Hi all,
After 15yrs of wanting one. I finally purchased a 2013 Granturismo MC Sport Auto Shift yesterday. Hopefully I will be picking this up in a week or two.
Although the general consensus on the internet is that the Granturismo is pretty reliable. Have people ever taken their Granturismo to an independent garage, right after purchase for a "health check"?
In my mind, although the dealer (not main dealer) says they will be carrying out a service prior to pick up. I think it would be prudent to get a "specialist" to have an overall check of the condition of the car, for preventive maintenance, rather than reactive.
Although there's an understanding during purchase that you will have to spend a higher amount on maintaining a car like this, I would rather prevent any issues (coolant leak etc), than getting a huge bill after someone has happened.
As it's been a dream to get this car, I'm slightly nervous and paranoid. I've only ever bought new cars, so problems have been limited or infrequent.
By the way, are there many Maserati owner's based in the Newcastle area?
Welcome to the club and congratulations!
2013 Sports are lovely things
so I can understand how your heart ruled your head after seeing, hearing and feeling it.
I'm sure you'll be fine, but as others have said, you really should get it inspected asap by someone that knows these cars well, while you still have 'protection' and possibly a chance to negotiate any potential costs.
They ARE good, reliable cars. They AREN'T cheap to maintain and people tend to sell/trade them in at service time or when some big ticket items need replacing. So even the the normal wear and tear items, if due replacement at the same time, will quickly dent your wallet and maybe leave a sour taste early in your ownership.
What mileage does the car have?
I suspect the dealer service will be an oil and filter change, and being a 2013, your car will be due a 'major' service which includes:
Oil
Oil Filter
Air Filter
Pollen Filter
Carbon canister
Auxiliary belts
Coolant change
Power steering fluid change
Brake fluid change
Lambda Sensors (although most don't do them, depends on your mileage)
General items that can get costly if due at the same time, - Tyres, brakes/ disks.
Items to get checked and keep an eye on -
-Subframe corrosion. Should be OK on a 2013, unless its been a Scottish /coastal car most of its life, but get it cleaned and undersealed ASAP.
- Front wishbone suspension bushes (these will need replacing at some point, 30-40kmiles ish).
- Cam cover/front casing gaskets weeping oil. Very common, will need re-sealing at some point.
- A/C compressor bearings worn/loud
- Sticking/Seized exhaust valves
- Broken Springs (from potholes probably)
- ABS sensor Faults (will have a dash warning light)
The other big ones, variators, rear engine waterpipe etc, shouldn't effect you with a 2013 car.
The above looks like a big scary list, but really are all just wear and tear items, so don't worry, just be aware. Any random warning lights/behaviour, will probably just be the battery needing replacement and/or needing an 'Italian tune up'
We look forward to seeing pictures and hearing about your ownership.
