Granturismo visual inspection?

[boomerang]

For years now I am thinking of buying a Granturismo.
Just because it is the most beautiful car ever made.
Had doubts every time again, especially about letting our mint Gransport LE with boomerangs go for it.
But the Gransport stays, despite the fact that it is little more then a museum piece at my place.
(But I just cant part with it)

After selling the Alfa Giulia last year, we thought we wouldn‘t miss a regular car during the darker months of the year, but we do. (we used our Van till now)
The Granturismo won’t do a lot of miles and will only be used from Oktober till April. (MB SL500 during summer)
Questions:
1)Granturismo on a hoist, will I be able to visually inspect bushes, condition subframes?
Or are most of the possible problems hidden?
2)Camvariator exchange/repair in the past, will this be a real solution, or can you expect the problem to return after X 1000 miles?
3)Are there really serious reasons to NOT buy an early but well maintained and low mileage (2007/8) car?
I am just looking for a nice comfortable drive, not for a real sports car, since it never was intended to be that imho.
(So a nice 4.2 would also be ok)
4)Am I right that prices seem to stabilize, certainly for LHD cars?
Especially 4.7L cars are priced up to 10k higher now, compared to 2021.
Really nice 4.2L also seem to climb though.
So did prices bottom out yet?

Glad to hear your advices and opinions.

 

[SE_123]

I can't help with the inspection side, but I'd say aim for a 4.7 MC shift to bring full joy when driving it on those limited ocassions


Variator issues seem to be a concern for early years (one for sports Italia)

subframe rust, usual checks

Clutch wear for an MC Shift - 25k to 40k miles depending on use, so check when last done (and by who).

Brake wear (fronts in particular) - ~2.5k to replace 4 corners?


All garages I spoke to when looking came across as clueless @#+$s, most had no interest in allowing for an inspection and claimed the cars were immaculate (clearly they were not). I had an inspection on a low milage car which bought up loads of issues.

I ended up buying one through Richard Grace and would recommend you speak to him. He seems to also know most the cars up for sale so will save you hassle when searching...

I guess RG doesn't dabble in older year GTs now, but this one is a good example of how prices have reduced over recent months:

https://www.richardgracecars.co.uk/for-sale/maserati-granturismo-s-mc-shift/491#&gid=1&pid=1

I would guess it is a buyer's markets at the moment so start searching...



Edit - I would also add Nareman at Nuvola was also great to talk to.

Maserati GranTurismo 4.2 V8 Automatic 2dr Coupe - NUVOLA LONDON

Read More

www.nuvolalondon.com

 

[safrane]

I think I am right in saying you live in mainland Europe, and hence the LHD question.

Most of the above is good advice, but I note your driving style is more GT then sports... the 4.2 may give you just that. I was 'persuaded' to go from a 4200 to a GS, but even now I would prefer a 4200, as like you I prefer to take it easy then race about... and the GS is very stiff.

Prices are much stronger in Europe which may also play a part in the decision. Early cars are likely to have damaged subframes so you should anticipate rust.
I personally would not touch a car without a Maserati approved variator fix if in the engine range, would not trust a third party effort.

A low miles early car?... I suspect it will have a number of missed service unless it has been treasured buy its owner, and 2 years is in my view too long already for cars to be looked over... and sadly that happens far too often with these cars.

Best of luck.

 

[boomerang]

Thanks guys for the advice.
Indeed, i am from the netherlands, so looking for a LHD.
And yes, The Gransport is the sporty one, though in normal mode comfort is still acceptable.
In sports mode, it is very hard and direct; engaging and stimulating, that's for sure!
But this is why the granturismo 4.2 with 6 speed auto box would suit me very well for those longer and more relaxed trips.
I intend to look at a car that is for sale for a while now.
When i arrive unannounced and ask for an engine start, it should become clear how the condition of the variators is i presume?
If the engine is quiet right from the start, variators should be ok i think?
A rusty sub frame would not scare me off, i've done some work on 3200 subframes in the past.

 

[safrane]

I have been told that the variators will fail at some point for all the engines in the range (of numbers).

And I would be rather happy with a 1st generation 4.2 as well.

 

[conaero]

Most have already failed and been replaced I would say.