Overview
Ben reviews the real-world costs and experience of daily driving a cheap Maserati Gran Turismo S over six months, covering maintenance, emerging issues, and service advice. The discussion includes a detailed inspection, repair estimates, and practical tips for current or prospective owners.
Initial Ownership Experience
- Purchased a Maserati Gran Turismo S (4.7) for just over £10,000.
- Daily driven for six months, covering 3,000 miles, including winter on salty UK roads.
- No major expenses beyond fuel due to thorough pre-purchase inspection.
Identified Issues & Concerns
- Noted steering feels increasingly sloppy; likely worn suspension bushes.
- Brakes squeak persistently.
- Boot release only works via dashboard; key function intermittently failed.
- Boot release issue temporarily fixed by resetting the key.
- Rust beginning to show on wheel arches and some underbody plates.
- Lost washer jet cover; minor worry about replacement cost.
- Service now due; additional routine checks required.
- Found stress fractures in coolant tank and damaged brake pin during inspection.
- Minor split in wiper blade and an annoying door rattle also found.
Inspection & Workshop Findings
- Suspension bushes confirmed as worn; four-wheel alignment and bush replacement recommended.
- Rust and underseal repairs required, mainly on lower engine mounts and sacrificial plates.
- Brake squeal manageable with standard servicing.
- Boot release wiring had two or three broken wires; quick fix possible.
- No major subframe damage but emphasized importance of addressing emerging rust early.
Cost Estimates & Maintenance Strategy
- Suspension bush replacement: £1,500–£2,000, with possible extra if bolts are seized.
- Underseal and rust treatment: £495.
- Two-year service: £895, includes all major fluids and filters.
- Boot release wiring repair: 30–45 minutes labor, minimal part cost.
- Recommended to spread major costs over two years to manage expense.
- Additional minor parts (coolant tank, brake pin, wiper blade) noted with low individual costs.
Practical Advice for Ownership
- Pre-purchase inspection is critical to minimize immediate expenses.
- Address rust and underbody issues early to avoid future costly repairs.
- Routine checks (oil, coolant, tire pressures) are important even for daily drivers.
- Owners can defer some maintenance (like bushes) if not critical to enjoyment or safety.
- Value-conscious ownership possible if maintenance is proactive and costs are spread.
Decisions
- All maintenance issues to be addressed now, rather than deferring work.
Action Items
- TBD – Ben & Ash: Replace suspension bushes and perform wheel alignment.
- TBD – Workshop: Complete underseal and rust treatment.
- TBD – Workshop: Perform major two-year service.
- TBD – Workshop: Repair boot release wiring.
- TBD – Ben: Participate in some underseal labor to reduce costs.
Recommendations / Advice
- Conduct thorough pre-purchase checks when buying used luxury vehicles.
- Perform regular servicing and address minor issues promptly to prevent escalation.
- Spread significant repairs over time to manage the cost-effectively.
- Owners should self-assess whether to address non-critical issues based on usage and sensitivity.
Questions / Follow-Ups
- Will all repairs resolve the steering issue completely?
- Is there potential to return and document a full collection tour with Nick?
- Will Ben's participation in labor meaningfully reduce the final bill?