Buying a used Maserati Quattroporte

Skip the 05.

I would go for a 06 Sport GT myself. Good luck!

 

I had an 05 QP and it was awesome. Sure the duo select change wasn't perfect but you adapt to it and I found it perfectly usable. That being said, I never had to pay to have the clutch replaced and depending on usage and driving style it might need changing every 15 - 25k miles perhaps.
It's a great drive though, more like a big GT; I've driven several DB9's and I enjoyed the QP more. I'd definately have another one but if I could afford it I'd go for a newer one with the full auto box. In 2 or 3 years time a used one should be quite affordable.

Whichever one you go for you will not be dissapointed. get the Grigio Nouvolari if you can; the silver with a hint of bronze looks just beautiful.

Good luck.

 

I've had my 07 Sport GT for nearly 2 years now. I traded a 512 and an S430 for it. Because of a growing family, the only time that the 512 saw the road was for a trip to Starbucks. The QP Sport GT was like merging the two cars together. I've choosen to lower it a little, had some computer work done, Tubi exhaust and aftermarket wheels to give it a sportier edge. A true 4 door sports car as far as I'm concerned. I LOVE IT!

 

I believe the big change was the addition of the automatic gearbox. A ZF 6 speed automatic/torque converter type rather than a Cambiocorsa equipped box. Also the transmission was moved up from the rear axle to the engine. I think they got rid of the dry sump on the engine as well.

 

you are 100% correct as long as you meant that

1. they offer both cambiocorsa (f1) and auto (zf torque converter)
2. Transmission being moved forward and non drysump motor is only on auto (zf converter) cars

 

Wow, I would think that would affect the weight distribution by moving the transmission forward on the automatic car. I'll have to do some research. I've also noticed that QP prices have been dipping into completely doable range. The increased potential maintenance on the f1 compared to a full on slush box (sorry to use the term, I know modern automatics are a far cry from their predecessors) would have to be considered as well.

M

 

So did some quick research on Edmunds.com (unfortunately, I couldn't locate weight distribution figures) and found some interesting stats:

'05
396 HP 326 ft-lbs 4375lbs

'07 GT Auto
400 HP 339 ft-lbs 4387lbs

'07 GT Duo Select
400 HP 332 ft-lbs 4343lbs

There is a slight increase in weight to the auto, and I would really like to see what it does to the weight distribution.

 

Weight distribution is still very good for the auto, 2% change.

http://www.autoblog.com/2007/01/14/detroit-auto-show-maserati-quattroporte-automatic/

via autoblog / Maserati PR

 

Wow, that is very interesting, I would have thought that the weight bias for both cars would be towards the front. Thanks for sharing that.

M

 

Front mid-engine design. Motor is placed behind the front axle centerline.

 

I've heard from my Ferrari dealer that the 20" wheels on the Sport GT and GTS get bent very easily, is that true?

 

Yes that is true. I have a client that has gone through for wheels from pot holes in Manhattan. I would think that they are easier than most wheels but not overly easy to bend. It is not like going over a little pot hole is going to destroy them. Just have to be careful due to the low profile tires.

 

VNTTG

Sorry for my english.......

I have a GTS of 07.
It´s fine and very aggressive. The line is amazing.
But it has a defect:
it´s very low and it touches the cup of the oil in all the ramps of increase and of descent.

Whit respect of GT , the Maserati dealer have confirmed to me , that the GT Automatic one is preferable that the Duo Select. The gearbox is very sudden. Is ok for the 430 but not for a Quattroporte.

f.

 

My first impression on the test drive before buying the car was what a load of cr@p is said about this gearbox by journo's etc. I don't find it jerky, remember this car is really a four door sports car, not a four door limo (which a lot of the mainstream magazines seem to not understand). As for the differences between the automatica and duoselect?

Automatica

- easier around town and heavy traffic
- less worry about F1 pumps and relays
- your wife could even drive it(quasi joke)

Duoselect

- dry sump engine (as it should be in a sports car)
- perfect front / rear balance
- slightly higher top speed and 0-60 times.
- don't drive it in automatic mode

As for the Sport GT, some UK testers (Evo) say that the 20 inch wheels mess up the handling as the skyhook system can't cope with them.

One thing that amazes with the car is the handling in tight/sharp corners. In the last week on two occasions I've had a Merc CLK and another time a Volkswagen Golf in front who thought "big fat car, I'll drop him easy around these tight bends". Both were on the ragged edge/limit while I had to continually take my foot off the accelerator to avoid rear ending them while having only one hand on the steering wheel.

These links make good reading;

http://www.evo.co.uk/carreviews/cargrouptests/60641/alpina_b5_v_cadillac_ctsv_v_maserati_quattroporte.html

http://www.evo.co.uk/carreviews/cargrouptests/67221/maserati_quattroporte_v_bmw_m5_v_mercedes_cls_55.html

 

I hope you should find it.
You will enjoy.

f.