus, most owners descriptions will be poo as they tend to get desperate after 5 months of trying to sell, hence there are bargains to be had. I seem to recall that Harry Metclafe's old Ghibli Auto of Evo fame has been doing the rounds recently. Seems to change hands every few months for under 6 grand. But I guess there is a reason for that. I seem to remember David Askew (you will need to become his friend if you own a Ghibli) www.davidaskew.co.uk having a Green GT for sale. Gorgeous looking car, cheap too. But then again, a potential money pit waiting to happen - who knows. Go in with your eyes open and be prepared for the hassle of ownership, and then you should be okay.
The best cars to get are the last of the line models that were assembled under Ferrar's watch. They will still rust around arches, bootlids etc, but they are better than the earlier ones. Better does not necessarily mean good, by the way. Maserati got their act considerably better come the 3200, so for the difference of a few grand the 3200 is a way better bet. Still a labour of love, but just as expensive to service as a Ghibli when it goes properly wrong, and it looks like a 'proper' exotic car to the man on the street, if that means anything to you. I have owned a Ghibli GT Auto and Cup, and loved them to bits but the thought of owning a 80'000 Ghibli, and not living close to an indy sends a shiver down my spine.
Oh, and be prepared to travel to look at them. Plus, most owners descriptions will be poo as they tend to get desperate after 5 months of trying to sell, hence there are bargains to be had. I seem to recall that Harry Metclafe's old Ghibli Auto of Evo fame has been doing the rounds recently. Seems to change hands every few months for under 6 grand. But I guess there is a reason for that. I seem to remember David Askew (you will need to become his friend if you own a Ghibli) www.davidaskew.co.uk having a Green GT for sale. Gorgeous looking car, cheap too. But then again, a potential money pit waiting to happen - who knows. Go in with your eyes open and be prepared for the hassle of ownership, and then you should be okay.
runway78 said:
The Ghibli is a fantastic little car, smaller and easier to drive around town than a 3200 and less 'showy', but very tough looking in it's on right. but I am afraid the independent garage back-up/experience just is not there. If you are handy with spanners or live relatively near to Bill McGrath (Hertfordshire), Autoshield (Cheshire), Emblem Sportscars (Dorset) then you will be fine, otherwise ownership will be an even bigger labour of love. Some will say that a car is a car is a car, so anyone competent can service it. Quite, but you'll have the luxury of paying the local mechanic's labour rate as he tries to figure out x,y,z, which may well be a common Ghibli fault (of which there are many by the way).
The best cars to get are the last of the line models that were assembled under Ferrar's watch. They will still rust around arches, bootlids etc, but they are better than the earlier ones. Better does not necessarily mean good, by the way. Maserati got their act considerably better come the 3200, so for the difference of a few grand the 3200 is a way better bet. Still a labour of love, but just as expensive to service as a Ghibli when it goes properly wrong, and it looks like a 'proper' exotic car to the man on the street, if that means anything to you. I have owned a Ghibli GT Auto and Cup, and loved them to bits but the thought of owning a 80'000 Ghibli, and not living close to an indy sends a shiver down my spine.
Oh, and be prepared to travel to look at them. Plus, most owners descriptions will be poo as they tend to get desperate after 5 months of trying to sell, hence there are bargains to be had. I seem to recall that Harry Metclafe's old Ghibli Auto of Evo fame has been doing the rounds recently. Seems to change hands every few months for under 6 grand. But I guess there is a reason for that. I seem to remember David Askew (you will need to become his friend if you own a Ghibli) www.davidaskew.co.uk having a Green GT for sale. Gorgeous looking car, cheap too. But then again, a potential money pit waiting to happen - who knows. Go in with your eyes open and be prepared for the hassle of ownership, and then you should be okay.
Thanks for the response! I actually live in Herts so servicing should not be a problem. The old Evo car is funnily enough up for sale on Pistonheads and has been for a while now. Think I'll start looking for one but the prices seem to be all over the place.The best cars to get are the last of the line models that were assembled under Ferrar's watch. They will still rust around arches, bootlids etc, but they are better than the earlier ones. Better does not necessarily mean good, by the way. Maserati got their act considerably better come the 3200, so for the difference of a few grand the 3200 is a way better bet. Still a labour of love, but just as expensive to service as a Ghibli when it goes properly wrong, and it looks like a 'proper' exotic car to the man on the street, if that means anything to you. I have owned a Ghibli GT Auto and Cup, and loved them to bits but the thought of owning a 80'000 Ghibli, and not living close to an indy sends a shiver down my spine.
Oh, and be prepared to travel to look at them. Plus, most owners descriptions will be poo as they tend to get desperate after 5 months of trying to sell, hence there are bargains to be had. I seem to recall that Harry Metclafe's old Ghibli Auto of Evo fame has been doing the rounds recently. Seems to change hands every few months for under 6 grand. But I guess there is a reason for that. I seem to remember David Askew (you will need to become his friend if you own a Ghibli) www.davidaskew.co.uk having a Green GT for sale. Gorgeous looking car, cheap too. But then again, a potential money pit waiting to happen - who knows. Go in with your eyes open and be prepared for the hassle of ownership, and then you should be okay.
Just out of interest, does anyone know what a Maserati main dealer hourly labour rate is? I think I pay about £80 at my local tvr place...
Wouldnt bother with main dealer servicing for a ghibli, specialists all the way, far cheaper and know all the tricks.
Parts supply is starting to become a bit of a pain for these cars, for example you cannot get nearside headlights with the later black insert....shame to crap a car for one broken headlight
Have seen a couple with very rusty sills and underbody, and as per other posts difficult to sell even though they are a great little car
Parts supply is starting to become a bit of a pain for these cars, for example you cannot get nearside headlights with the later black insert....shame to crap a car for one broken headlight
Have seen a couple with very rusty sills and underbody, and as per other posts difficult to sell even though they are a great little car
Rocket Pepper said:
runway78 said:
I have owned a Ghibli GT Auto and Cup
Might I ask which Cup you owned Greg? Got any info / stories / pic's to share?
Edited by runway78 on Wednesday 6th August 10:30
Thanks Greg, though I should have been a little more specific as I meant your Cup in particular. Colour, wheels, rear axle, etc? I was looking at making comparisons with other Cups.
Also, what do you mean GT seats and not the racey ones? Can you describe the difference?
Do you know where your Cup is now?
TIA
Also, what do you mean GT seats and not the racey ones? Can you describe the difference?
Do you know where your Cup is now?
TIA
Just to keep this thread O/T, I looked at buying a Ghibli GT last year. It was in Bedford, was on the 'hit list' because it had been kerbed and took out the bottom wishbone and wheel IIRC, but was all repaired and running good. Wasn't a bad car that's for sure, and it was manual, RHD, and priced right. I'd have bought it had it not had a cream leather interior. But I was looking for an excuse not to over indulge. I'd wager that car might still be for sale, or doing the rounds, and it might be cheaper still.
My Ghibli Cup was Red, had split rim Speeedline alloys (with the lacquer lifting I might add), and I forgot to crwal under it and check the part number on the rear axle sorry and was part exchanged ages ago, so don't know where it ended up. The seats in it were the comfier type as per those in the GT as oppossed to the recaro bucket type which some Cup's had.
and was part exchanged ages ago, so don't know where it ended up. The seats in it were the comfier type as per those in the GT as oppossed to the recaro bucket type which some Cup's had.runway78 said:
Rocket Pepper said:
runway78 said:
I have owned a Ghibli GT Auto and Cup
Might I ask which Cup you owned Greg? Got any info / stories / pic's to share?Edited by runway78 on Wednesday 6th August 10:30
What issues did you have with your one?
A lot of these seem to be autos, not sure if the manual is a better option or not?
Thanks
Edited to add - I'm going to have a look at this as an example
http://search.autotrader.co.uk/es-uk/www/cars/MASE...
Edited by BagOfOldRats on Wednesday 6th August 19:40
Get the car inspected by a Maser specialist if you can! It could save you £££ in the long run. If the dealer shows little interest in it being inspected by a specialist then you probably have a big clue right there. The mechanical issues I had with the Cup car were mostly gearbox and suspension related (long time ago now, sorry) but the GT you are looking at is an Auto and the Auto boxes tend to be quite good on those. The AC can play up on all Ghiblis, both the mechanical hardware and electrical components.
The Ghibli needs an engine out chain change at a certain mileage - check it has been done. You may have to dig deep into the history but make calls if you need to. That car is not a GT, and only the late GT's were built under Ferrari's watch. Plus they were the last of the line so were marginally better built. Nevertheless 'better' does not equate to 'great'. My 456 interior was a bit shabby in places for a low-miles car. Also, check if that car has ABS - it might not do as an early model. Also I belive as an early model it may have an oil cooler/some gubbins mounted low down at the front/back of the car which is prone to getting boshed over speed bumps.
My personal advice is hold out for a GT as they have much nicer alloys etc. (god, I'm vain) If you do buy that car contact James Pumo at Eurospares or David Askew as he may have a set knocking about. Regardless, you should have a sniff around their websites - vital if you join the exotic world of Maser ownership. Let us know how you get on.
The Ghibli needs an engine out chain change at a certain mileage - check it has been done. You may have to dig deep into the history but make calls if you need to. That car is not a GT, and only the late GT's were built under Ferrari's watch. Plus they were the last of the line so were marginally better built. Nevertheless 'better' does not equate to 'great'. My 456 interior was a bit shabby in places for a low-miles car. Also, check if that car has ABS - it might not do as an early model. Also I belive as an early model it may have an oil cooler/some gubbins mounted low down at the front/back of the car which is prone to getting boshed over speed bumps.
My personal advice is hold out for a GT as they have much nicer alloys etc. (god, I'm vain) If you do buy that car contact James Pumo at Eurospares or David Askew as he may have a set knocking about. Regardless, you should have a sniff around their websites - vital if you join the exotic world of Maser ownership. Let us know how you get on.
runway78 said:
My Ghibli Cup was Red, had split rim Speeedline alloys (with the lacquer lifting I might add), and I forgot to crwal under it and check the part number on the rear axle sorry and was part exchanged ages ago, so don't know where it ended up. The seats in it were the comfier type as per those in the GT as oppossed to the recaro bucket type which some Cup's had.
The split rims were not alloys. They're magnesium, which is why the lacquer was probably peeling and was part exchanged ages ago, so don't know where it ended up. The seats in it were the comfier type as per those in the GT as oppossed to the recaro bucket type which some Cup's had. Some Cups had Ferrari axle was all I meant. I am still not sure they all had. Don't know why yours had the touch control climate either. Sounds odd. Did yours have air con? All Cup's had the GT style seats. The Recaro buckets were only fitted to the Open Cup racers, but they of course had no interior as such, and a roll cage.Rocket Pepper said:
runway78 said:
My Ghibli Cup was Red, had split rim Speeedline alloys (with the lacquer lifting I might add), and I forgot to crwal under it and check the part number on the rear axle sorry and was part exchanged ages ago, so don't know where it ended up. The seats in it were the comfier type as per those in the GT as oppossed to the recaro bucket type which some Cup's had.
The split rims were not alloys. They're magnesium, which is why the lacquer was probably peeling and was part exchanged ages ago, so don't know where it ended up. The seats in it were the comfier type as per those in the GT as oppossed to the recaro bucket type which some Cup's had. Some Cups had Ferrari axle was all I meant. I am still not sure they all had. Don't know why yours had the touch control climate either. Sounds odd. Did yours have air con? All Cup's had the GT style seats. The Recaro buckets were only fitted to the Open Cup racers, but they of course had no interior as such, and a roll cage.Edited by runway78 on Thursday 7th August 11:38
Rocket Pepper said:
runway78 said:
My Ghibli Cup was Red, had split rim Speeedline alloys (with the lacquer lifting I might add), and I forgot to crwal under it and check the part number on the rear axle sorry and was part exchanged ages ago, so don't know where it ended up. The seats in it were the comfier type as per those in the GT as oppossed to the recaro bucket type which some Cup's had.
Some Cups had Ferrari axle was all I meant. and was part exchanged ages ago, so don't know where it ended up. The seats in it were the comfier type as per those in the GT as oppossed to the recaro bucket type which some Cup's had.I've put the same post on a Maserati forum, but thought I'd give you all an update on a Ghibli I went to see today:
I've just got back from seeing an auto L reg Ghibli. Black with black leather.
It was in very good condition all over. A few stone chips on the front, one of the wheels was slightly curbed and there was a small bubble of rust under the lip of the bonnet were the only things to note. Interior was pretty much like new.
The car has been stored for it's owner at Bill McGrath's for the last few years. It has only done about 200 miles since 2002 (mileage is 72000) when it had a complete overhaul including cam chains, etc. Good thing to note on this bill were little things like having the plenum resprayed red, etc which is a good sign that it's been looked after. The garage selling the car on behalf of the owner have told me that he is prepared to have the car fully inspected by Bill McGrath and have any jobs done if a sale is agreed.
Unfortunately I couldn't drive the car as it doesn't have an MOT at the moment (obviously this would be done if I want to take it any further). I did have it started up and it ran very well.
All electrics seem to work fine but I did notice that in the button controls for the suspension, the right hand side lights were both lit. Pressing any of the buttons didn't seem to change this, can this only be changed whilst driving? Also, there was a directional slider on the left hand side of the steering column which didn't seem to do anything when moved.?
All in all I was very impressed with the car but will go and have a look at some others. I especially need to drive a manual and auto to make up my mind between the two. I was also surprised with the build quality, everything seems very solid on the car, for example the doors, etc...
I'll let you know how the hunt continues........
I've just got back from seeing an auto L reg Ghibli. Black with black leather.
It was in very good condition all over. A few stone chips on the front, one of the wheels was slightly curbed and there was a small bubble of rust under the lip of the bonnet were the only things to note. Interior was pretty much like new.
The car has been stored for it's owner at Bill McGrath's for the last few years. It has only done about 200 miles since 2002 (mileage is 72000) when it had a complete overhaul including cam chains, etc. Good thing to note on this bill were little things like having the plenum resprayed red, etc which is a good sign that it's been looked after. The garage selling the car on behalf of the owner have told me that he is prepared to have the car fully inspected by Bill McGrath and have any jobs done if a sale is agreed.
Unfortunately I couldn't drive the car as it doesn't have an MOT at the moment (obviously this would be done if I want to take it any further). I did have it started up and it ran very well.
All electrics seem to work fine but I did notice that in the button controls for the suspension, the right hand side lights were both lit. Pressing any of the buttons didn't seem to change this, can this only be changed whilst driving? Also, there was a directional slider on the left hand side of the steering column which didn't seem to do anything when moved.?
All in all I was very impressed with the car but will go and have a look at some others. I especially need to drive a manual and auto to make up my mind between the two. I was also surprised with the build quality, everything seems very solid on the car, for example the doors, etc...
I'll let you know how the hunt continues........
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