thinking of buying the new Quattroporte
Discussion
Hi There. I'm new to this site normaly I'm on the TVR Tuscan site.
Thing is I'm about to change my company car which at this time is a Merc E55 AMG. I have been looking around for a while for a new car. There is all the usual stuff BMW, Audi Merc (not again) so I have been looking for something different and decided to take a closer look at the new Quattroporte. I have taken one for a test drive and it was good as far as it goes, when you have a sales man in the car talking to you all the time. I don't know anybody that owns one so I'm interested in owners comments. I normaly drive quick cars. I also own one of the new TVR MK2 Tuscan S. But I need a 4 seater for work. I'm also considering the sport GT version. I’m told I could get one for March 06.
One of my concerns on the test drive was the power breaking when changing down in sports mode. It felt to me like the car gave a lot of neck whip, or is this just my driving during the half hour test drive.
What are the service costs like? and how reliable are these cars (mind you anything has to be better than my AMG)
cheers
Thing is I'm about to change my company car which at this time is a Merc E55 AMG. I have been looking around for a while for a new car. There is all the usual stuff BMW, Audi Merc (not again) so I have been looking for something different and decided to take a closer look at the new Quattroporte. I have taken one for a test drive and it was good as far as it goes, when you have a sales man in the car talking to you all the time. I don't know anybody that owns one so I'm interested in owners comments. I normaly drive quick cars. I also own one of the new TVR MK2 Tuscan S. But I need a 4 seater for work. I'm also considering the sport GT version. I’m told I could get one for March 06.
One of my concerns on the test drive was the power breaking when changing down in sports mode. It felt to me like the car gave a lot of neck whip, or is this just my driving during the half hour test drive.
What are the service costs like? and how reliable are these cars (mind you anything has to be better than my AMG)
cheers
Hi again and thanks to you all for your comments. I agree the German machines are boring the E55 engine is good it’s the rest of the car that lets it down nothing but grief normally electronics and suspension. True the car is quick and on a long journey fine but no fun. Unless I turn the TC off then it’s unpredictable unlike my TVR you can feel what’s happening. The Quattroporte does look stunning the depreciation is an issue but then again it will be the same when I sell the E55. My accountant won't like it that's for sure. I have driven this years Quattroporte about 3 months ago and I will be driving one again this weekend. I understand that the new 2006 sport GT version (available from next march I think) has had some refinements to the gearbox hopefully to reduce the neck whip as you change up. I think my decision will be greatly dependant on this weekends test drive see if I still feel the same and if the wife likes it. The cost of an ex demo and a new one is not that much different what I don’t know is what are the toys it comes with. Where as the Ex demo car will probably be already loaded with the toys. Then just swap over the private plates. If not then I’m tempted to wait and go for the GT. next year I believe there is also a new range of colours. Cheers
Hi Thom
I went for my second test drive on Saturday expecting not to like it as much the second time around. I took the wife along for her comments as well. The conditions on Saturday were not ideal but good enough to see what it handled like, with the big tires on damp and slippery roads around Egham Surrey I have to say not bad at all. I gave it some welly and the car was responsive and in line. The second test drive was much better than my first session about 6 months ago The paddle shift is very good in sports. Neck restraints could be useful if your planning to drive in this mode all the time the trick is to just come off the gas slightly and you can stop this whip effect when changing up. as for the build quality on the two I looked over I could not find any faults the insulation was sound and in place the welding was all smooth and no rough spots under the door and inside the door jams and around the inner edges of the bonnet. The paint work was also clean and again inside the boot under the lining and in the inside parts of the door jams no over spray. The engine compartment was very tidy and very clean nicely finished off. I have to say I'm 99% sure I'm going to buy one now I have my eye on an ex demo with 600 on the clock in a gun metal grey black leather silver stitching. Just looking at the part x on the E55 AMG.
2 things my wife did not like. First is the trident badges on the rear sides I have to agree there are a few of them on the car wonder if they would take them off for me. And the other point was the head rests they were like rocks with embossed lettering. Other than that very good. You also get free 3 years warranty + 3 years road side assist + 3 years free servicing.
Cheers
I went for my second test drive on Saturday expecting not to like it as much the second time around. I took the wife along for her comments as well. The conditions on Saturday were not ideal but good enough to see what it handled like, with the big tires on damp and slippery roads around Egham Surrey I have to say not bad at all. I gave it some welly and the car was responsive and in line. The second test drive was much better than my first session about 6 months ago The paddle shift is very good in sports. Neck restraints could be useful if your planning to drive in this mode all the time the trick is to just come off the gas slightly and you can stop this whip effect when changing up. as for the build quality on the two I looked over I could not find any faults the insulation was sound and in place the welding was all smooth and no rough spots under the door and inside the door jams and around the inner edges of the bonnet. The paint work was also clean and again inside the boot under the lining and in the inside parts of the door jams no over spray. The engine compartment was very tidy and very clean nicely finished off. I have to say I'm 99% sure I'm going to buy one now I have my eye on an ex demo with 600 on the clock in a gun metal grey black leather silver stitching. Just looking at the part x on the E55 AMG.
2 things my wife did not like. First is the trident badges on the rear sides I have to agree there are a few of them on the car wonder if they would take them off for me. And the other point was the head rests they were like rocks with embossed lettering. Other than that very good. You also get free 3 years warranty + 3 years road side assist + 3 years free servicing.
Cheers
Thanks for the comments on the QP I have now purchased the car. I took the car out on several different occasions. To test it I have a toy The Tuscan MK2S for play time. But I really needed a 4 seater for work some thing not to over stated. I agree the boot is a little small (I think I could get more in the Tuscan) but I can live with that insurance came out at about £1250 with 3 named drivers.
Why did I buy the QP because I wanted something different the new M5 I can’t be doing with all that set up. MERC's never again Aston nice but impractical Audi Just didn’t like Ferrari to much Bling.
Only time will tell me if I made the right choice so far I like it just got to get the change up smooth;.
Cheers
Why did I buy the QP because I wanted something different the new M5 I can’t be doing with all that set up. MERC's never again Aston nice but impractical Audi Just didn’t like Ferrari to much Bling.
Only time will tell me if I made the right choice so far I like it just got to get the change up smooth;.
Cheers
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