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QP buying advice

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25/1/2010 17:51:44  
 

Posts: 1
Since: 25/1/2010
Status: offline 		Dear All

As you can probably see by my name I am new to all this Maserati stuff. I have been an admirer, from afar, for many years but have never been fortunate enough to buy one. Now though - its a different story!

I really want a Quattroporte but can't afford a new one (and frankly even if I could I wouldn't fancy throwing so much away in depreciation!) so I am looking at a 05/06 car with no more than 30,000. I have to admit that I know NOTHING about these, just think they look and sound awesome. Ask me about Porsches, Audis etc and I know a bit - Maseratis, forget it!

What do I need to know about these?

My principle concerns are as follows:

Reliability - I know its a £90k car new and if it were to go wrong you will have bills for a £90k car, is it really that scary?
Main Dealer or general used car sales? Is a warranty essential, are they troublesome if the maintenance hasn't been done fully by Maserati?
Build quality - I know everyone here will say they are great but there is no getting away from the fact they are Italian (far prettier but not a patch on Germanic build quality) do they fall apart, rattle etc etc
Running costs - As its a Ferrari engine (not sure if its from the 360 or 430 - see I really do know nothing!) is it expensive to service? Does it have a cambelt or a chain, if a belt how often does it need changing and a rough price?
Generally - will I be making a mistake? as always you are tempted by the cheaper ones but that is the top of my budget and won't leave much for contingencies, regular maintenance is fine but an unexpected problem could break the bank and the missus would shoot me!

Any help is most appreciated, thanks in advance.

Ben
25/1/2010 18:04:12  

Posts: 2479
Since: 27/1/2008
Region: Bristol
Status: offline 		Welcome Ben,

I have only had a 4200CC but to date it has been a dream with no real issues even at 64,000 miles.

Cars are best based on condition rather then just miles, they last better if used frequently rather than sitting arround.
Main dealers reputation is not the best so most 'used owners' go via the indipendants
CambioCorsa clutches are the only issues that may be contentious as they can last from 8-40k dependant on drivers
not know of any bits falling off, these are not like the 80's bi-turbos
expect 19-24 mpg down to 9 in town if driven quick
services from £500-£1500 dependant on miles/fluids

Plenty to chose from so take you time and GET A INSPECTION!

_____________________________

Peter

4200 CC
Volvo C70 Cabriolet
VW Golf mk1 Cabriolet
2CV LHD In France
25/1/2010 19:48:03  

Posts: 249
Since: 3/5/2009
Region: Cianciana
Status: offline 		Hi Ben,
I would echo Peter's comments above...
Have owned mine for just over 10 months now and she has been an absolute pleasure.
Do a few searches on here, there are a some pointers regarding service costs etc.
Mine had a full service history from HR Owen, but is now looked after and serviced by Roberto at Grimaldi Engineering in Halstead.
Good luck in your search, and just to repeat...always worth getting an Inspection!
Regards,
Enzo.

_____________________________

Love your Life...
28/1/2010 0:15:25  
 

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

its better to buy from a main/official dealer as it will come with a 1year warranty and importantly they will know how to fix any issues. If you buy from a independant/private sale make sure you get an inspection as if there are any hidden problems they could be costly.

You also need to get an idea of clutch wear (its a F1 system), usually a clutch may need replacing every 25k-35k miles.You find out the clutch wear my plugging in the diagnostic computer SD2/SD3. Clutch wear depends on driving style though and the Duoselect models (F1 style) are not ideal for sitting in traffic jams every day during rush hour.

A new clutch costs approx £1500.

The engine is what the 430 is based on, chains with a dry sump (red cam covers).

Servicing is at 3 levels,

years 1,3,5 = £500-600

years 2,4 = £1000-1100

year 6 = £1500

As regards reliability, the cars tend to run their batteries down if not used much, therefore make sure you have a trickle charger to keep it topped up.

Buy on condition as much as age. I think your best bet is to post a link/links to cars you are considering so we can give you pros/cons to their spec/mileage/condition/selling dealer!

thanks

Simon

< Message edited by sjn2004 -- 28/1/2010 0:16:29 >
28/1/2010 9:57:30  

Posts: 1112
Since: 11/5/2005
Region: Thames Valley
Status: offline
quote:

ORIGINAL: sjn2004

Hi ,

its better to buy from a main/official dealer as it will come with a 1year warranty and importantly they will know how to fix any issues. If you buy from a independant/private sale make sure you get an inspection as if there are any hidden problems they could be costly.

You also need to get an idea of clutch wear (its a F1 system), usually a clutch may need replacing every 25k-35k miles.You find out the clutch wear my plugging in the diagnostic computer SD2/SD3. Clutch wear depends on driving style though and the Duoselect models (F1 style) are not ideal for sitting in traffic jams every day during rush hour.

A new clutch costs approx £1500.

The engine is what the 430 is based on, chains with a dry sump (red cam covers).

Servicing is at 3 levels,

years 1,3,5 = £500-600

years 2,4 = £1000-1100

year 6 = £1500

As regards reliability, the cars tend to run their batteries down if not used much, therefore make sure you have a trickle charger to keep it topped up.

Buy on condition as much as age. I think your best bet is to post a link/links to cars you are considering so we can give you pros/cons to their spec/mileage/condition/selling dealer!

thanks

Simon


Just to say, regardless of where you buy the car from, main dealer or not - get and independant inspection!!!

_____________________________

Rich
Mercedes-Benz C55 AMG Estate
BMW 335d MSport Touring
Maserati Ghibli "Taylor/Hawksworth Trofeo edition"
12/4/2010 16:24:33  
 

Posts: 1
Since: 12/4/2010
Status: offline 		Hi,

I am considering a QP as a replacement for my XKR later this year.

I have been reading what people say about servicing costs but what about general reliability? The Jag gives "every day" usage though it is getting a bit flaky with 125k miles on the clock now.

Could I expect a QP to be daily use reliable? Doing about 12k miles p.a.?

Also, does anyone know of a good independent near Edinburgh?

Thanx

< Message edited by divetrucker -- 12/4/2010 16:34:58 >
20/4/2010 12:28:36  

Posts: 216
Since: 26/3/2009
Status: offline 		A number of members seem to use their QP's quite regularly, and you see cars for sale now with high miles, so I don't see why you could not do 12k a year.

I think running costs will be higher than a Jag, but you may want to check with main dealer, or a company like Eurospares, for parts prices to compare.

MP Supercars are near Edinburgh and members here speak highly of them.

Surely a QP will stir the emotions more than a Jag?

I would guess the owners of these cars found them reliable enough to pile on the miles:

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201016357105921/sort/priceasc/usedcars/make/maserati/radius/1501/page/7/postcode/se270pb?logcode=p

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201010354499067/sort/priceasc/usedcars/make/maserati/radius/1501/page/7/postcode/se270pb?logcode=p


< Message edited by revrange -- 20/4/2010 19:42:35 >
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