2005 Quattroporte Sport

[Cavalier]

G'day guys.

Wanted to get a few thoughts if possible.

Two weeks ago I test drove a 2005 QP Sport. She has 56,000kms on the dash. At the time, couldn't come to an agreement on price/trading in my car so the deal fell through.

Low and behold, today the dealer leaves a message on my mobile regarding said car and wanting me to ring back.

Few Questions.

Is the mileage a concern for the age and should I get it inspected by a Maserati specialist? Never got to ask when the clutch was last done. Is there anything else given the age of the car I should be looking for? I'd be spending a considerable amount so don't want to be burdened with a huge repair bill, especially since it's out of warranty.

Was thinking of playing harder on price given they rejected my original offer?

Any thoughts/feedback appreciated.

 

[ENZ525]

Hi Cavalier,
These engines are fantastic...providing she has been regularly serviced/maintained and there is documentary proof, I would have no concerns at all about the mileage...My QP is a late 2004, she had 36,000 miles when I bought her 18 months ago and is now just over 51,000 miles (about 82,000km) and she hasn't missed a beat!
Unless the car comes from an authorised Maserati main dealer, I would advocate an inspection...it would be money well spent, even just for peace of mind, but quite often the cost of the inspection can be offset against a little hard bargaining if faults are found.
Ensure that the following are present (can be purchased seperately if missing, but would be good if were with the car):
2 remote keys/fob
Leather wallet containing Owners manual, Multi media System manual and (most important) the service book.
A credit card sized code card containing Electronic Code and Mechanical code
A note of the radio code and quite possible a CD code (I have 2 codes, but have only ever had to use 1).
There are 2 compartments in the boot, if you remove the first cover, the spare wheel and jack etc are visible...
If you remove these, there is another cover and below is a compressor and tool kit.
Please do not hesitate to ask if you have any other questions...good luck
Regards,
Enzo.

 

[maserati]

Hi Cavalier,

56,000 kms converts to approximately 35,000 miles. For a 2005 vehicle the average amounts to 7000 miles per year. Providing this can all be reconciled with the service history and other supporting documentation then this all sounds very good indeed. With regards to the clutch, you are correct to be mindful of its condition since you can expect to pay circa 2k for a replacement. If it has in fact been replaced under warranty at some point there may not be receipts available to confirm this. My suggestion is to have a main dealer or independant check for clutch wear. The electronics used to determine this will provide you with a percentage. The results are neither fool proof or absolute but it is nonetheless worth doing. Good luck with your purchase.

Regards,

Paul

 

[Cavalier]

Cheers Enzo and Paul.

Thanks very much for the info. Much appeciated and very handy checklist.

Will put in a call in the a.m. and see how it goes.

 

[Andyk]

56k is nothing for the engine as long as its been serviced and looked after...

 

[GransportFan1]

i reckon these engines if looked after could top 250,000 miles.

 

[Cavalier]

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 Manual transmission. I you are a careful and sensible driver,
the clutch can easily last 50,000kms and the cost of replacement is about
$3,000

Similar cost of replacing Brakes on a car.

Maserati QP fitted with ZF transmission is certainly smoother but it does
not have the engaging feeling and the sportiness of the sequential box. This
is why they refer to the QP duo-select of a true sport-sedan.

On the other hand, to buy a decent QP ZF Auto you will
in the mid $200k....!

Please allow me half an hour of your time".

 

[maserati]

Cavalier,

Certainly the clutch is a wear and tear item and will need replacing during the lifetime of the car. How long it lasts will depend on to a large degree how the vehicle is driven. Ascending long steep gradients such as those found in multi storey car parks, applying maximum acceleration from rest in automatic mode, keeping the vehicle in gear instead of in neutral for prolonged periods whilst stationary in traffic will all help to reduce the life of the clutch. I would agree that with a bit of sympathetic driving the clutch could easily last 50,000 kms (approx 31000 miles) or indeed considerably longer. (There were some software changes to help preserve the clutch on post 2006 models.) Currently a well respected Maserati independant (Emblem Sports Cars) are advertising clutch replacement on the QP V for £1700 plus VAT. This comes to a whisker under £2000 but does not include the bearing......... The ZF gearbox does not have the same maintenance issues as the Duo Select arrangement although the performance figures for these models are marginally less. You are correct, the later ZF model do cost more than its Duo Select counterpart. Some drivers find the driving experience less engaging but many thoroughly approve. Prices for the 2007 ZF automatic start at around £36,000 or more.

Regards,

Paul

 

[Cavalier]

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.

 

[Easyplan66]

A would bet you will loose more money on the new Audi than the QP over three years, and only have half the fun!

 

[Parisien]

A would bet you will loose more money on the new Audi than the QP over three years, and only have half the fun!

..........plus 1................the QP....is the special one...in saloon terms..............the Audi 5...........hhhhmmmmmmmmm........?


P

 

[maserati]

Cavalier,

Ask yourself these questions. Do you want to be a stylish gentleman like Enzo and me? If yes then buy the QP (Sorry about that Enzo!) Do you want to stand out from the crowd and be part of an exclusive Maserati fellowship? If yes buy the QP. Do you want to reject German brief case like executive saloons in favour of an exoctic marque with a racing heritage and thoroughbred engineering. Yes.... Then buy the QP. Every time you start your car do you want to hear a sonerous V8 that brings joy to your heart, a spring in your step and sheer excitement into your life? .... If so then buy a Maserati Quattroporte! ...........and if not then buy something else!............. I am running out of ink so I had better stop now.

Regards,

Paul

 

[Cavalier]

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.

I'll be visiting the Maser showroom again today.

 

[Easyplan66]

Cavalier,

I have a £30k new Audi A6 and a £17k 4200. The maserati is three times a better car. Does that answer your question!

 

[Parisien]

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.

I'll be visiting the Maser showroom again today.

..with all things Maserati............................the heart rules the mind............


P

 

[Andyk]

..........plus 1................the QP....is the special one...in saloon terms..............the Audi 5...........hhhhmmmmmmmmm........?


P

PLus 2...YOu need to have a back to back drive in both as if you come away wanted the Audi then you must not have blood running through your veins ...... The QP will excite the Audi will be to boring...It really is that simple......Plus the QP has one of the best residuals.

 

[urbanmaser]

Cavalier I would echo what has been said and just add that unless you are easily amused the Audi will not make you smile where as you will be smiling like a Cheshire Cat driving around in QP. Just the word Maserati evokes a smile aand thats before you have put the key in the ignition to fire up that V8


NO BRAINER.........MASERATI, MASERATI, MASERATI, MASERATI

Having said that tread with caution to make sure you buy the correct car........there are a few dogs out there.........GOOD LUCK........LET US KNOW HOW YOU GET ON

 

[Parisien]

PS...even though I haven't heard too many complaints about reliability( are there known issues really...list?) etc.......are we all still saying get an indie inspection?


P

 

[urbanmaser]

PS...even though I haven't heard too many complaints about reliability( are there known issues really...list?) etc.......are we all still saying get and indie inspection?


P

Definately have an inspection on a car of that age especially if it is not from a main dealer

 

[Parisien]

Again...had we heard of any weaknesses, failures or premature wear stuff....................?


P