Considering a Quattroporte in 2021

Good Afternoon everyone

I hope you are all keeping well. I am a long time Maserati fan with a couple of family members having had various models over the years and a good few passing through my families Alfa Romeo dealership in Ireland.

I have been considering my first Maserati for the last year or so and have yet to take the plunge.

Initially I thought I wanted to sell my Subaru Impreza P1 from our collection and replace it with a Gransport, since prices are so good at the moment, and I had fallen in love with the overall shape of the car having grown up around a family members 3200 gt. Recently however I am leaning towards a Quattroporte.

This would replace my sort of daily driver BMW 640d which has turned out to be not so much of a daily driver, and is in fact a bit of a waste given its diesel and I rarely use it to commute to work. I am also still considering the same of the P1 Impreza since prices are very strong at the moment, hopefully making a nice return on what I paid for it.

So .. the Quattroporte would in theory replace both cars, giving me something special to drive at the weekends, but also usable enough for the occasional work commute and weekend away. The rear legroom in the 640 has become a nightmare and are in fact completely unusable for anybody over the age of 10 for any prolonged periods of time. I know the Granturismo would seem like a logical replacement but the lure of a four door saloon with the flair and soundtrack of a sportscar has me hooked.

Obviously the 4.7 Sport GTS is the holy grail, and would be the perfect car for me, but prices still seem to be strong and they seem very hard to find. Car imports in Ireland come with extortionate fees, often times higher than the value of the car being purchased and calculated supposedly using a combination of 33% of the open market selling price in Ireland and the emissions. It is a closed system whereby you cannot get a quote before presenting the car for import registration, so in theory the charge could be anything.

Therefore, a better value option may well be a 4.7 s or alternatively a 4.2 with the ZF Gearbox in Sport GT guise so I am keen to hear everyone's opinions ?

Also, what are the main areas on the 2007 + model quattroportes to look out for ? I have heard subframes and variators can be problematic but not specifically what to look out for so any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Looking forward to hopefully joining the Maserati community in the near future .

Thanks in advance,
Mark

Integraleevo2 said:

Good Afternoon everyone

I hope you are all keeping well. I am a long time Maserati fan with a couple of family members having had various models over the years and a good few passing through my families Alfa Romeo dealership in Ireland.

I have been considering my first Maserati for the last year or so and have yet to take the plunge.

Initially I thought I wanted to sell my Subaru Impreza P1 from our collection and replace it with a Gransport, since prices are so good at the moment, and I had fallen in love with the overall shape of the car having grown up around a family members 3200 gt. Recently however I am leaning towards a Quattroporte.

This would replace my sort of daily driver BMW 640d which has turned out to be not so much of a daily driver, and is in fact a bit of a waste given its diesel and I rarely use it to commute to work. I am also still considering the same of the P1 Impreza since prices are very strong at the moment, hopefully making a nice return on what I paid for it.

So .. the Quattroporte would in theory replace both cars, giving me something special to drive at the weekends, but also usable enough for the occasional work commute and weekend away. The rear legroom in the 640 has become a nightmare and are in fact completely unusable for anybody over the age of 10 for any prolonged periods of time. I know the Granturismo would seem like a logical replacement but the lure of a four door saloon with the flair and soundtrack of a sportscar has me hooked.

Obviously the 4.7 Sport GTS is the holy grail, and would be the perfect car for me, but prices still seem to be strong and they seem very hard to find. Car imports in Ireland come with extortionate fees, often times higher than the value of the car being purchased and calculated supposedly using a combination of 33% of the open market selling price in Ireland and the emissions. It is a closed system whereby you cannot get a quote before presenting the car for import registration, so in theory the charge could be anything.

Therefore, a better value option may well be a 4.7 s or alternatively a 4.2 with the ZF Gearbox in Sport GT guise so I am keen to hear everyone's opinions ?

Also, what are the main areas on the 2007 + model quattroportes to look out for ? I have heard subframes and variators can be problematic but not specifically what to look out for so any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Looking forward to hopefully joining the Maserati community in the near future .

Thanks in advance,
Mark

Click to expand...

Welcome Mark.

You would not regret a 4.7S I don't. Yes everyone talks gts but I could not justify the price difference especially now mine is lowered, made loud and has big brakes. Plus I prefer the quad pipes over the ovals Anyway Sorry gts boys.

Subframes definitely, variators give a rattle on start up for a second or 2 so make sure any you test drive are cold. No guarantee it will do it everytime unless really worn. Later cars >11 will be sorted, but check the engine number to be sure. Rest is wear and tear items like bushes etc. Check discs as they are dear but the forum has good alternatives in place now. Inspection is key.

Good luck

As above.

Gazcw said:

Welcome Mark.

You would not regret a 4.7S I don't. Yes everyone talks gts but I could not justify the price difference especially now mine is lowered, made loud and has big brakes. Plus I prefer the quad pipes over the ovals Anyway Sorry gts boys.

Subframes definitely, variators give a rattle on start up for a second or 2 so make sure any you test drive are cold. No guarantee it will do it everytime unless really worn. Later cars >11 will be sorted, but check the engine number to be sure. Rest is wear and tear items like bushes etc. Check discs as they are dear but the forum has good alternatives in place now. Inspection is key.

Good luck

Click to expand...

Im in the same boat, I see the appeal and know its most likely a better car, but in real world terms for what I will use the car I will probably get the same enjoyment out of a well specced 4.7s.

Yours does sound epic. Exactly the couple of little mods I would potentially like to do to one I get. Is there a thread for me to drool over ?

Many thanks for the advice. Really appreciate that. I will look into the specific areas of both the subframes and Variators before looking at any potential cars. I will bring my uncle with me anyway when test driving any potentials. He is a mechanic by trade and the most OCD man I know and is used to working on similar machinery.

I have noticed that even nice 4.7S models are becoming hard to find even in the UK ? There are very very few in Ireland and never come up for sale so I will most likely be importing from the UK as was the case with all of our other not so normal cars.

Thanks again

Integraleevo2 said:

Im in the same boat, I see the appeal and know its most likely a better car, but in real world terms for what I will use the car I will probably get the same enjoyment out of a well specced 4.7s.

Yours does sound epic. Exactly the couple of little mods I would potentially like to do to one I get. Is there a thread for me to drool over ?

Many thanks for the advice. Really appreciate that. I will look into the specific areas of both the subframes and Variators before looking at any potential cars. I will bring my uncle with me anyway when test driving any potentials. He is a mechanic by trade and the most OCD man I know and is used to working on similar machinery.

I have noticed that even nice 4.7S models are becoming hard to find even in the UK ? There are very very few in Ireland and never come up for sale so I will most likely be importing from the UK as was the case with all of our other not so normal cars.

Thanks again

Click to expand...

Post 41.

Integraleevo2 said:

Im in the same boat, I see the appeal and know its most likely a better car, but in real world terms for what I will use the car I will probably get the same enjoyment out of a well specced 4.7s.

Yours does sound epic. Exactly the couple of little mods I would potentially like to do to one I get. Is there a thread for me to drool over ?

Many thanks for the advice. Really appreciate that. I will look into the specific areas of both the subframes and Variators before looking at any potential cars. I will bring my uncle with me anyway when test driving any potentials. He is a mechanic by trade and the most OCD man I know and is used to working on similar machinery.

I have noticed that even nice 4.7S models are becoming hard to find even in the UK ? There are very very few in Ireland and never come up for sale so I will most likely be importing from the UK as was the case with all of our other not so normal cars.

Thanks again

Click to expand...

Integraleevo2 said:

Im in the same boat, I see the appeal and know its most likely a better car, but in real world terms for what I will use the car I will probably get the same enjoyment out of a well specced 4.7s.

Yours does sound epic. Exactly the couple of little mods I would potentially like to do to one I get. Is there a thread for me to drool over ?

Many thanks for the advice. Really appreciate that. I will look into the specific areas of both the subframes and Variators before looking at any potential cars. I will bring my uncle with me anyway when test driving any potentials. He is a mechanic by trade and the most OCD man I know and is used to working on similar machinery.

I have noticed that even nice 4.7S models are becoming hard to find even in the UK ? There are very very few in Ireland and never come up for sale so I will most likely be importing from the UK as was the case with all of our other not so normal cars.

Thanks again

Click to expand...

A big warm welcome. Great car the QP. You are right 4.7 GTS is the one to have but if that’s a stretch the 4.7S is worth looking at for that engine but I would not dismiss the 4.2 Sport GTS.....These are great cars and bargains at the moment. That’s if you can find one as never many for sale. Plus for me it’s prettier than the facelift 4.7S and that 4.7s grill is to me is horrid. You can always change it though I suppose for the GTS grill which looks much better.

Welcome - you are clearly a man of great taste and distinction !
They are all good. The 4.2 cars maybe have less power, but the dry sumped engine might have fewer issues.

Would steer you toward an inspection, even if you do have knowledgable friend. The average garage would struggle to find and fix subframe issues. The repair bill is a huge haggling point (walk away Renee)

Integraleevo2 said:

Initially I thought I wanted to sell my Subaru Impreza P1 from our collection

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would of thought the scooby p1 is worth keeping as seems to be a collectors car and going up in value

There was a dark blue 07 DS for sale in Bluebell, VRT paid etc, about 17k Euro I think it was. Be worth less now. I have some pics. Several years ago.

Integraleevo2 said:

Im in the same boat, I see the appeal and know its most likely a better car, but in real world terms for what I will use the car I will probably get the same enjoyment out of a well specced 4.7s.

Yours does sound epic. Exactly the couple of little mods I would potentially like to do to one I get. Is there a thread for me to drool over ?

Many thanks for the advice. Really appreciate that. I will look into the specific areas of both the subframes and Variators before looking at any potential cars. I will bring my uncle with me anyway when test driving any potentials. He is a mechanic by trade and the most OCD man I know and is used to working on similar machinery.

I have noticed that even nice 4.7S models are becoming hard to find even in the UK ? There are very very few in Ireland and never come up for sale so I will most likely be importing from the UK as was the case with all of our other not so normal cars.

Thanks again

Click to expand...

Back in February this year I had a very nice 2009 QP 4.7S once (50k miles, fullservice history, GTgrill and wheels etc) with all of the big issues fixed on it, but I still struggled to sell it after 6 months. And it was in stunning condition both in and out. Eventually had to 'give it away' ( part exed) for just over £15k. They are tremendous cars, but not what the market generally want. Hence they can stick around for a while when coming to sell them. But if you want one as a 'keeper' then they are fantastic motors and I would highly recommend them.

The other guys on this forum, far more experienced than me, will provide invaluable advice. You have come to the right place.

Meantime, here's a thought: Drive a few of various specs. Find one you like. Get it inspected by a Maserati specialist. Buy it (or walk away.)
This summer I walked away from 6 before buying an unmarked 4.2 Executive GT with massage seats, gorgeous picnic tables, beautiful wooden steering wheel and matching dash ( I could continue: it's stunningly beautiful) ZF gearbox and flappy paddles to change gear.
It is a delight to drive (even more so since SportsItalia sorted the geometry,) sounds phenomenal, has breathtaking handling and looks fabulous every time I glance at it on the drive.
And yes, it takes four people in sumptuous comfort, each with their very own door. But still handles like a sports car.
I could never have predicted I would buy an Exec GT with ZF box. I had been looking for a Duoselect Sport GT or maybe a 4.7S because their handling is (probably?) so good. I am just so pleased I drove many different cars. All were lovely, but only one passed the inspection.

Do persist. It took me 6 months.
Wishing you good luck with your search and looking forward to welcoming you to the club.

Integraleevo2 said:

Im in the same boat, I see the appeal and know its most likely a better car, but in real world terms for what I will use the car I will probably get the same enjoyment out of a well specced 4.7s.

Yours does sound epic. Exactly the couple of little mods I would potentially like to do to one I get. Is there a thread for me to drool over ?

Many thanks for the advice. Really appreciate that. I will look into the specific areas of both the subframes and Variators before looking at any potential cars. I will bring my uncle with me anyway when test driving any potentials. He is a mechanic by trade and the most OCD man I know and is used to working on similar machinery.

I have noticed that even nice 4.7S models are becoming hard to find even in the UK ? There are very very few in Ireland and never come up for sale so I will most likely be importing from the UK as was the case with all of our other not so normal cars.

Thanks again

Click to expand...

Welcome, are you based in Ireland?

A QP S is the best route of travel if funds are difficult to stretch.

Gazcw said:

https://www.sportsmaserati.com/index.php?threads/sm-gts-brakes.28129/post-807126

View attachment 77709

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That is a fabulous example with some very well thought out subtle improvements - right up my street. Hats off to you sir. That has certainly added to my motivation

Andyk said:

A big warm welcome. Great car the QP. You are right 4.7 GTS is the one to have but if that’s a stretch the 4.7S is worth looking at for that engine but I would not dismiss the 4.2 Sport GTS.....These are great cars and bargains at the moment. That’s if you can find one as never many for sale. Plus for me it’s prettier than the facelift 4.7S and that 4.7s grill is to me is horrid. You can always change it though I suppose for the GTS grill which looks much better.

Click to expand...

Many thanks for the welcome. Im seriously impressed with the friendliness and willingness to help of everyone on this platform thus far. I had always set my heart on the full fat 4.7 sport gts but as everybody knows, they have become a rarity in the classifieds and have held value unlike any other relatively modern maserati I know. Thats not to say if the right one came up I couldnt do some creative man maths and end up with one haha. I was speaking with a chap earlier in the week who has a 4.2 sport gts with the ZF Box said its the one to go for and I am actively trying to persuade him to sell it to me without success as yet. He said the only way he would part with it was if I swapped him for one of our integrales haha. I agree with you there does not seem to be too many for sale at the moment and when they do come up they move fairly quickly. Thanks again for all the help

rs48635 said:

Welcome - you are clearly a man of great taste and distinction !
They are all good. The 4.2 cars maybe have less power, but the dry sumped engine might have fewer issues.

Would steer you toward an inspection, even if you do have knowledgable friend. The average garage would struggle to find and fix subframe issues. The repair bill is a huge haggling point (walk away Renee)

Click to expand...

Many thanks Sir - much appreciated comments. Not so sure people who know me well would agree but I will certainly accept those comments. Small victories

Being honest I am completely open to either engine. It was the original 4.2 car that I fell in love with, until I saw the notorious 4.7 sport gts sound clips all over the internet and thought that a 4.7 car may be a better option. Is there a specific thread on here that you know of giving more information on where exactly to look for the subframe issues, or what tell tale signs to be wary of ?

lifes2short said:

would of thought the scooby p1 is worth keeping as seems to be a collectors car and going up in value

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Yes they certainly have shot up in value of late. Probably driven by the huge prices of the 22b etc. Being completely honest, we have two others also in a family collection, from which I persuaded a relative to sell this one to me. I have only used it once in my two year ownership so I may sell it back to him and leave it where it is to appreciate. Its a tough call to make. Im half fearful that the price bubble on them will burst in the coming months too given everything that is going on in the world. The market for P1's is mainly the UK & Ireland whereas the likes of the 22b is international. Very hard to know

Wanderer said:

There was a dark blue 07 DS for sale in Bluebell, VRT paid etc, about 17k Euro I think it was. Be worth less now. I have some pics. Several years ago.

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There are a few around alright - just nothing Ive seen that I really fancy at the moment. There was a lovely dark blue 4.2 gt sport in Sandyford a couple of years back that a relative almost bought. Wonder where that one ended up ....

Silvercat said:

Back in February this year I had a very nice 2009 QP 4.7S once (50k miles, fullservice history, GTgrill and wheels etc) with all of the big issues fixed on it, but I still struggled to sell it after 6 months. And it was in stunning condition both in and out. Eventually had to 'give it away' ( part exed) for just over £15k. They are tremendous cars, but not what the market generally want. Hence they can stick around for a while when coming to sell them. But if you want one as a 'keeper' then they are fantastic motors and I would highly recommend them.

Click to expand...

That sounds like a beautiful example. Sorry I missed that one now. I do think whichever variant I go for will be a keeper. I think they are one of those cars that is ageing beautifully so I will be happy to still cause controversy in my local town amongst the sea of hybrid and electric machines for many years to come