New and looking to buy a 2004 QP

J

justhb

Junior Member
Messages
76
Hi everybody,
I have been hankering after a QP for what seems like a lifetime. I am now at a point where I can consider one as prices are at a level that I can afford and justify to the wife (but don't say anything about the big bills that will inevitably come my way !:thumb1:)
I have seen a couple now and think that the latest one could be OK - 2004 exec spec with 20" wheels, dark blue with tan interior.
I took it for a test drive and noticed that the ride was harsh and even sounded as though there was a problem - even though the suspension was done by a Mas dealer less than 2k mikes ago. There is history and some big bills and a fully stamped up service book. the clutch was done at about 43k and the car has circa 64k on it.
What I would like to do is to take somebody along to have another good look at the car so was wondering if there is a specialist in the Bristol to Taunton area that could be recommended?
Thanks
 
CatmanV2

CatmanV2

Member
Messages
48,830
Welcome to the other side :) You have found the best Maserati forum in existence. Someone will be along in, ooooh, about 10 minutes to recommend a local dealer for you, in the meantime, have a look around, pull up a track day wheel, and have a seat.
We have cookies, you know. Well, actually they're cupcakes and brownies, from Tess, but you get the idea :)
Drink?

C
 
Emtee

Emtee

New Member
Messages
8,446
Hi Justhb, Welcome to the forum. The QP's a stunning motor car. I can completely understand why you've got a hankering.

If the one you drove feels dodgy, be wary (as you obviously are given your post). What was done to the suspension by the dealer?

Any more details on the car? What were the big bills for?
 
BennyD

BennyD

Sea Urchin Pate
Messages
15,006
Parisien usually posts up a list of all the Indies and there are a couple of members in the Bristol area who might be able to help. Good luck with your quest and spending time now buying the right car will save you later on. Welcome to the madness!
 
CatmanV2

CatmanV2

Member
Messages
48,830
BennyD said:
Parisien usually posts up a list of all the Indies and there are a couple of members in the Bristol area who might be able to help. Good luck with your quest and spending time now buying the right car will save you later on. Welcome to the madness!
Click to expand...

I think Frank must be taking the evening off.....

C
 
Emtee

Emtee

New Member
Messages
8,446
Hi Justhb,

Not sure how up to date it is, but I hope this helps...

INDEPENDENT MASERATI GARAGES UK

http://classicmaseratis.co.uk/

http://www.emblemsportscars.com/home.aspx

http://www.grimaldiengineering.co.uk/

http://www.cars.robertsaerospace.com/

http://www.autoshieldmaserati.co.uk/...rati/Home.html

http://www.davidaskew.co.uk/

http://www.giallo.co.uk/

http://www.pksupercars.com/

http://www.shiltech-ferrari.com/

http://www.ferrarimaserati.co.uk/

http://www.sgmsportsltd.com/

http://www.dadsspeedshop.com/

http://www.autofficina.co.uk/about-autofficina

http://www.bhpmsport.com/

http://www.theferraricentre.com/service

http://www.auto-sportiva.com/maserat...icing-kent.htm

http://www.sbraceengineering.co.uk/

 
Andyk

Andyk

Member
Messages
61,171
A big welcome to the forum justhb, not man specialists if any around Bristol/Taunton area......Your best bet would be Dick Lovett in Swindon who would look over the car for at the dealership if the selling would let you take it there. The forum has a great relationship with Dick Lovett. Ask for Paul and say you are on here and he may do a deal on an inspection...you never know .....There is Williams Automobiles in Bristol who are a Morgan dealer and say they specialise in Maserati but I know a member on here wasn't to happy with the work they did......I used Williams for many years for my Lotus and was very happy with them.....What ever you do make sure you get it inspected by someone who knows what to look for....If the person/dealer you are buying off want let you take it for an inspection then maybe walk away.

On the ride...The QP on 20 inch wheels with Sports pack always had a stiff ride and I seem to remember the motoring press saying that it spoilt the car and was better on 19's......I drove one and loved it though...Handled like a dream.

If you want the best QP speak to Dicky Grace off here.....He has sold cars to members and is well respected........Even if its just a chat he is more than welcome for ou to call...

Is the car local to Bristol ? ..... If so I don't mind coming along with you to cast an eye over her...I can not inspect the car as not a mechanic and do not claim to now everything about Maserati but have own one and driven a few in my time so would be able to pick any issue out.. The inspection is very important though....I'm off work for the next week and half if you wnat me to take a look.....Cheers, Andy.

http://www.richardgracecars.co.uk/
 
Last edited:
J

justhb

Junior Member
Messages
76
Thank you everyone - I appreciate your help.
The last big bill from Carrs for circa £6k was for the suspension bushes, front and rear brake over all (new discs and pads) and rear tyres and wheel redress).
The car pulled like a train and on start up showed no signs of oil.
The interior needed a good clean with a couple of blemishes to the trim. The air vent on the dash rattled.
 
safrane

safrane

Member
Messages
16,888
Given the cost of new discs and pads for the QP at a maindealer most of the £6k would soon get swallowed up on that alone.

When you say a harsh ride, is that in general or over rough surfaces? Was the car in Sports mode, which would make the ride firmer? Dont expect the early QP to ride well around town and esp on rough/potholed surfaces...its on the open road moving briskly that it comes to it own.

At 60k+ I would be checking the clutch wear too, it will be on its second and may be close to needing its third.
 
safrane

safrane

Member
Messages
16,888
Given the cost of new discs and pads for the QP at a maindealer most of the £6k would soon get swallowed up on that alone.

When you say a harsh ride, is that in general or over rough surfaces? Was the car in Sports mode, which would make the ride firmer? Dont expect the early QP to ride well around town and esp on rough/potholed surfaces...its on the open road moving briskly that it comes to it own.

At 60k+ I would be checking the clutch wear too, it will be on its second and may be close to needing its third.
 
Andyk

Andyk

Member
Messages
61,171
Pete, we will have to call you two post Pete.........

Pete is right about the clutch, I would get a reading on wear but if you get an inspection then they can do that....
 
Gixerboy

Gixerboy

New Member
Messages
549
Hi, having owned my GT Sport for nearly 3 years ,
there only things to look out for:-
Creaking suspension, which is just the bushes drying out, can sound like a pram. I good spray with Rubber lubricant & greasing of pivots is all that is required to silence it.

If it has Skyhook at that mileage, check for leaks around the damper rod.
Check for jerky action in reverse, a good barometer if the clutch is due replacement
Cherrs
Dave

Ch
 
J

justhb

Junior Member
Messages
76
The clutch is supposed to be showing 30 wear left - although I cant check this!!
The suspension did creak and the guy said that Carrs has said it was OK.
The road was a country lane when I heard the 'knocking'.
A check is the only way forward I feel.
 
dickygrace

dickygrace

www.richardgracecars.co.uk
Messages
7,341
30% wear remaining is very close to needing replacement. Take it to Carrs for inspection, great guys, great workshop and very helpful dealership.
 
J

justhb

Junior Member
Messages
76
Any idea what Carrs would charge for an inspection?
Andy - the car is near Bridgwater and if fancy a trip down, I would appreciate it. I could possible do something this Saturday - depending on the seller being OK with another viewing. Failing that, I might be able to persuade the guy to take the car to his office in Pill (just south of Bristol Avonmouth bridge) but that would be in the week no doubt.
 
Andyk

Andyk

Member
Messages
61,171
Let me know and I'll see if I can join you........I take it that it's a private sale......Is there an advert anywhere...?...We may no the car...
 
You must log in or register to reply here.