Recently I’ve been pondering the question, “What do I replace my 2005 Jaguar S-Type with if it ever caves in on me?” I have long held the position that the “best” car to own is one with “Jewel Box Beauty,” a phrase I coined (cribbed from a Packard brochure) to describe a car that is somewhat smaller than full-size, but finely crafted with lots of beauty, luxury, and attention to detail. It should be smooth, quiet, and nice to drive–with a certain kind of “charisma” and classic elegance. Unfortunately, as SUVs have taken over the world, there aren’t that many Jewel Box Beauty cars out there these days. But now I think I’ve found one.
Isn’t it beautiful? It’s a 2012 Maserati Quattroporte–a modern classic. This is like “The Car Nobody Knows”. I had seen a couple Maserati SUVs at the supermarket parking lot, but none of these sleek sedans. CC has never before featured any Quattroportes of this generation. The styling is somewhat Buick-like, but while the Buick is “old man stodgy” and not that special, this Maserati is cool in a “James Bond” kind of way. Quattroporte means “four doors” in Italian. Four doors doesn’t sound very glamorous, but anything said in Italian, French, or Castilian Spanish sounds much more classy and sophisticated.
How about that grille? Shades of the ’50s, with that striking Maserati trident leading the way. Sporty and expensive-looking.
Nothing too radical back here–just distinctively refined tail lights and quad exhaust. There’s a trunk script bearing the magic name “Maserati” to let everyone behind you know what you’re driving.
Take a look inside–this is a real Italian exotic. Wood, leather; wonderful to the touch I’m sure. Jewel Box Beauty at its finest!
Rear compartment with its throne-like seats.
Features you need, but with controls that are not too complicated. A lot like my S-Type.
Performance? Lots of it! That’s a Ferrari-derived V-8 engine with 425 horsepower. (0-60 in about 5 seconds). From what I’ve read, this Quattroporte is smooth, supple, and quiet despite its massive horsepower, and the highway ride is supreme. Handling is said to be excellent, with a tiny bit of “goo” in the steering to keep it from being over-sensitive. The automatic transmission is a German six-speed, which reportedly mates well with this engine. Overall, everything sounds terrific! And get this–the original retail price for this Quattroporte was $127,000. Good used examples today sell for around $16,000; theoretically doable for me. I mean, what a bargain!
Yes, I’d love to get behind the wheel of one of these Quattroportes and see and feel what it’s really like. Unfortunately, finding one locally is not so easy. I would prefer the base S model instead of the over-powerful and stiff GT. Ironically, a lot of these Quattroportes are in basic colors like white, black, or silver. Why would you buy a car like this in such a blah color? I like the maroon or even this dark blue example:
According to internet chatter, all these beautiful things about the Quattroporte are marred by poor reliability, the potential for expensive repairs, and fit-and-finish that is not as well-made and durable as you would expect. Of course, they said the same thing about my Jaguar, and I haven’t gotten creamed on that. I suspect a lot depends on luck of the draw, your driving style, and how well you take care of your car. But if trouble does come, I have found that finding competent people to do repairs without charging huge amounts of money is a big concern.
So that’s my Maserati dream. Whether the reality of ownership would actually be as nice as the dream is still unknown. Despite the massive depreciation from new, this would still be a rather expensive upgrade for me. But as all well know, “You only live once, right?” What do you think of owning this distinctive and head-turning Maserati?
Photos from Business Insider, Pook & Pook, Inc., MaseratiLife.com, and BringATrailer.com
Do it! These cars are an extreme bargain since everyone seems to be afraid of them. I’ve always loved the looks of the Quattroportes, particularly the earlier 2000’s (although they don’t have the robust ZF transmissions). I don’t really care for that maroon color, but dark charcoal gray/black “Grigio Granito” is nice, and I think that silvery pewter color, whatever elegant Italian name they call it, looks great on Quattroportes too. And who could argue with blue on a Maserati?
My wife bought a 2012 Gran Turismo S about 5 years ago, despite all my efforts to talk her out of it and into something German. I tried so hard to hate that car, but it is so beautiful inside and out! I even enjoy doing its oil changes and changed the differential fluid last year. Hers has an x-pipe installed by the previous owner, and you’ll have a hard time finding another car that sounds better. Granted, we only get it out occasionally and in nice weather, but have had zero problems with it. I think the engine and transmission are pretty bulletproof. Only issue you will have with the interior, and I said “will” not “might”, is sticky buttons. But you can fix that, and Maserati is not the only marque with this issue. If these came with three petals as an option, I would probably have to have one for myself since you can pick them up for so cheap. I’ve always wanted to dry one of the 2009 examples with the F1 transmission, but probably shouldn’t because I would probably have to have it. I need to try to remain focused on my ’84 Euro 928S 5-sp project. . .
Apologies for the voice-to-text errors. Pedals, not petals, and drive, not dry!
Like your wife, I like the 2-door GT better than the quattraporte. That car is pure 60’s / 70’s sex on wheels. If I had one to drive, I would be looking for the Monte Carlo casino every time I took it for a spin.
That’s funny — sometimes I cue up and stream “Sex on Wheels” by My Life With The Thrill Kill Kult when we go out for a cruise.
It’s a beautiful car, and I would not rate it worse in reliability than an equivalent German car of the same era.
There are a couple of critical points: one is the Duo Select transmission, but by 2009 that was already substituted with the ZF torque converter transmission coupled with the 4.7 V8, and the other is the SkyHook suspension which can lead to expensive repairs (some trims have traditional shocks – might be worth investigating).
Costs of parts and service might be the critical point however; I would imagine there are few service centers for Maserati, with high hourly rates , and parts are already expensive here in Italy – can’t imagine what they would be in the US after markup, duties etc.
I think the “Duo Select” is same or similar to the “automated manual” F1 that I spoke of as being a 2009-only option on the GranTurismo S sold in the U.S.. And it’s a transaxle, as compared to the more boring but much more reliable ZF transmission.
Good points about the Skyhook suspension. I forgot to mention that, and our GTS doesn’t have it, thankfully.
I’ve read the main problem with the DuoSelect automated-manual (the only trans available from ’03-08) was that they didn’t anticipate Americans’ tendency to let automatic cars “creep” at low speed in parking lots, traffic jams, etc. while riding the brakes lightly to moderate speed, which led to premature and excessive clutch wear.
The preventive workaround for that is to avoid riding the brakes at idle. Just let it creep unimpeded at idle in low gear, come to a full stop as needed, let some room ahead open up, repeat as needed.
The DuoSelect had also a tendency to being abrupt, acceptable in a sports car but less so in a vehicle that must also be comfortable and refined; in addition, in climbs and maneuvering at slow speed it would essentially “ride” the clutch, contributing to the excessive wear (and costly replacements).
Not surprising as these were common issues for the Ferrari “F1” transmission as well
Depends on what you want it for. My philosophy is there is transportation, and there are interesting cars. I hold them separate because using an interesting car for transportation often results in an experience that is too interesting and not enough transportation.
Sounds perfect for an interesting car, even if it caves in a Jaguar-esqe way it will still look beautiful sitting immobile until you can source the parts and expertise to make it right. And should it become irreparable losing $16k isn’t too bad, I’m sure some guys have lost more than that on their customized Chevy Cavalier.
If it floats your boat and you can find a good one, go for it.
Looks good. Even being a 4 door. 😉
I agree with you about the colors. I’m sure it would look good in Black as well, but a silver / grey one would make me want to punch a kitten. (JK, I wouldn’t do that, but I would really not like a silver or grey “non color” one.
Funny that you mentioned Buick. I thought the same thing at first, mainly because of the “Ventiports”.
Love that grille, though. I DO think they coulda /Shoulda done more with the rear end/ taillights. The ‘script” Maserati seems.. off, being on a “bland” Car rearend/Taillights, that could be from a 2000’s Honda/ Hyundai/ Toyota/ Chevy/ Buick/ Volvo/ Ford/ Nissan Mobile.
Would I take one? Of course.
“Jewel Box Beauty” – good phrase; I like the concept. I would be scared of that car but opinions may vary.
Were I looking for such a reasonable sized, high quality sedan my focus would be Mercedes W124 or W210. While either of the two earlier in line sixes would be fine for me the rarer small V-8 seems to be a sweet spot (E400, E420, E430). They have superior performance without the pretension of the E500s. You can find them in a pretty maroon metallic too. You can also find very nice ones in either 124 or 210 on BAT – at a cost. The interiors are spartan, with simple but excellent ergonomics and of very high quality. Plastic parts age and break (sun visor clips, hood release lever, etc.).
The 210s seem to have rust issues and you live in rust country. Get a western one. With either 124 or 210 you can generally easily get parts from MB dealers at a German parts price.
I can’t say much about Maserati reliability, given that my only experience driving one (albeit a SUV version with a somewhat less exotic engine) lasted only 4 days and I got to return it to the airport at the end of the experience. https://www.curbsideclassic.com/rental-review/2024-maserati-grecale-gt-the-farmers-daughter-of-rental-cars/ But perhaps the idea with a Maserati is that if you need to worry about reliability, then perhaps this isn’t the car for you.
I will say that the interiors of these things – from the one I rented to the Quattroporte in your photos – are seriously luxurious as maybe only the Italians can do. I think everyone driving one feels a bit like George Clooney in one of those really nice suits he wears. So yeah, Jewel Box Beauty…that could be yours.
One thing though that you may want to take into consideration if you grab one of these on the cheap (and yes, that seems quite do-able as they do have rock-like depreciation) is what it may do to your interaction with local law enforcement. It seems to take extra effort nowadays to get the attention of speed enforcement, but driving a Maserati is one clear way to do that. Even in Nebraska, in the middle of nowhere. Ask me how I know. 😉
So, you can afford the car. But can you afford the insurance?
One could also ask if you can afford the tune up?
Reminds me of Walter Matthau’s car (and a running gag) in the largely forgotten film “A New Leaf”. 🙂
Well, maybe not forgotten by Walter Matthau fans.
I think it’s one of the best comedies ever. Elaine May wrote and directed.
I’m a great fan of Walter Matthau – wonderful actor, and this is a very entertaining movie.
I’d say from the soundtrack that the problem with his ferrari was that someone had stolen 4 cylinders!
Another great picture from him is “Kotch”, btw…
Walter Matthau! Please sir, reappear in some form. Lord knows the mod’ren woyld needs ya.
Man made a lot of crappy films, natch (man’s gotta live, right?) But he raised even those, and took the good ones right up there.
Though probably not in a ’60’s Ferrari.
I’m a Maserati owner, so probably a bit biased, but I’d say do it!
Do your research though – you don’t want the automated manual transmission – you want the ZF full auto. I’d look for one without the Skyhook system (but I have heard you can replace with conventional dampers) and they look great in the darker colors – dark blue seems to really suit Masers. This generation of QP is absolutely stunning IMHO, both inside and out – a lighter interior color or the red offered really shows off that interior.
The elephant in the room is obviously build quality and reliability which improved markedly with the Ghibli/Lavante platform. Our Levante family car in the UK in a special order color called Nobile Blue with beige Zegna silk(!) interior has been great so far and does feel and sound “special” compared to German rivals. The nearest dealer is 2 hours away, but good specialists can deal with these.
So I’d say do your research and get a looked after example – the problem with cheap exotics is that service and parts costs are still equivalent to those for new ones, so tend to get neglected. You definitely want a service history and I would get a full inspection done by a specialist before buying.
Please let us know if or when you have found one!
I personally prefer my Jewel Box experience to come with some safety, which spells out as Lexus. But I see the attraction of the car with the Italian trident all over it. If you ate thinking about it this seriously, I say go for it. Worst case? We live in the age of Uber. And think of the stories you may get out of the experience!
And he can always fall back on his 1960 Dart or 1959 Chevy!
$3K bill for just 2 items! CAR WIZARD warns about the price of repairing this ’07 Maserati Quattroporte.
That’s why it resells cheaply; they’re money pits. https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/706442719186177/?ref=category_feed&referral_code=null&referral_story_type=post&locale=fr_CA
Have to say that the rear end looks pretty generic to me. Very Accord/Maxima looking. Now this rear end can grab one.
This is the perfect example of something for someone else to buy! So I’d say go for it.
Given the higher cost of maintainance it is probably one of the more reasonable exotic buys if a later example with the proper gearbox. It is an interesting and cool enough car to justify the additional cost over a vanilla car.
Although the Buick may be a more “old man’s car”, it will never kill your wallet like this will. And even if a great bargain, that’s just the price to purchase it.
When it comes to upkeep and maintenance, this thing will double your price. I’m in the car business in the Los Angeles area where you do see a few of these roaming the streets. Any dealer I know including ours won’t even trade them in unless they steal them. Like for almost nothing.
Watch the YouTube channel of the Car Wizard and his many efforts to repair the Quattroporte owned by the “Hoovie’s Garage” YouTuber guy who always buys cheap exotic cars, only to spend mega amounts of money trying to get them into running condition. Parts are either hideously expensive or made of unobtainium. Used parts are rubbish, especially used engines. And if any significant engine repair is needed, the engine needs to be removed from the car, which requires complete disassembly of the front body clip and front suspension just to remove the engine. A Maserati is a demanding and seductive Italian mistress who will never be satisfied with your best efforts to please her. And if you can’t fix the Maserati yourself, then prepare to empty all your bank accounts and max out your credit cards. Also make sure you have a reliable daily driver of some kind.
I’m all for it –
Whilst the S-type is much more cat-litter box than jewel – my apologies, they’re just not my cuppa – a nice QP is certainly a most agreeable adornment, so I’m with the crowd in saying make one yours.
But note the lack of courage in what I say – make it YOURS, not mine. The fact that the essentially-Ford S cat didn’t bite you might not be a basis for judging whether or not a Maser might be so restrained.
I have seen several of these lately, Including one that had very questionable mods (custom two tone paint and red metal flake rims.). I do think the body and interior on these is very pretty. My father almost bought one at a car auction once. It was not getting many bids and I think he offered 5k and decided not to go any higher but it did still sell well under 10k.
In the long run the car is cheaper than the gal.
Make sure to have a back-up bank account, filled to the brim.
Yes, beautiful cars, but unreliable and expensive to fix, no matter what breaks first.
Don’t do it! That Jaguar of yours is just waiting for the proper moment to break your heart! Don’t trust it. I know that you have several 1950’s American classics, and those will chug along for decades without a lot of grief. When they need something, they are simple and straightforward to fix. There are few cars like that, and nothing that doesn’t come from Japan, America, or maybe Korea will give that kind of service. I have learned my lesson, and will avoid any older Euro cars.
There is an exotic foreign car repair shop in my town that is surrounded by curbside rows of parked exotics. A ton of Maserati sedans, Alfas, Jags, Bimmers, and Benzs. These cars just sit month after month, I don’t know if they are the owner’s parts cars or customer cars. Occasionally I will see a late model Ferrari or Aston Martin parked in the shop driveway.
I wrote a post about this shop in my blog, Better Beaters, entitled; “The street of broken Dreams.” (Aug, 02, 2024). Not trying to toot my own horn, but it kinds of says it all. I agree, go with the Lexus.
A few photos follow.
Another
That’s a beautiful earlier 2000’s Quattroporte.
One more.
This one will break your heart. Left with the windows open during the last Winter.
Increasingly these days I realize how excellent Italian automobile engineering and technology I mean it is not all for those Ferrari and Lamborghini cars. We all know the modern front wheel drive setup was from Fait. More for my view both Italian and French are excellent engineering, innovative and never copying others. What really killed them, its products are just having wide spread quality and reliability issues. But they both are in bad shape now under Stellantis, merging of three worst reliable car companies, PAS, Fait and Chrysler, that is triple worst. Frankly even some of today’s Chinese top tier automakers offer better reliability if not much cheaper.
With being said, in North America markets, I think Alfa Romeo two lineups are excellent automobiles in the crowd of German supremacy and Japanese quality.
There’s still cutting edge engineering going Fiat’s Multi-Air system has hydraulically controlled valves to give even more timing control that adjustable cams. Oddly the 1.4 Multi-Air places this cutting edge cylinder head on a FIRE short block that first appeared in 1985. We currently own a Fiat 500 and apart from some minor repairs it’s been totally reliable and fun to drive so they can get it right.
It’s a beautiful car but the only way to own something like a Quattroporte or a V12 BMW or Mercedes is good DIY skills and tools or very deep pockets. The 2000-2020 era produced some stunning cars but the Germans in particular have enough Achilles’ Heels to out outfit a phalanx. It can be done, a regular poster on several sites had a BMW 850 for 15-20 years and did a lot of work himself including pulling the rear subframe.
Unfortunately AlfaOBD the essential tool for working on Fiat, Alfa, Dodge etc. is only compatible with the following generation of Quattroporte, although it amusing that the same OBD software can access a Fiat 500, a Maserati Quattroporte and a Ram 3500 dually