Is the 2018 Maserati GranTurismo Sport Still Worth Buying Today?

When I first laid eyes on the 2018 Maserati GranTurismo Sport at a luxury car dealership in Manila, I couldn't help but draw parallels between its position in the automotive world and the Philippine basketball team's journey in international competitions. Much like how the Philippine team split their two meetings with New Zealand - beating the Tall Blacks 93-89 at the Mall of Asia Arena last November but losing 87-70 in Auckland last February - the GranTurismo Sport presents a fascinating case of strengths and weaknesses that potential buyers must carefully weigh. Having test-driven this Italian masterpiece multiple times and followed its market performance closely, I've developed some strong opinions about whether this aging beauty still deserves your hard-earned money.

Let's start with what makes this car special, because honestly, there's nothing quite like the GranTurismo Sport's presence even today. The moment you approach this vehicle, its long hood and sweeping curves command attention in a way that modern supercars often fail to achieve. I remember driving through Makati during rush hour and watching heads turn consistently - something that rarely happens with even the latest German sports cars. The Ferrari-derived 4.7-liter V8 engine produces 454 horsepower, pushing the car from 0-60 mph in 4.7 seconds. These numbers might not impress spec sheet warriors comparing against modern turbocharged rivals, but the experience transcends raw data. The engine note alone justifies about 30% of the car's asking price in my book - it's a mechanical symphony that modern emission regulations have sadly silenced in newer models.

Now, let's address the elephant in the room - the interior technology. This is where the GranTurismo shows its age significantly, much like how the Philippine basketball team's traditional playing style sometimes struggles against modern, analytics-driven opponents. The infotainment system feels ancient compared to what you get in even entry-level luxury cars today. I spent nearly fifteen minutes just figuring out how to pair my phone during my first drive, and the graphics look like they're from a early-2000s video game. The cabin materials are beautiful - premium leather everywhere, real aluminum trim, and that iconic Maserati clock on the dashboard - but the digital experience is frankly disappointing. If you're someone who needs the latest tech gadgets and driver assistance features, this might not be your car.

Reliability concerns often dominate discussions about older Maseratis, and having spoken with several owners here in the Philippines, I can confirm these worries aren't entirely unfounded. One owner I met at a car meet in Bonifacio Global City shared how he'd spent approximately ₱180,000 on repairs within his first year of ownership, mostly addressing electrical gremlins and suspension components. Another enthusiast from Cebu reported spending nearly ₱250,000 replacing the clutch at just 25,000 kilometers. These maintenance costs can hit hard, similar to how unexpected turnovers can change the momentum of a basketball game. However, I've also met owners who've had trouble-free experiences for years, suggesting that proper maintenance and finding a good independent specialist can make all the difference.

The driving experience, however, is where the GranTurismo Sport truly redeems itself. The naturally aspirated V8 responds instantly to throttle inputs without the lag common in modern turbocharged engines. The steering provides genuine feedback that's become increasingly rare in today's electric power steering systems. During a weekend drive through Tagaytay's winding roads, the car felt perfectly balanced and communicative, though I must admit the transmission isn't as sharp as modern dual-clutch units. The ZF six-speed automatic sometimes hesitates between gears, especially when you're pushing hard through corners. It's not deal-breaking, but noticeable if you're coming from newer sports cars.

Considering depreciation is crucial when evaluating any luxury car purchase. The 2018 GranTurismo Sport originally sold for around $150,000, but today you can find clean examples for $65,000 to $80,000. That's significant depreciation, but it also means you're getting what was once a $150,000 experience for half the price. The flip side is that future depreciation will likely continue, though perhaps at a slower rate as these cars become rarer and develop a cult following among enthusiasts who appreciate naturally aspirated engines. I've noticed prices stabilizing for well-maintained examples in the Philippine market, with particularly desirable color combinations and service histories sometimes commanding premiums.

Fuel economy is another practical consideration that can't be ignored. During my mixed driving tests around Metro Manila and occasional highway runs to Subic, I averaged about 6.5 kilometers per liter in heavy traffic, improving to roughly 10.5 kilometers per liter on open highways. These figures are brutal by modern standards, but honestly, if you're considering a V8 Italian grand tourer, you probably shouldn't be worrying too much about fuel costs. The emotional payoff when you hear that engine scream towards its 7,200 RPM redline makes the frequent gas station visits worthwhile, at least in my opinion.

What really surprises me about the GranTurismo Sport is how well it works as a daily driver, despite its sporting intentions. The ride quality remains surprisingly compliant even on Manila's notoriously uneven roads, and there's actually usable rear seating for children or occasional adult passengers. The trunk, while not massive, can handle weekend getaway luggage for two people. I managed to fit two carry-on suitcases and a couple of backpacks during one test, which is more than you can say for many modern sports cars. The cabin remains relatively quiet at cruising speeds, making long drives to beach resorts surprisingly comfortable.

So, is the 2018 Maserati GranTurismo Sport still worth buying today? From my perspective, it comes down to what you value in a car. If you prioritize cutting-edge technology, low running costs, and modern performance figures, there are better choices available. But if you seek character, soul, and an emotional connection that's becoming increasingly rare in today's automotive landscape, the GranTurismo Sport delivers in ways that few modern cars can match. Much like how basketball purists appreciate the fundamental beauty of the game beyond just the final score, true car enthusiasts will understand why this aging Italian still deserves consideration. Just make sure you budget properly for maintenance, find a well-documented example, and most importantly, take that test drive - because numbers and specifications can't capture the magic that happens when you press that start button and hear the V8 roar to life.