Being The Devils Advocate, Friend Buying A QP?

[QP4Me]

Hi Guys,

A friend of mine is interested in the car listed below. It is a 2005 QP with 50,000 miles recorded, in lovely condition and the price is flexible.

There is one cause for concern though and while I notice the issue, both the vendor and the potential buyer have dismissed my query.

On start-up from dead cold, there is a low but distinct sound of tappets/valves (insert your own thoughts!), lasting about a second. It then goes away. After that, on idle or revved hard, the noise does not appear again. When warm there is no noise on start-up.

The car was recently serviced and the oil level is correct. There is a FSH and the clutch is reading 33%, whatever that indicates I understand the last owner was a 'sporting type'.

Should the buyer be worried, or should I bottle it and keep my council?

http://www.carzone.ie/search/Masera...rt?channel=CARS&featuredListingClickThru=true

Thanks,
Pat F.

 

[Phil H]

If you search the forums or Google 'Variator' and 'Maserati' together you will probably find a pointer, and if it seems to be a Variator problem it should be factored into the purchase price; if in doubt get an expert opinion. At the price being asked it's best to play safe.

PH

 

[Emtee]

It's a known problem with the QP and a quick call to Mario will point you in the right direction. Not overly difficult to fix, but it does need attending to.

 

[Parisien]

Hi Pat.......do phone Marios for his advice on buying any QP, very worthwhile.......no...actually, a must do, as it means your council and advice is much more valuable when combined with that from Marios


P

 

[conaero]

I appreciate the variant is an issue but I had this on my GS. An oil change with the correct grade of Shell irradiated it.

Maybe worth asking for it to be done just to see if that eases it???

 

[Elliott653]

Looks quite expensive to me at that price.

 

[Emtee]

I appreciate the variant is an issue but I had this on my GS. An oil change with the correct grade of Shell irradiated it.

Maybe worth asking for it to be done just to see if that eases it???

According to Marios it's a different issue on the QP Matt. Wet sump.

 

[CatmanV2]

According to Marios it's a different issue on the QP Matt. Wet sump.

This was my understanding. I get a second of rattle if she's been standing for a while.

C

 

[drewf]

4.2 QP is a dry sump, no?

 

[TridentTested]

Looks quite expensive to me at that price.

It does seem pricey but the (illegal under EU rules) import duty would probably make a UK-sourced one even worse.

Nevertheless I would have thought the death of the Celtic Tiger would mean better bargains than this. There must be room for manoeuvre, the Motor Tax (VED) is EUR €1,809 per annum alone.

 

[TridentTested]

4.2 QP is a dry sump, no?

Duo Selects: yes, dry sump.

Later ZF Automatticas: wet sump.

 

[QP4Me]

Hi,

Thanks for all the input.

It seems it's not uncommon for some noise on start-up, it depends on a number of factors it seems. The QP in question does not have any other vices that would indicate 'Variator' problems, it revs nicely with full power output. In fact, Der Fuehrer informs me that my QP produces much the same noise at times on start-up, obviously, I don't hear it while sitting in the well insulated car.

QP's, despite the current status of Ireland, still go for good money, and I am leaving it to the buyer to do the deal.

As a foot note, it is a curse to be asked to check out a car for another, particularly a good friend. It's hard to give your honest opinion, without falling out!

Pat.