Imagine yourself behind the wheel of a large Italian sedan designed by Pininfarina, with full-grain leather and a Ferrari V8 producing over 400 hp, capable of 275 km/h... and all for the price of a new Dacia. Sounds unreal, but that's exactly what the classified ad sites are offering today: Maserati Quattroporte Vs starting at €10,000 and, more regularly, between €13,000 and €15,000.
For example, there's a 2005 Quattroporte, 110,000 km, petrol and automatic gearbox, for €13,000. Or a 2004 version, 115,000 km, offered by a professional for just €7,500! Prices that almost make you smile, when you remember that twenty years ago, these cars were selling for well over €100,000 when new.
Why such a discount?
As is often the case at the top end of the market, it's the weight of time and maintenance costs that weigh down the residual value. The F136 V8 developed by Ferrari is generally reliable, but the bills can be high. An overhaul, a water pump, pilot-controlled suspension... and the bill quickly climbs. Not to mention certain parts shared with Ferrari, which also command luxury-brand prices.
The first real trap concerns the gearbox. Pre-2007 models were equipped with the famous DuoSelect, a robotized gearbox (also known as an F1 gearbox) known for its brutal shifts (some like it, others hate it, I'm in the first category) and its clutch, which is expensive to replace. Replacement may be necessary after 30,000 km if the car has been driven with a little too much enthusiasm. From 2007 onwards, Maserati finally offered the Quattroporte with the much smoother and more durable ZF torque converter transmission, making these models much more sought-after.
Careful inside
At this price, beyond the condition of the bodywork or wheels, it's above all the interior that can betray the Quattroporte's age. Plastics can have a tendency to stick over time (a well-known Maserati problem, which can be solved with a little elbow grease), and the headliner sometimes has a nasty habit of peeling off (a repair that can cost around €1,000 from a professional). The electronics can also be temperamental, especially when it comes to the car radio. But given current car prices, many owners don't hesitate to replace it with a modern, more reliable multimedia system.
An "Italian suit" at an affordable price
But to reduce the Quattroporte to its shortcomings would be unfair. Even today, it's hard to remain insensitive to its Pininfarina-sculpted lines, which have aged wonderfully well. The interior, with its mix of wood, leather and classic instrumentation, exudes Italian elegance. And on the road, the naturally-aspirated V8 delivers an intoxicating sound that reminds us that, even at a discount, we're still in a world apart.
Driving a Maserati Quattroporte for less than €15,000 is a dream come true. For weekend use, or even daily driving if you're lucky enough to find a model in good condition with the ZF gearbox, it's a unique experience. And as usual, it's better to spend €18,000 on a well-maintained model, than €12,000 on one that has been neglected, and often sold as is.
Should you give in?
The real question is not so much reliability as the ability to cover the costs that will come sooner or later. For this Maserati, however affordable it may be to buy, remains a large luxury sedan with high running costs. So it's best to set aside a reserve, or risk seeing the adventure come to an end.
In short: yes, driving a Quattroporte "for the price of a Dacia" is possible. But it's not a rational plan. It's a passionate choice. And like all Italian loves, it requires attention, patience... and a slightly prepared wallet.
✅ Checklist before buying a used Maserati Quattroporte V
- Full maintenance booklet: require invoices and history, ideally followed up at Maserati or Italian specialist.
- Gearbox :
- DuoSelect → request recent clutch invoice (replacement possible from 30,000 km).
- ZF → much more reliable, but check oil change and regular maintenance.
- Brakes: check disc and pad wear (heavy bill if complete replacement).
- Skyhook suspension: check for leaks or electronic alerts on the dashboard.
- V8 engine: listen when cold and hot, no suspicious rattling.
- Electronics: test car radio, windows, air conditioning, parking sensors and instrumentation.
- Interior: check the condition of leather, sticky plastics and headlining.
- Fuel consumption & insurance: expect 15-20 L/100 km and more than 30 HP. Ask for an insurance quote before you buy.
- Road test: essential for testing gearbox behavior, roadholding, suspension noise and braking power.
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Ahhhh those famous interiors with sticky plastics that become real nests of m****...
Typical of the late 90s to mid-2000s, when soft-touch was used everywhere. A thin, soft film that covered a lot of elements but degraded too quickly over time to become sticky and grimy.
It's true that Maserati was fond of this. The 3200 and 4200 Coupes also had their share. Everyone used it. And indeed, scraping with a fingernail or the green side of a sponge went a long way towards exposing the plastic, which became rough.
in fact, Maserati is not the only brand concerned... Alfa Romeo and Ferrari too... even Porsche.
Oh yes, lots of brands! From the Peugeot 406 (door handles), to Ferraris and even Renault Premium trucks (door handles too) haha
German, American, Italian, French, Japanese, English, they've all abused it.
So it depends: if you can afford it, go ahead and buy the 2 versions (which is what I did, upgrading from 4.2 & 4.7 to 4.8), and if you can't afford it, know that if you're in the passenger transport business (which I am), they're real customer magnets, so you can maintain them as they should be.
Don't hesitate to call in a reputable independent and find out which parts can be sourced from Alfa or Lancia, the price will be a thousand times less.
Don't forget that they're at their lowest, and at some point the coast will rise again...
Excellent writeup. As an owner of two F1 "Cambiocorsa" equipped cars, and after having driven both F1 and ZF versions of the QP, the F1 is clearly the enthusiast's choice for open twisty roads. The ZF only managed to get in there when Fiat took the QP away from Ferrari and is a compromise for hotel valets, and stop-n-go city driving between redlights. The F1 is fantastic for those with manual transmission literacy and the clutch will last a long time with competent use of the " flappy paddles ". These are magnificent vehicles of exceptional value brought to you by " King " Luca di Montezemolo.
Yes, it's tempting, but you need to budget at least €2/3,000 a year for maintenance.
Not to mention an operating budget of €1,500 for 5,000 km.
And €1,000 insurance for 50% bonus.
With a view to making it a pleasure car, not a daily like a Dacia.
Otherwise, for the price of a new Clio, you can buy a V6 diesel Ghibli (what a horror I hear - it's true that it's not really in the brand's DNA, but at least it can be used as a daily driver).
Recensione molto interessante. Grazie
Personalmente, sto riflettendo, se acquistare un Ghibli del 2020 diesel 250 CV., perché il benzina non riesco a trovarlo se non a 349 CV o superiore. È un passo importante per me e oltre non posso permettermelo., forse è un azzardo prima di andare in pensione.
Mi fa paura quanto ho letto sul problema dell albero a camme. Se qualcuno può darmi un consiglio Ve ne sarei grato. Oppure, prenderò la LEVANTE, sempre 250 CV diesel., ma rinuncerei alla sportività. Grazie Stefano 64
私はmaintenanceに年間500€は用意してます。