Against SM rules but back to the OT, the three big questions that often relate to the QP are on the 4.2 Duoselect or ZF, you have to drive both to decide which works best for you and the 4.7 variators (are they in the range and have they been done), and front subframes (known to rust sometimes terminally)
Once those questions are out of the way its the normal clutch (DS?), brakes, wishbones etc all more expensive than the equivalent Alfa so look for cars that have had as many of these done in recent history. Research is your best tool and there are lots on here who can give real world advice so keep the questions coming
Well, I'm 100% sure I don't want the duoselect, although the next to no variator issues, and real handbrake does tempt, but I know if I had a duoselect is would be a clutch hungry, problematic one, for a start the corner up to my little space is on a steep incline and requires a quite bit of clutch slip to creep up there, pretty perfect for a big engine manual or a torque converter really.
The subframe bit did worry me after seeing pictures as believe it or not, Alfas aren't anywhere near as bad as some of the Quattroportes I have seen on these threads lol, well, I suppose some may be, but mine have been pretty good on that front (fingers crossed).
With regards to the subframe can you see all the bits and bobs from an inspection pit or by jacking or is it covered with undertray potentially hiding a lot of orange dust?
If I got a good one I wouldn't bother treating the underside myself I would get the full works done somewhere like several have on here just for piece of mind for a few years.
The variators do scars me a bit, how much is it when they go? I know it's likely on the 4.2 ZF models I'm going to be looking at and that you can machine in one way valves to the cam caps too for preventative maintenance.
Is there anything else you can do to try and stop it? And if they do go do the chain jump and make the pistons and valves say hello?
I must admit this does seem like quite the community already!
Cheers