[vbhagat]

I am evaluating a 2009 QP base model with some nice upgrades (19" wheels, alcantara lining, wood steering, heated front and rear seats, piping, red calipers, contrasting stiching etc.) priced around 65k with 24k miles and warranty of one year left, vs. a 2010 QP sport with executive pack, front ventilated seats, stiching/piping with around 7.5k miles for $87k.

The 2009 24k mile car has had one owner and is covered until April 2013. The 2010 QP Sport has had 3 owners, but does have a factory warranty through Aug 2014 and an extended warranty through Aug 2016.

I want an '09 model or later because of the new trim, electronics, but value benefiting from depreciation and always buy pre-owned luxury cars for that fact.

My questions are:
1) Is the S really worth the premium vs. the base?
2) How much value should I attach to the extended warranty? Is it wholly necessary if I can afford to pay out if need be in the event of emergency. I have bought extended warranties on my Porsche 911 and Range Rover in the past, but have not needed to use them.
3) Should the fact the 2010 car has had 3 owners bother me? The carfax report indicates where the car was serviced (a ferrari dealership, so I guess I could call them to learn more?)

Thanks in advance.

[michaeladler]

Originally Posted by vbhagat

I am evaluating a 2009 QP base model with some nice upgrades (19" wheels, alcantara lining, wood steering, heated front and rear seats, piping, red calipers, contrasting stiching etc.) priced around 65k with 24k miles and warranty of one year left, vs. a 2010 QP sport with executive pack, front ventilated seats, stiching/piping with around 7.5k miles for $87k.

The 2009 24k mile car has had one owner and is covered until April 2013. The 2010 QP Sport has had 3 owners, but does have a factory warranty through Aug 2014 and an extended warranty through Aug 2016.

I want an '09 model or later because of the new trim, electronics, but value benefiting from depreciation and always buy pre-owned luxury cars for that fact.

My questions are:
1) Is the S really worth the premium vs. the base?
2) How much value should I attach to the extended warranty? Is it wholly necessary if I can afford to pay out if need be in the event of emergency. I have bought extended warranties on my Porsche 911 and Range Rover in the past, but have not needed to use them.
3) Should the fact the 2010 car has had 3 owners bother me? The carfax report indicates where the car was serviced (a ferrari dealership, so I guess I could call them to learn more?)

Thanks in advance.

1) Yes

2) I hate extened warranties and would sooner take my chances. More fun that way.

3) No, as long as you have full service records.

[vbhagat]

Thanks for your input. I found another '09 QP Sport model, again very low mileage for around $75k. It does not however have paddle shifters. Do you think they really enhance the driving experience, even if you have the ZF automatic transmission?

As context, I am used to driving a traditional gear shift but have not used paddles. My wife needs to be able to drive this car occasionally too and doesn't drive stick.

[NcalMas]

Originally Posted by vbhagat

Thanks for your input. I found another '09 QP Sport model, again very low mileage for around $75k. It does not however have paddle shifters. Do you think they really enhance the driving experience, even if you have the ZF automatic transmission?

As context, I am used to driving a traditional gear shift but have not used paddles. My wife needs to be able to drive this car occasionally too and doesn't drive stick.

I added paddle shifters to wifes car.... wouldn't drive it without it.. fun as hell...sold?

[bvanzyl]

The 3 owners on the 2010 may not reflect anything bad. I wonder if those owners are simply various dealers that have titled the car, then sold it to another dealer, who then titled it, etc? Look at the time between registered owners, and the mileage. It is difficult to alter the mileage on the new QPs for fraud, so the odometer may give some insight as to whether the car was driven much, or parked, possibly waiting for resale.

I've seen this multiple owner thing personally when I was selling one of my other cars. The dealer took it to be looked at for a quote, then registered it under the dealership! I then had to get them to sign it back over to me, and records would show an extra two owners, when in fact, I was the only original owner.
No, that dealer did not get my business. Lol.

Of course, PPI is the only way to be sure, and yes, call the dealer that serviced the car.

[elambo]

I like the paddle shifters but wouldn't call them necessary by any means. Sometimes it's fun to use the console's gear selector for shifting (pull to upshift, push to downshift).

Regarding extended warranties: most seem to sit unused but there are those who've had their a$$es saved. As with any type of insurance, it's a gamble which favors the house. If you'd find yourself nervous being out-of-warranty the peace of mind of an extended warranty might be worth the cost. I was nervous when my car left the comfort of the factory warranty and I searched far and wide for a good extension. Ultimately I decided to go it alone and I haven't regretted it. They're reliable cars. That said, unexpected major repairs are majorly expensive.

[bpyatt]

Originally Posted by vbhagat

I am evaluating a 2009 QP base model with some nice upgrades (19" wheels, alcantara lining, wood steering, heated front and rear seats, piping, red calipers, contrasting stiching etc.) priced around 65k with 24k miles and warranty of one year left, vs. a 2010 QP sport with executive pack, front ventilated seats, stiching/piping with around 7.5k miles for $87k.

The 2009 24k mile car has had one owner and is covered until April 2013. The 2010 QP Sport has had 3 owners, but does have a factory warranty through Aug 2014 and an extended warranty through Aug 2016.

I want an '09 model or later because of the new trim, electronics, but value benefiting from depreciation and always buy pre-owned luxury cars for that fact.

My questions are:
1) Is the S really worth the premium vs. the base?
2) How much value should I attach to the extended warranty? Is it wholly necessary if I can afford to pay out if need be in the event of emergency. I have bought extended warranties on my Porsche 911 and Range Rover in the past, but have not needed to use them.
3) Should the fact the 2010 car has had 3 owners bother me? The carfax report indicates where the car was serviced (a ferrari dealership, so I guess I could call them to learn more?)

Thanks in advance.

1) I test drove the base and the gts and ended up buying a 2010 gts, granted it has more horsepower in the 09 and later models, and I don't think it does before that, but you notice the difference. I also like the 20 inch tires that are on the gts model (you get 19 on the S model)
2) Extended warranties are crap for the most part unless they are backed by the manufacturer (ie like how acura has)
3) No, I wouldn't worry about that, especially for a car like this.

Good luck with your purchase!

[vbhagat]

thanks so much everyone for your responses. I'm brand new to this forum, and I really appreciate the input.

[ApriliaNut]

Originally Posted by vbhagat

thanks so much everyone for your responses. I'm brand new to this forum, and I really appreciate the input.

So what's the status?!? Have you squeezed (NOT pulled!) the trigger yet?!?

[neptuno239]

After admiring these sedans for several years I finally bought one, the '09 for it's upgraded trim and current waranty. the S is a personal choice. the extended waranties are only as good as their underwriters, they may deny your claim. IMO a three owner 2010 may have issues and therefor a meticulous professional inspection would be in order. Do not trust carfax, they do not reflect the entire history of the vehicle. Spend some time driving the vehicle, at length, pay for the fuel if the salesperson objects. Drive it hard, enjoy and best of luck with your purchase...Neptuno.

[vbhagat]

Thanks everyone. I've not pulled the trigger yet, but have been actively looking. I've decided that I will try for a sport with paddles or potentially a GTS. I love the enhanced look of the GTS and am sure the performance improvement is great too, but have not yet found any 09s. The cars seem to depreciate a lot between 2010 and 2009. I'm finding good examples of 09 QP Sports for ~65k. The 2010s are typically $85k+, and the 2010 GTS $100k and in very limited supply/ color choices.

I'm a little nervous admitting this in a Maserati Forum, but the primary factor causing indecision is that I've started to look at 05-07 vintage Ferrari 612 Scaglietti's as I've always dreamed about owning a Ferrari. Yes they are less practical, have less rear space and undoubtedly cost more to maintain, but there's a certain enticement about driving a Ferrari that's pulling me in. The 612s are much more understated than your classic 2 seater 430/458, and that appeals to me right now. I have 2 small kids (aged 2, 3) so I definitely want a 4-seater. We have a Range Rover as our primary kid car and my daily driver is a 911, so I wanted a 4-seater for more occasional use (kids mostly, sometimes adults).

Any additional advice appreciated.

[elambo]

The 612 is a great car but as you probably know already it will come in closer to $130K. It's a (near) 200 MPH Ferrari V12, so a different animal. All factors considered, it's impossible for us to suggest which you'd ultimately be happier with. There's nothing like a Ferrari.

[vbhagat]

thanks.

I'm finding 05s in the 98-105 range. most 07s are 125k+. I found one 07 with 30k miles for 103k but I've not been able to get service records for it yet. The mileage doesn't scare me, but I'm adamant about service history.

[bpyatt]

vbhagat, any update? You can't go wrong with a ferrari that's our cousin, if I didn't have 3 small kids, that would be my car! My "Family Sedan" will do the trick until they get older.