Likes
- The looks, the sound, the image.
- Thanks to depreciation, used examples offer excellent value.
- An excellent alternative to the more predictable choices.
- It’s (sort of) a Ferrari engine wrapped in a usable GT car.
Used Maserati GranTurismo review
2008 - 2020
Dislikes
- Parts and maintenance ask a huge premium.
- Long list of common issues and faults.
- Build quality is nothing special.
- Depreciation doesn’t seem to end.
Stuff you should know
- The Maserati GranTurismo M145 is a luxury grand tourer (and convertible GranCabrio), first launched in 2007, offering a perfect mix of performance, Italian style, and everyday usability.
- It sits as a luxurious yet sporty option in the automotive world, competing with cars like the Porsche 911 and Aston Martin Vantage, but with a more comfortable, grand touring focus.
- Launched in 2007, it came with a Ferrari-derived 4.2-litre V8 engine, and paired with a 6-speed ZF automatic transmission or 6-speed Graziano MC-shift which is an automated manual and it has a shocking reputation for reliability.
- In 2008, Maserati introduced the GranTurismo S, upgrading the engine to a 4.7-litre V8 while the rest of the mechanical package was adjusted to suit.
- For the 2012 refresh, Maserati replaced the base and S models with the GranTurismo Sport, featuring a refined version of the 4.7-litre V8. The facelift also brought a sportier look with updated bumpers and headlights.
- Amongst the ten different variants available locally, the GranTurismo MC Stradale was situated to be the most hardcore version, designed for performance enthusiasts. It kept the the same power but added lightweight materials and a more aggressive suspension setup for track use.
- Later MC Stradale models switched to the more user-friendly 6-speed automatic transmission, replacing the older single-clutch automated manual, making it easier to live with on a daily basis.
- Trim levels included the base model, Sport, MC Stradale, and Centennial Edition, each bringing something different to the table—whether it was more luxury, more performance, or more exclusivity, while the Centennial Edition was introduced in 2014 to celebrate Maserati’s 100th anniversary, featuring special colors, badges, and customizable interiors.
- Inside, the GranTurismo boasted high-end materials like Poltrona Frau leather, carbon fibre, and Alcantara, with a luxurious cabin that got progressively better tech and ergonomic improvements in later models.
- Mechanically, it’s a front-engine, rear-wheel-drive car with a perfect 50:50 weight distribution, making it a joy to drive, whether you’re cruising or pushing it on a winding road and one thing that stands out is the engine sound—that V8 growl is unmistakable, and it’s a huge part of the car’s appeal. It’s deep, throaty, and absolutely addictive.
- Production ended in 2019, but the GranTurismo remains a beloved icon for blending exotic performance with grand touring comfort, and that Italian flair Maserati is known for, however, the Italian brand also has a shocking reputation for reliability, expensive repair costs and shocking levels of depreciation, is there any truth to these allegations? Read on to find out.
What goes wrong
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
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.
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.
Should you buy it?
After reading through the details, you might think that we wouldn’t recommend buying a Maserati GranTurismo, but you’d be wrong.
Realistically, when you strip away the allure of the brand and its image, a GranTurismo priced under $100,000 is actually fair value for what the car offers. Maserati certainly overcharged when these cars were new, capitalising on the romance and prestige of the brand. And many buyers were willing to pay the premium just for the name.
However, their financial loss can become your gain. The key is doing thorough homework before purchasing. A comprehensive pre-purchase inspection is absolutely critical, and you should go into this purchase fully aware of the significant commitment involved. More importantly, you need to have easy access to an additional $20,000 to $30,000 for potential repairs or maintenance. Owning an $80,000 GranTurismo with a healthy $20,000 rainy day fund could result in an incredible driving experience and ownership.
That being said, you should avoid paying more than $150,000 for one. No matter how beautiful or enticing the car is, it wasn’t even worth that price when it was brand new. Now that they’re all used, the price simply doesn’t justify the purchase at such a high level.
After reading through the details, you might think that we wouldn’t recommend buying a Maserati GranTurismo, but you’d be wrong.
Realistically, when you strip away the allure of the brand and its image, a GranTurismo priced under $100,000 is actually fair value for what the car offers. Maserati certainly overcharged when these cars were new, capitalising on the romance and prestige of the brand. And many buyers were willing to pay the premium just for the name.
However, their financial loss can become your gain. The key is doing thorough homework before purchasing. A comprehensive pre-purchase inspection is absolutely critical, and you should go into this purchase fully aware of the significant commitment involved. More importantly, you need to have easy access to an additional $20,000 to $30,000 for potential repairs or maintenance. Owning an $80,000 GranTurismo with a healthy $20,000 rainy day fund could result in an incredible driving experience and ownership.
That being said, you should avoid paying more than $150,000 for one. No matter how beautiful or enticing the car is, it wasn’t even worth that price when it was brand new. Now that they’re all used, the price simply doesn’t justify the purchase at such a high level.
Should you buy it?
After reading through the details, you might think that we wouldn’t recommend buying a Maserati GranTurismo, but you’d be wrong.
Realistically, when you strip away the allure of the brand and its image, a GranTurismo priced under $100,000 is actually fair value for what the car offers. Maserati certainly overcharged when these cars were new, capitalising on the romance and prestige of the brand. And many buyers were willing to pay the premium just for the name.
However, their financial loss can become your gain. The key is doing thorough homework before purchasing. A comprehensive pre-purchase inspection is absolutely critical, and you should go into this purchase fully aware of the significant commitment involved. More importantly, you need to have easy access to an additional $20,000 to $30,000 for potential repairs or maintenance. Owning an $80,000 GranTurismo with a healthy $20,000 rainy day fund could result in an incredible driving experience and ownership.
That being said, you should avoid paying more than $150,000 for one. No matter how beautiful or enticing the car is, it wasn’t even worth that price when it was brand new. Now that they’re all used, the price simply doesn’t justify the purchase at such a high level.
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Models, pricing & features
Tech specs
Body Styles
- 2 door Coupe
Engine Specs
- 4.2-litre V8 petrol, 298 kW and 460 Nm (Pre 2008)
- 4.7 litre, 8-cylinder petrol, 323kW / 490Nm (S 2008 – 2012, S MC Sportline 2011)
- 4.7 litre, 8-cylinder petrol, 331kW / 510Nm (MC Stradale 2011 – 2012, S MC Sportline 2012)
- 4.7 litre, 8-cylinder petrol, 338kW / 520Nm (Sport 2012 – 2020, Sport MC 2012 – 2014, MC Stradale 2013 – 2017, S 2015, S MC 2015, MC Sportline 2015 – 2017, Special Edition 2017, MC 2017 – 2020)
Transmission
- 6-speed Sports Automatic Dual Clutch (S, S MC Sportline, MC Stradale, Sport MC, S MC, MC Sportline, Special Edition)
- 6-speed Sports Automatic (S, Sport, MC Sportline)
- 6-speed Automatic (Sport, MC)
Fuel Consumption
- 9.8 – 21.9 / 100km (S, Sport, Special Edition, MC)
- 10.7 – 23.8 / 100km (S MC Sportline, MC Stradale, Sport MC, S MC, MC Sportline)
Length
- 4881mm – 4993mm (All Models)
Width
- 1847mm – 1915mm (All Models)
Height
- 1343mm – 1353mm (All Models)
Wheelbase
- 2938mm – 2942mm (All Models)
Kerb Weight
- Unknown kg – 1880kg (All Models)
Towing
- Not listed (All Models)
Ancap Ratings
- Not tested (All Models)
Body Styles
- 2 door Coupe
Engine Specs
- 4.2-litre V8 petrol, 298 kW and 460 Nm (Pre 2008)
- 4.7 litre, 8-cylinder petrol, 323kW / 490Nm (S 2008 – 2012, S MC Sportline 2011)
- 4.7 litre, 8-cylinder petrol, 331kW / 510Nm (MC Stradale 2011 – 2012, S MC Sportline 2012)
- 4.7 litre, 8-cylinder petrol, 338kW / 520Nm (Sport 2012 – 2020, Sport MC 2012 – 2014, MC Stradale 2013 – 2017, S 2015, S MC 2015, MC Sportline 2015 – 2017, Special Edition 2017, MC 2017 – 2020)
Transmission
- 6-speed Sports Automatic Dual Clutch (S, S MC Sportline, MC Stradale, Sport MC, S MC, MC Sportline, Special Edition)
- 6-speed Sports Automatic (S, Sport, MC Sportline)
- 6-speed Automatic (Sport, MC)
Fuel Consumption
- 9.8 – 21.9 / 100km (S, Sport, Special Edition, MC)
- 10.7 – 23.8 / 100km (S MC Sportline, MC Stradale, Sport MC, S MC, MC Sportline)
Length
- 4881mm – 4993mm (All Models)
Width
- 1847mm – 1915mm (All Models)
Height
- 1343mm – 1353mm (All Models)
Wheelbase
- 2938mm – 2942mm (All Models)
Kerb Weight
- Unknown kg – 1880kg (All Models)
Towing
- Not listed (All Models)
Ancap Ratings
- Not tested (All Models)
Body Styles
- 2 door Coupe
Engine Specs
- 4.2-litre V8 petrol, 298 kW and 460 Nm (Pre 2008)
- 4.7 litre, 8-cylinder petrol, 323kW / 490Nm (S 2008 – 2012, S MC Sportline 2011)
- 4.7 litre, 8-cylinder petrol, 331kW / 510Nm (MC Stradale 2011 – 2012, S MC Sportline 2012)
- 4.7 litre, 8-cylinder petrol, 338kW / 520Nm (Sport 2012 – 2020, Sport MC 2012 – 2014, MC Stradale 2013 – 2017, S 2015, S MC 2015, MC Sportline 2015 – 2017, Special Edition 2017, MC 2017 – 2020)
Transmission
- 6-speed Sports Automatic Dual Clutch (S, S MC Sportline, MC Stradale, Sport MC, S MC, MC Sportline, Special Edition)
- 6-speed Sports Automatic (S, Sport, MC Sportline)
- 6-speed Automatic (Sport, MC)
Fuel Consumption
- 9.8 – 21.9 / 100km (S, Sport, Special Edition, MC)
- 10.7 – 23.8 / 100km (S MC Sportline, MC Stradale, Sport MC, S MC, MC Sportline)
Length
- 4881mm – 4993mm (All Models)
Width
- 1847mm – 1915mm (All Models)
Height
- 1343mm – 1353mm (All Models)
Wheelbase
- 2938mm – 2942mm (All Models)
Kerb Weight
- Unknown kg – 1880kg (All Models)
Towing
- Not listed (All Models)
Ancap Ratings
- Not tested (All Models)
Warranty & servicing
Warranty
- 3 years / unlimited km (S, S MC Sportline, MC Stradale, Sport, Sport MC, S MC, MC Sportline, Special Edition, MC)
Servicing
- 20,000 km / 12 months (Post Update: S, S MC Sportline, MC Stradale)
- 20,000 km / 24 months (S, S MC Sportline, MC Stradale, Sport, Sport MC, S MC, MC Sportline, Special Edition, MC)
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Disclaimer
Please note that pricing information is subject to fluctuations in the automotive market.
Information correct as of Sep 29, 2024.
The advice provided on this website is general advice only. It has been prepared without taking into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Before acting on this advice, you should consider the appropriateness of the advice, having regard to your own objectives, financial situation and needs.
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