Cat D 2008 QP Sport GTS - would you buy and impact on value?

[Harvey_Tim]

Hi All,

Potential new owner here looking for some advice. I am looking at what appears to be a genuine 2008 prefacelift Sport GTS (bilstein suspension, black chrome, carbon and alacantra etc.) anyway cutting to the chase it was marked a Cat D in 2014, current owner bought it in 2016 and has used it as a second car since then. Owner knows that 1 wing was replaced but has no photographic evidence of original damage.

My questions are how wary should I be of buying a cat D (will it come back to bite me) and how much impact on value do you think a cat D marker has on a car like this?

Any feedback is appreciated.

Many thanks,
Tim

 

[Guy]

Sadly these cars often struggle to find buyers without the handicap of a Cat D. I guess it depends how long term you want to keep it (some will never buy a Cat car) and how much it is discounted. Don't forget you could spend 10k easily on retro maintenance if it needs a few things correcting so get it inspected so you know what you are in for. Much like buying a castle/chateau for a low price, it doesn't make it a bargain!

 

[strictly]

Difficult to estimate but something like a knock to value of 30 to 40 percent.

I personally wouldn't but a categorised car. They can be repaired to as new don't get me wrong, I just don't like the marker. At the right price everything will sell.

 

[conaero]

I’ve always worked on a third off rule. The problem is, they are cheap to buy but worthless when you sell as the value has decreased over the ownership

 

[Harvey_Tim]

Hi All,

Thanks for the rapid responses - I wasn’t really expecting that!

I have always said to myself I would never buy a cat car and had I initially known it was then I probably wouldn’t have even contacted the seller. But I am becoming more tempted just because the condition and spec of the car look really good (and unusual) although I have only seen photos and videos so far. Seller is getting it serviced and inspected at Shiltech next week, so I assume any issues would be picked up by them.

So the consensus of opinion seems to be at least 30% off market value, which in itself is probably difficult to gauge.

I am interested in the last comment re. the decrease in value over ownership, do you think a 2008 QP Sport GTS is likely to still be going down in value ? - I had assumed they would either keep their value or be appreciating now or is that unlikely as its a cat d?

Thanks again for the responses, any other thoughts are welcome !

 

[CatmanV2]

Difficult to estimate but something like a knock to value of 30 to 40 percent.

This. Mine is a Cat N and I know damned well I'm going to be selling it *eventually* at 30% plus below market. But then I paid 30% plus below market, so I'm comfortable

C

 

[Bebs]

A standard V is bad enough to try and sell, a cat car, I would have thought, near impossible.
I’d stay well clear personally.

 

[3hcp]

Unless you plan to keep it forever I’d steer clear, even then I would be at market -50% as it would be almost impossible to sell.

 

[Ewan]

What do we say a normal (non-Cat) 2008 QP V GTS is worth these days - mid to high teens? Meaning this Cat-car needs to be about £10 maybe? But even that then depends on condition and mileage.
I really enjoyed my 2008 GTS and they are good cars. I only got rid because it was auto (they all are), hence became boring to drive after the initial new-car-novelty wore off.
To be safe, you’ll want to pay less than £10k.

 

[Alan Surrey]

Hi All,

Thanks for the rapid responses - I wasn’t really expecting that!

I have always said to myself I would never buy a cat car and had I initially known it was then I probably wouldn’t have even contacted the seller. But I am becoming more tempted just because the condition and spec of the car look really good (and unusual) although I have only seen photos and videos so far. Seller is getting it serviced and inspected at Shiltech next week, so I assume any issues would be picked up by them.

So the consensus of opinion seems to be at least 30% off market value, which in itself is probably difficult to gauge.

I am interested in the last comment re. the decrease in value over ownership, do you think a 2008 QP Sport GTS is likely to still be going soon value ? - I had assumed they would either keep their value or be appreciating now or is that unlikely as its a cat d?

Thanks again for the responses, any other thoughts are welcome !

Shiltech. I like the sound of that. An inspection report from Shiltech would make me feel I knew most of the important - costly - things about the car.
But Tim, can I just check, you do know that even in A1 condition, these cars will cost you money year on year if you drive them. You will always need £5k on hand.
They are beautiful and mesmerisingly good to drive, but they are quite old and consequently need a lot of things replacing each year. Maserati parts can be distressingly expensive. Folk with more experience and knowledge than me will be along to comment on this shortly.

Until then, reflect on the fact that despite this, I and everyone else here either has one or wants to have one.
And as for the mesmerising drive, I have driven only one other car that, in my view is in the same league for handling/driver interaction.
If all roads were a bit wider and parking bays a bit bigger, I would drive it all the time. My present daily would hardly get a look in.

 

[Harvey_Tim]

Thanks all.

Mileage is 52k. Condition (currently based just on photos and walk around video) looks really good, interior looks immaculate. Buyer claims it is in exceptional condition but I have not physically viewed it yet. MOT history is really good and it has a new MOT just last week. Car is being serviced and inspected by Shlitech next week prior to sale. 10k was what I had in my mind as a fair price given cat d, don’t know if the seller will go for that though.

 

[Alan Surrey]

What do we say a normal (non-Cat) 2008 QP V GTS is worth these days - mid to high teens? Meaning this Cat-car needs to be about £10 maybe? But even that then depends on condition and mileage.
I really enjoyed my 2008 GTS and they are good cars. I only got rid because it was auto (they all are), hence became boring to drive after the initial new-car-novelty wore off.
To be safe, you’ll want to pay less than £10k.

True, there is less driver engagement with an auto than with a manual, but I find paddles go a long way towards redeeming that and meld with all the other handling features to truely mesmerise. Three years on I'm still learning about driving this car. Its like a university of automotive joy.

 

[Harvey_Tim]

Hi Alan, thanks for the comments. I have been waying up the pros and cons of a QP V for last 6 months and am aware of and indeed somewhat frightened of the money pit aspects of these cars!. Have to say though 5k a year is somewhat more than I had imagined, I was anticipating more like 1-2k a year!

I don’t do many miles a year and it would be more of a fun / weekend car, although it would be kept outside permanently (how much of a problem is that ?).

 

[Alan Surrey]

Thanks all.

Mileage is 52k. Condition (currently based just on photos and walk around video) looks really good, interior looks immaculate. Buyer claims it is in exceptional condition but I have not physically viewed it yet. MOT history is really good and it has a new MOT just last week. Car is being serviced and inspected by Shlitech next week prior to sale. 10k was what I had in my mind as a fair price given cat d, don’t know if buyer will go for that though.

I wouldn't think we need to tell you this, but I will any way so please excuse me.
When you get to see it in the flesh, check the light lines. And do read Shiltech's report.

 

[Bebs]

1-2 k is highly unlikely I would have thought, unless you defer maintenance completely.

 

[Alan Surrey]

Oh yes. We hope not to spend £5k every year, but you never can tell when a big bill will present itself, so you need £5k on hand. Others will give very useful annual cost figures, but I would have thought £2k might be reasonable.
Quite a lot of us keep our Maseratis outdoors. I'm one of them. Not ideal, but its the only way I get to drive one and I want to drive it as long as I can afford to do so.

 

[Harvey_Tim]

Hi Alan

Ok I admit defeat “check the light lines” - I am unsure what you mean can you expand on this please?

 

[Bebs]

Just bear in mind that you might possibly need, a wheel bearing (£1000), or an alternator (£1000) or a couple of other bits.
These were expensive cars, and the current parts prices are even worse. Any one thing goes wrong, it’s big money, not £100.
As long as you bear that in mind and have a slush fund, go ahead.

 

[Harvey_Tim]

Hi Bebs - yes this has been playing on my mind quite a bit (was recently reading the wheel bearing thread) - I am prepared and able to fund reasonably high expenditure but I take your point that if several things happen at once or in quick succession then it would be a problem for sure!

Thanks guys I really appreciate the comments, keep them coming !

 

[Grantoonriusmo]

Bebs comments is sound advice.

Just for context I spent £3,100 last year, and so far for the first 6 months of this year I've spent £3,400. The amount I've spent these last 2 years wasn't to even repair anything. It's just servicing, keep on top of general maintenance and replacing wear and tear items.

Unfortunately, you are held to ransom with parts for these cars. Alternative aftermarket parts are few and far between. Just don't go into it thinking you can do Maserati ownership on the cheap.

Whenever I get asked the question how much my car was, I always respond by saying the correct question to ask me is how much is it to maintain.

However, despite the cost of running these cars. They are like nothing else and give you so much enjoyment despite their flaws.