RE: Maserati Quattroporte: PH Buying Guide
Friday 4th April 2014
The Maserati Quattroporte has been with us for more than 50 years now in one shape or another. As the new Quattroporte VI has not long been launched, we thought it about time to have a look at the 2004-2013 Quattroporte V, which is the model that has done the most to put this leftfield Latin luxobarge into the common consciousness.
QP V arrived in 2004 and bowed out last yearMaserati launches the QP V in 2004 with a 4.2-litre V8 borrowed from the 4200 Coupe with 400hp, 170mph top speed and a DuoSelect automated manual gearbox with paddles on the steering wheel. This gearbox has gone on to define the early version of the car, but more of that later. At launch, it was good for 0-62mph in 5.2 seconds and 17.9mpg average economy was just about acceptable for the time.
Pre- or post-facelift, it's a stunnerIn 2008, the Sport GT S model arrived with lower, firmer suspension and Brembo brakes. It used the ZF auto as standard yet was a more sporting car than earlier QP model thanks to a 4.7-litre V8 with 439hp to provide 0-62mph in 5.4 seconds and 174mph. The 4.2-litre V8 continued to be used in other Quattroporte models.
Maserati Quattroporte: PH Buying Guide
With the latest QP just launched, the last generation is defintely worth a look. Here's all you need to know
Search for Maserati Quattroportes here
QP V arrived in 2004 and bowed out last year
The range was then expanded in late 2005 with the Executive GT and Sport GT models. In Executive trim, the QP made more of a grab for Mercedes S-Class and Jaguar XJ customers with more wood and leather trim and comfort pack for rear seat passengers. Sport GT customers were treated to 20-inch alloy wheels, sports steering wheel and improved software that quickened gearshifts by 35 per cent. There was also a sports exhaust and unique software for the Skyhook suspension that alters the damper rates.
A year later, Maserati relented to pressure over criticism of the DuoSelect gearbox and its jerky automatic mode. A standard six-speed ZF auto was introduced and was sold alongside the DuoSelect, but for all but the most dedicated buyer the ZF 'box became the only sensible choice.
Pre- or post-facelift, it's a stunner
A facelift in 2008 did little to change the Quattroporte's appeal, with the car now established as an unusual but diverting choice for luxury car buyers. With prices for early QP Vs now around £15,000 and rising to £70,000 for late GT S versions, there is a Quattroporte to suit most budgets, though running costs are a very different matter and, old or new, a QP V needs deep pockets to remain in top condition.
PHer's view:
"They're wonderful and infuriating in equal measure. Women love them and other blokes are frightened of them. Nothing I have ever driven clears the outside lane as well but also never gets tailgated. Expensive to run but so, so worth it."
Ben McCaulder
Buying guide contents:
Introduction
Powertrain
Rolling Chassis
Body
Interior
Search for Maserati Quattroportes here
Discussion
Always had a soft spot for these and the fact that they can seat 5 makes for a unique proposition and as much as I would like a 456, this *must be* a more practical and dare I say cheaper to run (?) alternative. Longer term though, I would imagine that a well cared for 456 would hold its value better.
This buying guide certainly appears to help cut through some of the complexity of the various versions but I would challenge anyone to come up with a definitive guide to the front grille treatment! I have seen horizontal and vertical strakes, concave and convex and mesh. Not sure if the different grilles are a definitive pointer to the underlying model or if you could have whatever you want fitted, either from new or in the aftermarket.
This buying guide certainly appears to help cut through some of the complexity of the various versions but I would challenge anyone to come up with a definitive guide to the front grille treatment! I have seen horizontal and vertical strakes, concave and convex and mesh. Not sure if the different grilles are a definitive pointer to the underlying model or if you could have whatever you want fitted, either from new or in the aftermarket.
Edited by MogulBoy on Friday 4th April 11:08
Great motor and don't be put off by the horror stories. These QP's are great and for me the best version is this the QPV.
I drove my Maser into work this morning and there are not many marques that can deliver the sense of occasion you get from this marque. Go into it with open mind, buy a car from a fellow enthusiast who has looked after the car as they were intended and you will not go wrong.
Over on Sports maserati forum there are a couple for sale at a reasonable price and they are extremely well maintained by multiple Maserati car owners.
I drove my Maser into work this morning and there are not many marques that can deliver the sense of occasion you get from this marque. Go into it with open mind, buy a car from a fellow enthusiast who has looked after the car as they were intended and you will not go wrong.
Over on Sports maserati forum there are a couple for sale at a reasonable price and they are extremely well maintained by multiple Maserati car owners.
MogulBoy said:
Always had a soft spot for these and the fact that they can seat 5 makes for a unique proposition and as much as I would like a 456, this *must be* a more practical and dare I say cheaper to run (?) alternative.
My old man has owned both. Both great but equally capable of settimg fire to your wallet very quickly if you buy a bad one or suffer any significant problems.
I loved the QP and used it quite a bit.
The gearbox isn't comparable to it's German rivals but was ok in both Auto mode or F1 paddleshift if occasionally a bit dim wittted.
Build quality was ok as well but nothing more.
The noise and handling were great though. Handling was really sharp and impressive for such a big heavy car.
Great used buy as long as you get a good one and don't do too many miles.
I don't understand the looks on this car I think we are all being influenced by the Maserati badge. I think the interior looks a bit like the German competitors and quite nice but the outside looks a bit weird from the front and boring from any other angle.
I think the Granturismo and 4200/3200 are much nicer looking cars these old Quattroportes just aren't to my eyes. If I had the cash I'd rather have a German competitor because rarity wouldn't make me want one.
I think the Granturismo and 4200/3200 are much nicer looking cars these old Quattroportes just aren't to my eyes. If I had the cash I'd rather have a German competitor because rarity wouldn't make me want one.
iloveboost said:
I don't understand the looks on this car I think we are all being influenced by the Maserati badge. I think the interior looks a bit like the German competitors and quite nice but the outside looks a bit weird from the front and boring from any other angle.
I think the Granturismo and 4200/3200 are much nicer looking cars these old Quattroportes just aren't to my eyes. If I had the cash I'd rather have a German competitor because rarity wouldn't make me want one.
Interior is nothing like a Merc / BM / Audi.I think the Granturismo and 4200/3200 are much nicer looking cars these old Quattroportes just aren't to my eyes. If I had the cash I'd rather have a German competitor because rarity wouldn't make me want one.
I've always loved these.
They look stunning in the metal and really command presence.
My old man has one and I think it looks fantastic in Rosso Red. Sadly photos don't really show it off well in that colour, but in the metal it really does look magnificent.
The DuoSelect box is different and requires adjusting to, but he's used to it from the Vanquish, so he has no real issues with it.
They look stunning in the metal and really command presence.
My old man has one and I think it looks fantastic in Rosso Red. Sadly photos don't really show it off well in that colour, but in the metal it really does look magnificent.
The DuoSelect box is different and requires adjusting to, but he's used to it from the Vanquish, so he has no real issues with it.
Wills2 said:
Looks almost JRG to me Great write up covered the majority of models. There were a couple of limited edition versions of the facelift GTS which I think were just paint and interior trim changes. The Centurion and Awards editions.
I have a pre facelift 2008 Sport GTS which wasn't mentioned which has a 4.2l and a ZF fixed rate bilstiens and the bigger brembo dual cast front brakes. I don't think that photographs do the model justice in the metal it is low long and has rear tyre's like cricket pitch rollers couple that with the quad exhuast tailpipes and the sound give it a real menacing presence.
I have had zero issues during my time with the car just consumables and fuel. I hope I haven't jinxed myself now.
I ran a 3200GT a few years ago and the difference in build quality is noticable. I have had more issues with current Mercedes models and would much rather have something different than the me too Germans.
M, RS and AMG models have similar running costs big tyres and brakes and similar appetites for 98 RON.
Styling is subjective but I love my QPV can't say the same for the replacement.
I have a pre facelift 2008 Sport GTS which wasn't mentioned which has a 4.2l and a ZF fixed rate bilstiens and the bigger brembo dual cast front brakes. I don't think that photographs do the model justice in the metal it is low long and has rear tyre's like cricket pitch rollers couple that with the quad exhuast tailpipes and the sound give it a real menacing presence.
I have had zero issues during my time with the car just consumables and fuel. I hope I haven't jinxed myself now.
I ran a 3200GT a few years ago and the difference in build quality is noticable. I have had more issues with current Mercedes models and would much rather have something different than the me too Germans.
M, RS and AMG models have similar running costs big tyres and brakes and similar appetites for 98 RON.
Styling is subjective but I love my QPV can't say the same for the replacement.
Lost soul said:
Wills2 said:
Looks almost JRG to me Wills2 said:
Lost soul said:
Wills2 said:
Looks almost JRG to me rgw2012 said:
I would suggest that if you were sufficiently worried about trying to save on fuel costs by following the LPG route then this wouldn't be the car for you. There are far bigger costs to be prepared for! 
True - just let a guy dream for 10 minutes on a Friday afternoon before getting back in my German Diesel that never puts a foot wrong, does 50mpg, but doesn't exactly stir the soul.Gassing Station | General Gassing | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff