Newbie wants/needs to pick brains

[jagman]

I am in the market for a new used car and have fallen in love with the GT. It's going to be an 07 or 08 due to budget restrictions. Currently I drive an 07 XK 4.2 and I've been very impressed with the reliability, which is my main concern when considering the GT.
So, what should I look out for?
What should the main considerations be when trawling the service history?
I understand that early QP's had all sorts of issues......but after spending hours on the net the only item that appears to be of doubtful longevity with the GT are the brakes.

Any advice, pointers and experiences would be gratefully received!

Many thanks in anticipation.

 

[Fangio63]

Other than issues arising if you let the battery go flat, in my experience they are rock solid... certainly no worse than your jag...

07 or 08 probably doesn't get you into a MC shift.... or a 4.7... but no matter the 4.2 auto with no clutch to worry about is a pretty decent place to be...

There are a few of these that have done some high milage now - and so far as I am aware there's been no show stoppers... you might get an odd niggle with the parking brake or aircon, - personally I have not... but there should be nothing there to scare you off...

Be nice to hear your views when you've driven a few,... if you are coming from a Jag it will take 10 years of your age ...

 

[safrane]

Only items that seem to occur are;

Weeping cam cover gaskets
Air Con compressors
Brake disc wear and cost
parking sensors
temperamental sat nav / info unit...

But to be honest all of the above seem to be items on the 4200/GS and QP as well.

 

[drewf]

Compared to my experience with two XKs, one bought brand-new and run for 60k, and the other as an ex-demo which herself ran for 2 years, the Maseratis have been just as reliable.

My XK8 had new wheel bearings every month for a period until Jaguar fitted the improved suspension components to stop it happening... it had numerous electrical issues - cruise control hunting up and down, windows not working, even had to have the entire dash removed in the first week, as things were rattling around side to side behind it on every corner. The XKR could break its exhaust as soon as look at you... pal of mine had the timing chain guides disintegrate on his XK8, with predictable results. The list goes on. Loved them both though

In general, aside from Fangio's comment about it being essential to not let the battery go flat, they are just as solid.

 

[jagman]

Thanks Fangio63.
I'm resigned to not getting an MC or 4.7.
What is it with brakes being replaced, is that just the parking brake?
I'm expecting mileage of 35-50k for my budget, what sort of niggles might arise at that mileage?

I could certainly do with losing 10yrs! But I've never been to a golf club in my life Lol!

Thanks for your help.

 

[jagman]

Thanks drewf.
My XK is an 07 with 50+k on the clock and apart from rear brake pads hasn't cost a penny so far, so a later model XKR might appear on the list, but I'm reluctant to buy the 'same' car twice. Not logical I know, but when has buying a particular car ever been logical lol! More heart than head with me 'cos let's face they all get you from A to B, only some are more fun than others.

Thanks for your help.

 

[jagman]

Thanks Safrane.
It occurs to me that all cars have 'favoured' colour combinations, and my preference with the GT is for the darker colours. Are there combinations to be avoided?

Thanks for your help.

 

[Fangio63]

Brakes - much the same as the jag ... the parking brake is similar to that on my Landrover... sort of drum arrangement ...I've heard of 1 or 2 seizing up ... bit more pricey to fix than you might expect... but not eye watering..best policy is don't use it... it's an auto so you don't need it..

Maserati discs however are manufactured from unobtainium and fashioned by Faberge..... or so you would expect when you see the price... so check for wear and lipping on any you see..... If you've not got a manufacturers warranty I'd be tempted to fit Formula Dynamics ones when it's time to do it... they are better and cheaper than the OEM ones...or so I'm told...

 

[Fangio63]

Thanks Safrane.
It occurs to me that all cars have 'favoured' colour combinations, and my preference with the GT is for the darker colours. Are there combinations to be avoided?

Thanks for your help.

These can be a bit colour sensitive... Personally I like the darker exteriors and I'm not a fan of black leather - Nor the "tarts bedroom Red" interior - though the bordeaux red is great..

It's really a matter of taste... the contrast stitching is nice .. and the Tan interior is especially cool...

If you can find a red one... they are pretty rare .. look great and I think will age well... and oddly the Bordeaux Pontivecchio paint on these works superbly in the metal...and I'd never thought that till I saw one.....

Nero / Granito or the Blues and the darker grey are all decent on these... few too many silver cars about... but It's pretty difficult to buy a wrong-un...and It's ok to go a bit more flamboyant on the interior than you might on a Jag..

 

[ChrisQP09]

Firstly welcome to the forum and love your name haha.

With the same engine as the GT, I strongly recommend a 4.2 QP maybe 08 upward for the zf transmission which will save you on the clutch front. Personally speaking you won't find anymore issues with this type of QP than any other car. The problem is however, in the unlikely event something does go wrong you'll likely need a war chest to correct. If buying from a main dealer you'll get a strong warranty to cover against most items but as always arrange for an inspection and run all the checks.

 

[safrane]

Silver and red trim is not sought after on the used market...and if the leather is a dogs dinner it will be bard to move on.

 

[Andyk]

A big welcome to the forum...YOu should get all the advice you need from the forum to buy a great GT....Good luck with your search.

 

[jluis]

Compared to my experience with two XKs, one bought brand-new and run for 60k, and the other as an ex-demo which herself ran for 2 years, the Maseratis have been just as reliable.

My XK8 had new wheel bearings every month for a period until Jaguar fitted the improved suspension components to stop it happening... it had numerous electrical issues - cruise control hunting up and down, windows not working, even had to have the entire dash removed in the first week, as things were rattling around side to side behind it on every corner. The XKR could break its exhaust as soon as look at you... pal of mine had the timing chain guides disintegrate on his XK8, with predictable results. The list goes on. Loved them both though

In general, aside from Fangio's comment about it being essential to not let the battery go flat, they are just as solid.

That makes the 3200 a reliable machine by comparison

 

[BigR]

First up, welcome! I had an 08 4.2 which I sold about 9 mths ago. During the 18mths I owned it, the only thing other than servicing and petrol was one shock absorber. Even when the battery was a dud (which was because the trader had kept letting it go flat, so had messed it up), it didn't have any foul ups when a new one was fitted. There are stories about resetting of things at this point, but for me the car was absolutely fine and never missed a beat.

I also wouldn't be worried about having a 4.2 over a 4.7 (having now experienced both). The 4.2 is a very splendid car, with a lovely noise, the looks of it turns heads, and you'll sit there grinning that you're driving a Maserati

 

[StuartW]

Welcome along & good luck with your search, there is a good buyer's guide with things to look out for when buying a GT elsewhere on this forum. It proved very useful when I was looking.
If your budget does not extend to a 4.7, you will get a very well sorted 4.2 which is still an excellent, beautiful GT car. By ruling out a 4.7 and not even driving one, I'm sure you'll be more than happy with a 4.2 and there are plenty of good ones around.

 

[VMSRTI]

Welcome Jagman and good luck in your search. If buying privately, get a reputable indy to do a thorough inspection and you should be fine.

 

[MackemExile]

I've had my 4.2 for 18 months and it hasn't missed a beat mechanically. I got an extended warranty when I bought from a Main Stealer just for peace of mind. Not needed it and not sure I would renew when it's my own cash but not decided on that yet. Haven't regretted buying it at all. It's a real head turner, and once you make peace with the fact its a GT rather than a sports car, you'll get along fine with it. Tyre wear on mine was really uneven (not uncommon) and after a four wheel alignment the handling was massively improved. TPMS warning came on recently so I guess the batteries are going/gone. Apparently this is pretty standard at this age. Servicing is either ridiculously expensive or eye wateringly expensive depending on the interval. Get the servicing invoices and see what you're likely to be hit with. If it was about a grand last time then it will be about 2.5 to 3 grand next time seems to be the way it goes (main dealers).

Blacks and Greys look great. Leather is a matter of personal choice. Light colours are preferred by the trade so I'm told but beware - if you have kids/dogs/messy passengers then you're constantly paranoid about marking it. I'm not that convinced by the quality/thickness of the leather in some of the high wear areas - there is a spot on the door card which tends to attract kicks when you get in and out of the car that looks like it will wear through.

Great cars, enough around to bide your time and get a good one. Good luck.

 

[ChrisQP09]

Why do GTs suffer from weak batteries when the QP seems to suffer less and is more electrically demanding?

 

[Classico]

Owned mine 6 months now.

Not a thing to spend mechanically, though service is coming up shortly.

Did buy some cosmetic upgrades like new wheel caps, Aluminum gas, brake and footrest and a Maser Trunk mat.

According to the Ferrari/Maser trained mechanic I use, brake changes seem to be the main expense.

Also, the alternator tends to go at 75,000kms.

Being a ZF gearbox, no problems with clutch wear.

Have the 4.2. Epic sound. Nobody other than diehard Maser fans will know the difference re: engine.

A great place to be. Good luck.