[vincentfasho]

Hey guys.. i've been looking into the Maserati Gransports or Cambios. I currently have a 05 Infiniti G35 and a 06 Lincoln Navigator. I will be trading in the G35 to get one of the 4 cars listed below. Maserati is definitely one of my top 4 choices with either:

1.) 2005 SL 500
2.) 2005 E55
3.) 2002 Porsche 911 non-turbo
4.) Maserati Gransport Cambiocorsa


However, I am really looking into reliability issues with Italian Made cars. Is it too much maintenance? I suspect I will be driving it 3-4 times a week. With a max of 3040 miles each time I drive. Transmission Issue?

Basically i'm looking to see if it has any MAJOR issues that will cost me an arm and a leg if I do go the Maserati route.

I look forward to hearing your responses and hopefully I will be an avid poster if I decide Maserati! Thanks.

 

[BigFoot]

I can't think of any major issues with the GranSport. The transmission seems to be stronger than in the Coupes (I can't recall a single F1 pump issues with GS owners) though general servicing and maintenance is not cheap.

I hope better informed ML members can soon post and help you figure out what will be your next car

 

[vincentfasho]

I appreciate the reply, as for maintenance, what are some ball park figures for oil changes, Transmission Flushing, spark plug replacements, and 60k & 90k maintenance. I'm definitely willing to fork out the extra cash to keep it in tip top shape and prevent issues, but at the same time, I don't want to pay maintenance prices that are too outrageous.

 

[BigFoot]

See the following for instance:

http://www.maseratilife.com/forums/showthread.php?t=4755

 

[RickBullotta]

As long as your commute/daily drive is not a lot of stop-and-go driving, the Maserati CC should be a fine choice. Anecdotally, it seems that the 2003's were the peak of quality, which kinda makes sense. 2002 was the re-introduction year, 2003 was an opportunity to address any open issues but still at low volume with a high "hands-on" factor from the engineering team. Any one else have a similar "gut feel"? I just haven't seen a lot of issues posted here from 2003 owners, but some from 2002 and lots from 2004-2007.

 

[Ramp]

I can't think of any major issues with the GranSport. The transmission seems to be stronger than in the Coupes (I can't recall a single F1 pump issues with GS owners)

The Cambiocorsa F1 system is the same in every model - including the GS - the sole difference is the software changes from year to year.

 

[TravisJ]

The Cambiocorsa F1 system is the same in every model - including the GS - the sole difference is the software changes from year to year.

It should also be noted that while the last software update was in 2004, older models can be reflashed.

As with almost any model of car, get the latest year you can afford.

 

[Bcube]

Just half a page down:
http://www.maseratilife.com/forums/showthread.php?t=5576

I appreciate the reply, as for maintenance, what are some ball park figures for oil changes, Transmission Flushing, spark plug replacements, and 60k & 90k maintenance. I'm definitely willing to fork out the extra cash to keep it in tip top shape and prevent issues, but at the same time, I don't want to pay maintenance prices that are too outrageous.

Then Italian Ferrari/Maserati dealerships aren't for you. Better find a good indie or became a DIY for the easy stuff.

 

[Niteroi]

Even if you DIY most of the work you can't run from the clutch replacement every 10k miles or so, and that's a $4-5k job. So depending on how much you drive, it can be a yearly expense.

 

[RickBullotta]

Even if you DIY most of the work you can't run from the clutch replacement every 10k miles or so, and that's a $4-5k job. So depending on how much you drive, it can be a yearly expense.

While I know this will jinx me, I'm at 22K on a hard-driven 2003 Coupe and still on the original clutch...already through two sets of tires, though. ;-)

 

[Niteroi]

CC or manual?

 

[Carmine]

My 2003 Coupe CC..............

has been virtually maintenance-free. I bought it at 2 years old and 8,000 miles. I've had it for 3 years and it now has 11,300 miles. I did have the timing cover gasket replaced while still under warranty. Just last week, I replaced the original battery. I have kept up ALL services either conducted by FMOC, or my new So. Cal. Independent guy (Eddie Rodriguez). Knock on wood, he says the car runs strong. Two things he has recommended, which I will follow, will be to replace the F-1 Relay EVERY YEAR and replace the F-1 fluid EVERY YEAR.

 

[RickBullotta]

While I know this will jinx me, I'm at 22K on a hard-driven 2003 Coupe and still on the original clutch...already through two sets of tires, though. ;-)

CC. There's a little bit of a squeal on launch occasionally (probably a bearing), but plenty of grab (it'll still chirp in 3rd).

 

[04cambiocoupe]

CC. There's a little bit of a squeal on launch occasionally (probably a bearing), but plenty of grab (it'll still chirp in 3rd).

The squeal is probably the TO bearing, not the clutch. Had mine repaired under warranty. Seems to be a pretty common issue.

Eric

 

[TravisJ]

While I know this will jinx me, I'm at 22K on a hard-driven 2003 Coupe and still on the original clutch...already through two sets of tires, though. ;-)

Forget about the clutch. Tell us how you have 22K miles and have only gone through two sets of tires!

 

[Niteroi]

He must drive very "gently"...

 

[RickBullotta]

He must drive very "gently"...

No track time (yet). ;-)

It gets driven very fast at times, but almost always with MSP on, which is definitely a tire saver (and, at times, a bodywork saver). When it's time to light 'em up, the MSP goes off and the fun begins...

 

[Niteroi]

but almost always with MSP on, which is definitely a tire saver (and, at times, a bodywork saver

Very true!