Maserati Ghibli

Robbo

Robbo

Robbo

Man of Honour
Joined
2 Jan 2009
Posts
61,916
Anyone got one?

I know they aren't as good as a 5 Series for example, but it's very different and feels a more interesting option.

I'd be looking at a Maserati Approved so it would have a 2 year warranty, and as much as the Ferrari-built petrol is tempting, the diesel sounds good (I know it's faked by the exhaust) and I do usually end up doing quite high mileage.

I have driven them in the past at length and am well aware of their shortcomings. The window switches etc are poor, but that's not really the end of the world. The MY2017 updates improve the cabin and infotainment (CarPlay) significantly which helps.

They appear generally quite robust and most owners seem happy with them. I have a 7 Series (2014 LCI) at the moment which is a fantastic car, so I am very much in 2 minds as I know in many aspects it would be a step backwards for at least double the cost...

Pictures for those not familiar:

fVPoFAV.jpg

OpMrqEI.jpg

ZaQ81Rv.jpg
 
I cannot see why you'd change a 2014 7 series for this. It's a step down in every respect which may be just about worth it if you got that Ferrari engine but to turn the key to find it's powered by a diesel engine worse than the one in your 7 series?
 
[TW]Fox said:
I cannot see why you'd change a 2014 7 series for this. It's a step down in every respect which may be just about worth it if you got that Ferrari engine but to turn the key to find it's powered by a diesel engine worse than the one in your 7 series?
Click to expand...

That's very much the conundrum, it would simply be 'for a change' and to have something different.

I was looking at the petrols first but some of the Maserati main dealers are offering an RAC backed warranty with them, which is a bit strange. Not sure I'd trust it to be much good.
 
I’m with Fox. No way would I swap a 7 for one of these, especially if doing big miles.
 
Decision already made 'cause man wants Maserati badge

/thread :D

Disappointingly so because every car enthusiast will just lol at you.
 
Decision is absolutely not already made.

I am thinking of a change of car, but am very much open-minded. This is one option and I wondered if anyone had one or had experience with them.
 
I think changing because you just want 'a change' is usually something that will result in failure once you get used to what you get next and the excitement of something new fades revealing only the differences between the previous and new car. For change to work, it needs to be either something completely different or something that is quite obviously superior. The reality here is that there isn't much change - you'd be changing an automatic diesel rear wheel drive saloon car for an automatic diesel rear wheel drive saloon car. Only one that isn't built as nicely, isn't as nice inside, lacks the technical features, etc. Eventually, you'll come to regret the change.

So, either:

a) Change for something genuinely different - a sports coupe perhaps
b) Change for something genuinely better - perhaps a W222 S Class or a G11 7 Series

The Maserati name is iconic amongst car enthusiasts but none will be thinking of the automatic diesel saloon when they think about Maserati.
 
Very good points as ever Fox. It's not simply a badge thing, I do like how they look and they are quite a pleasant car on the whole. However, I would regret the diesel for the reasons mentioned, regardless of any associated fuel costs.

My initial plan was ultimately to get an M car, as I've mentioned on here before. However like most things they are quite heavily inflated at present, except perhaps the M2. The 7 Series is excellent but I am ultimately planning to be doing less miles now and can make good use of something more sporty as I live in the countryside. Rather than paying the comical warranty cost on the 7, a replacement AUC would have that included.

A Ferrari-engined Ghibli would come in at approx £5k under an equivalent age/mileage M4, for example, hence the appeal, but of course it will not be as dynamic. The other thing is that an M car will hold its value far better I would expect.
 
Brother has had a diesel one and changed it for the petrol one because he preferred the engine (also I kept saying why put a transit engine into a Ferrari taking the ****). He's had a few Maserati's and I know he loves the petrol one he now has and the fact they are rare on the road.

He gets his from Graypaul in Nottingham and they come and pick it up from his house to service it etc. although some of the parts cost are eyewatering (I think he was quoted near 8k for discs and pads)
 
Maundie said:
Brother has had a diesel one and changed it for the petrol one because he preferred the engine (also I kept saying why put a transit engine into a Ferrari taking the ****). He's had a few Maserati's and I know he loves the petrol one he now has and the fact they are rare on the road.

He gets his from Graypaul in Nottingham and they come and pick it up from his house to service it etc. although some of the parts cost are eyewatering (I think he was quoted near 8k for discs and pads)
Click to expand...

Interesting. The parts themselves for the discs/pads don't look too expensive, even OEM ones, but of course the dealer will sting you for it.

One of the petrol models I was considering has just had all new discs and pads at Maserati and they sent me the invoice which amounted to around £1800 (the better spec drilled discs too). So not too bad.
 
I've looked at the Ghilbi (V6S and latterly the Trofeo) and the GrandTurismo recently. It's not so much potential problems with the cars themselves that put me off, but the dealer network. Really good dealers appear few and far between, with inconsistent service and parts pricing the norm. If I lived closer to some reputable dealers/specialists I probably would have risked it by now.

I am of the opinion however, that people buy Maseratis because they want a Maserati. They are not the best in class, they are not the most reliable, the fastest, nor the best built. They do have a special badge and a great sporting history. Very much a heart over mind purchase.

Not sure I'd buy one just because I fancied a change though.
 
Last edited:
naefeart said:
They are not the best in class, they are not the most reliable, the fastest, nor the best built. They do have a special badge and a great sporting history. Very much a heart over mind purchase.
Click to expand...

Which is great when purchasing a sports car.

But of far less value when purchasing a diesel saloon car when an automatic gearbox.
 
[TW]Fox said:
Which is great when purchasing a sports car.

But of far less value when purchasing a diesel saloon car when an automatic gearbox.
Click to expand...

Totally agree there. Buy a Maserati with a petrol engine (most powerful possible) and enjoy real exhaust notes from an Italian V6. If you want a diesel uber saloon, then it's in the name - buy German.

If it was me I would go for petrol Maserati on a year's lease and then when that is out of my system get an EQS. Only one thing would be on my mind during that year - driving through the Alps to the Italian Lakes making good use of every tunnel...
 
naefeart said:
I've looked at the Ghilbi (V6S and latterly the Trofeo) and the GrandTurismo recently. It's not so much potential problems with the cars themselves that put me off, but the dealer network. Really good dealers appear few and far between, with inconsistent service and parts pricing the norm. If I lived closer to some reputable dealers/specialists I probably would have risked it by now.

I am of the opinion however, that people buy Maseratis because they want a Maserati. They are not the best in class, they are not the most reliable, the fastest, nor the best built. They do have a special badge and a great sporting history. Very much a heart over mind purchase.

Not sure I'd buy one just because I fancied a change though.
Click to expand...

It's not that I've just fancied one, I looked at buying one many years ago and have often considered it.

As you say, it's something different, especially with the petrol engine. The vast majority are diesels but for the reasons discussed, I would discount that now. Heart over mind. That said the GranTurismo is another level of costs entirely.

I've looked at both the normal petrol and the S, the F160 engine seems to be well regarded.

It would all depend on finding the right car.
 
Funny that, I’ve seen so many of these recently (all in dagdag spec). I did some reading up on them and they’re only worth it if:

1. You really want a Maserati.
2. You do very high mileage.
3. Tyres are circa £900 for a set apparently, and brakes, last I read were dealer only part as there was nothing on the aftermarket/oem but I’m sure after a few googlings I found some.

The looks are marmite, and I would fancy one at some point in life but your 7, is a much better car in every way.
 
As someone working for a boss who has bought all sorts of reasonably 'interesting' metal over the years...don't buy a diesel Maserati, for God's sake. It cannot possibly be worth it unless the buying criteria are 'must have a Maserati badge'. And even then...plenty less expensive ways into that.

If you're really hankering for Italian style then you're probably better off just buying a 280PS Alfa Giulia. At least they vaguely work.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom