Garage... or not?

[Corranga]

So, I'm working towards my first Maserati. By budget and use, I'm thinking 3200, 4200 or Quattroporte V.

The QP V, being a big old beast, is approximately 8cm shorter than my garage (by the wikipedia listed length), which, whilst means that it whilst it will physically fit, in the real world, once you've got the car at a slight angle means it'd be tricky to say the least. So, what are peoples thoughts on keeping one outside?

Having never actually driven one... any thoughts on getting one in a garage that's barely big enough for it?

Does anyone keep a QP in a garage that's barely big enough for it, and erm, how do members of the public generally react to Masers parked by the roadside - as in, do they attract the wrong sort of attention from the jealous...

Chris

 

[Contigo]

I kept my QP on the drive and it was no issue. It is a modern car which doesn't suffer from leaks and providing it is driven fairly often the battery won't let you down.

I put it in my Dad's garage once and it was let's say snug, it is bigger than the 3200 by quite some way and also a Golf Estate and Touran. I would say that it's pretty close to the size of a GT too!

 

[allandwf]

Mine is in a small garage. I have a block of wood that I have fitted to the floor as a stop, so I have 1cm clearance at the front and about 40cm at the rear, where I go in and out. I park to one side which allows the driver door to open sufficiently to get in and out, the wall is carpeted to avoid scuffs. You make do

 

[Ebenezer]

Mine is parked outside but off road. Garage is 4cm too short so can't close the door! Had no issues apart from it gets dusty and if you are going to a meet early you need to scrape the windows while the engine is on. Not a hardship for me but not sure about the neighbours!
Eb

 

[zagatoes30]

My Spyder lives on the drive way as does my QP IV and neither seem to suffer too much although when I see them covered in snow I sometimes think otherwise.

 

[GeoffCapes]

My 4200 lives in the garage. However due to the amount of use it gets, it's only in there at night!

 

[mjheathcote]

They may be a Maserati but also italian so if left outside do suffer. You certainly can tell the difference between those garaged and those left outside subject to the weather. Corrosion, UV damage of plastics, interior trim degradation.
Harsh but true.

 

[RSM Masser]

Mine lives in the garage - I have a plastic bottle lid tied to a string hang from the roof - when it touches the rear window STOP!
The garage, being at the back of the house does mean a slow reverse for 30metres or so with a rendered wall on one side and a fence with concrete posts on the other, then a bit of deft steering to swing the back out a bit then turn the other way so I can get out! Thank god for adjustable wing mirrors

I have a double garage so the back bit houses the motorbike and doubles as a workshop so both bike and car are regularly covered in dust - I may as well keep them outside!

 

[Br1an_g]

Im planning on keeping my gt in the garage, I measured it and its a tight fit, double garage but two single doors. Makes sense to keep it out the elements when not in use.

 

[daverichardson]

Mine lives in the garage - I have a plastic bottle lid tied to a string hang from the roof - when it touches the rear window STOP!
The garage, being at the back of the house does mean a slow reverse for 30metres or so with a rendered wall on one side and a fence with concrete posts on the other, then a bit of deft steering to swing the back out a bit then turn the other way so I can get out! Thank god for adjustable wing mirrors

I have a double garage so the back bit houses the motorbike and doubles as a workshop so both bike and car are regularly covered in dust - I may as well keep them outside!

Garage for me too, It is a double garage with one roller door and lengthwise the QP is a tight squeeze so i have some polished Irene leaning at the front of the garage and when the QP nudges those I stop and that is sufficient

 

[Rwc13]

Nice that Irene doesn't mind being nudged...........

If you have to keep it outside, a high quality fitted cover will keep it well protected. The only issue is having to clean it thoroughly before you cover it. Probably doesn't work so well if you keep it on the street.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[highlander]

Marci is in the old stable (can hear Benny now about old nag in her place ) next to the smiddy at the side of our house, tight to get in with only an inch or so either side but plenty of room once in. Like Mike, I'm not convinced these Italians do well long term parked up outside but realise that for some, needs must.

 

[sofasurfer]

Mine's on our drive. No way it would fit in our garage.

 

[mjheathcote]

Marci is in the old stable (can hear Benny now about old nag in her place ) next to the smiddy at the side of our house, tight to get in with only an inch or so either side but plenty of room once in. Like Mike, I'm not convinced these Italians do well long term parked up outside but realise that for some, needs must.

If it's a case of Maserati or no Maserati, you make that decision.
I recall before buying mine seeing a facelift that would have been at the time only 6 years old.
It had less than 20K miles but the condition was shocking obviously having lived outside all its life.
The plastic shuttle was UV damaged, you opened the boot and you noticed a damp smell with the boot lid double skin holes surrounded in rust, the leather was hard and cracked.
I thought at the time 'maybe a Maserati, but it looks like a tired old Alfa Romeo'. It put me off buying a Maserati at that point and I was side tracked looking at V10 M6's instead.
Fortunately I had a second look 'Maybe that was a one off bad example' and bought what I have today.

 

[redsonnylee]

My garage is very tight, I also have a block of wood behind the rear wheel I use as a marker. I have fitted rubber strips on the wall to protect the door. I have a front and rear garage door so can get to the boot and connect up the battery charger. I have about 3cm in the rear and 4 in the front for clearance.

 

[MrPea]

Mine is in a small garage. I have a block of wood that I have fitted to the floor as a stop, so I have 1cm clearance at the front and about 40cm at the rear, where I go in and out. I park to one side which allows the driver door to open sufficiently to get in and out, the wall is carpeted to avoid scuffs. You make do

Sounds like my setup. I also keep a microfibre towel to hang over the door as I get in and out to further protect it.

Sent from my C6903 using Tapatalk

 

[TridentTested]

My garage is very tight, I also have a block of wood behind the rear wheel I use as a marker. I have fitted rubber strips on the wall to protect the door. I have a front and rear garage door so can get to the boot and connect up the battery charger. I have about 3cm in the rear and 4 in the front for clearance.

My parking space is like that. I've put a low height MDF skirting on a kerb along one side which allows me to touch the wheel without damage; I've put upholstery foam on the wall I nudge the nose against; and I've put a line of foam on the column where the driver's door touches against when open. The car fills every inch of the space.

Back to the OP. One of my friends has kept his QP on a residential street for years without an issue. Despite low mileage he has even managed to avoid the usual battery charging needs.

 

[rockits]

There is no issue keeping any modern car outside these days. However the condition over the years of one that has spent most of its life in a garage, especially under a soft indoor cover, especially a low miler with less use is night & day better than one that has been left outside.

 

[Dils13]

My garage is too small mine Gran Turismo lives outside on the drive. Im ok with that, but was upset when it was keyed

 

[rivarama]

My GT sleeps on London streets... Not optimal, but I cant be bothered to pay £3000 a yr on parking on top of the £1200 for the insurance.
So far so good. I live I a fairly quiet street within zone 2... No scratches or blemish to report. Though I wash the car pretty much every week (daily driver and black color are not a good combination to keep a car clean...)