Buying Advice - which model?

zagatoes30

zagatoes30

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20,940
Ok late last year I bought a QP IV and can honestly say have loved the Maserati ownership experience. I have now decided to buy a later model and have a sensible or a less sensible options.

Option 1 - QP V

I have always loved these and after driving my QP IV love the idea of a large saloon that goes like stink. I have 3 small children so the idea of a four seater fits well with the family image.

Option 2 - 4200 Spyder

Pure indulgence as it is a me me me option. Normally I am don't buy into the fast convertibles but the 4200 just looks so nice either with the roof up or down. Since selling my Alfa Spider last year I have missed the roof down experience on those rare days the big orange thing is in the sky.

Given the experience on here, pros and cons of either would be most welcome. Oh budget £15-20k
 
Parisien

Parisien

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Z30......Matt and Ian...Conaero and BennyD respectfully have drop heads.......am sure they will fill you in on the pros and cons........:)


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BennyD

BennyD

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If you go for the spyder, you will have made a great choice! It has a brilliant engine and with the right pipes, a sound to die for. The chassis does suffer from scuttle shake, but I regard it as a small part of the overall experience and I drive through it and then keep going. The boot space is big enough for at least a weeks luggage for two. They do everything pretty well and mine constantly surprises much more exotic machinery. I haven't regretted buying mine for a second and, hopefully, you wouldn't either. £20k will give you a good choice of those available but get the newest one you can, post 04 (with the glass back window) are suppose to be a fair bit better. Have fun.
 
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dickygrace

dickygrace

www.richardgracecars.co.uk
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My opinion on the budget you have would be to go for a later 4200 coupe as you'd probably be looking at an early QP or Spyder.
 
BennyD

BennyD

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That's not one of the options Dicky. A QP V or a spyder are his choices. However, I do see your point in as much as you kind of combine them both albeit without the drop-top.
 
dickygrace

dickygrace

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BennyD said:
That's not one of the options Dicky. A QP V or a spyder are his choices. However, I do see your point in as much as you kind of combine them both albeit without the drop-top.
Click to expand...

I know BennyD, just throwing a spanner in the works :)
 
C

Chrisbassett

Member
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3,909
Can only speak for the Spyder, but I've loved every minute behind the wheel even with the top up over winter. Can't fault the engine, the CC gearbox is great once you learn it's ways and it drives well. As for the sound, top down through a tunnel just needs repeating and repeating and you never get bored. I use mine most days driving round london but it feels like an indulgence every time.
 
Parisien

Parisien

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You know what Chris.......you're spot on...every time you press the loud pedal its pure indulgence!!!!

:)


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mjheathcote

mjheathcote

Centenary Club
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9,038
You have to look at the free time with having a family to enjoy the car.
If you have free time without the family. Spyder.
If most of the free time is with family. QP.

Before I bought my coupe, I had an Elise. Loved it...but the amount of free time without the family was very limited...but free time with the family I can still enjoy the coupe...
 
zagatoes30

zagatoes30

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20,940
Not quite sure my budget covers an MC12 unfortunately.

Keeping the QP IV and buying a new one is not really an option not with the 3 Alfas as well. Here is a summary of my thought process to date.

This Maserati ownership is a real slippery slope. As much as I like the QP IV I think it is a tad fragile for regular use but without use it I think it might deteriorate quite quickly, a bit of a problem. The solution is to sell it and buy something a bit more modern, 4200 based. My head has got the better of my heart in deciding that the 4200 engine is the better unit for regular use although I suspect the 3200 is actually the faster car despite it having less horsepower.

The question is which car.

A direct replacement makes a lot of sense, the later QP V is a lot better car than the IV in just about everyway. A bit bigger all round and a more refined overall style than the IV. Aggressive but subtle at the same time. On the other hand I don't need a big 4 door, other than wedding hire business, as Sarah is getting a newer Range Rover in the next month or so, which leads me down the Coupe / Spyder option.

The Coupe is cheaper and easier to source, it is also the more practical solution in that it has 4 seats and I could squeeze children in the back. But from some angles it does look a bit clumsy especially from the rear.

Which leaves the Spyder, this is the least sensible, only 2 seats, convertible, rarer, more expensive and only available in auto formats (I think). I have never been a powerful convertible fan but the 4200 Spyder is a much better overall shape than most ragtops, I even think the rear light clusters work well with the cut off rear deck. Most Spyders have done less miles, it is relatively easy to find a sub 50k car but there are not many to choose from.

Which ever option I follow I am likely to be in for £15-20k and be on proper insurance rather than classic which won't be cheap. All these cars are serious bits of kit for used Mondeo money and other than running costs should be more than capable of everyday use if necessary although that probably won't be necessary as we are planning to replace the Seat at the end of the year with a smaller motor ability car - a golf, or a BMW 1 Series diesel for any higher mileages we may need to do.

Or do I buy an Aston, decisions, decisions
 
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Felonious Crud

Felonious Crud

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My view, for what it's worth: with a Rangie in the family get the Spyder unless you won't use it because you've got a Rangie in the family and you go everywhere in that. Frustrating as all h3ll to own a fantastic car which you never get to use. Where's home? There are fairly frequent supercar drive-outs but mainly north of the Midlands. If you can get yourself along to them you'll have a perfect reason to use the Spyder well and often.
 
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