Maserati Quattroporte III ?

[audiman08]

I noticed one of these for sale a few hours from home, for a modest 6.5K. As I've become more interested in cars, I've been toying with the idea of selling my boat in the spring for an old Italian car, either an Alfa, Lancia, or Maserati. Anyway, I know these were pre-bi turbo and TC, which were junk, and wiki claims they were the last handbuilt models. It has a 4.9 V-8 (280 hp), nice interior, 72K miles. The body looks almost like an old Audi 100 C3 IMO. Any thoughts?

Hemmings Motor News: Auto Classifieds - Hemmings Auto Classifieds feature cars for sale nation wide.

[Joeaksa]

Good friend of mine had one of these. It sat in my driveway waiting on parts more than he drove it.

Run, far and fast, away from this unless its in excellent shape and you have 2-3 other cars to drive while this one is being repaired.

[tangerine911S]

I think its pretty ugly actually.

[futuresoptions]

For $6500. I would find a 912 to tinker with...

[john walker's workshop]

wouldn't touch it with a 30ft pole. where are you going to find parts, or someone with any repair info?

[creaturecat]

Run. Fast.

[audiman08]

Originally Posted by john walker's workshop

wouldn't touch it with a 30ft pole. where are you going to find parts, or someone with any repair info?

Parts may be the deal killer, I've been looking in the Maserati Forums for suppliers. It would be nice to think the Maserati people have a "pelican" website of their own with parts but maybe that's wishful thinking. I was at the St. Louis European Auto Show last summer, and not a single old Maserati..maybe that has more to do with parts than production numbers..

[legion]

Italian cars look beautiful, but they have to because they spend a lot of time sitting.

[javadog]

Originally Posted by legion

Italian cars look beautiful, but they have to because they spend a lot of time sitting.

I've had three, including some that were made in fewer number than this thing and reliability wasn't an issue. Parts can be hard to find, although that is getting to be the case with a lot of cars, not just Italian ones.

Having said that, cars like this are usually way behind on maintenance and repairs, so you may find lots of problems on day 1. On the other hand, it can be fun to just drop a few grand and enjoy it for a while. Lots of people piss away that kind of money in casinos, or other pointless diversions.

Why don't you buy it so we can follow along vicariously, in a I-just-bought-a-beater-Maserati thread. We're bored with the threads we have now....

JR

[audiman08]

Originally Posted by javadog

I've had three, including some that were made in fewer number than this thing and reliability wasn't an issue. Parts can be hard to find, although that is getting to be the case with a lot of cars, not just Italian ones.

Having said that, cars like this are usually way behind on maintenance and repairs, so you may find lots of problems on day 1. On the other hand, it can be fun to just drop a few grand and enjoy it for a while. Lots of people piss away that kind of money in casinos, or other pointless diversions.

Why don't you buy it so we can follow along vicariously, in a I-just-bought-a-beater-Maserati thread. We're bored with the threads we have now....

JR

lol, great entertainment for you guys....possible frustration for me Actually, it looks pretty clean, which is what caught my eye. I've seen a lot of hopeless Maseratis, mostly from the Citroen, and bi-turbo/TC-eras (the worst years for Maserati). However, I would need to research it and see what to look for....and then maybe get a PPI, before getting serious. Judging from the replies, I may shelf the Italian sports car dream for now.

[hcariss]

Love them, I think its a sleeper classic.

[Seahawk]

Originally Posted by hcariss

Love them, I think its a sleeper classic.

It's a sleeper because it won't start

[audiman08]

They are definitely different than most other Maseratis, in looks. The first generation is very beautiful, but way out of my price range. The third generation has kind of an Audi 100 or Aston Martin Lagonda look, but is larger with a wider back end. From what I've read, this is the last "good" Maserati until the 3200 in the 90s.



A pretty big car (for Maserati)

[notfarnow]

I love them... and have also seen really nice looking ones for <5k and thought they'd make an interesting classic beater. Lotta car for the $$, and what a great sounding engine.

But then again, I think Citroen SMs are cool

[audiman08]

I just got an e-mail from the owner, he said it's in impeccable shape and sent more pictures. Apparently he shows the car. Ever the cynic, I would need to go see the awards myself... and might as well drive the car while I'm there. Man, I think I have the Maserati bug now, I need to talk myself out of this.

[Seahawk]

All I can tell you is that the Series II (could be a 3.4 or 3.8) on the left was our family car when I was a kid.

Buy it.

Drive it.

Sell it.

Don't regret it.

Originally Posted by audiman08

[Joeaksa]

Originally Posted by notfarnow

I love them...

But then again, I think Citroen SMs are cool

Sorry but you need professional help!

You been drinking too much of that maple syrup?

[onewhippedpuppy]

Restore an old Alfa GTV so I can live vicariously through you.

[Mrmerlin]

If you like the Mazer 4 Port
I would also check out the Lamborghini Espada very cool.......IMHO

[tabs]

if ya want to abuse yourself Porn is alot cheaper...