Can anyone comment on the build quality and finish

It's a Ferrari

 

If you get one on a football match day or a late Friday or a early monday morning build, then it will be iffy.

 

You can expect the usual minor issues here and there. It's Italian.

 

when you fire it up all is forgiven

 

Ahem, I have a 2012 Maserati GranTurismo GTS, had it since it was new, now with 13K miles and a DD for over 3 years. Not one issue.

 

I was given a Ghibli for a total of 8 days by my Ferrari dealer as a loaner car last time my FF was in for a repair. The Ghibli was a 2015 car, 6000 KM on the clock. Broke down once, bits of trim fell off twice, the resolution and clarity of the reverse camera was easily beaten by the camera on an 8 year old Nokia and the parking sensors would go off at random times even when there was nothing around for miles. The gearbox was rubbish, the navigation system lifted off a Chrysler and also didn't work and most of the interior and dash were made from what felt as really cheap "made in China" plastic.

I'd rather take a Camry next time. Or a skateboard. Or even walk. How do I know that there will be a "next time"? Well it's a Ferrari and it's Italian. It's going to happen soon

 

Correct! On my fifth new Ferrari. Paint is great but swirled BAD, real bad! Everything else is wonderful, especially the V12 sound!!! Order your new Ferrari, take delivery direct to a really good detailer like Esoteric in New Albany Ohio and you will be happy. All of mine have been there, just part of the Ferrari Experience.

 

I too had a Ghibli loaner when I was getting new tires, oil change, etc. for my GranTurismo. I hated the Ghibli as well. What I hated most was the gear selector/shifter. Trying to do a quick 3 point turn was impossible. I didn't like the gear box either. And the shift points were too high. Here is a negative review...

The Worst Car I've Ever Driven: Maserati Ghibli V6 S

 

The worst car review I've ever read....

Negative to the point it's no longer credible. Even more so when you've read other reviews, know the tech, seen and sat in the car.

 

I completely disagree. I thought the review was exactly right on in every respect, especially since I drove the car for a few days. Since you say you only "sat" in the car, I suggest you actually take it for a drive, then get back to us. Thanks

 

On the topic of build quality of Italian cars, one thing I to be true is Ferrari is not near as plastic as new Lambo's are. Fwiw

 

Thanks but no thanks.

But first try to understand what somebody writes before trying to give smart answers. Reading comprehension I believe is the English term.

And in every respect ? Let me give you a couple of examples:


"Paddle shifters. Yeah, they're missing from the Ghibli V6 S, it's actually an optional extra. Wait, what? Paddle shifters on a 404 horsepower super saloon are missing? Yep, for those who don't spec their Ghibli to have paddle shifters (which costs £245), you get the luxury of two fake buttons behind the steering wheel which do absolutely nothing. Throughout your ownership, it'll eat your head off as to why you didn't specify the Ghibli with the paddles, which should come as standard."

Out of place comment; can imagine that their are people who aren't interested in paddles. Secondly theirs literally nothing standard on the German competition including shift paddles (funny enough with £305 it's even more expensive option on a 5 series) but even an automated aircon is an extra. And options prices are often even higher on the Germans as well.


"if you don't specify the Ghibli with extended leather (£810), you get this fake plasticy vinyl'ish kind of material which you'd usually find in a Peugeot MPV. That's unacceptable in a car that costs over £60,000."

I'd say a very reasonable price to begin with (certainly given the quality of leather the italians use). Although it's true some plastics of the dash are not of 5 series/A6 level, the Peugeot MPV comparison fully reflects the tenor of the article.

And for some perspective; I'm not very impressed with the Merc. E Class cabin plastics either. And ever looked a little further in a 5 series or A6: seat bases for example, the quality of standard leathers, the standard cloth seats, the silly, cheap business satnav systems, the low rent base audio systems, etc.

All not very premium either is it.


"Practicality – well, again, the rear is extremely tight and the boot is pretty small. So that's practicality out of the picture"

Rear isn't extremely tight, it's certainly not an E-Class but about the same as a 5 series or latest X5. Ever sat in a CLS or BMW 6, X6 series, those are extremely thight. Boot by the way is just 20 litres smaller than a 5 series; 500 vs. 520 litres. Not huge but more than reasonable.


"Aesthetically, the Maserati Ghibli does redeem itself. The front-end up to the side's half-way line is pretty much sexy, but as soon as you get to the rear-end of the car, it's a love or hate thing."

It looks a lot better than the German competition; a more complex design, more depth to it and lines that actually work. It looks like a class above, and it is, it's a Merc. CLS, BMW 6 series competitor.


"And then we get onto the topic of value and price. The Ghibli Diesel costs £300 more than the equivalent BMW 535d, yet the BMW comes with a lot more know-how and general all-round quality."

Base prices are in line with the CLS and Audi A7. But compare it with a 5 series and I say; Options and option prices. Factor those in and the gap isn't even a gap anymore.

And to top it off; you won't be seeing it on every corner of the street, that's worth a lot. O and Clarkson by the way called it a bargain.


See what I mean; and then I haven't even driven the car yet ;-)