When it comes to reliable luxury, Maserati doesn’t tend to do so well. However, given its cars’ resale values, they make tempting used purchases. But just because a car is ‘exotic’ doesn’t automatically make it unreliable. For example, with proper exercise and maintenance, an Aston Martin is no less daily-drivable than a Porsche. And if you want a reliable used Maserati, look no further than the GranTurismo.

The Maserati GranTurismo has Ferrari tech

Maserati introduced the GranTurismo in 2007 as a replacement for the earlier Coupe. But Maserati wasn’t the only automaker involved in its development: Ferrari was, too, Automobile reports. Thus, while the GranTurismo shares the Quattroporte’s platform, it also shares some tech with contemporary Ferraris, Evo reports.

The most significant piece is the Maserati GranTurismo’s powertrain. The coupe used a succession of V8s developed and built alongside the F430’s and 458’s engines.

Initially, the GranTurismo had a 4.2-liter V8 with 399 hp and 339 lb-ft sent to the rear wheels via a 6-speed automatic. But in 2008 Maserati introduced the GranTurismo S, with a 4.7-liter V8 with 434 hp and 361 lb-ft.

The upgrade also came with the F430’s 6-speed single-clutch automated-manual transmission, stiffer springs, and larger Brembo brakes, Motor Trend reports. Plus, optional adjustable dampers and a dual-mode exhaust, Road & Track reports. However, in 2009, Maserati replaced it in the US with an upgraded version of the original automatic, Car and Driver reports. And in 2010 Maserati released the convertible version, the GranCabrio.

Then, in 2011, Maserati introduced the GranTurismo MC, known in Europe as the MC Stradale. It too has a 4.7-liter V8, only it makes 444 hp and 376 lb-ft, Car and Driver reports. It’s also lighter than the S, with a lightweight sports exhaust, a functional front splitter, additional air intakes, and a rear spoiler, MT reports. Plus, the MC has a faster-shifting 6-speed automatic, a larger front anti-roll bar, retuned suspension, and lighter wheels.

The later years

Maserati updated the whole GranTurismo line for 2013, Automobile reports. In the US, every model got the 4.7-liter V8, which now made 454 hp and 384 lb-ft, Car and Driver reports.

The coupe and convertible also got a mild interior and exterior update, along with standard heated seats, an upgraded Bose audio system, and more rear legroom. At this point, Maserati replaced the base and S trims with the Sport, while the MC carried on, Automobile reports. And while the MC came standard with fixed dampers, the Sport models have adaptive suspension, MT reports. The Maserati GranTurismo also received different springs and stiffer anti-roll bars for 2013.

The final Maserati GranTurismo update came in 2018. It was milder than the previous one, Car and Driver reports. The coupe and convertible didn’t get any more power. But the GranTurismo did get an updated infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay and a backup camera, MT reports. It also received updated headlights, new bumpers, and upgraded tires.

Regardless of the model year, the GranTurismo might be the best used Maserati

By the end of its production run, the Maserati GranTurismo was something of a dinosaur, Jalopnik reports. Its rivals from Mercedes and Porsche had more power and newer transmissions, Car and Driver reports. Not to mention lighter curb weights and sharper reflexes.

However, as with Aston Martin’s V8 Vantage and DB9, the GranTurismo is less an outright sports car and more of a luxurious GT. And it’s very good in that regard, Motor1 and Automobile report. The ride is supple, while the hydraulic steering system transmits plenty of road sensation to your fingers. The 6-speed transmission isn’t fast, but it’s smooth and surprisingly responsive, Automobile reports.

Plus, like every good GT, the Maserati GranTurismo has style inside and out. That’s partially why Autotrader considers it to be the best Maserati of the modern age. Even at the end of its life, the GranTurismo shared little if any components with cheaper FCA products besides the infotainment system, MT reports. Instead, you have rich leather upholstery, drilled aluminum pedals, and in later models, a standard Harman-Kardon stereo, Autoblog reports. And the rear seats are comfortable even for adult passengers.

Can a used Maserati GranTurismo be reliable?

But, while there’s a lot to like about the Maserati GranTurismo, that doesn’t help much if it leaves you stranded on the side of the road.

However, while the GranTurismo isn’t faultless, it is one of if not the most reliable Maserati models, OSV reports. This is also backed up by CarComplaints reports. While Maserati doesn’t sell as many cars as, say, Toyota, the GranTurismo has fewer reported issues than the Quattroporte or even the Levante.

It’s also less problematic than the Ferrari F430 which shares its engine architecture. While the F430 doesn’t necessarily have any catastrophic issues, its exhaust manifolds are known to fail, DuPont Registry reports. The F430’s successor, the 458, doesn’t have this issue, but some models were recalled due to faulty crankshafts, ExoticCarHacks reports. The Maserati GranTurismo suffered neither of these faults.

Known problems

That’s not to say the GranTurismo wasn’t recalled. Maserati recalled some early models due to suspension, airbag, and some minor wiring problems, Cars.com reports. TPMS issues created a few 2012 model recalls, as did door latch issues with some 2016 examples. And the airbag problems popped again from some late-model GranTurismos.

Early models also had faulty cam variators, PistonHeads reports, and the dipstick tubes are known to rust, FerrariChat forum users report. Some coolant hoses are also difficult to access, which makes for high labor costs if they break, MaseratiLife forum users report. Plus, as with other automated-manual transmissions, the 2009 S model’s gearbox is more maintenance-intensive, especially when it comes to clutch life, MaseratiLife and PH reports. And if it’s not driven regularly, oil can leak from the camshaft and cam covers, ExoticCarHacks reports.

However, with regular maintenance and driving, the GranTurismo’s powertrain is fairly robust. Regular exercise also resolves a used Maserati GranTurismo’s other problem: battery drainage. A drained battery often causes multiple warning lights to pop up on the GranTurismo’s dash. Not because multiple systems have failed, but because the low-power battery is causing glitches. So, if you can’t drive it, put it on a trickle charger.

Naturally, as a high-end car, GranTurismo parts and labor costs (if you go to a Maserati dealership) are higher than on mass-produced vehicles. However, with a good independent mechanic and regular use, you’ll likely just be replacing tires, brakes, and fluids, PistonHeads reports. And if you’re aware of those costs going in, a used Maserati GranTurismo can serve you well.

Pricing and best years

At this point, most of the early Maserati GranTurismos have had their recall work performed. Though, as with any used car, we recommend getting a pre-purchase inspection from a qualified mechanic/technician.

But, if you’re still concerned about the early-model headaches, MaseratiLife forum users recommend a 2013 or later model. Not only do you avoid the early gremlins, but you also get the more powerful V8 and better interior.

Like many used luxury cars, the 2013-and-later Maserati GranTurismos have suffered from significant depreciation. As a result, while they’re not necessarily cheap, they are more affordable. 2013-and-later GranTurismos hover in the $45,000-$50,000 range on Bring a Trailer. And it’s possible to find sub-100,000-mile examples on Autotrader for less than $40,000. That’s a steep drop from an original MSRP of roughly $150,000.

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