Needing a larger family car that would cope with long journeys I started digging around for something. I was mainly after something interesting.
So after spotting a Maserati Quattroporte online I popped up to drive it and after a short and fruitful haggle I bought a Maserati Quattroporte V6d.

It's fairly rapid (275hp), huge inside, and possibly the quietest car I've ever driven.  The ICE is dated (probably dated when it was new) but does bluetooth and DAB and that's 95% of my needs.
Some of the switchgear is a bit meh (Chrysler stock) other parts of the car are pure quality. Dash is walnut and leather.

Dealer put on a full set of front disks and pads (OEM), two new front springs (caused a 6 week delay), oil and filter change, and a very good valet. 
Bought from the dealer owner who owns a GTS version and is clearly a Maserati fan himself, I'm guessing the previous owner was also very careful as it it mint.

Already terrified of kerbing the alloys and it's a total PITA to park as it is over 5.2m long.

But, just look at it....snaps knicker elastic at 100 yards.

Real preeetty. 🙂

Edited 11 April, 20233 yr by Breezy_Pete

16 minutes ago, Aspman said:

fairly rapid (275hp)

So is that the FQ model or the VFQ version?

 

5 minutes ago, MikeTheThinker said:

So is that the FQ model or the VFQ version?

 

FQ. The GTS V8 of that era can crack 190 and the newest Trofeo V8 model will top 202.

Derv is more common because it was a cheapest version. But they are all fairly uncommon.
I've never seen another on the road.

Edited 11 April, 20233 yr by Aspman

3 minutes ago, Aspman said:

I've never seen another on the road.

Oddly enough I saw a similar model down here on The Wirral a couple of weeks back.  I don't know enough about them to say which version it was but it looked like a more staid version of yours.

 

5 minutes ago, Aspman said:

FQ. The GTS V8 of that era can crack 190 and the newest Trofeo V8 model will top 202.

Derv is more common because it was a cheapest version. But they are all fairly uncommon.
I've never seen another on the road.

Top Tip: avoid the A90; lots of passport cameras and nee-naws - although I can't see any of the nee-naws catching you if you put your mind to it

 

 

From the title I thought @Lady Elanore had sold her BMW...

 

Regardless, woweeee that Maserati is bloody lovely.

12 hours ago, AnnoyingPentium said:

From the title I thought @Lady Elanore had sold her BMW...

 

Regardless, woweeee that Maserati is bloody lovely.

 

 

Having just seen wheeler Dealers and the projected cost of replacement parts, I'd be too frightened to get a Maserati I think. Although if you know where to go, then it looks like even the older Mazzers are potentially affordable...

 

 

 

....hmmmm  4.2 V8 Ferrari engine ...

Getting parts from Scuderia isn't quite so bad allegedly. But I was guessing not much worse than parts for an M5 anyway. I've been nearly £900 for brakes on the Mrs JCW countryman this year. Interesting things are expensive.

1 hour ago, Lady Elanore said:

hmmmm  4.2 V8 Ferrari engine ...

3 minutes ago, MikeTheThinker said:

It's only illegal if you get caught

that is a properly lovely car

ive o ly ever sat in one, while picking out our wedding car, waaaaay back when i was a brisky n00b

 

its really on my list of "space and money no object, what would i drive" cars

5 hours ago, Aspman said:

It's only illegal if you get caught

I used to have the privelege of riding socially with some Police motorcyclists.  Their sense of humour definitely rubbed off on me and they taught me the meaning of the GLF sign

 

So had a slow puncture on the Q took it in and the tech warned me that the inner shoulder l of both tyres was very worn. Not dangerous but not far off it.

 

 Had a stern discussion with the supplying dealer which started with, “our prep records show 4.5mm across the  tyre”.

 

i sent a picture

 

 the conversation continued, “ah, very sorry about that I’ll see what can be done”.

 

 In fairness they are picking the car up next week and putting on two new Pirellis.

Edited 22 April, 20233 yr by Aspman

Hard to see from the photos but the tread grrove depths do actually look even.

 

You said you needed a larger family car, at 5.2m long your offspring are not Elephants are they? That would sure wear the tyres unevenly 😄

It’s the far left shoulder that was really worn should have grooves to match the other side. Reminded me of my octy that used to do that on the rears. 
 

Aye car has quite a lot of leg room in the back🤣. My mate is 6’7” i think even he’d be quite comfortable.

Car back, picked up and collected by salesman.

Two new tyres, car checked for a tremor at higher speed. All 4 wheel balanced car tested with promise that appears to be sorted.
Plenty of comms from salesman and service manager.

Ok not the perfect start to new car ownership but I'll give credit to the dealer for handling the problem well.

1 hour ago, Aspman said:

 All 4 wheel balanced car tested with promise that appears to be sorted.

 

Tracking checked/adjusted to sort the toe?

 

Gaz

1 hour ago, Aspman said:

at higher speed

 

Did they say which higher speed?

 

On 26/04/2023 at 16:28, Gaz said:

 

Tracking checked/adjusted to sort the toe?

 

Gaz

Dunno, but tbh I'll take it to a proper place for that myself

On 26/04/2023 at 16:45, AnnoyingPentium said:

 

Did they say which higher speed?

 

I suggested to them that that car needed tested at "slightly naughty speeds". Enthusiastic overtaking speeds or possibly just any motorway down south speeds.

So 18month is on and looks like the Mazzer has to go. No for any problems just that reality means we need a bit more of a load lugger.
The mazzer has a huge boot but it's a slot so great for 2 but a struggle for 4. Also my Mrs has refused to drive it as the 21 inch alloys are worth about 30% of the car and she's notorious for knocking kerbs.

I will be sad to see it go, it's so preeety. It's also increadibly comfortable and a properly nice place to sit in.
It's foibles are forgivable, it's not the best to drive, the gearbox has it's own mind, the CD player can't really be used because the gear selector is in the way.

But it's been completely reliable and not too bad on fuel. People keep asking me if it's broken yet and it genuinely hasn't not a sqeak or a rattle even.

I've made one enquiry on a 530d Touring but the dealer very much gave a "we don't want your car" price.I spoke to the dealer I bought the mazzer from and he'd quite like it back though we haven't agreed a price. He's off on a hunt to find a replacement since ideally we'll do a deal again.

So fingers crossed next car is some form of V8 estate.

18 minutes ago, Aspman said:

.. we need a bit more of a load lugger.

So fingers crossed next car is some form of V8 estate.

 

https://www.drive.com.au/news/paul-newmans-v8-powered-volvo-wagon-for-sale/

 

😁

 

I broke a rear wheel on the 520d Touring and got it welded till I could get a new one.   Nice, £250.  

Edited 8 August, 20241 yr by Ootohere

Trying to reconcile all our cars right now.
Current thinking is that we could replace the Jimny and and countryman with something like a Scooby Outback or forrester. That'll load lug and be comfy enough to go on holiday (slowly) plus do my winter days in the field.
Then we'd freed up to get somethign silly with 4 seats. Maybe that M5 comp I've hankered after or an M4 etc. Remover the need for a big  boot and the choices open out.
But I have stated no hybrid, no electric. I think this is probably the last chance to get someting big and oily

https://www.lister.com/available-models/lfp