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MaseratiForumMaserati CarsQuattroporte V, GranTurismo/S, GranCabrio I want a QP - but which one?

I want a QP - but which one?

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4/8/2010 14:51:11  
 

Posts: 2
Since: 4/8/2010
Status: offline 		Hello Forum.

I'm currently considering a replacement for my current steer - a Volvo V70R. After two years of cold Swedish logic I need something both hatstand and ruinously expensive again to satisfy my motoring desires.

Previous to the Volvo was an Alpina B3 3.3, so I'm comfortable with the bespoke, and used to patchy dealer support. A smattering of Alfas, Lancias, Aprilias, Ducatis and even a Bimota means I'm also comfortable with the Italian way of bolting things together.

Given I like my transport to be unusual, the QP has come up in preference to the more predictable German uber-Saloons.


So, before I just charge off and recklessly buy the first lemon I chance across - a policy which has served me well over the years - any advise on what to go for, and who to buy from?

Thanks

Dunk
5/8/2010 9:53:47  

Posts: 78
Since: 11/10/2009
Region: London, United Kingdom
Status: offline 		Welcome to the forum Dunk.

Help us to help you a little more.

What sort of budget range do you have in mind? Maintenance is a significant factor vs. Volvo or BMW so what sort of annual budget could you tolerate?

Are you looking for a purist/spirited/sporty drive or something that is sporty but also luxurious?

Cheers

Shak
5/8/2010 19:27:55  
 

Posts: 2
Since: 4/8/2010
Status: offline 		Hi Shak

Budget I'm fairly open at the moment - the cheaper the better (for the sake of marital harmony), but £30k would be my top end.

Annual Budget - Well put it this way - the last twelve months of Alpina ownership cost £12,000 in parts, labour and tyres alone. The Volvo by comparison has been the paragon of reliability (which means it will undoubtedly explode spectacularly tomorrow morning). Running costs aren't as much of a consideration though, I'm doing so little driving overall now that annual mileage is probably now below 8,000 - much more than a £1 a mile in running costs (excluding fuel/insurance etc) is going to put me off.

With regards drive - I like my sledge hammers to come in walnut and leather presentation cases. - i.e. luxury with a hint of opulence, yet complimented with the chassis and performance to Sir entertained. Automatic is preference.


5/8/2010 20:01:23  

Posts: 738
Since: 11/8/2008
Region: Shrewsbury, Shropshire
Status: offline 		Hi Dunk
Welcome along to the Forum!
With £30k to spend, you will find a nice QPV and have your first year's running costs covered.
Where abouts in the UK are you? If you are anywhere near to Kent, Auto Sportiva have a good QP at £24,990 and I can highly recommend them (I bought my 4200 off them in January). They are one of the Forum sponsors, they used to do just Maserati but have branched out into other makes now, but they have all the kit to look after our cars.
Have a look on www.auto-sportiva.com
Regards
David


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6/8/2010 8:09:40  

Posts: 78
Since: 11/10/2009
Region: London, United Kingdom
Status: offline 		To add to David's advice above, you should indeed find lots of good examples for £30K which should get you into 2005/early 2006 cars depending on mileage . They will unlikely be the full automatics (you are probably looking at £40K+ to get the newer ZF Auto transmissions which were manufactured from 2007) and will have the Duo Select transmission which is a Ferrari based semi-automatic transmission. These are actually sportier and faster than the full autos. However they require clutch replacement every ~20K+ miles depending how you drive it and can be a little 'jerky' in automatic mode. I believe the Executive GT (luxury) and Sport GT (sportier, throatier exhaust) variants were introduced in 2006 and both are very desirable.

I would definitely take your time shopping around to get the colour combo you like. My personal favourite is black exterior with tan (cuoio sella) interior. You will find examples with luxury features. The other advantage of shopping around is that you will get to know the cars, what you like, what you don't and what 'good' looks like.

If you take a look around this site, you will see posts on things to look out for but I would definitely get a professional to check the car. Some very good advice on the following:

http://www.maseratiforum.co.uk/Buying_a_QP_-_Newbie_in_need%21/m_53772/tm.htm
http://www.maseratiforum.co.uk/QP_buying_advice/m_47663/tm.htm
http://www.maseratilife.com/forums/showthread.php?t=8228 (check out the last post!)
http://www.maseratilife.com/forums/showthread.php?t=10332

Buying from a Ferrari-Maserati main dealer has some advantages and I can personally vouch for the aftersales service and professionalism of HR Owen. If it interests you, you need to check whether the extended 2 year manufacturer warranty option is available on pre-2007 August cars. I can vouch for the Maserati extended warranties - I have personally received back in value much, much more than the warranty cost. If buying from a main dealer, you may be able to negotiate on price of the extended warranty by offsetting the cost of the 12 month warranty they will offer you.

My overall advice is:
  • research the other threads posts on lessons learned when buying
  • take your time, find out more about the cars and what you really like; find a really sound, good example
  • make sure the car is mechanically sound and spend good money assuring that; obviously check the car has been serviced in line with the manufacturer guidelines
  • if possible, get an extended warranty

Even if you don't/can't go down the extended warranty route you should be fine in terms of maintenance costs based on what you have mentioned as long as the car is a well maintained example. There are examples out there where the previous owner has overeached and not maintained the car properly.

I am sure these posts will raise even more questions so please ask away and the members here will be able to help answer these...

< Message edited by mowlas -- 6/8/2010 10:54:16 >
9/8/2010 21:19:07  
 

Posts: 62
Since: 19/1/2010
Status: offline 		Hello Dunk,

Post 2006 models were fitted with 19" wheels and more importantly revised Duo-Select software. This arrangement helps to extend clutch life.  If you choose not to go down the main dealer route then an independant inspection eg Emblem Sports Cars remains open to you. The very best of luck with your search.

Regards,

Paul     
9/8/2010 23:38:12  

Posts: 78
Since: 11/10/2009
Region: London, United Kingdom
Status: offline 		Paul, out of interest is it possible to re-programme pre-2006 QPs with the revised Duo Select software?
11/8/2010 7:49:27  
 

Posts: 152
Since: 20/5/2010
Status: offline 		I would think it might be, i know on M3 E46 you could get the CSL gearbox software onto a normal M3.

I am sure I have heard people have duo select software "upgraded" to the latest versions.
13/8/2010 10:10:11  
 

Posts: 62
Since: 19/1/2010
Status: offline 		Shak,

Sorry for the delay in replying. I have asked Emblem if this upgrade can be achieved with the QP. As soon as I get an answer I will come back to you.  (I can tell you that although software upgrades can be made to some models of Maserati others also require prohibitively expensive changes to the hardware.) 

Regards,

Paul
13/8/2010 12:17:31  


Posts: 371
Since: 17/5/2006
Status: offline 		Welcome to the forum Dunk..

Before my QP i had a Alpina B3 3.3 aswell  and was a member on the Alpina Register.

The QP is a great proposition and you will not be dissapointed whichever one you choose.  Just make sure you buy a good one that has been looked after and all should be well.

Try both the Duoselect and ZF Transmissions, i personally prefer the Duo as the changes are quicker and the car is more involving to drive.

Thanks

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13/8/2010 14:17:01  

Posts: 78
Since: 11/10/2009
Region: London, United Kingdom
Status: offline
quote:

ORIGINAL: maserati

Shak,

Sorry for the delay in replying. I have asked Emblem if this upgrade can be achieved with the QP. As soon as I get an answer I will come back to you.  (I can tell you that although software upgrades can be made to some models of Maserati others also require prohibitively expensive changes to the hardware.) 

Regards,

Paul


Paul,

No problems. I actually drive an auto (remember we met Ace Cafe?) and was just curious so I could advise any other QP owners in future. Hope you haven't gone to too much trouble but would appreciate knowing.

Many thanks :)

Shak
13/8/2010 15:52:03  
 

Posts: 62
Since: 19/1/2010
Status: offline 		Shak,

Hi. Yes of course I remember you from our meeting at the Ace.....  As soon as I get a definitive answer I will let you know.

Regards,

Paul
16/8/2010 18:19:25  

Posts: 78
Since: 11/10/2009
Region: London, United Kingdom
Status: offline
quote:

ORIGINAL: maserati

Shak,

Hi. Yes of course I remember you from our meeting at the Ace.....  As soon as I get a definitive answer I will let you know.

Regards,

Paul


Thanks Paul :)
26/8/2010 17:49:06  
 

Posts: 62
Since: 19/1/2010
Status: offline 		Shak,

Emblem state that both a hardware and software change would be needed to bring earlier QP's upto the post 2006 Duo Select specification. They have never been asked to do this. In practice they would advise a customer to buy a newer model and not attempt to retrofit because of the prohibitive costs involved.

Regards,

Paul       
26/8/2010 22:50:14  
 

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

ORIGINAL: maserati

Shak,

Emblem state that both a hardware and software change would be needed to bring earlier QP's upto the post 2006 Duo Select specification. They have never been asked to do this. In practice they would advise a customer to buy a newer model and not attempt to retrofit because of the prohibitive costs involved.

Regards,

Paul       

I think the earlier cars are a single tang clutch while the 06? and later are double tang.
5/9/2010 23:58:26  
 

Posts: 6
Since: 5/9/2010
Status: offline 		Hello everybody,
I am trying to buy a new car and a QP is definitely an option as the local dealer is offering 4 used ones. Alas, only one fits my budget, the one I am talking about is a Sept. 2005 Duo Select with +/- 50.000 km for about 50.000 Euros. I fixed an appointment to drive it and look into the papers. As far as I understand, the main weakness is the durability of the gearbox, I have read quite a lot about it... As I want to buy this car but also keep it (it's my absolute dream car) as long as possible my question is the following : -Considering that the Duo Select gearbox is unpredictable in durability (not more than 25.000 Miles/40.000 km ?) shouldn't I opt for a after 8/2007 version with the less sporty (I guess I could live with that) ZF transmission ?
Looking forward to your responses ;-)
6/9/2010 12:35:35  

Posts: 2386
Since: 27/1/2008
Region: Bristol
Status: offline 		There is no known issue with the Gear Box, unless you are talking about clutch wear?

I have traveled 40,000+ miles on my 2nd clutch...I don't think thats bad for a high powered car.

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4200 CC
Volvo C70 Cabriolet
VW Golf mk1 Cabriolet
2CV LHD In France
6/9/2010 15:17:01  
 

Posts: 575
Since: 29/1/2007
Status: offline 		I did 38k miles on my old QP and it was only 45% worn when I sold it on! and I have a heavy right foot, so when through lots of rears!

robbie
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