New Buyer, Simple/Basic questions and pointers

bamaboy473 · May 24, 2022

Hello and please excuse my ignorance, but the learning curve has started and it will be good to hear from those with experience. My background is 911s, and I'm taking a break from them for awhile. Since Maserati and Porsche are only comparable in the looks and power departments, the Known Glitches is where I am wanting to fill in my knowledge.

Looking at earlier models (Coupe or cabs, only)from 2002, seems that heater core leaks, F1 leaks, and clutch R&Rs top the list of repairs that are pretty regular and pretty pricey. Sticky interior buttons are mentioned, but a lot of nice cars had that issue (as did our Jag XJL).

If I move up to a 2011 GT with the 4.7L engine, what of the earlier issues go along with that model year, and what other issues are likely to be worth checking on a PPI?

thanks to all that respond and help me along this path. Like most of you, Maseratis have been on the radar for years, just now getting to be able to look for one seriously.

rdown76 · May 24, 2022

I have a 2013 and the only issue is/was the sticky buttons. I got 21k miles with no other issues.

bamaboy473 · May 24, 2022

The ones in the Jag got cleaned using a mixture of baking soda and water, and elbow grease. It was a coating over the paint that turned sticky with age. How did you address your buttons? NOTE: the writing was fine, just the coating was bad, and baking soda/water didn't hurt the white letters.

DSGT · May 24, 2022

I have a 2013 , put 58,000 miles on it, have not had a single issue yet ! And no sticky buttons at all .

Others here are much more knowledgeable , so I could be wrong but I believe some 2011 models and earlier years may experience variator issues, although I believe you can’t rely on the year alone, the engine number is what will be telling . Do a forum search on the variator pinned thread and I’m sure the information will be there . Also check the other pinned threads , there are just a few other issues, somewhat common ( to , again, mostly earlier than 2011 models , as I understand it ) like failure of the heater hose / crossover pipe located behind the engine, or valve cover gasket leaks, but otherwise these cars seem to be bulletproof.

rdown76 · May 24, 2022

bamaboy473 said:
The ones in the Jag got cleaned using a mixture of baking soda and water, and elbow grease. It was a coating over the paint that turned sticky with age. How did you address your buttons? NOTE: the writing was fine, just the coating was bad, and baking soda/water didn't hurt the white letters.

I tried everything but the only thing that seemed to work was 99% rubbing alcohol and a ton of elbow/finger grease. I did wipe away a couple symbols on the vents but that was worth it. There is no easy solution....the best solution is to remove all the sticky areas and send them to a company to fix, but I do not have the time to go and take apart my car for damn sticky buttons. I personally will research cars better next time and never buy one that has this issue.

Dave Rocks · May 24, 2022

A GT is a very reliable car. I had a 2008 for 4 seasons and aside from tires I only had a couple minor issues. I've now had my 2013 for 5 seasons and last year I installed a new AC compressor and one fuel injector. Aside from that just tires and oil changes.

timado404 · May 24, 2022

2014 GT.
120,970 miles. I enjoy this car daily, has been a solid performer and hella fun. 👍🏽

bamaboy473 · May 24, 2022

Wow, what a nice set of comments on the cars; much better than expected. Would the engine being a 4.7L instead of the older 4.2L have made a difference; assuming that the engine change included other refinements starting in 2011?

BrianGTC · May 24, 2022

I would go with the 4.7 2011 or newer. I have a 2011 and it has been a great car! going into my 3rd summer with it and I am so happy I got it! They are unique cars, not a lot of them out there like Porsche or Jag. Get a good PPI done by a shop that knows GT's though, even if it looks like a great car. Mine only had 16k km on it when I bought it in 2019 and I still had a PPI done.

bamaboy473 · May 24, 2022

Agreed on your thoughts about 2011 or 4.7L, but does that put into pasture prior year models that might not be afflicted with the issues I mentioned in the first post?
While all of us want the latest and greatest, I'm dipping my toe into the Masi water and will likely upgrade soon if what I find is as good as it looks. That said, I want to find a car that's easy to buy pricewise, so I can sell it easily and get a newer model. They will always be 2 doors, and a Cab would be nice but haven't researched reliability in cabs on Masis.

Rapido14 · May 25, 2022

I'm also one of those owners that lurked for years before deciding on my 2014 MC.
From my present vantage point I don't think I'm concerned at all of the potential issues that may arise............ they are that good.
I have friends with older as well as newer read much more expensive other brands Porsche/Mercedes/Audi ect and they have mind numbing expenses with all of them.
These wonderful machines appear to be unsung hero's of European entry level exotica if I can call them such........... Hope I have not offended anyone.

Ciao

bamaboy473 · May 25, 2022

Offended? I would think that you have instead applauded every owner. Good on you.

Dave Rocks · May 25, 2022

bamaboy473 said:
Wow, what a nice set of comments on the cars; much better than expected. Would the engine being a 4.7L instead of the older 4.2L have made a difference; assuming that the engine change included other refinements starting in 2011?

My 2008 was a 4.2. It was nice but the 2013 4.7 is WAY!!! nicer

BrianGTC · May 25, 2022

The cam fix isn't too bad as long as it is caught before any damage is done. Most of them should have been done by now.

bamaboy473 · May 25, 2022

What's a cam fix, and is the problem something a PPI will uncover?

IamStig01 · May 25, 2022

bamaboy473 said:
Wow, what a nice set of comments on the cars; much better than expected. Would the engine being a 4.7L instead of the older 4.2L have made a difference; assuming that the engine change included other refinements starting in 2011?

If you can go for 2012 or better with 4.7l - that engine is a beast and it sounds like one too.

bamaboy473 · May 25, 2022

Unfortunately, Can and Want To aren't matching up for me. I'd like to stay under $35K since it's not going to be a daily driver and I have to keep my selfishness under control or who knows what my bride will buy next, lol. Looking for an S from 2008 should get me into that bracket, but was the variator issue common enough in the early 4.7L to warrant spending extra for a '12?

IamStig01 · May 25, 2022

bamaboy473 said:
Unfortunately, Can and Want To aren't matching up for me. I'd like to stay under $35K since it's not going to be a daily driver and I have to keep my selfishness under control or who knows what my bride will buy next, lol. Looking for an S from 2008 should get me into that bracket, but was the variator issue common enough in the early 4.7L to warrant spending extra for a '12?

Easier to ask for forgiveness than permission. Here it the load down on the issue. Get what you can with the right number.

Dave Rocks · May 25, 2022

The least expensive car will cost the most

bamaboy473 · May 25, 2022

That was a common mantra on a MB forum I used to be on. I'd rather be frugal than stupid, and gathering information from you guys is helping me become a better buyer.

New Buyer, Simple/Basic questions and pointers

bamaboy473

rdown76

bamaboy473

DSGT

rdown76

Dave Rocks

timado404

bamaboy473

BrianGTC

bamaboy473

Rapido14

bamaboy473

Dave Rocks

BrianGTC

bamaboy473

IamStig01

bamaboy473

IamStig01

Dave Rocks

bamaboy473

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