Bianco
New Member
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- 66
It's not far off from a year that I've had the Ghibli now so thought I'd share where I'm up to on it:
Problems
Couple of strange gremlins and things that still need sorted:
Criticisms
Things I've done
My Verdict
I'm a year into a 3 year deal with this and I'm enjoying it. The attention it gets, the styling, the sporty drive all add up to a nice experience. It is the only diesel in it's class to get a limited slip diff and that definitely shows when throwing a car this size round corners. I wouldn't recommend the diesel though. Especially if you're doing low miles. I'm only getting 23.5mpg (I got 15-17 in my M3). Its fast enough when it gets going but there's a very tangible pause before it does.
The one thing that I can't quite shake about this car, badge & styling aside, is that it should be a bit better. The MTC especially. It's functional enough but it's pretty shite to look at and lacks an awful lot of features that BMW & Audi owners have taken for granted for the last 10 years. One things for sure, its certainly much more exciting to be seen in than a 535d...
Here's some piccies:
Problems
Couple of strange gremlins and things that still need sorted:
- After two days sat on the drive I got the engine management light. Stayed on all day. Went off the following day.
- Again, 2 days on the drive, dashclocks click erratically on start-up and I get "Power Steering Service Required". Switch off engine and back on and the fault is gone.
(suspect that both may be battery related - will get them to sort during its first service) - The OEM Pirelli Tyres are terrible. They shudder and skip on close to full lock turns when reversing out of the drive etc. Replaced them with Conti Winters and the problem disappeared. Dealer was intrigued by this as he says "they all do it"
- intermittent trim rattle from near drivers side A pillar. Dealer has had two goes at it and failed to sort.
Criticisms
- The way the bootlid opens is rubbish (bounces off the stops)
- The MTC (Maserati Touch Screen Control) system is terrible in comparison to BMW/Audi/Mercedes. It's very basic and low-res. They seriously need to sort this out. Even VW's thirdparty sourced systems are much better.
- Very noticeable lag when booting it from a junction. Gearbox seems to be the main culprit (no kickdown button under accelerator pedal) as if you stick it in 1st gear its not so much of an issue
- Bad blind spots. You cant see much behind you.
Things I've done
- Added 10mm wheelspacers
- Added Carbon bootspoiler - should really have a spoiler option from factory
- Carbon wing mirror covers
- Calipers done in red as per factory option
- Fitted Noise Booster Pro - Normal now sounds like Sport and Sport sounds like a V8. More info here: https://www.kufatec.co.uk/shop/en/s...ive-sound-maserati-ghibli-quattroporte-diesel
- Got rid of the AWFUL front numberplate carrier - which is about an inch taller than UK plates.
My Verdict
I'm a year into a 3 year deal with this and I'm enjoying it. The attention it gets, the styling, the sporty drive all add up to a nice experience. It is the only diesel in it's class to get a limited slip diff and that definitely shows when throwing a car this size round corners. I wouldn't recommend the diesel though. Especially if you're doing low miles. I'm only getting 23.5mpg (I got 15-17 in my M3). Its fast enough when it gets going but there's a very tangible pause before it does.
The one thing that I can't quite shake about this car, badge & styling aside, is that it should be a bit better. The MTC especially. It's functional enough but it's pretty shite to look at and lacks an awful lot of features that BMW & Audi owners have taken for granted for the last 10 years. One things for sure, its certainly much more exciting to be seen in than a 535d...
Here's some piccies: