Used Maserati GranTurismo review

Exterior:

• One of the recurring themes for the M145 Maserati GranTurismo is the phrase: “Owners have reported a host of electrical issues.” The exterior is no exception to this, with problems like parking sensors failing. The issue here is that if one sensor goes bad, all of them can fail.
• Another common issue relates to the rain-sensitive wipers, which are known to stop functioning automatically. Thankfully, this can often be resolved by replacing the sensor.
• While sporadic reports exist of lighting issues, power window failures, and mirror problems, these are not overly common. That said, some owners have experienced strange scenarios where their car’s indicators flash and the windshield wipers start moving unexpectedly, even when the car is off.
• These electrical gremlins can sometimes be traced to loose wires, a slowly failing alternator, or a faulty voltage regulator. Often, the solution is as simple as replacing the battery, as a weak battery is frequently the root cause of many electrical issues in these vehicles.
• It’s important to check that the drainage channels, especially near the rear of the car, are clear. If clogged or dislodged, water can leak into the boot.
• Speaking of leaks, if you’re considering the GranCabrio variant, ensure the soft-top roof isn’t leaking and that the opening and closing mechanism works perfectly. Misalignment can cause significant issues, and as with most Maserati components, parts can be expensive.
• The car weighs nearly 1900 kg (4144 lbs), so if driven as intended, tyres, brakes, and suspension components will wear quickly. It’s crucial to use high-performance tyres and either OEM or premium aftermarket components, both of which carry a hefty price tag.
• One tip to save on parts is to research which components are shared with Ferrari. For instance, the alternator from a Ferrari 458 is the same as the one used in this car, but it can be over $1000 cheaper than what Maserati charges.
• Another concern is the optional exterior carbon packs, which cover door handles, mirrors, and the aero kit. These carbon components can deteriorate, especially in hot climates, where the clear coat may fade, and the parts could peel off. Similarly, chrome parts like badges and vent surrounds can also detach in high heat due to failing adhesives.
• On a positive note, the more recent models of the GranTurismo tend to suffer fewer of these issues.

Interior:

• The early models of the GranTurismo are notorious for having a subpar infotainment system. Owners have reported problems ranging from poor Bluetooth connectivity and screen malfunctions to system freezes and slow performance. Unfortunately, the system is not a touchscreen, and the buttons are not intuitive to use, adding to the frustration.
• While the 2018 and later models include upgrades like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the system is still not considered user-friendly, and issues persist. If you plan on upgrading the infotainment system, consult an expert first. Aftermarket head units can cause serious electrical problems, including fires in extreme cases.
• In terms of electrical issues, owners have experienced everything from minor annoyances like malfunctioning buttons to more serious problems such as warning lights illuminating the dashboard like a Christmas tree, or the radio turning on full blast and emitting strange sounds. These can be symptoms of alternator or battery problems, or even more complex voltage regulation issues.
• There is a common problem with the airbag warning light coming on. Some cars may only need a software reflash to resolve the issue, but if it’s more serious, the repair costs could escalate into the thousands.
• Other interior flaws include sun visors that won’t stay up after three years, buttons that become sticky, and seat control panels that may detach if the car is entered too forcefully, leading to seat adjustment failures.
• While the leather and Alcantara interior is luxurious, it isn’t very durable. Prolonged exposure to the elements or poor maintenance can result in cracks, loose leather, and other visible wear.
• Additionally, the two-layer soft-top roof on the GranCabrio can develop issues with the Alcantara inner lining coming loose, which can be an expensive fix.

Mechanical:

• Mechanically, both the 4.2 L and 4.7 L V8 engines are known to develop oil leaks from the valve covers and timing case, and these repairs are labor-intensive and costly.
• Some engines also suffer from timing chain issues, specifically with the variator (variable cam timing gears), which may rattle on startup. While this doesn’t always lead to further issues, in higher-mileage or poorly maintained engines, the rattling can eventually result in bent valves or catastrophic engine failure. In some cases, replacing the variators is the best solution to prevent further damage.
• The expansion tank and certain coolant hoses, particularly those located under the intake manifold, are also known weak points. Repairing these involves removing the manifold, making for an expensive fix.
• The alternator is another common failure point, and like the coolant hose issue, replacing it requires the removal of the manifold. The air conditioning compressor is also prone to failure.
• The ZF 6HP26 automatic transmission is generally reliable but can suffer from solenoid and valve body issues. When driven hard, it may experience clutch pack problems. Regular servicing every 50,000 kilometers is recommended to minimize these risks.
• The Graziano MC-Shift automated manual, though often criticized, isn’t as problematic as some sources suggest. However, it is far less reliable than the ZF automatic, and it does have its share of issues.
• Suspension components, particularly the bushes, are prone to premature wear. Maserati’s “Skyhook” active suspension system can also be problematic, with common issues including leaking struts, valve failures, faulty ride height sensors, and control module malfunctions. Electrical faults are also common with Skyhook, though many issues can be resolved by clearing the fault codes.
• Lastly, wheel bearings are another area of concern, with many owners reporting premature wear.