Maserati Granturismo 4.2 V8 - Any thoughts ?

[DrEmmett.Brown]

hi all,

First post so please be gentle After a GT and came across this one on autotrader:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-de...-option=on&postcode=e181pb&radius=1500&page=1

Good buy or stay clear ? Appreciate any comments.

 

[CatmanV2]

Looks lovely. Clearly at that price you're going to have some issues but
Check the subframe
Check the variators.....

Lots of other issues will be flagged shortly

Welcome BTW. I bought one of the cheapest GT's on the market when I bought mine. Loved every minute of it


C

 

[JJbing]

I never like to see dashboard lights on which are preventable, such as washer fluid, seems lazy from the dealership.

As Catman has warned I'd want it on a ramp or inspected for rust, it is currently on winter tyres which would suggest its been used throughout winter.

Another area to check would be suspension arms, see if the front tyres are worn evenly if not, you could go through sets very quickly if the arms need replacing.

Aslong as you go in eyes open with the above checked you can't really lose at that price, as they surely can't go too much lower??

 

[Simon1963]

You can’t buy that because it’s in my saved list on autotrader and I don’t like it when they sell

 

[Gazcw]

You can’t buy that because it’s in my saved list on autotrader and I don’t like it when they sell

Fight Fight Fight

 

[safrane]

No such thing as a bargain Maserati...be prepared for big bills and suspect it will need variaitors, subframe, rocker gaskets, and front suspension and engine mounts... then suddenly its a £25k car with high miles.

 

[JJbing]

No such thing as a bargain Maserati...be prepared for big bills and suspect it will need variaitors, subframe, rocker gaskets, and front suspension and engine mounts... then suddenly its a £25k car with high miles.

You can say that about the £24k car though! As when they get to this age, regardless of mileage these things go. It all depends on the mentality you can run these cars.

Perhaps the dealership warranty would cover a few things?

 

[schell70]

I bought the cheapest on the market at the time just over 18mnths ago (an 08 too) but I had a 'jobs' budget. Don't buy this if that's your budget. Keep a min of £3k ready to bring it up to spec.

Get it inspected by a specialist - that means on a lift - I was lucky my subframe was caught in time. Variator clatter isn't always noticiable from cold, it can take a week of sitting before you hear it and then only slightly - again I got away with the end cap mod only but I'd budgeted for it.

Don't be put off by the mileage, mine is at 86k now and if anything regular use is a good thing.

Bonus items, seems the reversing sensors work from the pics plus at that age it won't have TPMS or exhaust valves!

Looks like its due a service given the miles left showing.

Eyes wide open and all that!

 

[ChrissGT]

Kinda depends on the service history as well.
Mine had new suspension on all corners, well maintained by a dealer. Variator fixed under warranty.
Still spend a ton of money, but that can happen on any car. My case it was exhaust, ac compressor and cats.
It seems my alternator might be next.

But its all within budget. The main problem is I spend too much on upgrades
I could have bought a 4.7 with the additional money i spend. But i dont feel i miss out with a 4.2.

 

[Cquadphil]

I got one that age a few months ago for £18k it had a great history file and service history, clincher was the dealer put it up on a ramp for me and it had been fully rust treated. Even at that I've had to get a lot of little problems solved and still a few to go but it really make me smile. It will not be perfect at that price I would budget a few K on top for surprises.

 

[philw696]

Wow not long ago I thought they were cheap at the low 20's.
I wonder what the trader paid for it ?
Check the online MOT history and good luck.

 

[CatmanV2]

Also depends on what each person's "spec" is.

Many jobs don't need to be done immediately, which is how I've approached ownership. Buy at the lower end of the market. All the pleasure, just prepared to put some money in every couple of months.

Sure, never going to win any concourses, or get top dollar on resale, but not what I'm in for.

C

 

[Dman666]

Would definitely get it inspected, I didn't i wish i had when i purchased mine

 

[Ali355]

Would definitely get it inspected, I didn't i wish i had when i purchased mine

What’s the score with inspections/buying cars in general during lockdown? I’ve spotted a car that looks like it fits what I’m looking for (not this one don’t worry)- from what I read you can only legally travel to buy cars we have already purchased online, so I am unsure how that affects our ability to arrange an inspection on a car.

 

[JJbing]

What’s the score with inspections/buying cars in general during lockdown? I’ve spotted a car that looks like it fits what I’m looking for (not this one don’t worry)- from what I read you can only legally travel to buy cars we have already purchased online, so I am unsure how that affects our ability to arrange an inspection on a car.

Third party inspection, then use a delivery service. You have an amazing amount of rights if you buy via distance selling, inc rejecting the car for a full refund.

 

[CatmanV2]

I would assume it's allowed, but probably discouraged. Which is a PITA as I think I've found something suitable, but it's a fair way away.

C

 

[gb-gta]

Looks nice. I like the dark blue carpets and dash matching the colour, instead of black.

73k miles is not a lot for a 12/13 year old car. Just right really, about 6k/year. As we all know Italian cars prefer to be used, they don’t like it when you ignore them!

If it checks out ok looks a great buy I reckon.

 

[DrEmmett.Brown]

Many thanks for all your thoughts - it is greatly appreciated and it certainly gives me a few things to consider.

 

[monkeybrain1234]

Did you get any more info on that car? It's the spec I am after but not ready to buy yet, need to sell some toys first!

 

[FIFTY]

Good buy or stay clear ?

Depends on your view and circumstances

Do you intend to keep it long term ( i.e. 5-10 years or more) or do you want it for 1-2 years then shift it on?

Are you a perfectionist with the condition of your cars? Can you live with minor mechanical defects or would you need to get them fixed pronto or it would continually bother you until you get it sorted?

I only ask as if you can live with it then you will be fine but if you want a sorted car then you will find yourself opening your wallet far too much on a potential purchase like this.

Even the little bits like a new set of badges and sorting a few interior blemishes soon adds up on top of servicing. On a bad year these cars can cost in excess of £5k maintain/repair/service

I am not trying to put you off I am only speaking from my own experience... In 5 years including modifications I have spent nearly the purchase value on my "rough around the edges" manual 4200 GT which isn't far off the price of that Grantusimo you are considering and the project will continue

I am keeping my car long term - it has been fun but it is an expensive hobby if you start with a tired car