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Maserati Quattroporte 2005+

13

Comments

  • mickylmickyl Member Posts: 14
    Thanks, PRK, for your detailed explanation. I have told my sales advisor that I am having a civil war raging on internally between my passion for the car and my logical thinking going against it.

    I would love to ask you more questions about the quality of the car, which is one of my main concerns. Short of putting you under oath (just kidding), could you tell me what you think of the quality of the car? I have heard so much about the clutch problem, which suggests that it gets blown apart within 10,000 miles? Could you confirm that?

    Also, I am currently driving a CLK430 convertible and would like to know if I should trade it in or keep it?

    Thanks.
  • drwag1drwag1 Member Posts: 7
    After 7 month and 15000 kilometers driving QP no problems and have a lot of fun.
    drwagn :):):)
  • murrayrmurrayr Member Posts: 7
    Sorry to be a spoil sport, but I'd pass for now. After owning two Qs and legnthy discussions with service folks, I am convinced there is a design flaw in the current transmission/engine arrangement. That aside, the technology also lags in this car. The GPS is "ok", but far below that in the other luxury cars. Also there is no blue tooth technology for linking your cell, which is as much an indication as an annoyance.

    My second Q has had transmission and computer problems to the point I am seeking a settlement with the company. The dealers are great and passionate about this product. And your instincts are correct, it SHOULD be a car to be passionate about. Unless you have several other cars and can tolerate the disappointment; look elsewhere.
  • mickylmickyl Member Posts: 14
    Thank you very much, Murray, for your honest and direct opinion. I found your input to be very helpful in my decision of giving up Maserati for now. I will go with MB S550, until such time when Maserati improves its quality. I certainly don't want my passion for a car to erode my demand for quality. I just do not wish to believe that beauty and quality cannot co-exist. Maserati will need to do better or they will be facing the same demise as before.

    Thanks again.
  • gekko2gekko2 Member Posts: 87
    -

    This car looked GREAT on Season 2 of "Entourage". Sad to hear that such a beautiful and $100K+ car has so many technology/reliabilty/quality issues.

    Best wishes all and Happy 4th!!!
  • murrayrmurrayr Member Posts: 7
    Hi. I actually have exactly that color combination. In my on-going saga, I just returned from a brief trip to LA only to have the check engine light come on again. This with the probable need for still another throw-out bearing, puts the car over the top for me.

    Anyone want a super deal on a used......
  • gekko2gekko2 Member Posts: 87
    murray - that's a sin for a $50K car let alone a $100K+ car. this is why i stick with my boring but bulletproof Lexus, despite my Italian heritage!

    GOOD LUCK!
  • bdeblancbdeblanc Member Posts: 1
    Hello: I'm researching whether to purchase or possibly lease a maserati. Before I get myself completely attached I need to know: does owning a masarati mean that you are going to spend a fortune in maintenance and upkeep? Ie. does it cost hundreds of dollars for a simple 3000 mile oil change? I would expect it to be a bit more than the local Jiffy Lube's prices, but would appreciate any info. or guidance. Thanks!
  • murrayrmurrayr Member Posts: 7
    Dear bdeblanc the oil and lube are the least of your worries. I just had my 4th transmission fix in two Qs. Maserati has taken the low road by announcing they will not cover the replacement of a clutch in this car and the dealers do not disclose that this is a wear item. No, it's not an automatic transmission.

    If you can spare 2400 every 5-10k miles, you can afford the oil.

    Have you seen the Aston Martin Vantage?

    You are quite welcome,,,,,
  • laforzagoplaforzagop Member Posts: 3
    Hi all,

    I'm glad this message board is going on strong.

    I have a few questions and concerns.

    I own a 2005 Q and have only 4500 miles on it. Well, it's at the dealer now and they're telling me I need new tires on the rear. For godsake I only drive it on average 8 miles a day and with day to day speeds not exceeding 40 mph. What is going on here? Is there a better tire choice than whats on it stock? What have your dealers/service people told you about the tires? I've seen people complain about having to replace it at 8-12k miles. I would love to have that much mileage before needing replacement. I don't drive it hard and I don't do burnouts.

    Thank you all in advance,

    John B.
  • paxtonkpaxtonk Member Posts: 49
    I can't speak for all dealers but the following is an example:

    6,000 mile service $659
    18,000 miles service $1,086
    31,000 miles ervice $1,794

    1st year - $856
    2nd year - $1,105
    3rd year - $1,202

    Example, you drive 6,000 miles in 1st year your cost would be $659 + $856.

    Hope this helps.
  • vk00vk00 Member Posts: 23
    I had around 11K miles when I replaced the rear tires. The front ones were still good at that time. I heard that this is a typical milage for any high-performance tires.
  • laforzagoplaforzagop Member Posts: 3
    Thanks,

    What type of tires come on the Q stock? Pirelli Rossos? I don't know because mine is in the shop. Also what other tires are good that will last longer for the 19" wheels? Thank you
  • drwag1drwag1 Member Posts: 7
    Even on very plain roads my QP is driving a little bit to the right. Everyone have the same problem and what will be the solution?
    Thanks,
    drwag
  • vk00vk00 Member Posts: 23
    Yes, they are Pirelli Rossos. Sorry for the delay: I missed your question.
  • jb7227jb7227 Member Posts: 86
    Anyone purchased a QP within the last few weeks? Just test drove a Nero base sedan today - what a ride. Was considering the AM V8 coupe...no more. Curious to see what others have paid. The subvented lease program that Maserati is offering thru the end of the month was an attraction. MSRP $ 116,215 - they came down to $ 110,500. Should I be looking for more? Lease for 36 months/10K/yr (including tax) was around $ 2,100, with no money down and no security deposit. Spoke with a client who used to be a dealer in the 1980's Biturbo-era - said that there is around $ 25K markup in the car. My local dealer had 5 '06's and 2 '07's. DuoSelect is unbelievable - I figure it would take me about a month to drive it smoothly. I was surprised at the amount of low-end torque on the car. Any help on the price issue would be appreciated! I really want this car!!
  • paxtonkpaxtonk Member Posts: 49
    Not $25k, maximum difference between msrp and invoice is about $12-13 depending on MSRP. Sounds like your dealer has a few which means they aren't moving quickly and they are probably looking to sell the 2006's they have before more of the 2007's begin to arrive. Where are you located that they have so many?
  • 07burb07burb Member Posts: 2
    Boston area. I spoke with a client/dealer who told me at the auctions, he saw an average mileage (12-15k) 05 going for around 77K. 06's were around 80-83K. I believe the warranty is 4 yr/50, which makes getting an 05 or used 06 model not such a dicey proposition. Saving $30,000 in depreciation buying preowned could pay for more than a few repairs. Im going back and forth on it....do I get a new 06 for the "new" factor, or try to find one at auction. Obivously, buying new doesn't make sense from a financial standpoint, but to take a $25-30,000 haircut when you drive it off the lot (even when you can afford a $100K plus car) is unsettling. I'm not considering any other make/model. Any thoughts out there?
  • paxtonkpaxtonk Member Posts: 49
    If you don't mind having your car in service a bit or you only plan to drive it during the weekends then go ahead with the 2005. The problem with getting these cars from the auction is you don't know what kind of condition it is in, ask yourself why would this almost brand new 2006 be at an auction? We are paying around $10k under invoice for a pre-owned 2006 from a previous customer not auction.
  • murrayrmurrayr Member Posts: 7
    Here's the problem. With Maserati not supporting the clutch, it's a 3k crap shoot every 6-8k miles.

    As stated before, they took back my first and put two clutches and a 'torque tube' (driveshaft in this.

    Yes it looks great and, when problem free runs as well as any sports car. Would I do it again, probably not worth the hassle.

    Look at the new four door Aston Martin....
  • foster1foster1 Member Posts: 17
    If I were you, I'd look at an Audi S8 with the Lamborghini V-10 for about $110,000. The interior with the stitched tan leather and Sicamore trim is awesome. Plus you get all-wheel drive, several hundred pounds less weight (because of the aluminum), all the gadgets actually work, and free maintenance for 5 years.
  • paxtonkpaxtonk Member Posts: 49
    I personally have driven the S6 with the V10 engine (slightly de-tuned in comparison to the S8) and must say I was very disappointed in the performance. As wonderful of a car Audi is if you are looking for German performance I would stick with BMW but if you are looking for a driver’s car I would get a Quattroporte. The Audi warranty is 4 years or 50,000 miles whichever comes first and they dropped the free maintenance with the introduction to the 2007 model lineup.
  • 2005qp2005qp Member Posts: 1
    All right, 15,000 miles and i need a new clutch. I understand this is a 'wearable 'item not covered by the warranty? But geewiz if they know it is too small for this car why don't they cover it? How much will this cost me? Do you think we need to unite and do something. Am i going to experience this every 15000 miles? or what?
  • tommazatommaza Member Posts: 1
    I have a 2004 QP with 10,000 miles on it.

    Can anyone who has had clutch problems advise the exact details.

    My clutch is slow to engage when the car is on the flat. Add a hill and it is hopeless. On any type of hill (not very steep) the car takes at leat 3 or 4 seconds to get going. There is absolutely no power. Feels like a slipping clutch in an old alpha.

    Dealer told me it was normal, that there is a sensor in the clutch to prevent wear and tear.

    To me its embarrassing. I cannot imagine the car getting to 60mph in 5 seconds with this clutch.

    Help! very frustrated.
  • paxtonkpaxtonk Member Posts: 49
    2005 is the first model year for the newly designed Quattroporte. If the way the clutch feels to you today isn't the same as when the car was new then it isn't normal. Take it do a different dealer is my best advice.
  • vk00vk00 Member Posts: 23
    It is very strange. I had the clutch replaced twice (6K miles and 20K miles) and that was certainly covered by warranty.
  • drwag1drwag1 Member Posts: 7
    After one year of driving and 20K miles there is oil on the floor of the garage. The engine must be leak. Anyone has an idea what could be the reason?
    Tanks in advance.
    drwagn
  • murrayrmurrayr Member Posts: 7
    I am perhaps the most experienced with this after 2 Q's and 4 clutches. First there is a new computer upgrade that actually may do the trick. On my last go round I thought for sure a new clutch was in order and the software upgrade seems to have done the trick.

    The best news was only 2% clutch wear since replacement 5k miles ago. The shifting, even in automatic, was better.

    Secondly, make a lot of noise and call New Jersey. They'll respond.

    Hope this helps.
  • paxtonkpaxtonk Member Posts: 49
    Hey everyone, the new automatic is available and is awesome with the optional paddle shift. Any questions? Ask away. Also for you Maserati lovers the 2008 GranTurismo is out on the web. http://www.granturismoisback.com/

    Regards,
  • mc_17mc_17 Member Posts: 2
    Which Maserati is the one at the beginning of the flash animation (Autenthicity)? They got inspiration from the birdcage 75th for sure, but also from this car from the past.

    Thanks
  • paxtonkpaxtonk Member Posts: 49
    I do see the birdcage as well as a little from the MC12. They must have changed the site because the only car that pops up during the flash animation for me is the GranTurismo.

    The weight differential will be 49% front and 51% rear.
  • bjl123bjl123 Member Posts: 7
    Hi Guys and Gals I have just collected from the factory a new 07 QP Sport GT with all the lastest mods, over 50 changes in total and I'm thrilled with my choice of the duoselect box which is now so much smoother than the 06 and lightyears better than the 05 and not even comparible with the 04. The good news is that in Europe the dealers are being paid to upgrade the older boxes so as to maintain high residuals. The new auto is very smooth but you loose the crispness of the duoselct and you can't rely on the down shifts to happen fast enough for posative enginge braking. Horses for courses as we say in the UK. Wait until spring 08 for the QP Sport GT with 4.7 and 460 bhp coupled to this years duoselect box. testing is underway, believe me, I was there. BJ
  • bjl123bjl123 Member Posts: 7
    What I forgot to mention in my previous posting was that to get the best of both worlds from the pre 07 Duoselect box try leaving it in auto and drive it as a manual by flicking the upshift when you want to and flicking the downshift when approaching bends. The box stays in manual mode for long enough to make the most of the independance and returns to auto when you get bored. Especially in town when pulling away try flicking up a gear at around 1500 revs then let auto take over when rolling in a flow. Love my Car
  • drwag2drwag2 Member Posts: 2
    Hi bjl123,
    do you know if body and interieur will be changed?
    drwagn
  • bjl123bjl123 Member Posts: 7
    Hi drwagn. I can confirm that there are no plans to change the body or the interior for at least 2 or 3 more years. The feeling at the factory is 'Why change what the world adores' To be quite frank, the factory will have to work flat out for the next 2 years satisfying the US demand for the new auto and won't have the chance to consider QP changes of any kind except the M5 eater. Regards BJL
  • nhpnhp Member Posts: 1
    Hi, am considering purchasing a 2005 Q, single owner, full maint.records from the maserati dealer with 12k miles.Will be a daily driver. It was fun to drive! What problems am I possibly getting myself into? Ive had bmw,RR,MB500,etc. thank you for your comments.
  • bjl123bjl123 Member Posts: 7
    Hi nhp, late 05 models had the benefit of clutch pressure sensors and a software upgrade that made shifts much smoother and kinder to the clutch. You should ask your dealer if this one is the upgraded model, if not you have to accept that you may have to replace the clutch every so often. Drive it hard and it could be every 5000mls drive it gently and you could get 20000mls or more. Whilst all late 05 onward cars can have software upgrades usually at no cost it is rather more expensive to upgrade the cluth itself. Over here in Europe dealers are upgrading on trade ins to preserve residuals and are giving good guarantees. Best way to satisfy yourself is to contact the previous owner and chat with him about how he viewed the car. He must have liked it to own it for 2years or so. From my point of view I have a New Range Rover, a Porsche Boxster and an 07 Sport GT QP Duobox and have had Astons Jags and Mercs but none without exception makes me feel as good as my Maser does and you are only here once, this is not a rehersal. regards bjl123
  • drwag2drwag2 Member Posts: 2
    Hi nhp, my QP was built 07/2005. I purchased it 12/2005 as first owner. Now it have 22500 mls without problems of the clutch. I dont know,if software have been upgraded. The shifts are very smooth. Had a few other problems, but not very hard.
    regards
    drwag2
  • bjl123bjl123 Member Posts: 7
    Log onto 'WWW.CLASSIC DRIVER.COM and read back to back tests of both 07 gearboxs. Regards bjl123
  • vk00vk00 Member Posts: 23
    About a month ago I received an email from Maserati inviting me to do a test drive of 2007 QP. They also promised $10K rebate if I buy a 2007 Duoselect model. My 2005 QP has just turned 2 years old, it had 26K miles and was due for service so I went to the dealership.

    I tried both duoselect and automatic. That was an easy decision: I did not like automatic. Yes, it was more smooth, quiet and refined. But the fun of driving totally disappeared. Even without any rebates I would have chosen duoselect. If you like driving manual, prefer to switch gears yourself and miss the clutch pedal, you will not like automatic. On the other hand, if your current car has sequential automatic transmission but you prefer driving in automatic and wonder why they even have manual shifting, you will love QP automatic.

    So it took me two weeks, and I now have a new car. Since I picked one from stock, the dealer added another 6K to the discount. It really was an offer I could not refuse. The service people told me that they see much less complaints about 07 model that they have with 06 and 05 ones.
  • bjl123bjl123 Member Posts: 7
    Hi vk00,
    How is your new QP performing and which model did you go for and in what colour. Took mine back to Italy last month for a run and got pulled by the Italian Autoroute Police doing 155 mph. They said 'Bello Maccina' and then told me to turn my lights on if I wished to go that fast!!!!. and then wished me a good trip. I love Italian Police. Have clocked over 8000 mls in 4 months so far and can't get enough of it. No Problems but did find out from the main agents in Perugia that it is essencial to have the front wheel geometry checked whenever you have front wheel balance because on the Sport GT with the 20" wheels the rim takes a good bit of the shock load and in turn can upset the geometry if you hit a particularly large pothole. Not many of those in Italy, I wish !!!
  • vk00vk00 Member Posts: 23
    Hi bjl123,

    I bought Sport GT, but with 19" wheels. Kind of unusual combination, but I had to pick up one of the cars that they had in stock, or the deal would not work. I actually like it: the 20" wheels could have been too stiff. I tried several models. The dealer told me that Executive one has slightly softer suspension than regular, and Sport GT slightly firmer. I do not know. You have to be Schumacher to tell the difference.

    The color is as my old one -- Neptuno Blue and I like it. This car also had wood interior rather than graphite that is standard for Sport GT, and I found it better, too. One option that I do not have now is the comport seats with massage, etc. I can say that I do not miss it. I never used massage or adaptive feature: it distracts from driving. The only useful one was the perforated seat with AC, but it was very weak anyway and I can live without it.

    The last difference that this car did not have the rear side curtains, but the dealer tinted the windows and it looks perfect. I advice everyone to tint the windows, to same strange reason Maserati does not offer this option in US.

    The car feels great, no problems so far (600 miles).
  • paxtonkpaxtonk Member Posts: 49
    This sounds a bit strange not having the 20" wheels. The Sport GT comes from the factory with the 20" wheels and if it has something smaller you should have received a credit for the less expensive wheel. Are the disc brakes drilled? If they aren't then I think the dealer pay have just put the "Sport GT" logo on the side.
  • vk00vk00 Member Posts: 23
    Yes, it came originally with 20" wheels. But someone was buying an Executive (that came with 19") and wanted 20". So they swapped the wheels. I did not mind. And there is not much credit that I could demand. There is no model on which you can upgrade from 19" to 20" (or vice versa), so the relative value is unknown.

    The disk brakes are drilled OK.
  • bjl123bjl123 Member Posts: 7
    Hi vk00 and paxtonk
    In the UK it is not uncommon to order a Sport GT with 19" wheels as a no cost option due to the crap roads we have. I also chose the wood (walnut) as opposed to the carbon (which looks like plastic anyway)and biege leather with alcantera all wrapped in Palladio but with the 20" wheels. As for massage seats and the like, what a waste of money, I'd rather spend it on fuel<img
  • vk00vk00 Member Posts: 23
    One more observation. My 2005 QP also had the Sport/Regular switch of course. But its only noticeable effect was the word "Sport" appearing on the display. In the 2007 model I actually can feel the difference. And since the roads near NY are probably even crapier than bjl123 is complaining, I very often turn it off and get a much smoother ride.
  • askvalueaskvalue Member Posts: 1
    I am about to buy 2006 QP base model. I want to know whether all three models of 2006 QPs (Base, Sport GT, Executive GT) have received revised and software upgrade in gear box? I am worried that only sport GT got the faster gear change on sport mode. Is there any actual improvement in Gear changing and transmission on 2006 QP compare to former one?

    Also I found the "Fifth Gear" review about the QP Sport GT. They comment that QP GT made a improvement on changing the reverse gear to drive to backward. Was it really difficult to change the reverse gear on former model?
  • laforzagoplaforzagop Member Posts: 3
    Hello,

    I have a Black 2005 QP and just this summer I noticed that there were some micro bubbles coming up from the paint. We had it wetsanded etc. and the little pock marks/bubbles in the paint went away. Now a week later the same exact bubbles/pock marks have appeared in the paint again. Does anyone have the same problem or have heard of issues with the paint from Maserati? We thought it was sap at first but it would not come out and so that's why we had it wet sanded to take off a layer of clear coat. It appears to be starting from inside the paint. The spots are mostly on the hood and top of the car.

    Any help will be greatly appreciated. We are taking it to Maserati soon to have them look at it but I'm sure they will try to brush us off unless there's any documentation of others with similar problems with the paint.

    BTW, the car is parked in a garage at home and work so it is unlikely the problem is from an outside source.

    Thank you,

    John
  • jb7227jb7227 Member Posts: 86
    About to pull the trigger on a 07 base DuoSelect, with an MSRP of 118315...got the dealer down to 106000. Not sure if I can do better; they say they are almost at invoice. I find hard to believe, but there are no invoice prices listed anywhere for Maserati! I drove the auto trans, and its smooth (come to find out, its very similar to the one in my 750i) - but I came away bored. I know....I may be asking for trouble, but I am hearing less horror stories now about the 2006 & 2007 transmission problems (replacement clutches at 2000 miles, etc.) Any input would be helpful! BTW ... Blu Nettuno w/Cuoio, a very nice combination IMO!!
  • patpat Member Posts: 10,421
    Sounds nice! I can't help you with the deal, but I'd love to see pictures when/if you pull it off. :)
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