Ghibli V6 S buyers guide?

Jambondrums

New Member
Messages
15
HI all.
I'm new to here but have been a lifelong Italian car fan, having had Alfas etc.... I am thinking over the next 6 months or so of purchasing a Ghibli S. Is there a buyers guide on here, or anything in particular of what to look out for? What options, I. E. Skyhook yes or no etc..... Any info would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks in advance.
Cheers
James.
 

outrun

Member
Messages
5,017
Certain options were standard on the S as a way to up sell the fact that they wanted about £15k more than a non-S when actually the only mechanical difference is the engine map. So they bundled in items like zenon lights and a couple of the packs such as the extended leather. Skyhook was not standard and if the wheels are 20" or over then it is a must have as the larger wheels struggle for traction on a cold day without it. There was an update, I think in 2017 which is most obviously if you look at the in car entertainment system. If there is a more modern screen and a rotary dial next to the gear change, it's a facelift. Those cars are better for it, and lots of small mid-life changes under the skin however you will pay something like 5k more for one. I wouldn't rule out a non-S either, if you get the right spec. It's nearly as fast and provided it's out of manufacturer warranty, can be mapped to S level easily. Desirable spec includes carbon trim, paddles behind the steering wheel, extended leather, reverse camera, sunroof etc. There's lots of base cars around with not so many options as these were probably on lease deals when new. That makes well optioned cars far less in number.

Hope that helps!
 

DaveT

Member
Messages
2,830
Lots of recalls on the early cars including the issue with cracked strut towers which I had fixed on my second Ghibli.

As above I'd also look at the standard petrol in the right spec with a remap if out of warranty.

Great car as a daily.
 

StuartW

Member
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9,306
I believe that the S has bigger brakes than the regular petrol version - larger diametre discs on the front & 6 pot caliper rather than 4 if my memory serves?
 

Jambondrums

New Member
Messages
15
Cheers for the help ther guys. Are there any specific problems that are worth checking before purchasing etc....? For example, I have a 2010 Insignia vxr Estate, I found that the haldex systems are sometimes fragile, so I checked that etc.....
 

Jambondrums

New Member
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15
Thanks for that Mick. Was an interesting read. I completely agree about pulses racing etc.... That's what had got me into Alfas and I love driving my spider. I shall do the checks on everything I can think of then when I do finally get a chance to look at one.... Only when this current crisis is over though!!
 

MrMickS

Member
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3,951
Glad you liked it.

I replaced the Ghibli S with a Levante S which is different.

Which Alfa Spider do you have? I’ve a twin spark 916. Currently waiting for a new MOT after having the clutch and heater matrix replaced.
 

Jambondrums

New Member
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15
Ah, how do you find the Levante?
Yes, I have a phase 1 916 twinnie. Great fun. I am tossing up between the Ghibli S and the Giulia Quadrifoglio. I know the Alfa is faster, more focused and more powerful and I do love them.... However, there is something about the Ghibli. I prefer the interior on the Ghibli that's for certain.
 

makeshiftUK

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1,089

MrMickS

Member
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3,951
It took a little while to get used to the Levante but I like it as much as the Ghibli. It’s a higher spec interior to the one I had and feels a great place to be.

I looked at the Giulia as well. For what I used it for the Ghibli just felt better.
 

martininkent

Junior Member
Messages
137
if its any help to you,
i've just gone from a quattroporte 2007 gt executive after 2 1/2 years , and gone to a 2014 ghibli v6 td,
the only thing i would say is i miss the sound when hitting the loud pedal on the v8, but i find the ghibli is
nicer going in and out of corners quickly, the ride is nice imo, on acceleration you wouldn't real notice the difference because of the 8 speed box , i know there's a bhp difference between the 2 but
it still gives a good punch in the back , i am loving it to be honest, good luck,
 

conaero

Forum Owner
Messages
34,593
I believe that the S has bigger brakes than the regular petrol version - larger diametre discs on the front & 6 pot caliper rather than 4 if my memory serves?
This. As we found out with a customer whom had mapped a petrol to S spec on standard (solid disc) 4 pot it could not handle the braking required and warped discs. Replaced, warped again in a matter of weeks.
 

P R

Member
Messages
1,382
They are completely different cars (which I am sure you know), and depends what you want. I went from a 156 GTA to my Ghibli (admittedly a diesel), but the Alfa was much more chuckable than the Maser is. That said the Maser is a more refined and comfortable ride.
Agree on the headlight washers, they have a tendency to split in freezing conditions. Cost of replacement is just over £1k so make sure they both work. (Oddly they "wash" the lights when on on the first then every 11th wash!)
 

Jambondrums

New Member
Messages
15
Thanks very much for all the info here chaps, much appreciated. Yes, I will be driving both to decide which I prefer.... I always up until a month or so ago, just felt my next car would be the Giulia QF, however there is something about the Ghibli, so will definitely have to drive both before taking the plunge in either direction..... Trouble is, can't have test drives at present.
 

outrun

Member
Messages
5,017
Oh, and you can some nice exhaust options from the likes of RemusUK for the Ghibli. The v6 sounds great on cold start up and under load when overtaking etc. Usual rules apply, start with an x-pipe which on the Ghibli deletes a centre muffler. If that's not enough, then back boxes, cats etc. Bit by bit or you risk making it sound like a Corsa.
 

Jambondrums

New Member
Messages
15
OK cheers for that. Funnily enough, as well as my Alfa spider, I have an Insignia VXR Estate. It's surprisingly unchavvy and sounds pretty good as it's a V6 turbo, obviously not as good as a Maser or Alfa busso V6. I shall be keeping it, as it's needed to cart my drumkit around in, I don't think a Ghibli or Giulia would be that great for that.
As for the x pipe option, does it just accentuate the standard sound, or does it change the timbre as well as being louder?