Buying a GranTurismo --- What to look out for ?

Hey folks,

I'm looking to buy a GT in the very near future.

Mostly I'm concentrating on the 2008, 2009, 2010 models due to price point and the fact that there are a lot them around to choose from. The majority of these cars seem to be well-driven with 30,000 - 50,000 miles on them.

The GT seems to have a reputation as a good driver car with good reliability so far, but at that amount of mileage, I'm wondering what might creep up and what standard major maintenance items can be expected to come due.

So, what should I be looking at closely ?

What should I be watching out for ?

What are the known "gotchas" on these cars ?

Thanks

David

 

First option is to decide between the F1 box and the hydraulic system.

For the F1 its clutch life and actuator leaking.

For all in the range you are contemplating look for dash shrinkage and sticky parts

Also, do a search on cam variators, there was a flaw in some of the early cars where not enough oil gets to the top of the engine causing one hell of a rattle on cold startup. I was not able to find anything definitive, but search around.

 

im currently between the Granturismo and the California, both cars have obvious pluses and minuses. The Granturismo has the benefit of a full backseat, no transmission issues (ZF equipped models) and no top issues (since im only interested in the coupe) but it has less power, no hard top convertable option and depreciates like the titanic sinking. in both models im looking at 2013 and up, but have considered a few 2012 Granturismos. Out of what you mentioned id personally opt for the 2010 since from what little info i have found appears the variator issue was perhaps resolved by model year 2010. Personally for the value of the car id forgo the 2009 with the F1 transmission since clutch replacement is pricey and a dealer isnt anywhere near close and even the nearest reliable independent is pretty far away. I suspect that from your comment about the model year you might want to aviod the F1 transmission cars as well but from what i hear its the closest you can get to owning a Ferrari without actually owning one.

one reason im looking at the 2013-2014 is the minor redesign and upped hp output. I really like the bumper improved look and the improved design of the seats introduced in 2013. and they can be found in the mid 40's and up which is only a bit more then a 2010's unless your looking at the 80+k mile 2008's and there again ill pass.

These cars were pretty reliable, and have the obvious shortfalls mentioned above which is ironically the same pitfalls of a Ferrari and thats shrinking leather, and sticky interior bits. Make sure you stay up on the maintenance and the scheduled fluid changes. For such a big car they drive rather well and its designed for driving in comfort and it fills that bill well. Also if you do buy one better be prepared to be attached to it because the older they get the harder they are to sell, But so long as its maintained it will be a nice car to cruse in for a long time.

 

Great cars. I'm just waiting a killer deal to pick one up...

IMO, go for a 2012 sport or 2013 sport (if you prefer the mini update to the front fascia.)

Some great deals on 2012's out there

 

Thanks for the responses guys --- please keep them coming --- it's very helpful !

On the subject of the variator / oiling issue with the earlier cars, is this something that is able to be corrected ?

Did Maserati offer a recall / repair / update campaign to fix this problem ? Or, is it something that it is just the nature of those cars and owners have to live with ?

Also, other than "noisy startup", is it critical (damaging) to the operation, performance, or longevity of the engine ? Or, is it just a nuisance sort of thing ?

 

do some googling, its not really clear (at least not to me).

Maserati does have a fix, and it involves drilling a hole in a part to allow better oiling. Its an enormously expensive proposition, and if you also change the chains while the front covers are off its well north of $15k.

I would start the car dead cold, and listen for any noise in the cam variators (forward part of valve covers) if you hear the noise run like hell.

I recall reading conflicting information: some have said the rattle doesn't affect anything or do any damage, and other say a part breaking would be cause valve train damage. I seem to also recall a cheap fix to run put a switch somewhere that would allow you to turn the engine over a few cranks before firing, so as to give it little more time for oil to get to the top of the engine. I have also been told that the problem can be solved by oil treatment, or by regularly revving to redline.

 

4 years ago I got a 2008 GT with 24.5K miles. Paid $53.5 for it. Great car. Issues:

- Seized dip stick in dip stick tube (common issue) I diagnosed and fixed myself - had to replace the tube and dip stick as an assembly.
- electrical connector lead at trans. Diagnosed, procured parts and had Scudiera Performonte fix
- Head liner fell down (common problem) sold as-is
- They eat tires - big time
- They get sticky

Upgraded to a 1 owner, 7160 mile 2013 Sport mid February ($54K) - took my first drive on Sunday. Had to install a new (Alcantara) headliner (sizable job). The car is nuts - beyond nuts. I loved the 2008 but the 2013 is over the top.


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I own a 2010 GranTurismo S. Bought with 17K on it. Put 2K on it in 1 year. One of the most enjoyable purchases. Always gets compliments at Park City Cars n Coffee or out driving. Advice:

1. If storing in cold weather in a safe place--the alarm system eats battery power--either drive it/run it 1x per week to warm up temps OR store it unlocked.
2. Check dipstick and tube for rust--common. Have previous owner discount cost ($400 labor & parts at dealer) or have dealer fix.
3. Light/gas tank/trunk button panel left of the steering column--over time, buttons get pushed in and screws holding backing plate get loose. Replacement for me at dealership (putting an entire new panel in) was about $700.

Other than that, drive it. No car is meant to sit. Lots of 'Italian tune ups' are good for any car. And best of luck! PM me if you have other questions.

 

Oops photo didn't post of my 2010. Here she is!

 

Yep - I had the dip stick seize in my 2008. Fixed it myself by replacing tube/dipstick together. Cost me less than $200 but I have a lift. Not a fun job.

 

OK, I'm currently looking closely at a 2014 with about 25,000 miles on the clock. Overall, it's in very nice condition, and appears well-cared for with an appropriate service history.

However, I'm a bit surprised to find that both cam cover gaskets are leaking oil (fairly significantly), and the power steering pump supply hose is weeping fluid a bit. Is this a normal wear condition or design fault on these cars, or is it perhaps a sign of improper maintenance (too long between service intervals or using inadequate / incorrect spec fluids, etc.) ?

Seems weird to me that such a low mileage, newer GT should have these leaks at this time. And, the folks at Maserati NA confirm there were no recalls or TSBs for such issues......... so, I'm wondering if this should be a "red flag" or no big deal ?

Thanks.

 

The cam cover gaskets are rubber that deteriorate over time. Not uncommon.

 

^ fair enough

What's the deal with the fabric / fiber (looks a lot like the cheapo stuff you see as panel lining inside the trunk compartments of some cars) covered wheel well liners ??

That just seems like a...... geez...... stupid idea to me for an exposed / exterior surface --- particularly the wheel wells that are constantly splashed with water and dirt. Never seen that before on any other car.

 

It's done to absorb sound.

 

its horrible. I don't daily my GTS, but if I did I would image that would just be a mess, collecting and trapping leaves etc.

 

I DD mine 6 months a year. It's only an issue in Fall and nothing a garden hose can't fix

 

Whats the recommended service interval like on these cars? Ferrari based engine...same ferrari based service intervals? Timing Belts? Chains? Thanks, I'm putting a foot in this boat too: shopping for one 2008-2010.

 

Annual oil changes. It's chains - not belts. Very reliable cars with the exception of falling head liners and sticky parts

 

I am replacing mine with Astroturf

seriously I know know if the leaves are different here in California, but I have to pick them out and my car is lowered so its a real pain.

 

I don't like it at all but typically I can use a hose and blast most out

 

Dave let’s see a pic of your Maser

 

Look up

 

Looks familiar.

I lowered mine, wheel spacers, took off the tridents, and blacked all the chrome out but door handles and exhaust tips. Novitec front llip.

 

I won't lower mine and I hate to say "never" but I will
Never install wheel spacers on any car. I hate them with a passion. Wheels are designed perfectly by the coach designer. They are not meant to stick out