You can spend up to $100,000 or more on a new Maserati. The Maserati Ghibli might set you back the princely sum of $75,000, for which you’d expect the perfect driving machine. Unfortunately, like anything else man-made, regardless of the brand’s prestige, there are maintenance issues that become common to the marque.
Ghibli: Heritage and Excellence
The Ghibli has been with us since the late 1960s. Its current incarnation as a 4-door executive luxury sedan dates back to 2013. A phenomenal and stunning 3.0L V6 engine powers it, with an 8-speed automatic transmission. It seriously looks and sounds the business. Finally, of course, Maserati’s proud trident adorns the front.
What could possibly go wrong? We hear you ask. Well, below are four issues that Ghibli owners sometimes face, which inevitably need the attention of Maserati specialists.
1. Chips, scratches and similar damage on the wheels and arches
No matter the model, a Maserati has racetrack blood in its soul. Their low-lying build gives a low centre of gravity, making cars like the Ghibli more agile performers on the road. This inevitably brings the risk of stone chips, scuffs, scratches to the car, especially around the wheels and arches. If you only ever drive on perfect asphalt, it’s not a problem. Any time you leave the city, however, it can become a key issue.
2. Clutch problems
The Ghibli and Quattroporte models are both noted for a number of drivers experiencing clutch issues. They typically happen after reaching around 12,000 miles on the odometer. It can usually be fixed with a simple replacement, but on a Maserati that can be costly.
3. Gas mileages falling short
Maserati claims that the Ghibli can cover 40mpg, making it one of the most efficient in its class. There have been many drivers, however, warning that this rating can rarely, if ever, be reached. It depends ultimately on which specific model you choose, whether you drive more in the city or on the highway. How well you keep up with regular maintenance also matters a great deal. Given the elevated costs, some drivers resist regular maintenance, which ultimately impacts the gas mileage.
4. Brakes
Initially this sounds like the ultimate dealbreaker, but it’s not quite as dire as it sounds. The Ghibli’s brakes do work, but you may find that the fluid needs replacing a little more frequently. If you don’t attend to it, it can make braking a bit spongy; less keen and responsive.
Your Maserati Ghibli is a thing of beauty, it needs care
Common maintenance issues in the Ghibli typically stem from a lack of proper and regular maintenance. If you’re worried about the costs of that maintenance now, you’ll be even more terrified of the expense involved in fixing it later. Those small problems will only grow into something worse down the line. Give your Ghibli the TLC it needs, and it’ll love you right back.
