Consider an early Granturismo, things to look out for and other questions

Nope.

New Member
Messages
3
Hi all!

So I'm considering a 2007 Maserati Granturismo 4.2. It'll be my first foray into the Marque and it's a car I've lusted after for a long time so hopefully it'll live up to my expectations!

I do have a few questions, mostly as I've been trying to do research on these cars and I'm coming up short quite a lot or only seeing hints of the information that I'm after so I'm hoping some of you might be able to help fill in the blanks!

1) I've been reading about common failures on these cars, and the only two I've really come across are the electrically actuated exhaust valve that regulates the exhaust noise can fail and require replacement, and an issue on early cars with fault cam variators. Considering I'm looking at an early car, the latter is concerning to me. I understand there was a recall/mod done to stop this issue from occurring, if I contact Maserati with the VIN of the car would they be able to tell me if this mod has been completed? Is there any other way to tell? What are the symptoms and possible outcomes of failure? Are there any other show-stopper issues I should be aware of?

2) I understand the 4.2 is dry sumped and the 4.7 is wet sumped? How reliable is the dry sump system and how much of a pain is it to check the oil on the 4.2?

3) What is parts availability like for these cars? Obviously there is the main dealer supply chain, but how long would I be waiting for parts if required on average or are they usually held in local stock?

4) I understand that these cars suffer with quite a lot of suspension wear issues, mostly seeming to occur on the upper suspension arms which necessitates the replacement of the whole arm. How common is this and does anybody have any indicative pricing?

5) How reliable is the Skyhook system, and what is the sort of part cost of replacing the shock(s) should one or more fail?

6) Has anybody done an interior refresh to bring an older model up to the newer interior spec? (e.g. trimming the lower dash in alcantara)

7) How reliable are the electronic systems of the car (provided the battery is kept charged and you don't do something silly like try to jump start it)?

8) I tend to like tackling things myself, to me it's part of the pleasure of car ownership. Does anybody have a workshop manual for the 4.2 that I could acquaint myself with by any chance?

9) A LOT of these cars seem to be up for sale at around the 65-69k mile mark. Is there something significant at this point or shortly after or is this just a coincidence?

If anybody could share any insight into the above questions it would be very much appreciated!

Thanks!
 
Last edited:

CatmanV2

Member
Messages
48,539
Welcome: Rapid answers
  1. Nope, the 4.2 doesn't have valved exhausts. Unless they are retrofitted. Like mine :)
  2. I think that's completely the wrong way around.
  3. Mostly local stock. Certainly I've never had any issues
  4. Not had to do mine yet at 100k. Bushes, yes, but they are replaceable separately
  5. ISTR about £400 a corner. I've had one go. Springs are cheap. Drop links not so much but not that common. (Check prices at www.eurospares.co.uk)
  6. Probably, can't be hard :)
  7. Never had a problem except with an alternator over voltage. Oh the seats have dementia and the parking sensors can fail, but they are replaceable with units from Skoda.
  8. Yes. There are digital versions. You will need specialist tools, though.
  9. Co-incidence I suspect. Mine will be for sale at rather more miles than that.

Happy hunting!

C
 

bigbob

Member
Messages
8,952
Welcome also. Agree with the above other than 2 in that I think both sized engines are wet sumped in the GranTurismo, it was the robotised manual 4.2 QPV that was dry sumped.

I had my front suspension bushes (upper and lower) recently replaced at just over 50,000 miles. As for miles at sale, I think a lot of people take the view that you sell any car before 70,000 miles. It would not bother me and shows these cars are more robust than some that have gone before.

I've had drop links (& D bushes) and springs replaced - these, surprisingly, were really cheap parts.
 

Corranga

Member
Messages
1,219
Welcome along. I can't comment much as a 4200 owner, except to say that my experience on ordering parts for an older car that I think they made less of, is that factory order can also be very quick. I had parts within a couple of days, and that's Italy to dealer in England, to my doorstep in Scotland.
 

Contigo

Sponsor
Messages
18,376
What Catman says but the big bills items are variators (listen for rattle on cold start - rat a tat tat) , brakes and suspension arms/bushes. If you get a car which has been loved and serviced on point then you won't go far wrong. Get an inspection at a good indie and that will help too.
 

Andyk

Member
Messages
61,038
Iain on here did an alcantara refresh in his car I believe dash etc...so it can be done.
 

donchicho

New Member
Messages
4
Look out for the STICKYS. I have a 04 Cambio Corsa and have cured most of them still have a few to go. My 2013 GT none at all, keeping my fingers and toes crossed. Ciao
 

Topher57

New Member
Messages
11
Hi all!

So I'm considering a 2007 Maserati Granturismo 4.2. It'll be my first foray into the Marque and it's a car I've lusted after for a long time so hopefully it'll live up to my expectations!

I do have a few questions, mostly as I've been trying to do research on these cars and I'm coming up short quite a lot or only seeing hints of the information that I'm after so I'm hoping some of you might be able to help fill in the blanks!

1) I've been reading about common failures on these cars, and the only two I've really come across are the electrically actuated exhaust valve that regulates the exhaust noise can fail and require replacement, and an issue on early cars with fault cam variators. Considering I'm looking at an early car, the latter is concerning to me. I understand there was a recall/mod done to stop this issue from occurring, if I contact Maserati with the VIN of the car would they be able to tell me if this mod has been completed? Is there any other way to tell? What are the symptoms and possible outcomes of failure? Are there any other show-stopper issues I should be aware of?

2) I understand the 4.2 is dry sumped and the 4.7 is wet sumped? How reliable is the dry sump system and how much of a pain is it to check the oil on the 4.2?

3) What is parts availability like for these cars? Obviously there is the main dealer supply chain, but how long would I be waiting for parts if required on average or are they usually held in local stock?

4) I understand that these cars suffer with quite a lot of suspension wear issues, mostly seeming to occur on the upper suspension arms which necessitates the replacement of the whole arm. How common is this and does anybody have any indicative pricing?

5) How reliable is the Skyhook system, and what is the sort of part cost of replacing the shock(s) should one or more fail?

6) Has anybody done an interior refresh to bring an older model up to the newer interior spec? (e.g. trimming the lower dash in alcantara)

7) How reliable are the electronic systems of the car (provided the battery is kept charged and you don't do something silly like try to jump start it)?

8) I tend to like tackling things myself, to me it's part of the pleasure of car ownership. Does anybody have a workshop manual for the 4.2 that I could acquaint myself with by any chance?

9) A LOT of these cars seem to be up for sale at around the 65-69k mile mark. Is there something significant at this point or shortly after or is this just a coincidence?

If anybody could share any insight into the above questions it would be very much appreciated!

Thanks!
 

Topher57

New Member
Messages
11
My advice for what it is worth. Choose carefully. These are fantastic cars and you wont get a better looking car for this type of money. BUT, it doesn't matter how well it goes or how it looks you will always worry about the dreaded Cam Variators. If you want peace of mind, make sure the car has had the work done.
 

Matt82

Member
Messages
222
I wouldn't rule a GT out on the basis that it hasn't had the variators sorted if the car meets your other needs, colour , spec etc. Just make sure you have a slush fund available for if you do get a big bill, but tbh you can get some pretty big bills with most modern cars can't you
 

conaero

Forum Owner
Messages
34,593
Indeed. Negotiate the variator money off the price, stick it in the bank and drive the car.
 

safrane

Member
Messages
16,746
Given how many dealers know any Maserati in detail I suspect getting c £3k off the car for it would be a challenge, but if you can then nothing to loose.