They consequently sold the car to someone who defaulted at the last second, rang me and said I could have it for the same deal but would have to pay an additional $5k for the on road costs/registration.
Needless to say I'm yet to get back to them.
There's a famous line in one of his books where he takes a petualnt swipe at Maserati's reluctance to let him drive press demonstrators after a particularly poor review.
Went something like: "So I was informed I was able to take the Quattroporte for a drive right after the journo from the...
Doesn't Clarkson have a long running grudge with Maserati after panning some of their previous models?
In any case, seen and read his earlier QP reviews and although he does slate the electrics and the fact the earlier models looked like a Cresta, he does seem to genuinely like the car...
Update.
In the dealership in December. Ready to put down deposit. Look at the service manual and discover the QP has an extra 12 months left on warranty that the dealer hadn't spotted (I know, go figure). I inform the dealer. He then says he will have to add $10k to the purchase price. Not...
I'm a purist when it comes to wheels. Maserati alloys for Maseratis. Alfa alloys for Alfas.
In any case, why would you want to cheapen the look of a Maser with Alfa wheels when there are so many Trident alloys to choose from?
Having said that, it's all personal taste at the end of the day. As...
Very close now lads to sealing the deal.
Just waiting on a pre-purchase inspection to determine clutch wear and any other incidentals.
Quick question for the QP owners on here in particular, but general Maser owners as well, how does this model deal with the stresses of being a daily drive anf...
Again, thanks for all the comments.
An inspection definitely seems on the cards as to be honest, being stuck with a money pit would be an absolute disaster. The Audi loving wife would never forgive me.
I'm guessing a 2006 QP is going to be worth peanuts by 2015. Will be interesting what sort...
Cheers guys.
All valid points well made.
The thing is, if i'm totally honest, the Audi just doesn't have anywhere near the emotional appeal as the Maser.
Fuel and general running costs I know will be much cheaper in the Audi but then, that's about all it does better than the Maser...
Many thanks for the feedback.
It's turning out to be a difficult choice.
A 2010 brand new Audi A5 or a 2006 Maser QP with 50,000kms.
Decisions. Decisions.
So after voicing my concerns to the dealer regarding Duo-Select clutch wear, here's the response. PR talk or truth? Any takers?
"I wish we could discuss these issue of the clutch.
It is TRULY unfounded.
Please be aware that the Clutch is a wear and tear item similar to that
fitted in any...
Many thanks, as always Enzo.
Part of the reason I ask is I would be reversing up the incline of my driveway every morning as I have an underground garage.
Assuming this would take it's toll over time on the Duo-Select? There's 1 or 2 at the moment that have come on the market and are...
Thread resurrection on the Duo-Select vs ZF auto issue.
Just wanted to confirm, is it fair to say that the 2007 onwards QPs with the ZF auto instead of the Duo Select don't chew clutches every 40,000km or less like the Duo Select? Do the ZF autos have their own problems?
Not sure which...