Is the 2018 Maserati GranTurismo Sport Still Worth Buying Today?

2025-11-13 12:00

I remember the first time I saw a 2018 Maserati GranTurismo Sport in person - that gorgeous metallic blue paint shimmering under the showroom lights, that unmistakable roar when the salesman started the engine. It was love at first sight, much like how Filipino basketball fans must have felt when their national team pulled off that stunning 93-89 victory against New Zealand back in November at the Mall of Asia Arena. Both represent moments of triumph, of beating the odds when everyone expects you to fall short. But here we are years later, and I find myself asking whether this Italian beauty still holds up against modern competitors, or if it's like that February rematch in Auckland where the Philippines fell 87-70 to the same opponent - showing that past glory doesn't always guarantee future success.

Let's talk about that engine first, because honestly, that's what you're buying with any Maserati. The 2018 GranTurismo Sport packs a 4.7-liter V8 that produces 454 horsepower - numbers that still make my heart race. It's like comparing that initial 93-89 victory where everything clicked perfectly versus the subsequent 87-70 loss where things just didn't come together. When this car works, it's magical. The exhaust note alone is worth half the price, screaming through tunnels with an intensity that modern turbocharged engines simply can't match. I've owned mine for three years now, and I still find excuses to take the long way home just to hear that glorious sound. But here's the reality check - in today's world of electric vehicles and hybrid supercars, that thirsty V8 feels increasingly like a relic. You're looking at about 13 miles per gallon in the city, and with premium fuel prices these days, that's no small consideration.

The interior is where the GranTurismo shows its age most noticeably. Sitting inside feels like stepping back in time - and not necessarily in a good way. The infotainment system looks ancient compared to what you get in even basic modern cars, and there are more physical buttons than in a 1990s airplane cockpit. It's charming in its own way, like how some basketball purists might prefer the fundamentals of that November victory over flashy modern plays, but most buyers today expect large touchscreens and seamless smartphone integration. The leather is absolutely gorgeous though - I've never seen better stitching in any car at this price point. Those seats hug you perfectly through corners, and the steering wheel feels substantial in your hands. It's a mixed bag, really, much like analyzing those two games against New Zealand where different strengths and weaknesses emerged in each matchup.

Driving dynamics are where the GranTurismo still shines brightest. That naturally aspirated engine responds instantly to your right foot, unlike modern turbocharged units that often suffer from lag. The handling is sharp and communicative, making you feel connected to the road in a way that few new cars can match. It's the automotive equivalent of that four-point victory margin - precise, calculated, and deeply satisfying when executed properly. But the ride is firm, almost harsh over broken pavement, and the cabin can get noisy on longer journeys. I recently took mine on a three-hour coastal drive and arrived feeling more tired than exhilarated. Modern grand tourers from Porsche or Aston Martin offer better comfort without sacrificing much performance, similar to how a well-rounded basketball team needs both offensive firepower and defensive resilience to consistently win.

Now let's talk about the elephant in the room - reliability and maintenance costs. Maseratis have never been known for their bulletproof reliability, and the 2018 model is no exception. In my ownership experience, I've dealt with two electrical gremlins and one expensive brake service that cost nearly $4,000. It's the automotive version of losing by 17 points in Auckland after winning by 4 previously - the potential for disappointment is always there. You really need to budget for unexpected repairs, and finding specialists who won't charge dealership prices can be challenging. Parts aren't exactly readily available either - I waited three weeks for a replacement sensor that would have taken days for most German cars.

So, is the 2018 Maserati GranTurismo Sport still worth buying today? If you're looking at pure numbers and logical arguments, probably not. The maintenance costs are high, the technology is dated, and the fuel consumption is brutal. But cars, like sports, aren't just about numbers on a spreadsheet. There's something magical about the GranTurismo that numbers can't capture - the way it makes you feel special every time you drive it, the conversations it starts wherever you park, the sheer theater of that glorious V8 soundtrack. It's like being at that November game where the Philippines secured that 93-89 victory - in that moment, nothing else matters except the pure emotion and excitement. For the right buyer - someone who values character over convenience and emotion over efficiency - the 2018 GranTurismo Sport remains a compelling choice. Just go into it with your eyes open, maybe set aside a healthy maintenance budget, and understand that you're buying an experience rather than just transportation. Sometimes, the heart wants what the heart wants, regardless of what the scoreboard says.