Common Maserati Problems
Maserati offers a unique blend of Italian soul, Ferrari-derived engines, and striking design. However, ownership in the UK requires a proactive approach to maintenance. Older models often suffer from "depreciation-related neglect" where expensive services are skipped as the car’s value drops, leading to significant bills for the next owner. Electrical gremlins and specialized suspension components are common themes across the range.
Common Maserati trouble spots
- •V8 Variator Issues: Early 4.2 and 4.7 V8 engines can suffer from cam variator failure, a very expensive repair.
- •Electrical Gremlins: Sensitive electronics that frequently throw warning lights due to battery voltage drops.
- •Suspension Wear: Heavy cars with complex Skyhook suspension systems lead to premature bush and damper wear.
- •Sticky Interior Plastics: The polyurethane coating on buttons degrades into a sticky residue requiring specialist restoration.
- •Depreciation Neglect: Many examples suffer because previous owners skipped specialized maintenance as the car aged.
What to check on used Maseratis
- ✓Always prioritize cars with a full Maserati dealer or well-known specialist service history; "white box" servicing is a major red flag
- ✓Keep the car on a battery tender if not used daily; low voltage is the root cause of 90% of "phantom" electrical warnings
- ✓Budget for specialist inspections, especially for the V8 models (Quattroporte M139/GranTurismo) to check cam variators
- ✓Inspect the suspension bushes and dampers carefully; UK roads are particularly hard on Maserati’s heavy GT chassis
- ✓Check for the "sticky buttons" phenomenon where interior plastics become tacky and leave black residue on fingers
Select a Maserati Model
Maserati MC20
The MC20 is a return to form with the "Nettuno" V6 engine. Being a low-volume supercar, it suffers from typical early-production software glitches and minor fit-and-finish issues.
Maserati Levante
Maserati’s first SUV uses a modified Ghibli platform. It offers a sporty drive but is let down by some interior parts-bin sharing and air suspension complexity.
Maserati Ghibli (M157)
The Ghibli brought Maserati into the executive saloon segment. While more usable than older models, it still suffers from Italian character—meaning frequent minor electrical issues and some questionable interior build quality compared to German rivals.
Maserati Quattroporte (M156)
Larger and more refined than the M139, the M156 uses V6 and V8 twin-turbo engines. It shares many components with the Ghibli and suffers from similar, though often slightly better-managed, build quality issues.
Maserati GranTurismo / GranCabrio
One of the most beautiful GT cars of its era. Mechanically similar to the Quattroporte M139 but generally better built. The later 4.7 MC Shift and ZF Automatics are the most desirable.
Maserati Quattroporte (M139)
The M139 is a modern classic with a Ferrari-derived V8. It is a masterpiece of design but can be a financial nightmare if the major mechanical vulnerabilities aren't addressed.
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