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
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Maserati 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.
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.
In 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.
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
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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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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