Welcome to another edition of what could possibly go wrong – a used car series where I explore a car that formerly commanded the big bucks, but thanks to deprecation is now potentially the bargain of the century.
I’ve previously looked at bargain Aston Martins, Porsches, Audis and even a Vauxhall, but this week it’s time to move to Italy for our money pit. This used luxury saloon ticks all the right boxes to be both a bargain and wallet-draining to run, but it’s certainly more exciting than an sensible Fiat for as little as £7,000.
Let’s start with the good news: a mechanically sound example is fantastic to drive. It may weigh nearly two tonnes, but it handles enthusiastically and is wonderfully responsive. The adaptive suspension – called Skyhook – is designed to absorb bumps while firming up on demanding roads. It’s crashy at low speeds but helps hide the weight and keeps everything feeling taut.
Pop the bonnet of a Quattroporte and there’s an engine jointly developed by Ferrari and Maserati. Yes, this saloon has a Ferrari V8 – the cam covers are even painted red like you’d find on a Ferrari supercar (it's blue for automatic 4.2 models).
For the first couple of years, this engine was 4.2 litres in size and produced 395hp, which meant it was good for a top speed of 171mph. From 2008, a larger 4.7-litre V8 was offered, producing an impressive 424hp, jumping to 434hp with the GT S and its sportier exhaust. Every example is rear-wheel drive, with power delivered via either a DuoSelect automated manual gearbox or a six-speed automatic.
If you need more justification beyond a Ferrari V8 for the same price as a Ford Fiesta, just look at the interior. Every Quattroporte features soft Poltrona Frau leather finished with distinctive piped edging, deep carpets, and the choice between wood and carbon fibre interior trim. Admittedly, the in-car technology looks dated and there are some shockingly tacky interior configurations on the web, but it’s a first-class experience – especially if lounging in the back.
In a shock I didn’t see coming, parts availability is outstanding – certainly better than the Vauxhall Monaro I featured recently. Every consumable part I looked for was available to buy, from a simple servicing kit of filters (£141.23) to front brake discs (£369.86 for a pair).
It gets better though: a replacement headlight cluster (£2,167.83) and even a brand-new front bumper (£1,316.12) were among the vast catalogue of parts available for the Maserati. There is undoubtedly a price premium attached, but everything appears to be available – excellent news if buying used.
The Porsche Panamera is an obvious rival for the Quattroporte, with an equally prestigious badge, strong performance credentials, and the same four-door layout. It’s not as stylish as the Maserati, parts will also be expensive, and diesel dominates the cheaper end of the market – not a patch on the bellow of the Maserati’s petrol V8.
A sensible Italian car for similar money could be an Alfa Romeo Giulia (don’t laugh, it can be a reliable used buy). Like the Quattroporte, it’s a stylish Italian saloon and a joyous car to drive, but the Alfa Romeo is smaller, more modern, and should prove cheaper to run. I’m yet to see the epic Giulia Quadrifoglio – which also has a Ferrari-derived engine – for under £40,000, annoyingly.
The closest thing in Maserati’s current roster is the Grecale SUV, a car that’s great to drive and nicely trimmed, but rather expensive new. And if Maserati’s track record is anything to go by, it’ll depreciate like a sack of spuds down a lift shaft. Give it 10 years and expect to see it on WCPGW.
To find out more, read our full Maserati Quattroporte (2004-2012) review
Pros
- Superb Ferrari V8 engine
- Sumptuous interior
- An enjoyable car in the corners
Cons
- Small boot for the size of car
- Lots of small bits to go wrong
FAQs: what you need to know about a used Maserati Quattroporte
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How much does a used Maserati Quattroporte cost?
The cheapest I’ve seen a Maserati Quattroporte on the used market was just under £7,000. For that price, expect it to be a high miler with the flakier DuoSelect gearbox. A sum of £12,000 is still a gamble but will unlock some tidier examples with fewer miles on the clock and a more complete service history.
The desirable 4.7-litre V8 models start around £20,000 for a tidy example, rising to closer to £30,000 for a sorted GT S with a full service history. -
How much did the Maserati Quattroporte cost new?
Back when it launched in 2004, a Maserati Quattroporte would have set you back £75,000 before options, while a quicker GT was £82,000. Post-facelift cars from 2008 onwards started at £80,000, while the S and GTS models cost for £86,500 and £93,500 respectively.
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How to buy a used Maserati Quattroporte
Tickled your fancy? Well here are five essential things to look for before buying one:
DuoSelect gearbox: This automated manual gearbox is known for being jerky and going through clutches at a rapid rate.
Electronics: It’s a very complex car and there are a lot of electronics to go wrong. Water ingress and age can cause havoc, and repairs aren’t simple, so be sure to check every electronically operated device.
Engine rattle: The timing variators can wear and rattle over time, and it’s a costly repair.
Sticky trim: More an annoyance, but the rubberised buttons on the interior can become sticky and peel with age.
Subframe: The body is aluminium so will not rust (but can suffer from corrosion), but the subframe is steel. Inspect it thoroughly, as it’s known to rot.
Should you buy a used Maserati Quattroporte?
It’s the definition of a head versus heart situation, but I’m having to go with a firm no unless you’re looking to spend at least £12,000. I adore the looks, the style, the engine, and the way it handles. I can even justify it as a used buy on the grounds of excellent parts supply. But there’s a reason why aging Maseratis are so cheap, and the cheapest Quattroportes will probably be a constant source of problems.
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