I am seriously thinking about buying one of these for a DD. I was thinking I would like an AMG , but they are everywhere, and they don't look very special to me. I need a four door, because my kids are getting big. I really need to teach myself about the ins and outs of what years to avoid, what trans to choose, which one to skip, I understand they can eat up a clutch with F1. Can the clutch wear data be downloaded like some Ferraris? Is there a forum or an online buyers guide, or perhaps a magazine article I can buy to help me? Budget: I don't want to spend more then 50, preferably less. Thanks
3 main dedicated Masa forums for the newer cars -m@seratilife -sportsmaserati -maseratiforum Google them, good luck
I owned an '05 Quattroporte for a couple of years. I thought it was a great car, just a little too big for what I wanted/needed. Although it never felt BIG when I was driving it. I consider it the most elegant in design of any current 4-door sports sedan. F1 transmission, the only one in '05-'06 models, great fun to drive but yes requires maintenance. F1 pump does not commonly fail. Clutch lasts 15-40k miles depending on a variety of factors but most damaging is a lot of city-like stop and go. Many with the F1 add a Drive-by-wire modification which improves the shift speed and probably adds a little extra life to the clutch. Clutch data can be measured with the right tool SD2/SD3 or the new Leonardo syste Switched to ZF 6 speed automatic in mid-2007 model year and discontinued F1. Prices are coming down but a low mileage ZF model will probably be more than $50. The F! models are typically below $50 presuming they are not ultra-low mileage examples. Bottom line, I REALLY liked that car. There may be a ZF model in future.
