Need some advice on a prepurchase inspection for a QP5

[billabong02]

Hi,

I'm considering buying a QP5 that's located over a 100 miles from me and wondering how to go about the prepurchase inspection.

Should I just hire a generic local mechanic to give it a look over or should I try and find a Maserati specialist who knows a bit more than your regular mechanic.

Thanks.

 

[Zep]

Always go specialist if you can. The subframes are the killer item on these, but brakes can be pricey along with a few other bits.

Where is the car?

 

[billabong02]

Always go specialist if you can. The subframes are the killer item on these, but brakes can be pricey along with a few other bits.

Where is the car?

The car is in Wolverhampton. So how do I get hold of a specialist?

 

[MarkMas]

You definitely need a specialist.

I'm not sure if Migliore do inspections, but they are fairly near and good guys.

https://www.ferrarimaserati.co.uk/

 

[Zep]

There you go, Vic is the man. I’ve heard good things about them from other members.

 

[billabong02]

Sorry who's Vic?

 

[Zep]

Sorry who's Vic?

Vic runs Migliore, the link posted by Mark.

 

[conaero]

Shiltech not that far either they look after forum members.

 

[billabong02]

Vic runs Migliore, the link posted by Mark.

I see, cool

 

[billabong02]

Shiltech not that far either they look after forum members.

Ok, will look that up too

 

[billabong02]

As a first time potential owner of a Maserati QP5, a car that's expensive to run and maintain, what are some of the main things to look out for? I've read issues about the subframe and the throttle actuators. Are there any more weak points or areas of concern that need particular attention?

 

[Zep]

For my pennies worth:

Subframe
Broken springs
Worn brakes
Variators on cold start
Clutch wear (DS only, obvs)
General wear and tear
Front bushes / shock bushes
Leaking skyhook shocks

 

[MarkMas]

... . Are there any more weak points or areas of concern that need particular attention?

Every single button, switch, warning light, handle, feature and bit of trim.

I'm not trying to be depressing, just saying it is worth finding out everything that might need attention.

 

[Devonboy]

For my pennies worth:

Subframe
Broken springs
Worn brakes
Variators on cold start
Clutch wear (DS only, obvs)
General wear and tear
Front bushes / shock bushes
Leaking skyhook shocks

Add on leaking cam cover gaskets (not cheap)

 

[makeshiftUK]

Subframe. Everything else has been covered… did we mention subframe?

What you’ll pay for an inspection you’ll easily make back through negotiation of a better price… and in my case, saved me from a potential money-pit when I had a 2008 QPV pre-purchase inspected a few years back.

If you’re prepared to tell us a bit more about the one you have in mind I’m sure the good folk here will see if it’s known and give you a sense of the state of the car etc.

 

[Ebenezer]

Wheel bearings
Secondary air pump
Alternator
Window regulators
Parking sensors
Soft open door switches
Tyre wear

But all worth it!
Eb

 

[billabong02]

Wheel bearings
Secondary air pump
Alternator
Window regulators
Parking sensors
Soft open door switches
Tyre wear

But all worth it!
Eb

Looks like there's a lot that can go wrong with this car

 

[CatmanV2]

Looks like there's a lot that can go wrong with this car

Mostly these are wear items. Subframe is the real biggy.

C

 

[Ebenezer]

It's got a lot of bits! Anything can go wrong in any car and they do from time to time. They are of a certain age and will need maintaining. Get a good PPI and put aside 2-3K a year and you'll be fine.

There is nothing else out there with the same panache

Eb

 

[MarkMas]

Looks like there's a lot that can go wrong with this car

Like Eb says, there are a lot of fairly complicated bits that are bound to go wrong from time to time after 10-15 years. Just like any other car. The real issues are parts & labour costs, and diagnostic complexity, which make the consequences of any problem more severe.