Current Alfa and would-be Maserati owner

macaroni

New Member
Messages
227
Hello,
looking to replace my 156 gta with a Quattroporte, after finally persuading the teenage kids that a long journey in the back of 3200 would not be fun for them.

I'm looking at the lower end of the market, but there seems to be some lovely cars out there for not much money.

I appreciate that, like the gta, the purchase price is merely a down payment on ownership, but a reasonable QP can't cost more to run than an old gta...can it?

Living in Tunbridge Wells, ADG/Giallo are my nearest specialists so will look to having a word with them at some point.

Any advice gratefully received and I hope to pop up here again as a fully-fledged owner in the near future!

Cheers,

Antony
 

conaero

Forum Owner
Messages
34,593
Welcome Macaroni.

I must confess I am not a QP expert, but I do know they are very, very good cars which give little agro. The members with the Sport GT seem to rave about them the most, but maybe just because they are a more involving drive over the full auto.

Someone will be a long in a while who is more QP focused, if not, PM Gixerboy/Dave, he knows these cars inside out.
 

Fangio63

Member
Messages
614
I took that path - selling a GTA wagon and replacing it with a 4200.... there's far more room in the back of a 4200 (and a 3200) than the GTA...and very much more comfortable - for adults in the back seats as well as kids... Boot space compromised... obviously... but unless you've more than two kids - or really want the big barge... don't rule out a coupe...

I've not been to ADG... but I've kept an eye on their stock... and It seems to me they know their market very well - and source some great cars... Worthwile looking out on a few independents too on the classified ... Condition and history for these seems to be be more important than miles and year... Most have been loved .. but a few neglected ones out there... so tread carefully... As there are so few around - whatever you find might well be owned or known to forum members... You will find plenty of knowledge and support from senior members here..

Good Luck..
 

philw696

Member
Messages
25,114
The Coupe is roomier than you think.
I have been all over Europe in my 4200 with a 16 and 13 year old lads in the back.
They sleep most of the time when your driving only waking for food and drink.
Phil.
 

Fangio63

Member
Messages
614
The Coupe is roomier than you think.
I have been all over Europe in my 4200 with a 16 and 13 year old lads in the back.
They sleep most of the time when your driving only waking for food and drink.
Phil.

I'd second that... I've a 16 year old and an 18 year old.... both over 6'.... and whilst I'm in a GT right now it's no bigger in the back than the 4200... Both of then have plenty of legroom... and the central armrest seems to stop them fighting !...
 

macaroni

New Member
Messages
227
Hi,
thanks for your input, very interesting.

Without ever having sat in a coupe, they look quite tight, but as my boys are 15 and 13, your comments are noted.

I guess I need to stop window shopping and go sit in, and drive, a few.
I'd prefer a 3200 to be honest, always go weak-kneed at the sight of them, but thought a QP would be more family-friendly.

Cheers,

Antony
 

Fangio63

Member
Messages
614
Maserati back seats for me have always been their USP... if you actually intend to use them then Astons, Jags Porsche just don't have anything to offer... and more space than most standard saloons... As I'm in real estate "deceptively spacious" is entirely appropriate..

There'll be no shortage of members extolling the excitement of 3200 ownership - and rightly so... but the 4200 a safer choice in my opinion, (less scope for the unexpected - both on the road and in the garage).. and lots of fun to be had out of the cc gearbox..
For what you'd pay for a QP you'd be in Gransport territory ... and there's a few nice ones around right now...... Pay ADG a visit and take one out...
 

Felonious Crud

Administrator
Staff member
Messages
21,013
I have been all over Europe in my 4200 with a 16 and 13 year old lads in the back.
They sleep most of the time when your driving only waking for food and drink.
Phil.

Phil - you just described my children exactly, although your description is equally applicable whether they're in a car or in the house.
 

macaroni

New Member
Messages
227
Oh my God, Cowsurgeon's car is perfect! Shame it is so far away, although would be good to see the Toon again.
Just done a Directline quote for it and it comes in at HALF the annual premium of my Alfa!!

If my kids fit in the back of one, as you guys say they should, it will be mine.
 

drewf

Member
Messages
7,159
I've had my QP (Exec GT with F1 gearbox) for a couple of years now, and it has cost no more than any of the other cars to run. Discounting my initial spend to bring it up to standard (wheels refurbed, full service, new tyres all-round etc), it has cost around £750 per year. There is a big boot, and immense room in the back... Having sat in the 4200s though, the guys are right - there is plenty of room in the back of the coupes for adults, considerably more than Aston/Porsche/Jag etc.
 

macaroni

New Member
Messages
227
That's less to run than my GTa!!

I don't really need a big boot, as for family hols we can use the wife's Giulietta.

Must try a 3200, NOW!

Or, if someone can confirm that a Gransport is similar in the back to a 3200, I'll try tonight at ADG 7oaks.
 

MAF260

Member
Messages
7,662
Oh my God, Cowsurgeon's car is perfect! Shame it is so far away, although would be good to see the Toon again.
Just done a Directline quote for it and it comes in at HALF the annual premium of my Alfa!!

If my kids fit in the back of one, as you guys say they should, it will be mine.

Cowsurgeon's car is an excellent example. How do I know? I used to own the car and know how much money has been spent on her!

Planes and high speed trains mean that nowhere is too far away to view a car. When you're looking for something as specific as a Maserati you need to be prepared to travel for the right car.
 

dem maser

Moderator
Messages
34,221
Oh my God, Cowsurgeon's car is perfect! Shame it is so far away, although would be good to see the Toon again.
Just done a Directline quote for it and it comes in at HALF the annual premium of my Alfa!!

If my kids fit in the back of one, as you guys say they should, it will be mine.
that's the reason I punted it to you...its one of the best....jump on a plane and go.........for the sake of £50 plane fair and a day you could buy a lemon
 

Fangio63

Member
Messages
614
gransports and 4200 pretty much identical in the back to the 3200.... a trip to ADG and you'd be better placed to appreciate the diff when you take the trip North... the 3200 offers a rather different driving experience to the others... and looks better in my view.... careful though you might find you're hooked
 

macaroni

New Member
Messages
227
I agree about the 3200 looking better and its the rawer driving experience I am after. When you say "different", is that a euphemism for worse?
 

Fangio63

Member
Messages
614
absolutely not... but I am a bit of a woose... a few years ago now but I found the clutch on the 3200 very heavy... and when you've had heavy traffic for a while you'll have a left thigh like a weightlifter.. .. When the turbos kick in on the 3200 it's utterly thrilling..
On the other hand.. the paddle shift gearbox on the 4200 a work of genius... really very involving - once you've got the hang of it.. and the GS even better.. Neither feel like they'll kill you ... but with the 3200 I felt it just might..

Then there's the cam belt change issue on the 3200.. better now than when I looked in terms of cost .. whereas the 4200 engine is chain driven - so no issues .. and no turbos to go wrong .. so pretty bulletproof... but you do go through clutches..

Its a trade off.... try them all... there's one to suit you.. even if you end up back where you started with a QP...

And tbh... it's a lot of fun finding out ... one of the forum members has a beaut of a GS up for sale in Blue... I'd be tempted to start there..if he's still got it .. a very tempting price.. and a known car... then maybe check out the 3200... see which puts the biggest smile on your face ...

tough life isn't it ?...
 

highlander

Member
Messages
5,214
you need to try them.I was originally in the market for a 4200 or a QP. tried both then on an off chance, I tried a 3200..........for me that was the car and no turning back, the kick from the twins and the looks just keep the grin on my face every time I am out in her. so in short, try all 3 and see which one leaves that grin on your face, remember half the fun is in the search!
re upkeep, no expert but my opinion is all 3 have good and not so good points re maintenance costs, factor in 2k per year for a good example of any one of the three and you will be fine...........pays your money and takes your choice so to speak.
 

Fangio63

Member
Messages
614
remember half the fun is in the search!
.

Highlander is spot on...I suspect I'm not the only one here who's a bit jealous of your dilemma ... rather nostalgic now for when I first tried these out ... Whatever happens you need to keep us fully informed of your progress....

then we can all re -live it vicariously ...