The need for Spe......oh I mean information

[greybloke]

Hello.
Yes my first post. Well Im begining to be seriously obsessed about getting into a Maserati. Whilst a fairly recent affliction, i'm a sponge for information. Whilst I suspect most of my answers lie here somewhere, It would save hours, and probably my eyesight, if I could ask some direct questions here.

I'd be greatful for views on:

Running costs between Quattroporte (Pre 07) V 4200 coupe / spyder,
Most sought after spec for each,
Prefered colour combiation (yes I have my own preferance, but this may be a factor come sale time)
Issues to be aware when buying used examples (I'll prob get an inspection anyway, but info would be helpful
Is higher mileage neccessarily a problem if service history is intact?

I love the look and practicality of the quattroporte, but also quite fancy a convertable.....so completely all over the place!

The car will be a daily driver, cared for and enjoyed, I just can't pinpoint which model to target. All responses welcome!

Thanks.

 

[greybloke]

Anyone?
221 views and no opinions?

Another question, is there a list of recommended independent inspectors, or those that members have used?

Thanks

 

[dickygrace]

Welcome to the fold.

In answer to your questions, a Quattroporte will cost considerably more to run and cost more in depreciation. As far as spec, QP. Spec is generally good, 4200's have nothing that's an imperative option. Colour combos for both, blues, black and greys are usually most popular with a black or light interior. There is a list of indie inspectors somewhere on here, depends on where the car is. Comparing a QP and a 4200 is very difficult and no mention of budget makes it difficult. A good duo select Quattroporte Sport GT is one amazing car, not so a £14000 uncared for one. 4200's are superb cars for every day use if they're the right model and a good example. You've also mentioned a spyder, which is a whole new discussion.
Hope that helps.

 

[mjheathcote]

Welcome to the fold.

In answer to your questions, a Quattroporte will cost considerably more to run and cost more in depreciation. As far as spec, QP. Spec is generally good, 4200's have nothing that's an imperative option. Colour combos for both, blues, black and greys are usually most popular with a black or light interior. There is a list of indie inspectors somewhere on here, depends on where the car is. Comparing a QP and a 4200 is very difficult and no mention of budget makes it difficult. A good duo select Quattroporte Sport GT is one amazing car, not so a £14000 uncared for one. 4200's are superb cars for every day use if they're the right model and a good example. You've also mentioned a spyder, which is a whole new discussion.
Hope that helps.

Considering the QP is of similar vintage to the 42/GS, if considerably more to run I assume more problematic?
Were they more mass produced, in a different factory, with less quality control?
Certainly a friend who bought an early QP duoselect at the same time I bought my 4200 had endless problems and sold it on, problems you don't hear about if you have a 42/GS.

 

[Gixerboy]

Guys for what it's worth my later 56 plate QPGT Sport has been great. 3 years on & added 35k miles it's great, Running costs are no more that GS in my experience.

Car is now on 70k with new Clutch & Tyres..
I love it!

Cheers

 

[highlander]

opposite examples can be found for any case but if someone like DG who deals in these cars suggests differing running costs between the cars............I would be prone to listen as a start point

 

[conaero]

I am struggling to work out why a QP would cost more to run than a 4200?

Same engine so surely the same to service?

If not can someone explain?

 

[CatmanV2]

Also why more depreciation? Given quite how cheap they are now.

But Dickie really should know!

C

 

[greybloke]

Thanks for the feedback chaps, although obviously differing oppinions.
Although it sounds strange I'm really wrestling between the QP and the GT, both beautiful but different cars. Although Ive had some interesting sports cars over the years I find most of the time i'm in the car on my own with only the occasional requirement to carry more than one passenger. So although a GT will satisfy my accommodation brief, obviously a QP will be more comfortable for passengers and take more luggage.

I currently have a Jag XF which I cant really fault, but just fancy something to excite a little more. Budget is probably anywhere between 10 to 20 K dependant on car / age / mileage, I just want the right car for me. Some interesteing examples on the market at the moment, and guess there will be more in the coming weeks, but as Im new to the marque, I'm keen to know what I should be looking for (spec, must have mods, colour combinations, common maintenance probs etc) and it looks like this is a friendly place to start!

Im going to form my own opinions, which will of course be different to anyone else's, so Ill be looking and driving a few to form a shortlist.

Thanks again, I'll let you know how my search goes, and if anyone is considering a sale of a QP or Gt in the near future, let me know as I'd rather buy from an enthusiast.

 

[dickygrace]

I am struggling to work out why a QP would cost more to run than a 4200?

Same engine so surely the same to service?

If not can someone explain?

Some examples are the things like:

Tyres, 20"s are dearer than 18"s
A QP clutch is £1200 whereas a 4200 clutch is £768.
QP weighs considerably more so the load on the suspension is far greater, meaning more maintenance and more ££.
QP has more gadgets and gizmos such as parking sensors and TPMS which can be costly.
Some QP parts are considerably more expensive such as an AC compressor.

There are also far more QP's for sale so the bigger market forces prices downwards quicker. A QP is a later more advanced car, but a late 4200 is so well sorted that they're less problematic.

 

[CatmanV2]

That makes sense, Dicky, thanks!

C

 

[alfatwo]

And then of course we have the last true modern era classic Maserati, the 3200 GT!....

Dave

 

[conaero]

Some examples are the things like:

Tyres, 20"s are dearer than 18"s
A QP clutch is £1200 whereas a 4200 clutch is £768.
QP weighs considerably more so the load on the suspension is far greater, meaning more maintenance and more ££.
QP has more gadgets and gizmos such as parking sensors and TPMS which can be costly.
Some QP parts are considerably more expensive such as an AC compressor.

There are also far more QP's for sale so the bigger market forces prices downwards quicker. A QP is a later more advanced car, but a late 4200 is so well sorted that they're less problematic.

Thanks Dicky I see where you are coming from now.

 

[highlander]

And then of course we have the last true modern era classic Maserati, the 3200 GT!....

Dave

speaking sense and winding benny up dave..........win, win

 

[BennyD]

And then of course we have the last true modern era timebomb Maserati, the 3200 GT!...

The thread was about reliable cars with reliable engines, namely the 4200, QP, GT. Your attempt at thread hijack was unworthy. Go and swap hair dryer stories with the bi-turboers!

 

[Grinzzz]

Its really tempting to get a 3200AC

 

[BennyD]

Why not? Do it! In an attempt to give me grief you are more likely to give yourself a lot more. I promise I won't laugh. Much. Honest!

 

[Grinzzz]

after what I've got right now i should think a 3200 would feel like the hight of sophistication and reliability

 

[BennyD]

What are you running? A Trabant?

 

[Grinzzz]

Worse...a marcos