Considering a Quattroporte in 2021

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bigbob

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8,972
Integraleevo2 said:
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 :)
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Most people will tell you that the engine/gearbox/spec level they bought is the best one as it's human nature. The reality is that all versions of the QPV are great so just get what suits you most. Bear in mind that they are a hard sell though like any saloon with a big engine.
 
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Integraleevo2

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Alan Surrey said:
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.
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Thank you Alan, some great insights there. The main issue I have is that Ireland wouldn't be home to a whole host of Italian car enthusiasts, so the likes of Quattroportes are few and far between. I do plan on viewing as many as I can over the coming months like you said to get a feel for all the different variants. They really do seem to be the complete package in terms of practicality, performance, looks etc. The exec spec is never one I considered, however after reading your post it may be something I would consider provided the spec was good as is the case with yours.

Looking forward to the search, and getting more involved in the forum :)
 
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Integraleevo2

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ChrisQP09 said:
Welcome, are you based in Ireland?

A QP S is the best route of travel if funds are difficult to stretch.
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I am indeed. About an hour outside Dublin in Co. Meath

Yes the 4.7s does seem to be a great package all round given their value at the moment. I think it will be a toss up between one of them and a late 4.2 gt sport with the auto box. Both a rarity on this little island unfortunately though :(
 
Gazcw

Gazcw

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7,790
Integraleevo2 said:
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 :p

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 ?
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@philw696 or Conaero are those that have had their hands on qp subframes and probably seen the most problems.
 
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Integraleevo2

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bigbob said:
Most people will tell you that the engine/gearbox/spec level they bought is the best one as it's human nature. The reality is that all versions of the QPV are great so just get what suits you most. Bear in mind that they are a hard sell though like any saloon with a big engine.
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Very True Bigbob - and it certainly speaks to each individuals passion for these cars. For a weekend / occasion type of car I think I am more leaning towards something as sporty as possible in terms of spec and trim level. It will most likely be a keeper anyway so hopefully I wont have to worry about resale. Although I say that about a lot of cars and 6 months in i'm changing again haha.
 
philw696

philw696

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25,517
@Integraleevo2
There's plenty on here concerning the front subframe if they haven't been treated since manufacturing.
With the car on an inspection lift the subframe can be checked easily.
Check MOT history to see if there has been any advisories.
It's a costly job as it usually involves doing the suspension bushes too.
Best not to buy a rusty one unless extremely cheap.
 
Wanderer

Wanderer

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5,791
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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While I remember I think he said the VRT reclaim on it if I bought it and gone back to UK with it would have been €5000-6000
 
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Integraleevo2

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philw696 said:
@Integraleevo2
There's plenty on here concerning the front subframe if they haven't been treated since manufacturing.
With the car on an inspection lift the subframe can be checked easily.
Check MOT history to see if there has been any advisories.
It's a costly job as it usually involves doing the suspension bushes too.
Best not to buy a rusty one unless extremely cheap.
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Great thank you. If I manage to source one in Ireland, I have the use of a full workshop to check it over at the family garage, but if I go to look at one in the UK I guess I will have to suss out a local garage in the area that may be willing to let me use a lift or something like that. Coming from a background in old Alfa's and Lancia's I definitely don't want a rusty one !!
 
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Integraleevo2

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Integraleevo2

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Ewan

Ewan

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6,816
If you want a slightly sporty QP for weekend use, I'd recommend going for a late DS car (circa 2007), rather than a ZF auto. I had a GTS (hence ZF) after three DS models, and while the GTS was the best overall (because of the lower, fixed rate suspension) I was soon bored of the drive and preferred the DS cars. If I was ever to have another it would be a late 4.2 GT Sport with the DS box.

As for grey car above, even though the ad says "auto" it may well be a DS (as many people advertise them as auto, as you can of course set them into auto mode). There's no picture of the interior, so I can't tell from that advert. It would be worth calling the owner to check.

P.S. When looking inside a QP, if the car has a gear-knob, it's an auto. But if it doesn't, it's a manual (DS).
 
philw696

philw696

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25,517
Integraleevo2 said:
Great thank you. If I manage to source one in Ireland, I have the use of a full workshop to check it over at the family garage, but if I go to look at one in the UK I guess I will have to suss out a local garage in the area that may be willing to let me use a lift or something like that. Coming from a background in old Alfa's and Lancia's I definitely don't want a rusty one !!
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If you're looking at one outside of island book it in for an MOT on a long road test and see what comes up other than that a full inspection by one of the forums experts.
Good Luck.
 
rs48635

rs48635

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3,181
Ewan said:
If you want a slightly sporty QP for weekend use, I'd recommend going for a late DS car (circa 2007), rather than a ZF auto. I had a GTS (hence ZF) after three DS models, and while the GTS was the best overall (because of the lower, fixed rate suspension) I was soon bored of the drive and preferred the DS cars. If I was ever to have another it would be a late 4.2 GT Sport with the DS box.

As for grey car above, even though the ad says "auto" it may well be a DS (as many people advertise them as auto, as you can of course set them into auto mode). There's no picture of the interior, so I can't tell from that advert. It would be worth calling the owner to check.

P.S. When looking inside a QP, if the car has a gear-knob, it's an auto. But if it doesn't, it's a manual (DS).
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Just my opinion too - but agree ^^^^
The sport GTS has the best ride, almost all agree. Tangible reason ? because suspension is fixed rate spring + damper (rather than skyhook adaptive dampers)
The 4.2 engine / drivetrain has the better response. Opinions differ. Tangible reason? The dry sump engine rev response > 5000rpm is electric. The gear ratios are physical cogs inside a six speed manual transaxle.
The ZF setup and 4.7 aims to replicate the response above and does it very well.
The Stradale model is seen by many as the peak of driver enjoyment. This car uses the DS gearbox.
 
Gazcw

Gazcw

Member
Messages
7,790
rs48635 said:
Just my opinion too - but agree ^^^^
The sport GTS has the best ride, almost all agree. Tangible reason ? because suspension is fixed rate spring + damper (rather than skyhook adaptive dampers)
The 4.2 engine / drivetrain has the better response. Opinions differ. Tangible reason? The dry sump engine rev response > 5000rpm is electric. The gear ratios are physical cogs inside a six speed manual transaxle.
The ZF setup and 4.7 aims to replicate the response above and does it very well.
The Stradale model is seen by many as the peak of driver enjoyment. This car uses the DS gearbox.
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My lowered springs with sport activated ie. Skyhook is awesome. Without sport it is a little bouncy due to spring being that bit shorter/firmer.
 
Motorsport3

Motorsport3

Member
Messages
888
Ewan said:
If you want a slightly sporty QP for weekend use, I'd recommend going for a late DS car (circa 2007), rather than a ZF auto. I had a GTS (hence ZF) after three DS models, and while the GTS was the best overall (because of the lower, fixed rate suspension) I was soon bored of the drive and preferred the DS cars. If I was ever to have another it would be a late 4.2 GT Sport with the DS box.

As for grey car above, even though the ad says "auto" it may well be a DS (as many people advertise them as auto, as you can of course set them into auto mode). There's no picture of the interior, so I can't tell from that advert. It would be worth calling the owner to check.

P.S. When looking inside a QP, if the car has a gear-knob, it's an auto. But if it doesn't, it's a manual (DS).
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+1

That was also my rationale when i bought my DS. The car is more of an Italian oversized M3. The price makes it also the bargain of the decade. Though due to age depending what you buy expect that you will need to provide a bit of TLC.
 
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3leftovercrest

Member
Messages
310
Welcome to the forum!!

Huge amount of info on here for you to learn from and a great bunch of people who are only to happy to help and give positive advice.

I personally would go for the 4.2 as I think it’s so pretty and would love to have one, I should have had Ewan’s blue GTS when he had it for sale... oh well....

Had Gransports and a number of Granturismo’s including a Strad all from new (aren’t I a tit) and apart from the first GS (Friday car), they have all been problem free....

A 4.2 Sport GT you could replicate the GTS fixed rate set up (I do not like Skyhook) would be great if you then added the FD DBW module to speed up the gearchanges.

P1, great car!! Much better for UK roads than a JDM Type r.... but prefer the JDM short gearing... Remember testing the prototype in Banbury before it was signed off and it was really planted...

Have had a Scooby of many different guises consistently since 1996 and currently run 4 including a 22b.... only 24k miles and 100% mint and I am having a devil/angel moment on that one at the moment....

Good luck with the eventual purchase..

Stu
 
Andyk

Andyk

Member
Messages
61,171
All great advice but the only way to find out which one is for you is get out and drive them all......I have driven many DS and love them but the press and reviews will always tell you the full auto suited the the car better. DS is an acquired taste and a very old school box. Test drive, have fun, get an inspection and you will get the car that suits your needs. As a few have said if you buy keep it as they are b4stards to sell on.
 
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ChrisQP09

ChrisQP09

Member
Messages
2,998
Integraleevo2 said:
I am indeed. About an hour outside Dublin in Co. Meath

Yes the 4.7s does seem to be a great package all round given their value at the moment. I think it will be a toss up between one of them and a late 4.2 gt sport with the auto box. Both a rarity on this little island unfortunately though :(
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I live in Fermanagh, not far from you. I have owner a 4.2 GT S, 4.7S and now GTS. For bang for buck a standard 4.2 will tick all boxes. Just make sure the subframe is good. I also add i went to Ferrari/Maserati Main Dealers for all my cars bar the 4.7s was a specialist. Hop on holyhead boat, 98% of masers are in GB mainland.
 
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