QP model clarification

[EVOeng]

Hi All,

I've just started looking at a Quattroporte as a possible replacement as my daily driver, I would be looking for as late a car as possible.
Can anybody help clarify the various trim levels and engine choices?
I have seen a 4.2, 4.7 S and 4.7 Sport GTS advertised but apart from the engine capacity what are the differences? Do they all come with the option of a single plate F1 and a full automatic? I prefer the latter as the car will be used frequently around town.
Finally, are there any major issues to watch out for? I understand the cam variator issue is not a problem on late cars.

Any help is appreciated.

 

[Ewan]

Very few of the later facelift cars were specified with the 4.2 engine, even though it was an option. Unsurprisingly virtually everyone ordered the 4.7. And they'd stopped the duo-select gearbox by then, so they are all auto. So your choice really is between a 4.7 S auto, or a 4.7 Sport GTS auto. The GTS version is a louder, lower, more sporty and (slightly) more expensive. Either will make a very fine daily, even in town driving.

 

[Guy]

I ran a 2011 4.7 GTS for 2 and a half years and it was fantastic. Based on my experience, running costs were quite high thanks to Maserati parts pricing and careful engineering to avoid cheaper options (wiper blades at £100, brake pads at £500 - though I fitted better EBC pads at £120!). Depreciation was fierce but I think that is less of an issue now. Using it daily I averaged 21 mpg (25 mpg at 130kph return trip to Spa) and rear tyres (Michelins much better than the P Zeros it came with) don't last too long. Buy on history and condition as they are expensive to correct if it needs bringing back to original and I would leave it to Richard Grace to source for peace of mind, the warranty and the knowledge he doesn't get involved in poor cars.
Overall, thoroughly recommend it as nothing else looks or sounds as good and it will make you smile every day - if you buy a good one.....
Good luck.

 

[Wagons-Lits]

in terms of issues that are common to these cars at any mileage at this point given their age (min 7-8 years old), in no particular order:

• variators: as you say, later cars don't need to worry (it's engines built before 148697 that are susceptible)
• cam cover gaskets: these leak as a matter of course and need replacing (you will smell oil/see some smoke)
• air con compressor: from Maserati a £2k part, but available for significantly less (see other threads on here)
• coolant expansion tank: they crack but you can catch it early, a cheap part to swap but pricey if you don't catch it
• chassis rust: as time passes this is more and more of an issue. I think cars that live outside (with airflow) are better protected than those locked away. personal opinion; my car does and it just got the all clear from AV Engineering. That said, I'm getting it waxoyl'd (or dinitrol) later this year. early QPs are notorious for subframe rot but it's catching up with the later cars now
• battery: first thing you should do (or make the seller do as part of the deal) is replace the current battery with a good new battery. will save you lots of grief from warning lights etc
• front wishbone bushes - c. £2k to sort (which includes the whole assembly), as the bushes are super complicated to cut out on their own, easier to do the whole lot

other than that, these cars eat suspension bushes, tyres, brakes and fuel. The forum is doing a full set of discs later this year for the 4.7 cars which more than cuts in half the price of replacement (and hopefully a higher quality product than the current dual-cast discs)

and taking all the above into account, save yourself the pain and call Richard Grace.

 

[dickygrace]

Thanks to both of you for the mention; I’m looking at them as we speak as I want one for myself. I have been chasing a couple of them for a few weeks but not managed to buy either as yet.....

 

[dickygrace]

Ps @EVOeng knows me; we’ve dealt on a couple of occasions in the past.

 

[Devonboy]

Don’t forget

Hi All,

I've just started looking at a Quattroporte as a possible replacement as my daily driver, I would be looking for as late a car as possible.
Can anybody help clarify the various trim levels and engine choices?
I have seen a 4.2, 4.7 S and 4.7 Sport GTS advertised but apart from the engine capacity what are the differences? Do they all come with the option of a single plate F1 and a full automatic? I prefer the latter as the car will be used frequently around town.
Finally, are there any major issues to watch out for? I understand the cam variator issue is not a problem on late cars.

Any help is appreciated.

Remember there are only about 58 4.7 sports GTS to chose from and some have.....striking interiors! You will have a much better choice if you target a 4.7s with 90% of the thrills. I maintain the 4.7 facelift car is a stronger beast than the earlier 4.2 models

The fault list above is fair but if you keep these cars fettled then they can be reliable...oh and they lunch batteries so get yourself a good battery conditioner!

BTW my first QP V 4.7s is currently for sale (I sold after a year and 10,000 miles) LK60 AVM for around £20k with 50,000miles on it..

Good luck - it will be worth it!

 

[keith.willey1]

I drive a 2011 4.7S - every other day I'd say. Happy car. Happy driver.

 

[Wanderer]

Nothing beat a DuoSelect for me, it can do auto. It's a proper schizoid machine, but it's a proper sports car when you want it, sat in fifth on a country lane? Want to overtake, double-paddle down and not even floor it and you'll be impressed such a big and not young car can be so exciting and nimble. And fast.....

 

[EVOeng]

Thanks for the responses! Sounds like a late car may be the one for me. @dickygrace Let me know if you find one. A GTS is probably more suited to me as I prefer the black trim around the windows.