2016 Maserati Ghibli 3.0L Petrol · D6 AMT

The vehicle exhibits a gradual deterioration in front-end braking performance over the last year, moving from a clean record to recorded advisories for worn brake pads and discs in the most recent test. While the history prior to early 2025 was entirely defect-free, the March 2026 MOT highlighted that the front brake discs have reached a wear level requiring monitoring, alongside pads that are approaching the legal limit of thickness. This pattern suggests that the front braking system is the primary area of mechanical concern requiring immediate attention, as the vehicle has transitioned from a roadworthy status with no recorded faults to one with active wear indicators on the most critical safety components. Recorded at 101,805 miles, the vehicle has accumulated approximately 10,180 miles annually, placing its usage within a standard range for a ten-year-old luxury saloon. This steady accumulation indicates that the car has been driven regularly rather than sitting idle for long periods, which generally prevents the formation of moisture-related issues in fluids like brake fluid or battery sulfation. However, consistent mileage of this magnitude inevitably subjects suspension components, tyres, and the braking system to the standard fatigue expected of a vehicle of this age and class, aligning with the recent findings on the front brakes. During the test drive, the front braking performance must be scrutinised for any signs of judder or vibration through the brake pedal, which would confirm the wear on the brake discs. Listen for any metallic grinding or squealing noises when applying the brakes, particularly during gentle deceleration, as this indicates the pads have likely exceeded the legal minimum thickness. Regarding the tyre history, the advisory from August 2020 noted uneven wear on the nearside rear tyre; although this has since passed, verify that the current tyre tread depth is uniform across all four corners and that the rear tyres are not showing signs of feathering or cupping, which could indicate underlying suspension geometry issues. Given the vehicle's age and the presence of brake wear, a thorough inspection of the brake fluid condition is recommended, as the fluid level and moisture content should be checked to ensure it has not absorbed water over the decade of service. Additionally, inspect the underbody and wheel arches for corrosion, as the 2016 model year is approaching the threshold where structural rust can begin to compromise components such as the subframe or brake pipes. Ensure the exhaust system is free from significant holes or leaks, as the previous MOTs have been clean, but a visual check will confirm the integrity of the catalytic converter and muffler assembly.