Details of "growing pains" on the 04 CGT's?
 

Hey guys, I'm shopping for either a CGT or a Maser GranTurismo. I've done some reading on the CGT and have seen where some people suggest avoiding 04's due to "growing pains" but they didn't go into the details on the issues, can anyone help out? Also, are most of these issues resolved for the 05s? Can anyone suggest a good private shop for maintenance/PPI's etc in the Los Angeles or at least SoCal area? Thanks!

Try an 06 as 04 and 05 have the known water problem rear center brake light that needs replacing (about $700 or so as I recall). Have read there is also water drainage problems in the engine bay or some such you need to keep an eye on. Bentley did get a bad batch of plug wires at some point with the early cars, but by now anyone who has done proper maintenance has changed the wires/plugs due to the 40k/4 year major service. There were also two specific screws holding the front lower undertray bit that would puncture the turbo lines, but they fixed that at some point, too.

That's about all I can recall this early in the morning, yet yes Bentley did address various issues over time so try to find the newest model you can.

ADDED: Also, the older TPS sensor system in the early models need close checking and can cause some problems. This was solved in the 06 onward.

Having owned both a GT-S & CGT at the same time I can say I strongly prefered the bentley and don't miss the maserati one bit. The car has looks, sound and mpg going for it but its very tiring to drive, hard to park, seats are terribly uncomfortable and its slower than an e93 m3. BUT, it is italian if thats what your into. With a name like boostjunkie i'm assuming your a younger fellow and typically young guys gravitate to sexy, flash, lould cars like the maser.The bentley is just other worldy, there is just no way to describe one other than the perfect car. (btw it blows the doors of the maser)
I never had ANY issues with the cgt and I had a few electrical gremlins with the gts but I feel like if I was stranded on an island with one the maserati would run for a longer time with no maintenance.

That being said, the GT-S was/is a great car but not "enough" for me to warrant its shortcomings comparing it to an f430 or gallardo. I'd go bentley again maby for the next generation in a few yrs but you cant go wrong with an 06 right now

Thank you guys! Now I just need to find a good mechanic in LA.

There should be many in SoCal and the 04/05 are easy to get parts for, etc. Be sure to post some pics when you get her!

Out of the GranTurismo and the CGT which do you think will be cheaper to maintain? Also, which do you feel would be easier for DIY maintenance?

I have had them both as well, maintenance is about the same on either car. If you can find a good independent repair shop you can save a good deal of money.

Eric

I see you're from Irvine, who did you use for maintenance?

I have used the dealer in Newport as well as truSpeed in Costa Mesa.

Eric

How was your experience with truspeed? I've been to the Maser dealership in Newport, nice guys there. :)

Truspeed has some good people. Dealer is nice, just expensive. truspeed is just as nice, just less expensive.

Eric