Ferrari V8 drama at a fraction of the price
A Ferrari-engined Italian GT that has depreciated heavily, offering supercar theatre at a fraction of original cost. Prices for early 4.2 models start around £25k, making it one of the most dramatic used cars available in the UK. The GranTurismo competes with the Jaguar XK and Porsche 911 but undercuts both on entry price.
We track 5 known issues across the Maserati Granturismo range, including 1 rated as safety-critical. Knowing which variants and configurations to approach with caution can save you from expensive surprises after purchase.
Found a Maserati Granturismo? Enter the reg to see which of our 5 known issues apply to that exact car, plus full MOT history and mileage checks.
M145 (2007–2019) — Engine options included the 4.2L V8, 4.7L V8. Our database flags 5 known issues on this generation, 1 of which are rated as safety-critical. The most significant concern is Suspension component corrosion and damage.
The GranTurismo's front suspension components, particularly control arms and subframe mounting points, suffer from accelerated corrosion that can lead to structural failure. MOT data shows this model fails at 86.5 times the national fleet average for suspension component damage or corrosion, primarily affecting 4.2L models from 40-60k miles. The aluminium suspension components develop galvanic corrosion where they meet steel mounting points, and the protective coatings deteriorate faster than expected. This is not routine maintenance but a design-related failure that can compromise vehicle safety.
If suspension components fail due to corrosion, the car becomes unsafe to drive with potential for loss of control. Component replacement requires specialist knowledge and genuine Maserati parts. Repair costs typically range from £2,000-£5,000 depending on the extent of damage and number of components requiring replacement.
Listen for knocking, clunking or rattling over bumps during the test drive. Inspect the underside for corroded or cracked suspension components. Check the MOT history for suspension-related advisories, which often predict future failures.
Coil spring failure affects both 4.2L and 4.7L GranTurismo models at 86.5 times the fleet average rate according to MOT data, with a worsening trend over recent years. The springs can fracture or seriously weaken, typically at the lower coils where road salt and debris accumulate. This appears to be related to the spring steel specification rather than overloading, as failures occur across all mileage bands from 20k miles onwards. A fractured spring can damage the tyre and affects vehicle stability.
A fractured spring reduces ride height and can damage the tyre. In severe cases, a broken spring end can puncture the tyre or interfere with steering. The car remains drivable with care but should be repaired promptly. Spring replacement requires specialist suspension tools and wheel alignment afterwards.
Listen for knocking, clunking or rattling over bumps during the test drive. Inspect the underside for corroded or cracked suspension components. Check the MOT history for suspension-related advisories, which often predict future failures.
The shock absorber mounting bushes deteriorate prematurely on the GranTurismo, with MOT data showing failure at 95.5 times the fleet average for the 4.2L engine. The rubber bushes that mount the shock absorbers to the chassis and suspension arms become soft and perished, leading to increased road noise and reduced handling precision. This affects the car's refined character and can accelerate wear in related suspension components if left unaddressed.
Worn shock absorber bushes reduce ride quality and handling precision. They allow excessive movement of the suspension components, which can accelerate wear in ball joints and other bushes. Replacement is straightforward but requires the suspension to be partially dismantled.
Listen for knocking, clunking or rattling over bumps during the test drive. Inspect the underside for corroded or cracked suspension components. Check the MOT history for suspension-related advisories, which often predict future failures.
Ball joints, track rod ends, and anti-roll bar drop links wear at an accelerated rate on the GranTurismo, with MOT data showing failure at 86.5 times the fleet average. Both the 4.2L and 4.7L engines are affected, typically from 40k miles onwards. The suspension geometry places higher loads on these components than typical road cars, and the original equipment parts appear undersized for the application. Worn joints create play in the suspension that affects both handling and tyre wear patterns.
Worn suspension joints create imprecise handling and can cause uneven tyre wear patterns. Multiple worn joints can make the car feel unstable at speed. Individual components can be replaced as they fail, but labour costs are high due to the complexity of accessing components on this platform.
Listen for knocking, clunking or rattling over bumps during the test drive. Inspect the underside for corroded or cracked suspension components. Check the MOT history for suspension-related advisories, which often predict future failures.
The 4.7L GranTurismo experiences brake disc warping at The large front brake discs are prone to thermal distortion under the high heat loads generated by this heavy GT car. The warping typically affects the front discs first and is exacerbated by aggressive braking patterns or track use without proper cooling periods.
Warped brake discs reduce braking effectiveness and create vibration that can be felt through the pedal and steering wheel. The pulsating sensation can be alarming and may indicate the braking system needs attention. Disc skimming may be possible if the warping is minor, otherwise replacement is required.
Check brake disc condition for lipping or scoring. Test braking at moderate speed for pulling to one side or vibration through the steering wheel. Review MOT advisories for brake-related items.
For the full breakdown of all 5 tracked issues with repair costs, see the Maserati Granturismo common problems page.
Based on 12k real DVSA MOT tests, the Maserati Granturismo fails more often than average on several items. The biggest outlier is anti-roll bar links worn at 86x the fleet average, followed by headlight fault (62x).
When viewing a specific car, check its MOT history for recurring advisories in these categories. See the full Maserati Granturismo MOT failure breakdown for data at every mileage point.
Routine servicing (oil and filter change every 9k miles) typically costs £200–£300 at an independent garage.
The bigger-ticket items to budget for include engine oil and filter (£200–£300), spark plugs (£250–£400), coolant flush (£200–£350).
See the full Maserati Granturismo service schedule for every interval and cost breakdown.
The Maserati Granturismo has some well-documented weak points, including 1 safety-critical issue that demand careful checking. The right example, properly maintained, can still be a sound purchase — but cutting corners on the pre-purchase inspection is not advisable. 2013-2017 GranTurismo Sport models with the 4.7 V8 and ZF auto are the sweet spot — facelifted, most bugs resolved, and the best chassis tune. Avoid 2007-2008 early cars and any with the robotised manual (Cambiocorsa) gearbox.
Before committing, check the car's full MOT history, verify the service record is complete, and if possible arrange a specialist inspection. Enter any registration into our free report to see the complete picture.
Get Car Wise maintains a database of known mechanical issues for every popular car on UK roads, tracking the faults that owners, specialists and DVSA data reveal.
When you run a report on a specific Maserati Granturismo, we cross-reference the exact variant, engine and age against our database of 5 known issues. Combined with full MOT history analysis, mileage verification and DVLA data, you get a complete picture before viewing.
Enter the registration for MOT history, mileage verification, known faults for that exact variant, and a Get Car Wise Score.
This guide was compiled from independent expert reviews, DVSA MOT data, specialist workshops and our own database of 5 known Maserati Granturismo issues. We are not affiliated with any source listed.