Buying a QP - Newbie in need!

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Buying a QP - Newbie in need!

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9/5/2010 10:14:54

CJLittle

Posts: 10
Since: 9/5/2010
Region: Home Counties
Status: offline

Hello All,

Having owned a VW Phaeton for over 3 years (a car that I still love by the way), I've finally decided enough is enough and have turned my eye towards a Maser QP. And I'm glad I did! I test drove one last week and it blew my socks off - so the choice is made, just need some advice to make sure I choose the right car and don't make any disastrous mistakes...

I've done a fair bit of independent research (thanks also to this forum) and decided to look at an 07 onwards with the ZF gearbox (not sure about the flappy paddles and I read on your forum about clutch replacement issues). I'm happy to let the ZF do all the thinking for me!

Anyway, I'm interested in the following QP:

http://www.adgsevenoaks.co.uk/vehicle-details.asp?new=&region=&order=&Model=&Make=&notMake=&notModel=&BodyType=&FuelType=&Transmission=&intMin=&intMax=&RSpage=3&ID=1188716&popup=

I'm negotiating with the dealer now (really just about giving me a fair price for the Phaeton - dealers always low-ball you first time round!). I will also take the forum advice and get an independent inspection. So a couple of questions before I dive in headfirst!

Who should I get to do the inspection? Dekra won't view Maserati's (why?). So, is it simply a choice between the RAC and the AA? Any other ideas?
Are there any obvious gotcha's that I should look out for? Visually the car looks stunning. Service history up-to-date. Drives beautifully.
Last service was at 25K (on 2nd anniversary) - The next due around 37.5K I assume? (current mileage ~29K). Will this be a major service?
MOT due in July - any experience on first MOT issues? (BTW - negotiating with the dealer to do 1st MOT (guaranteed pass) at no cost to me, so might not be an issue ).
The car still has a Maserati warrantee until July. Can I use this to my advantage with Maserati direct? Just a thought...
The engine has blue covers - what does this signify? (as opposed to the red covers for example)..
Finally, I ski every year and need to fit a ski box. Any suggestions - or am I back to the ski hire shop!

Thanks in advance for all help and advice. Hope to join you all as a happy Maser owner in due course...

All the best,

Colin.
Wanna be Maser Owner

9/5/2010 14:27:37

Klive

Posts: 696
Since: 25/5/2008
Region: Essex/Herts Border
Status: online

Welcome to the forum.
I can answer to Q5 as I also bought mine from ADG with 6 months of the Maserati warranty remaining. First ADG didn't add to the 6 months but as it was the manfacturers 6 months I had no issues with Lancaster in Colchester carry out various repairs including a new clutch all under the warranty with zero charges to myself. I wasn't 100% happy with the work but then I can be rather fussy.

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05 4200 CC

9/5/2010 17:52:04

sjn2004

Posts: 387
Since: 20/4/2008
Status: offline

Who are Dekra? Maserati's are rare, you're better getting a specialist to check the car possibly this is why they won't do an inspection.

MOT no problems.

I know on the duoselect model that the major service is every 6yrs/37500 miles. Check in the service book that comes with the car.

Manufacturers warranty until July---> Make sure any niggles are sorted before then and run some good shakedown trips to get any problems to show early.

The cam covers,

Red covers --> dry sump/Duoselect. (check oil when engine warm/running)

Blue covers ---> wet sump/ZF automatica. (check oil when cold/stopped).

hope this helps

< Message edited by sjn2004 -- 9/5/2010 17:57:44 >

9/5/2010 21:32:24

LittleBro

Posts: 1272
Since: 21/12/2006
Status: offline

Welcome to the forum Colin.

I cant really help with your questions, other than on the inspection. As mentioned above, personally, I would go with a specialist over someone like the AA/RAC. Depending on where the car is located, there's specialist who will inspect a car for you.

On a personal note, I visited ADG a few weeks back and one thing that stood out for me was the PX price. I'd be very interested in how you get on with yor negotiations - happy to get some feedback via personal message if you're happy to do so.

All the best
Woody

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2007 GranSport LE, Nero Carbonio with full beige, nero piping

10/5/2010 10:11:52

bigbob

Posts: 480
Since: 6/5/2009
Status: offline

I was looking at that car on the web last week and thought it looked attractive - don't worry I am waiting until GTs get cheaper.

You could ring GP in Edinburgh and ask about the car - its on Scottish plates and they are the only dealer up here.

I have owned a couple of A8s so understand where you are coming from. Just be aware that Maserati servicing will cost considerably more than Audi/VW servicing.

Can't help on the inspection. Personally I might not bother as the car is still under warranty - I would be interested in checking for any paint/accident damage though. Additionally you could always get the MOT done a couple of weeks early - having already booked your car in for warranty work a week before the warranty expires - and produce a wish list.

Servicing is every year or 12.5k miles so its due in July. QP owners will tell you if it is a major (£1200-1500) or minor (£700-900). Maybe get the service done with the warranty work and then move to an independent for servicing at year 4 onwards.

Finally, check the tyre depth - they can eat them - and the condition if the pads and discs as they are expensive (up to £2k at a main dealer).

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GranTurismo GTS Auto

10/5/2010 10:14:11

bigbob

Posts: 480
Since: 6/5/2009
Status: offline

Oh, and some people will say that car is worth less as it is on 19" rather than 20" wheels. Personally I think that it is better as tyres will cost a lot less and the ride will be a little les harsh. My 4200 rides on 18" and is great. Personally I can't understand the need for 20" wheels.

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GranTurismo GTS Auto

10/5/2010 22:11:54

Blox

Posts: 23
Since: 31/1/2010
Region: Bristol
Status: offline

Hi Colin, welcome to the forum. I bought a QP Sport GT in Feb and have loved every minute of it. It's a December 2006 model so has the duoselect gearbox but to be honest, it's not been a problem as I always select manual and sport modes. In fact, I prefer the flappy paddle arrangement to the one I had in an Audi Quattro a few years ago...

Only noticeable difficulty so far is that manouvering at low speeds eg parking, is sometimes a bit clumsy as there is no forward 'creep' like you expect in a true auto.

Oh...and it's on the 20 inch rims. I test drove QP's on both 19" (Exec model) and 20" (Sport) and although the ride is a tad firmer it's still not what you would describe as 'uncomfortable' !

Hope you find the right car soon.

Good luck.

Ian

10/5/2010 23:04:28

sjn2004

Posts: 387
Since: 20/4/2008
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: bigbob

I was looking at that car on the web last week and thought it looked attractive - don't worry I am waiting until GTs get cheaper.

You could ring GP in Edinburgh and ask about the car - its on Scottish plates and they are the only dealer up here.

I have owned a couple of A8s so understand where you are coming from. Just be aware that Maserati servicing will cost considerably more than Audi/VW servicing.

Can't help on the inspection. Personally I might not bother as the car is still under warranty - I would be interested in checking for any paint/accident damage though. Additionally you could always get the MOT done a couple of weeks early - having already booked your car in for warranty work a week before the warranty expires - and produce a wish list.

Servicing is every year or 12.5k miles so its due in July. QP owners will tell you if it is a major (£1200-1500) or minor (£700-900). Maybe get the service done with the warranty work and then move to an independent for servicing at year 4 onwards.

Finally, check the tyre depth - they can eat them - and the condition if the pads and discs as they are expensive (up to £2k at a main dealer).

There are actually 3 service levels for the QP. The big one is around 1500 and is every 6 years or 37500 miles (which ever is sooner). The smallest service is around £500-600. Medium service is £1000 or so.

For low mileage cars

Minor - Yr 1,3,5
Med - Yr 2,4
Maj - Yr 6.

Hope this helps.

11/5/2010 12:53:24

CJLittle

Posts: 10
Since: 9/5/2010
Region: Home Counties
Status: offline

Thanks one and all for some very useful advise.

Well, I've let my heart rule my head (sort of) and I just bought the QP at ADG

. Can't wait to pick it up - hopefully on Thursday. The wife thinks it's not practical (the boot is smaller than the Phaeton she noted straight away

!), but sometimes you've just got to live with the tough things in life! Probably not the most sensible car choice I've ever made, but it looks like it will be the most FUN - and that's the main thing in life!

I did all the checks recommended (including speaking to the dealer in Edinburgh who did the last two services. They gave it a glowing report and knew the previous owner very well). ADG were more flexible once they knew I was really interested and did me a good deal on future MOT, improved trade-in for the Phaeton, an extended warranty (post the Maserati one) and a deal on the next service (which will be a major). All-in-all I'm quite happy.

So, now I can join the Forum for real and I'm looking forward to many happy years of exceptional motoring

. I'll report back once I've had it for a few weeks!

BTW - no comments on fitting a ski box. Am I the only QP driver that wants to do this?

Cheers everyone and thanks again for your help!

A very happy Colin.
Maserati Quattroporte Owner (can't believe I just wrote that

)

11/5/2010 12:58:51

Safrane

Posts: 2477
Since: 27/1/2008
Region: Bristol
Status: online

Well done Colin, hope and trust you will love it.

Re the boot size, just tell the wife you have down-sized to be more enviromentaly aware and she should support your new green values.

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Peter

4200 CC
Volvo C70 Cabriolet
VW Golf mk1 Cabriolet
2CV LHD In France

11/5/2010 13:12:48

CJLittle

Posts: 10
Since: 9/5/2010
Region: Home Counties
Status: offline

LOL

. It's funny isn't it that she's more interested in an empty boot than what's under the bonnet...

The mention of the Ferrari 4.2 V8, 400BHP, Blue Cam Covers, wet sump and ZF gearbox just didn't light up her face...

Perhaps she'll be more impressed when she's behind the wheel - but she'll have to fight me out of the drivers seat first!

I'll report back

...

Cheers!

Colin.
PS - I didn't mention the MPG

...

11/5/2010 14:47:22

bigbob

Posts: 480
Since: 6/5/2009
Status: offline

Hope you enjoy it.

Just remember what going from 4WD to RWD means especially in the wet. In the dry my Maser toasts my wife's two Audis Quattros (both 5.5/6.0s to 60 so hardly slow) but in the wet its another matter.

You will need winter tyres if you are going anywhere near the slopes in a Maser BTW.

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GranTurismo GTS Auto

11/5/2010 14:55:12

ENZ525

Posts: 249
Since: 3/5/2009
Region: Cianciana
Status: offline

Congratulations Colin,
Wishing you many happy miles, and lots of smiles

Regards,
Enzo.

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Love your Life...

11/5/2010 19:51:15

CJLittle

Posts: 10
Since: 9/5/2010
Region: Home Counties
Status: offline

Bigbob - you make a good observation. The handling of the Phaeton in all conditions is superb - well balanced and solid grip no matter what the weather. Once you learn to trust 4WD you tend to drive on the edge of it's capabilities. Best I respect the QP until I can trust its own fickle ways. I'll be taking it easy for the first few weeks until I know how she responds.

I'm supposing that QP's don't do snow very well for the same reasons

. Guess I'll find out next winter, but that's a trade-off I'm prepared to make!

In the meantime, thanks again for the advice and I'll be enjoying the summer even more this year!

Colin.

11/5/2010 22:10:27

scotdunc

Posts: 31
Since: 30/3/2010
Region: Herts
Status: offline

Ive been a Quattroporte owner/driver now for exactly 4 weeks.... and I can tell you that you will absoloutley love it. On motorways and dual carriageways, its amusing to watch other cars move out of the way when they see the trident come up behind them... and that includes Mercs, BMW's etc etc.

On the MPG front, I managed a heady 23.5 on a long run recently... I must have been driving too sensibly, Ill try harder on my run up to Edinburgh later this week.

Enjoy the car.... its hard to beat.

12/5/2010 8:03:54

robbiemac

Posts: 575
Since: 29/1/2007
Status: offline

I actually found my Granturismo better in the snow than my Q7, the only time the GT struggled was when the snow was a foot deep. I think the Q7's tires were the wrong type, more of a road tire than snow and offered very little grip.

I in the process of getting back into a QP as I miss them so much and can vouce for the comments about people moving out of the way, you seem to get better road manners when driving one!

enjoy

12/5/2010 23:04:53

sjn2004

Posts: 387
Since: 20/4/2008
Status: offline

The boot is actually on three layers, you need to remove the two false floors to get full access. Don't tell the wife though, she wont be able to fit as much shopping in!

31/7/2010 23:26:02

Peter Dempsey

Posts: 4
Since: 31/7/2010
Status: offline

Hi Colin.

I recently bought a QP from ADG too. Early days but I like their approach.

Did you get anywhere on the ski box question? I posted a question on roof racks and tow bars a few minutes ago, before seeing your posts. According to the handbook QPs can't take roofracks...

Happy motoring

Peter

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