New forum member, considering 4200GT or QP.

[phn]

Hi there,

After many years of being a Maserati fan, I'm finally in a position to buy one!

I'm considering a 4200 GT or Quattroporte.

Driving will mostly be shorter runs for leisure only, with 4 persons (2 adults 2 children). Road types 50% city, 50% country roads.

At first I was thinking of the QP with duoselect, but considering a lot of my driviing will be in the city I wondered if a Manual 4200 would be a better option from relaibility / driveability point of view?

So I guess the questions are

1) Is a manual 4200 going to be a more reliable option than duoselect QP?
2) Would a manual 4200 be easier / smoother to drive in the city.
3) Is there enough space in a 4200 for 2 adults, and 2 (10 year old children). How does boot space compare?
4) What would be expected depreciation for each - asssuming I spend 16k on purchase?
5) Approx how much I would need to budget for annual service and repairs?
6) Any other pros and cons of each type?


Apologies for all the questions, but if anyone could pass any adivce on that would be great!

Thanks in advance,

Philip.

 

[Andyk]

1. Don't think so.....there are no real horror story with the QP...it's a Maserati that started to change the reliability reputation that Maserati had. The only thing with a manual 4200 is that I would imagine the clutch life is longer but I sure a 4200 owner will answer that one..

2. I would say yes...CC is not known for its smoothness in traffic and in auto mode is terrible which is why hardly anyone uses auto....you can drive smooth but it just takes time to adapt your driving style.

3. I had a 3200 which is the same and there is plenty of room for 4 in a 4200...That was one of the selling points against the others...Boot isn't big though so if you want boot space as well then the QP is the one.

4. Hard that....Both are getting to the bottom of that curve but you just have to look at 3200 bottom prices and some of the 4200 bottom prices at the moment to see where the 4200 could go...The QP I think is the better bet....This car will be held in high regard as it is already known as the best looking 4 door you can buy....I can not see a good example dropping much below 14k...But these cars have big engines and good knows what will happen to values over the years...

5. I'll get a QP / 4200 owner to tell you that one but service prices have gone down a lot these days and using a specialist helps. A normal service I think
can be had for around £500/700 but that's only half the story....CC clutch is around 2k so if you go that route make sure you get a clutch reading or one that has been replaced...I think rule of thumb is have around 2k put aside a year just in case...

6. You'll get lots of advice from owners but to be honest get out drive both and see which you like....I have driven many 4200 and QP and if it was my money I would go QP...Every time I drive one it blows me away..They handle like a much smaller car and they are part of the new Maserati era...Remember the 4200 dates back to the first 3200....that's not to say they are bad as they are also a great car.....Depends what you are looking for but what ever your choice you will have a great big smile on you face every time you look at and drive you Maserati.....

PS Enzo off here is selling his very lovely QP which is within you budget...

Let us know how you get on...

OH and a big warm welcome to the forum...

 

[conaero]

Morning Philip and welcome to SportsMaserati.com

I am more of a coupe than QP person but I'll try and answer your questions as neutrally as I can:

1) Is a manual 4200 going to be a more reliable option than duoselect QP?

When you say this I take it you have read up and know that the CambioCorsa clutch does have a tendancy to fail and costs £2k to replace. If that is what you mean then yes the manual would be more reliable. The manual system is not without its faults though. Its a cable driven selection system and with the gearbox being at the back (transaxle) there are some setup issues to get this right. Personally half the fun is the CC paddle shift gearbox so I always recommend it. Sure you will be in for a clutch every 3 years but the system itself is very reliable.

2) Would a manual 4200 be easier / smoother to drive in the city.

Good question. Easier no, smoother a little.


3) Is there enough space in a 4200 for 2 adults, and 2 (10 year old children). How does boot space compare?

Yes, definately. The 4200 is perfectly comfortable for that. The only compromise between the two would be the coupe, being a coupe is that there is less window/light coming in. Boot wise the 4200 boot is ok but the QP boot is much bigger.

4) What would be expected depreciation for each - asssuming I spend 16k on purchase?

These cars at this price point hold value extremely well. Maseratis are more mileage focused rather than age. If you keep the car in good condition, mechanically and cosmetically, you should lose little.

5) Approx how much I would need to budget for annual service and repairs?

Annual indie service would be £400-600 depending on what needs doing. If your are handy with the spanners and use this forum to source the parts you will be amazed at how little you can run them for.

6) Any other pros and cons of each type?

Mechanically they are pretty much the same but I would say the 4200 is more of a drivers car and the QP is more of a chauffeurs car...with bags of power.

Hope this helps but it sounds like you need to drive a few and make your own mind up what suits you best.

 

[Andyk]

Well at least are answers are all most the same Matt.......

 

[Andyk]

Oh and here is Enzo's QP

http://www.pistonheads.com/classifi...duo-select-for-sale/1958575?isexperiment=true

 

[conaero]

Well at least are answers are all most the same Matt.......

Great minds think alike hey Andy!

 

[dem maser]

Welcome, you have some top answers there, hope they helped

 

[Parisien]

Pound for pound there isn't another range of cars out there that will give you the kudos, buzz and pleasure the Maserati will, awesome cars, fullstop.




Pretty much what the guys says above, always bear in mind its a supercar with supercar needs and parts prices.....having a warchest to hand is recommended.


Buy as good as you can afford, go over all paperwork with fine toothcomb, if its been skimped on, be warisome.

Finely, there has been an issue with corroded subframes both front and rear on the QP, do get those aspects inspected closely when getting a pre purchase check for £250 odd, best investment you will make just before a buy

Good luck with search


P

 

[philw696]

Love the 4200 and a great family car up until the kids become adult size and you pack carefully. Having seen Enzos car many times I can say its exceptional and one of the nicest guys you could meet. Best of luck in your search and lucky you found Sports Maserati.

 

[dem maser]

I also can say Enzos is one of the best QPs ive seen, if i was looking id go there first

 

[Andyk]

Enzo's car it is then Phillip ;-)

 

[phn]

Enzo's car it is then Phillip ;-)

Wow that was easy, thanks for doing the thinking for me!!!!

Seriously though guys I really appreciate your friendly attitude and the time you have taken for the considered replies.

I can already tell that Maserti owners (as well as the cars) are a cut above!

From what I have read so far the QP does seem to be a good option - I just wanted to check it would be driveable around town. From what I can tell so long as I shift manually with paddles it should be OK?

The other thing I was wondering was which independent Maserati speciialists you could recommend in or near to Norfolk?

Thanks again - wishing you a relaxing Sunday!

Philip.

 

[safrane]

One short cautionary view point. The QPs at £16k could hold a lot of issues so please have it checked out professionally. It would not take much for you to find a bill of a few thousands. ..esp if the variators need replacing or the brakes and pads...it not just the clutch on these cars that can bite.

 

[urbanmaser]

Other than the fact the QP has a much bigger boot and of course 4 doors I think the 4200 is an easier car to live with in the city especially when trying to find somewhere to park. I can't imagine the cost of running will be much different between the two cars providing you buy a well sorted car in the first instance. The 4200 has plenty of room in the back

 

[Parisien]

None very near you........3/4 a bit of a drive.....

P



With the kind assistance of Parisien, please find the following list which may be helpfull. Please add to it, if you know of any other specialists. The list does not mean they are recommended, please use it as a guide.

INDEPENDENT MASERATI GARAGES UK

SOUTH
http://classicmaseratis.co.uk Bill McGrath. Unit 8, Claggy Road, Kimpton, Hertfordshire. SG4 8QB
http://www.emblemsportscars.com/home.aspxEmblem Sports Cars, Unit 2c & 2d, Sharp Road, Poole, Dorset, BH12 4BG
http://www.grimaldiengineering.co.uk/ Unit 2A, Bluebridge Ind. Estate, Halstead, Essex. CO9 2SZ
http://www.cars.robertsaerospace.com/ Maserati Shed. Whitehaven Workshop, Trampers Lane, Fareham, Hants. PO17 6BP
http://www.giallo.co.uk/ London Road, Hildenborough, Kent. TN11 9ND
http://www.sbraceengineering.co.uk/ 6-7, Bermer Place, Imperial Way, Watford, Herts. WD24 4XX
http://www.joemacari.com Joe Macari Cars. The Kimber Centre, 54 Kimber Road, London, SW18 4PP
http://www.qvlondon.co.uk/ QV London. Unit A1., Fairacres Industrial Estate, Dedworth Road, Windsor. SL4 4LE
http://www.autofficina.co.uk/about-autofficina Merlin House, Oakcroft Road, Chessington. KT9 1RH
http://www.bhpmsport.com/ Near: Aylesbury, Bucks
http://www.dkeng.co.uk DK Engineering. Little Green Street Farm, Green Street, Chorleywood, Herts. WD3 6EA
http://www.theferraricentre.com/service Target Business Centre, Bircholt Road, Parkwood Industrial Estate, Maidstone, Kent.
http://www.fioranosportscars.co.uk/ Southampton


MIDLANDS
http://www.davidaskew.co.uk/ Leicester. (PARTS)
http://www.shiltechperformancecars.com/ Units 9-10, Aerodrome Close, Loughborough. LE11 5RJ
http://www.ferrarimaserati.co.uk/ Migliore Cars. Unit 4, Buntsford Park Road, Bromsgrove. B60 3DX
http://www.thesupercarrooms.co.uk/ 132, Elm Drive, Hartlebury Trading Estate, Hartlebury, Worcestershire DY10 4JB.
http://www.gtautospecialist.co.uk/ GT Auto Specialist. Unit 4, Prospect Road, Burntwood, Staffordshire. WS7 0AE

NORTH
http://www.autoshieldmaserati.co.uk/Home.html 465, Barlow Moor Road, Chorlton-Cum-Hardy, Manchester. M21 8AU
http://www.millbrookecars.com/home.html Unit D, Fell Road, Attercliffe Common, Sheffield S9 2AL
http://www.gtcarslimited.co.uk/ GT Cars Ltd. Lyncastle Way, Appleton, Warrington, Lancs. WA4 4SN
http://www.pksupercars.com Whin Park Industrial Estate, Prestonpans, Cockenzie, East Lothian. EH32 9SF
http://www.supercarclinic.co.uk/ Unit D2, James Nasmyth Way, Green Lane, Eccles, Manchester. M30 0SF

 

[hodroyd]

Hi Philip,
Welcome to the forum..!! Good questions, you have obviously been giving this some thought..!! If you are driving in cities quite a lot, the 4200 is shorter and easier to park, the QP is a long car..!! The 4200 is faster than the QP, although the QP is not slow for a 4 door saloon..!!
All the other questions have been answered well by other members, I will just add that the rear seats in a 4200 can accomodate 2 adults quite well, unless everyone is 6ft+, then it could be tight..!!
Best of luck in your search..!!
Cheers
R

 

[Ewan]

Moving the seats back and forth for loading and unloading kids is a faff. If you're going to be a four ball regularly, get the 4 door. And remember, they're only going to get bigger (the kids, that is).

The QP is the better built and newer car, with the better chassis and balance. Yes it's big and heavy, but it can still sing and dance.

If your budget was, say, 13k then I'd thoroughly recommend a 4200. But at 16k you could find yourself a very nice QP as a private sale. But as ever, have it checked over before you commit.

In my younger days I had two 3200 followed by two 4200. But after marriage and two kids, I'm now on my second QP V (which followed two QP IV). And yes, I do find buying Masers in pairs works for me!

 

[Elliott653]

Hi there,



Driving will mostly be shorter runs for leisure only, with 4 persons (2 adults 2 children). Road types 50% city, 50% country roads.

.

Hi Phillip & welcome. There's a lot of good advice already on this thread.

I've owned both a 4200 (CC, not manual) and a QP & I live in London. Having read your post and in particular, the line that I quote, I do not hesitate to recommend that you buy a 4200.

Make no mistake, they're both great cars. However, I used my 42 as a daily driver in London. I do not and would not do so with the QP. They are completely different machines ergonomically. The 42 is lively and easily able to cope with town driving. Offering quick response to driver inputs and being small enough to get into that gap when you need to. Your children should fit in the back, providing you yourself are not too tall. I'm six foot and any passenger would struggle to sit behind me in the 42 with the driver's seat back. Also, the boot is small and even non existent if your car comes with a spare.

The 4.2 QP, due to its weight, is more suited to the open road. There's an inertia to it that is not so suited to town driving. I actually bought a Fiat 500 so as not to drive the QP in London. It is far larger than the 42 and heavier. Here's my two side by side.



As you can see, the 42 is far smaller. The 42 is much more of a driver's car, IMO. However, for cross country jaunts with the whole family, I'd go with the QP every time. It's far more refined than the 42. Acceleration is relentless. High speed cruising a doddle. Passenger comfort level is much higher. The car's a lovely place to spend a few hours in and the boot can take everything a family of four can throw at it.

So, to sum up. They are both fantastic machines to own and drive. But, they offer completely different driving experiences. So, I suppose what I'm really saying is that you should buy one of each.

 

[hodroyd]

Best advice there Elliott, just go for it..!!

 

[dem maser]

Hi Phillip & welcome. There's a lot of good advice already on this thread.

I've owned both a 4200 (CC, not manual) and a QP & I live in London. Having read your post and in particular, the line that I quote, I do not hesitate to recommend that you buy a 4200.

Make no mistake, they're both great cars. However, I used my 42 as a daily driver in London. I do not and would not do so with the QP. They are completely different machines ergonomically. The 42 is lively and easily able to cope with town driving. Offering quick response to driver inputs and being small enough to get into that gap when you need to. Your children should fit in the back, providing you yourself are not too tall. I'm six foot and any passenger would struggle to sit behind me in the 42 with the driver's seat back. Also, the boot is small and even non existent if your car comes with a spare.

The 4.2 QP, due to its weight, is more suited to the open road. There's an inertia to it that is not so suited to town driving. I actually bought a Fiat 500 so as not to drive the QP in London. It is far larger than the 42 and heavier. Here's my two side by side.



As you can see, the 42 is far smaller. The 42 is much more of a driver's car, IMO. However, for cross country jaunts with the whole family, I'd go with the QP every time. It's far more refined than the 42. Acceleration is relentless. High speed cruising a doddle. Passenger comfort level is much higher. The car's a lovely place to spend a few hours in and the boot can take everything a family of four can throw at it.

So, to sum up. They are both fantastic machines to own and drive. But, they offer completely different driving experiences. So, I suppose what I'm really saying is that you should buy one of each.

I know that block!!