Newb in love with QPs and Coupes.......hi all!!!

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TrM5

New Member
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36
Hi there all,

I'm a newbie on the forum - I've been a long time admirer of Maseratis from a distance - and am keen to find out more about 4200's/Gransports and QPs.

I have had numerous M cars - my favourite being the E39 M5 as well as 911s (996 incl TT) and various other TVRs and Porsche and a 355.

Generally I don't love flappy paddles - BUT I do love the style, looks, noise and interiors of Maseratis!!!

any thoughts/comparisons anyone can make to M cars in particular would be really helpful? some broad questions I have :

Is the gearbox on QPs better than the earlier 4200s - neither received great reviews!

Is the manual gearbox on a 4200 any good? some say its reluctant....?

Does a QP handle better than a 4200 despite it being bigger/heavier?

Thanks!
 
Andyk

Andyk

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61,365
Hi TrM5 and a big welcome to the forum........I currently have an E46 M3 and owned an E39 M5, E46 M3 CSL and E30 M3.....plus a maserati 3200.....I have driven many QP's, 4200 and Gransports and its hard to compair a Maserati to an M car as the are very different in character and style. The CC gearbox is very good but can not compete with the modern double clutch ones. If I was buying a Maserati I would have a CC box as once you learn how to drive it it really makes sense. I will say though that the paddle shift on the CSL was quicker than the Gransport.....

The QP is a stunning car to drive and handles like a much smaller car and for me is the one to buy as it is the first of the 'modern' Maserati'. Everytime I drive a QP it always suprises me how well they handle.

Never driven a manual 4200 but there are not many around as most are CC's.........You would need to drive a few and see what ou prefer........but flappy is the way to go if I'm honest and if ou go on track as well CC makes loads of sense......

So a Maserati is a glawed gem and not perfect but ou either get Maserati or ou don't and for most who have owned then onl a Maserati will do even if there are better cars out there...........The M cars are more polished and for me a better every day car but one thing they are not are Maserati's..........My advice would be to get out and drive all models and see what you think.
 
T

TrM5

New Member
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36
thanks Andyk - I take your thoughts on board. I'd very much like to get behind the wheel of any (and would probably choose the QP first) but struggle as to how! they aren't round every corner (I'm in East Sussex) and the guys at Sevenoaks specialist aren't easy to get a drive through.

Is there a club meet in Sussex where I can meet some friendly owners?

(you mention CSL - which TBH is the one BMW that has a certain something to it, I feel is comparable to a Maserati - it makes a great noise and is rare and something to be cherished)
 
2b1ask1

2b1ask1

Special case
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20,311
Hi TrM5, welcome to the madness, that is quite a car history; Maserati are really something special, nobody could accuse them of being a Eurobox vehicle, they give you a sense of presence like nothing else. I hope you never had it but the idiots that won't let you out of a junction in a Porker or Ferrari will gladly wave you out and smile at a Maserati. They are addictive though :)
 
C

Chrisbassett

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3,909
TrM5 said:
(you mention CSL - which TBH is the one BMW that has a certain something to it, I feel is comparable to a Maserati - it makes a great noise and is rare and something to be cherished)
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You'll have Andy all misty-eyed over his long lost CSL! Bet he's reaching for another glass of red as I type...

Your best bet for a meetup may be over in kent, as the last official forum meet was a few weeks ago. Search around and you'll find mention of a gathering of Maserati owners over that way each month, I think it's the second Monday or something like that. There are also a few other events around that forum peeps go to, I think there's one this weekend, but that may be a bit far away.

The CC gearbox is a bit old-tech, but it does perform well especially when giving it some, and once you've got used to it is a joy to play with. Plus you still get the feeling (and the noise) of changing gear, which frankly some of the more modern versions lack with their milli-second shifts. I guess it's all about what you're looking for, but to me it still has some soul.
 
Ewan

Ewan

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6,840
The short answers to your questions are - yes, the QP duo-select box is better than the earlier 4200 CC one (they got better year on year. No, the manual box on the 4200 isn't that great (better to go for the CC, as most did when buying new). And yes, the QP does out handle the 4200 despite being bigger (check the Evo lap times). So, if you want the best driving modern Mazzer for under £20k, look for a decent QP V, and go for the latest (but best condition) your budget allows.

(but don't let that stop you buying a 3200 or 4200. I had two of each and loved them as well)
 
Andyk

Andyk

Member
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61,365
TrM5 said:
thanks Andyk - I take your thoughts on board. I'd very much like to get behind the wheel of any (and would probably choose the QP first) but struggle as to how! they aren't round every corner (I'm in East Sussex) and the guys at Sevenoaks specialist aren't easy to get a drive through.

Is there a club meet in Sussex where I can meet some friendly owners?

(you mention CSL - which TBH is the one BMW that has a certain something to it, I feel is comparable to a Maserati - it makes a great noise and is rare and something to be cherished)
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Agree on your CSL comments...For me the best car I have owned and should never have sold her...You live and learn.....

The QP for me is the best modern Maserati (not including the Grantourismo in that as its a higher price)....Drive one and I'm sure you will love it.
 
TridentTested

TridentTested

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1,819
TrM5 said:
...and the guys at Sevenoaks specialist aren't easy to get a drive through.
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I've heard others say that too but it's not been my experience; when I was looking for my QP I drove several of their cars on my journey of learning. Maybe things have changed.

I can understand how sellers don't want time wasters ragging their precious cars around but given that Maserati purchase is still a big ticket item, despite being great value, and needs to be researched carefully, it's obvious punters are not in a position to buy the first car they see and thus need to try many. I think any dealer understands this.

Welcome to the forum and good luck with the search.
 
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TrM5

New Member
Messages
36
Thanks guys.

I'll look into the meet in Kent, I need to get up close and have a couple of drives to see whats what. The problem with friendly test drives though is that you cant get anywhere near the limits of the machine either in the time you have or the experience you have of the particular car......

I bought my 911 TT on the basis of a 25 minute drive. Initially I thought it was a superb thing. 2 weeks into ownership and some proper driving - I realised it really wasn't.........

Some cars are very well hyped but don't match the drivers style. For me a 911 understeers too much and acts like a pendulum in S bends.

I'm very much 'old school' - front engine/rwd - preferably with lots of torque - hence my love of the E39 M5.

I'm also torn between buying something to treat as a garage queen / dry day toy or as a daily driver.

Although yet to drive one, I think the QP is the car most likely to win my heart, but I wonder if its best suited to being a daily driver rather than a high days and holidays thing tucked up in my garage.

If its a daily driver I do need to consider mpg - I do about 9k a year, mostly A-B road 'swift' mileage. Very little stop start in town. I currently get 20.0 mpg from my 5 litre M5. Could I expect 18-20 from say an 06 QP DS?
 
T

TrM5

New Member
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TridentTested said:
I've heard others say that too but it's not been my experience; when I was looking for my QP I drove several of their cars on my journey of learning. Maybe things have changed.

I can understand how sellers don't want time wasters ragging their precious cars around but given that Maserati purchase is still a big ticket item, despite being great value, and needs to be researched carefully, it's obvious punters are not in a position to buy the first car they see and thus need to try many. I think any dealer understands this.

Welcome to the forum and good luck with the search.
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Thanks.

I don't know. I think it depends on who you speak to and what else they have going on, on any particular day. They can come out with "If there is a particular car you are seriously interested in buying, we can take you out".

I will probably try them again when they have a suitable QP in stock.

I agree with what you are saying. If I were a dealer of top end cars I would encourage tests because even if you don't buy today, you are planting the seed of desire and ambition in the buyer to come back in 1 or even 3 years time and buy that car they've been lusting after ever since that test drive!

One day I will have a CSL exactly for that reason due to the generosity of Munich Legends.

Just not 'next on my list'................ :)
 
BJL

BJL

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1,364
Welcome to the forum and agree with all said so far. The QP V handles like a dream and really does shrink around you plus they are far more reliable than some reports may lead you to think.
I collected mine from the factory in 2007 and it hasn't missed a beat, after 51,000 mls the original clutch is still only 40% worn and the original pads are 60% worn. It uses no oil and rates on the Dyno in standard form 425 BHP.

I've had the BMW itch and scratched it with a 3.0CSL Batmobile a 635m and the various 325s and other Ms but they were all cars I used for work or as just another car which felt special for a while but never stole my heart. When I ordered the QP it was like no other purchase, I felt I had made a decision that would either be the worst nightmare I could imagine or the love affair of my life. Waxing lyrical you might say but until you have owned a Maserati and enjoyed that very special feeling you get everytime you open the door you are missing out on one of motorings very special experiences.

Having said that, I quite like my Cali....................
 
dickygrace

dickygrace

www.richardgracecars.co.uk
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You'd get 18mpg out of an 06 Duo-Select, sounds about the best option for you. The last of the (56 plate) Sport GT's are the best ones to have. There's a myriad of differences between the cars, both models, years, specs etc... Don't write off a Gransport either, phenominal cars, but £8k or so more than a similar age QP.
 
T

TrM5

New Member
Messages
36
BJL said:
Welcome to the forum and agree with all said so far. The QP V handles like a dream and really does shrink around you plus they are far more reliable than some reports may lead you to think.
I collected mine from the factory in 2007 and it hasn't missed a beat, after 51,000 mls the original clutch is still only 40% worn and the original pads are 60% worn. It uses no oil and rates on the Dyno in standard form 425 BHP.

I've had the BMW itch and scratched it with a 3.0CSL Batmobile a 635m and the various 325s and other Ms but they were all cars I used for work or as just another car which felt special for a while but never stole my heart. When I ordered the QP it was like no other purchase, I felt I had made a decision that would either be the worst nightmare I could imagine or the love affair of my life. Waxing lyrical you might say but until you have owned a Maserati and enjoyed that very special feeling you get everytime you open the door you are missing out on one of motorings very special experiences.

Having said that, I quite like my Cali....................
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I'm amazed at some of what you say there - I was under the impression clutches lasted 30k! And 425 as standard? I thought they were 400.........the extra 25 can made a big difference to the drive, I know because I've owned M5s with 390 dyno and 420 dyno and the difference is significant....

A CSL batmobile for work!! ha ha. I was once given one for a week as a courtesy car (again by Munich Legends) back in 2000 before prices went ballistic. Best courtesy car Ive ever had!!! :) I seem to remember putting petrol in it, a lot of petrol........

No comment on the Cali............. :)
 
T

TrM5

New Member
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dickygrace said:
You'd get 18mpg out of an 06 Duo-Select, sounds about the best option for you. The last of the (56 plate) Sport GT's are the best ones to have. There's a myriad of differences between the cars, both models, years, specs etc... Don't write off a Gransport either, phenominal cars, but £8k or so more than a similar age QP.
Click to expand...

If I got a GS it would definitely be a garage queen. I wouldn't use it daily.

The myriad of differences between the models/years/specs makes it very difficult to pinpoint the best route for a potential buyer of these things!
 
outrun

outrun

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5,017
Yeh, typical of the manufacturers these days. The horsepower race has been so full on that they often reduce the official figure to keep things sensible. I had a couple of 993 turbos that had a claimed 408bhp but both were nearer 450 bhp and felt faster than the newer 996 turbos. There's a lot of it going on.
 
Andyk

Andyk

Member
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61,365
TrM5 said:
If I got a GS it would definitely be a garage queen. I wouldn't use it daily.

The myriad of differences between the models/years/specs makes it very difficult to pinpoint the best route for a potential buyer of these things!
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Give Dickygrace a shout above as he is a well respected on here and always has some lovely Maserati for sale....Even if you just want a chat about all things Maserati he will be able to help.........

Pn the CSL bit.....buy one now as they are getting more and more expensive as each ear goes by........Seen two for sale at a dealer this week 55k and 59k .... !!!!!! ...... Goods one are getting north of 30k.
 
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