Looking at a fun filled year as I get closer to finishing my garage project. Would seriously consider adding a Maserati. Looking at 4 options: 2009-2012 Quattroporte S with the 4.7 engine 2009+ GranTurismo S or Sport with the same 4.7 engine 2014+ Quattroporte GTS with the new 3.8 turbo engine Skip any more 4-seaters... We have a crew cab tundra truck and an e-class so I really don’t need any more cars with 4 seats. Our kids are grown up and in college and beyond. But I like the idea of having another option to the truck as my “daily” since my wife always has the e-class with her. Comfort and style is a big plus for this. My daily use is typically limited to less than 4k per year plus getaway trips (like Vegas) because of my intense travel for work and back and forth for a weekly airport runs in the spring to fall. So whatever I add won’t get as heavy use as most cars chosen for daily duty. But I like these cars and the idea of adding another Italian to be with the Ferraris. The QPs is a great bargain now at around 35-40k. That value and the fact it sounds great and looks better than an M5 or amg e63 in my opinion have it on my list. Seems like a bargain and comfortable and still sporting. Does it’s interior plastics get sticky? I also like the newer QP gts with the turbo motor and more modern look and interior. It is a lighter car now. It has much more room in the back although I don’t think the back seats will ever really get used much. It is also a good looking car and seems endlessly long and luxurious -more like a 7-series competitor. I’m not sure if it is mainly a rebadged Chrysler 300... because of the FCA parts bin sharing going on now, except for the motor. I know it is not as hand built as the older QP and can have issues with electrics and the huge panel gaps inside. It is also a quieter car than the 4.7 engines which to me is a negative but is seriously fast. I’ve seen several and like the interior feel and operational ergonomics. It looks like a more modern car in all ways. Have they fixed the interior sticky bits yet? Prices running around 45-50k used. I think the GranTurismo S is a very pretty car and it’s also in the running. It has been out a long time. It is a tighter fit inside than the QP’s. Access to the rear seats (even for adding extra bags is a bit slow). I like the sounds. I like the design, and I like the feel in the cabin although there are those sticky interior bits. It is a big heavy car and seems just as big driving as the QP. I like that it is a pininfarina design. I mostly like it’s fit and finish. I think it looks great in dark colors. Runs around 45-65k used. Which of the three would the group jump at given comfort, driving fun, and style as parameters? Or would you suggest I skip any more four seaters and just put that cash toward more smaller 2-seaters? They all have pluses. Appreciate your points of view. Thanks. Robb Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
Robb, Interesting "dilemma". I have experience with the Q'porte '08 (pre-facelift) and the GranCabrio (still own both). Both are gorgeous "old-school" cars. Fantastic engines, sound and style. In terms of modern electronics, they are of course from a different era. But they are the type of cars you can't resist looking over your shoulder to admire when parking them. The new Q'porte (not based on the Chrysler 300, but a Maserati development) is a more modern, but lacks the style and "sense of occasion". Happy hunting!
Robb, GT's and QP's get sticky - we refinish them often - have some QP parts in bound now.... For the rare occasion of needing back seats, the GT is fine. Remember, I just paid $54K for a 2013 sport, 7160 miles, 1 owner car. The 2013 has the MC style front and racing type seats. I can't wait to drive it. Have a new Alcantara headliner on order now.
2010 and later Maserati Granturismo's are a blast to drive with little maintenance issues. You'll stand out driving or doing whatever you like in the car, and it sounds great. Can't tell you how many times I still enjoy watching YouTube videos of Maseratis in Monaco. The 4-door Maseratis are a little tame for my taste.
If a GranTurismo then go for the V8 engine in the 454hp (460PS) specification (F136 YQ/YS). Available since 2012 (–present, I guess officially called model generation 2013) in the GranTurismo Sport and MC like also in the GranCabrion Sport and MC, extremely solid and powerful over a wide revving range. Important to know: next to different modifications these cars do have much (!!) better seats (see the video at 6.25). Have fun! A further inspiration for you:
