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Are 2018-2019 facelift Granturismos built any better than earlier years?

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Alibid

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Discussion starter · #1 · (Edited)
I know the engine and mechanicals haven't changed for the final 2 years of M139 GT production, but I am mainly interested to know if the interior quality (sticky buttons situation, for example) is better on the 2018-2019 model.

This 2018 Granturismo Sport with 27K miles is local in Hermosa Beach, CA and looks like a clean car. I have no idea if the $48K asking price is in the correct ballpark since everything seems like a bargain when compared to the original $150K+ sticker price. Not a big fan of piano black wood trim but you can't be to choosy with used cars.

www.platinumautohaus.com

2018 Maserati GranTurismo Sport Stock # 8673 for sale near Redondo Beach, CA | CA Maserati Dealer

White/Black ** Low Miles ** Contrast Stitching ** Piano Black Wood Trim ** Harman Kardon Sound System ** Apple CarPlay ** Android Auto ** HD/SAT Radio ** Navigation ** Bluetooth ** USB/Aux Input ** Heated Seats ** Dual Zone AC ** Rear View Camera ** Park Distance Control ** Red Brake Calipers **...
www.platinumautohaus.com www.platinumautohaus.com

I very much prefer the updated front grille of the 2018-2019 models to the pre-facelift models and the updated infotainment system with the 8.4" touchscreen and Apple Carplay males the car less dated. I figure since they got rid the telephone dial pad, about the only buttons left in the center console are for the climate control panel and hopefully those buttons are not sticky. I guess there are still some round buttons to the left of the steering wheel and things like sport exhaust. Do these late models with 4.7 V8 have the variator issue or is that only an issue on much older versions?
 
#2 ·
To answer both your questions, nope. Buttons are still sticky (I have seen it on an 18 myself) and the variators haven’t been a problem on the 4.7 since around 2011.

If you put miles on this car you will lose 20 grand. I think it is better to find a 2013-15 car with the same mileage. (It’s a Maserati, there are tons of garage queens out there.) you can get that car for at least 15k less, meaning you can drive the piss out of it for cheap.

The Aucar stereos are almost as good as the new factory ones, and they sound way better.

If you don’t really care about the 15 or 20k over the in the scheme of things (it’s still pretty cheap as a total cost of ownership, I get it), then this one looks pretty damn good for an 18. For me I could only be talked out of my old, cheap (but about the same mileage) ‘12 for an MC. I’d pay 10 or 15 grand more for an MC, but not a standard coupe.
 
Discussion starter · #3 · (Edited)
I don’t think I would consider a pre-2018 model with the dated infotainment screen and phone dial pad. I know the front grille redesign is subtle but I think it makes a big difference. I’m not sure what the MC trim has over this Sport model but I do like the lower body work on this Sport model. Perhaps the MC model is even more aggressive.

One thing that bothers me hugely about the first generation GT is the large fender gap and how tucked in the wheels are. The car looks as if it could use 40-50 mm wheel spacers all around. I think they have improved it on the second generation somewhat with better wheel offsets but the wheels still don’t sit close to flush with the fenders. The fender gap is improved though.

When did Maserati switch to Harman Kardon from Bose audio system? In any case, the newer touchscreen with CarPlay is a must for ms, even though the 2018-2019 models are pricier.
 
#4 ·
That’s cool, I get it. But you can retrofit an Aucar (or Acardash) head unit and hvac unit into an older car and it not only sounds better, but also pretty much is integrated just as well, CarPlay and all.

if you found an MC for 10 to 15 grand less with the same or lower mileage, you’d have an arguably better car for less total cost of ownership.
MC’s are mechanically the same for the most part (there are questions about the suspension and transmission programming being slightly different), but far more aggressive styling wise.

BTW, both the body and the wheel offset is the same on the 19 and 18’s all the way back to the 13’s. You need spacers, 22 front 25 rear on all of them to remedy that.
 
Discussion starter · #5 ·
Thanks for the info on the head unit and spacers. I have a lot to learn about these cars. They look gorgeous inside in the right color (cuoio is my favorite) and the V8 exhaust is to die for. Only 25 mm in the back? It sure looks like it could use 40 or 50 mm.
 
#6 ·
I agree with the others. I would stay away from the newer car just because of the infotainment system that has been deployed for just a year or 2 of production. A slightly older car has tons of parts and retrofit systems available that the newer versions do not. You can.... retroft the newer front onto the older car, but that's a pretty big deal to do.

But, to each his own. Good luck they are fantastic cars regardless of what you may hear online about Maserati.
 
#7 ·
Alibid said:
I know the engine and mechanicals haven't changed for the final 2 years of M139 GT production, but I am mainly interested to know if the interior quality (sticky buttons situation, for example) is better on the 2018-2019 model.

This 2018 Granturismo Sport with 27K miles is local in Hermosa Beach, CA and looks like a clean car. I have no idea if the $48K asking price is in the correct ballpark since everything seems like a bargain when compared to the original $150K+ sticker price. Not a big fan of piano black wood trim but you can't be to choosy with used cars.

www.platinumautohaus.com

2018 Maserati GranTurismo Sport Stock # 8673 for sale near Redondo Beach, CA | CA Maserati Dealer

White/Black ** Low Miles ** Contrast Stitching ** Piano Black Wood Trim ** Harman Kardon Sound System ** Apple CarPlay ** Android Auto ** HD/SAT Radio ** Navigation ** Bluetooth ** USB/Aux Input ** Heated Seats ** Dual Zone AC ** Rear View Camera ** Park Distance Control ** Red Brake Calipers **...
www.platinumautohaus.com www.platinumautohaus.com

I very much prefer the updated front grille of the 2018-2019 models to the pre-facelift models and the updated infotainment system with the 8.4" touchscreen and Apple Carplay males the car less dated. I figure since they got rid the telephone dial pad, about the only buttons left in the center console are for the climate control panel and hopefully those buttons are not sticky. I guess there are still some round buttons to the left of the steering wheel and things like sport exhaust. Do these late models with 4.7 V8 have the variator issue or is that only an issue on much older versions?
Click to expand...
I’ve had two GT’s, a 2012 GTS and my current 2019 MC convertible. My 19 which I drive a lot, about 10k miles a year, has no sticky buttons as of yet and it has 53; 000 miles on the clock. Not to say it’s not gonna happen, but so far so good. 🙏🏻 Both have been great cars for me fwiw, very reliable and a joy to drive.
Variator issues are for much earlier models and are not applicable to the newer cars as someone already mentioned.
I really really like the HK sound system on the newer cars, 18 was the first year for the upgraded infotainment system which is a HUGE improvement imho. The Bose system and older infotainment is severely lacking, although it didn’t bother me much with my 12 because I bought both cars for their stunning designs, the sound of the motor and exhaust, the uniqueness of them. But again, the new HK and system for a stock setup is all I need for sure.
i do also happen to prefer the true MC model from an aesthetic perspective. Harder to find but they do have a bit more of an aggressive look and the rear exhaust setup more appealing to me Personally. I added the FD spacers too, 22&25 along with fatter rubber and the stance is quite nice!👍🏻 MC or not, both are beautiful machines, but I lean towards the newer variants.
i
 
#9 ·
in a cabriolet, with top down, you get to entertain not only your fellow occupants, but you
also get to bother 1/2 the surrounding neighborhood. who should be so lucky.
think of it as a ghetto blaster on wheels.
i had my ferrari for 14yrs. and i never even knew i had a radio!
but, i respect those who cherish their car's sound sytem.
 
#10 · (Edited)
Totally understand that, but I’ll tell you why there is more to a Maserati.

It’s as cheap as a Toyota and damn near as reliable, and can blow down the highway, top-up, in the rain, in comfort mode, with the stereo blasting.

It can also blow down a mountain road, top down, in the sun, in sport mode, with the stereo off, and just the exhaust blasting.

There’s hardly another car in the world that can do all that, and that includes any model of Ferrari.
 
#11 ·
my 2018 cabrio had sticky buttons until I cleanes them!
My front splitter fell off on a curb.
Had to replace trunk latch.
bought 4 year powertrain warranty for $4000. runs great 1 year nowI
I feel like an Italian don
Andy
Whidbey Island
 
#12 ·
We’ve owned 3 GTs in our time, a 2009, 2014 and now a 2019. We love our 2019. No sticky buttons, wife loves the Apple CarPlay (it’s her car) plus all the other benefits of owning a GT. Convertible is great on nice days (not many of those in NC lately).

We went specifically looking for a 2019 since it was the last year of the normally aspirated V8. We looked at a 2024 and it just isn’t the same. We looked for almost 6 months before we found the right one. We had specific things we wanted. Probaly paid a little more but it’s been worth it.

Have never once regretted our decision. If you like it and it feels right, do it.
 
#13 ·
viii_ball said:
We’ve owned 3 GTs in our time, a 2009, 2014 and now a 2019. We love our 2019. No sticky buttons, wife loves the Apple CarPlay (it’s her car) plus all the other benefits of owning a GT. Convertible is great on nice days (not many of those in NC lately).

We went specifically looking for a 2019 since it was the last year of the normally aspirated V8. We looked at a 2024 and it just isn’t the same. We looked for almost 6 months before we found the right one. We had specific things we wanted. Probaly paid a little more but it’s been worth it.

Have never once regretted our decision. If you like it and it feels right, do it.
Click to expand...

Perfect reasons! I love how you did for the right reasons...Cheers!
 
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