2012 Maserati Granturismo 4.2L Petrol · SF56 MAS

A recurring pattern of tyre-related advisories defines the mechanical narrative of this 2012 Maserati GranTurismo across the recorded MOT history, contrasting with an otherwise clean bill of roadworthiness. The most recent test on 2 December 2025 recorded a pass with no defects, and the two preceding tests in December 2024 and January 2024 also passed without any advisories, indicating that the immediate recent record is stable. However, looking back to the September 2022 test, advisories were raised against all four tyres for cracking and perishing, alongside a nearside rear tyre worn close to the legal limit and on its edge. The July 2020 test had similarly flagged all four tyres as being both worn close to the legal limit on their edges and perished. While the 2024 and 2025 tests showed no recorded tyre defects, suggesting replacements have occurred since, the chronic nature of the tyre condition recorded in 2020 and 2022 is the most persistent mechanical theme in the history, pointing towards either prolonged standing periods causing rubber degradation or aggressive wheel alignment geometry accelerating shoulder wear. The recorded mileage of 51,150 miles against a 14-year vehicle age equates to an average accumulation of roughly 3,654 miles per year, which is notably low for any motorcar and particularly so for a grand tourer of this type. The MOT testing timeline itself contains visible gaps, with tests clustered in 2016, 2017, and 2018, followed by a gap until July 2020, and another interval until September 2022 before annual testing resumed from January 2024 onwards. Such an annual average and these testing gaps are consistent with occasional or seasonal use rather than daily driving, and mechanically this profile carries specific implications. Tyres, brake discs, and calliper mechanisms left standing for extended periods are prone to flat-spotting, surface corrosion on friction surfaces, and seizing of sliding pins. Low-mileage use also means the engine, transmission, and drivetrain oils may have endured long service intervals, and ancillary items such as the air conditioning system, fuel system, and 12V battery are more susceptible to degradation when the vehicle is not exercised regularly. The perished tyre condition flagged in 2020 and 2022 is a direct mechanical consequence of this type of usage profile. Given the recorded history, a prospective buyer should prioritise a close physical inspection of all four tyres regardless of any visual appearance, looking for hairline sidewall cracking, dry rot, or uneven shoulder wear, as the 2020 and 2022 advisories demonstrate that this vehicle has historically been prone to premature tyre deterioration. On a test drive, listen for any clonks or knocks from the front suspension over uneven road surfaces, which would indicate worn control arm bushes or top mount deterioration common on Italian grand tourers of this era. Brake pedal feel should be tested firmly; any excessive travel, sponginess, or vibration through the pedal under steady pressure would warrant inspection of the discs and callipers, as low-mileage vehicles frequently suffer from corroded brake disc surfaces and seized caliper sliders that have not been regularly exercised. The steering should be assessed for any vagueness, pulling to one side under braking, or uneven tyre wear on the inside or outside edges, all of which would align with the edge-wear advisories previously recorded. Finally, because of the low annual mileage, it is prudent to confirm the age and condition of all under-bonnet fluids, inspect for any signs of oil misting around the V8 engine's cam covers, and verify that the vehicle starts promptly without excessive cranking, as prolonged standing periods place additional strain on starting and charging components.