Bought 09 QS with 19k miles on it (my 2nd first got totaled after 6mo). First repair was transmission seals leaking around 30k (now have 38k) I attributed it to it not being driven as I am the 3rd owner and it probably sat for a while and the seals dried out as the 2nd owner never drove it. However my mechanic said it's fairly common. Today the lower pully seized up and the belt caught fire from the friction. Hopefully it didn't push any metallic parts into the system. It cost me $2,100 for the transmission and will probably run 2k+ for the for the latest issue. While I expected the quirkiness and the periodic problems (had some electrical issues as well). As much as I love this car, especially the engine, I am hoping this is not going to continue or I am going to have to sell it.
Italian Exotic Ownership
QM139S
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Bought 09 QS with 19k miles on it (my 2nd first got totaled after 6mo). First repair was transmission seals leaking around 30k (now have 38k) I attributed it to it not being driven as I am the 3rd owner and it probably sat for a while and the seals dried out as the 2nd owner never drove it. However my mechanic said it's fairly common. Today the lower pully seized up and the belt caught fire from the friction. Hopefully it didn't push any metallic parts into the system. It cost me $2,100 for the transmission and will probably run 2k+ for the for the latest issue. While I expected the quirkiness and the periodic problems (had some electrical issues as well). As much as I love this car, especially the engine, I am hoping this is not going to continue or I am going to have to sell it.
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When you say the "lower pulley," are you referring to the AC compressor? The fact that you mentioned metal parts leads me to believe yes. If not, then the fixed tensioner pulley above it does fail but that's $100 and 15 min to replace. The AC compressor fails no more frequently than any other car in my opinion and is fairly simple to replace also. I replaced mine in 30 min. The most time-consuming part is vacuuming the system and recharging. But again, there is nothing special about these AC systems - 900ccs of refrigerant and you're good to go.
I would check a few lines for debris but considering the pulley "froze," then the odds are slim that the compressor continued to pump contaminated refrigerant too far.
Be sure to replace the drier also, which is a very easy job.
There are rebuild units available, however your tech should be able to source a new compressor from the local dealer for about $1,100.00. Rebuilt, I wouldn't pay a dime over $500.00.
I would check a few lines for debris but considering the pulley "froze," then the odds are slim that the compressor continued to pump contaminated refrigerant too far.
Be sure to replace the drier also, which is a very easy job.
There are rebuild units available, however your tech should be able to source a new compressor from the local dealer for about $1,100.00. Rebuilt, I wouldn't pay a dime over $500.00.
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Wow...so I expected more costs than others (owned M's, AMG, Porsche) especially for parts and expected it would break more but that seems crazy high. As this is my daily driver we are talking 2 to 4k a year for a car that costs 130k new and is barely broken in. If your estimate holds true as much as I love it and the quirks I'll be selling it next year. Does anyone else confirm that guesstimate?
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Thanks for the feedback yes A/C -power steering unit got it new for $850 plus $200 for the tensioner. Have a great local tech he'll be flushing it out hopefully will have it finished early next week. The Dodge Challenger SXT loaner makes my commute boring.
You're talking about a 2009 model, this is hardly a new car anymore. You've owned 8-10 year old Porsches that didn't have $2000 maintenance or breakdowns every 8K miles? They must have seriously improved reliability, if that is the case. I owned a 928 and it was all that and more. Probably $4K per year, driven less than 8K miles. So I am used to the "big bills", it's what I've lived with for decades. Before that I used to spend $3K/year to keep my $5,000 Porsche 944 rolling.
Now if I spent $70K on a 2014 Granturismo I would expect better, because it is so much younger. But then I'd be missing $70K! So you lose either way, I've found.
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Here's an easy rule of thumb:
Maseratis are approximately 25% off of Ferrari prices.
Ferrari prices are about 50% off of Lamborghini, Bentley and RR prices.
Lamborghini's are about 50% that of Mclaren.
Knowing what some of my friends spend on their cars, I certainly don't mind the Maseratis or the Ferraris.
Maseratis are approximately 25% off of Ferrari prices.
Ferrari prices are about 50% off of Lamborghini, Bentley and RR prices.
Lamborghini's are about 50% that of Mclaren.
Knowing what some of my friends spend on their cars, I certainly don't mind the Maseratis or the Ferraris.
Plus look at it another way - with Maserati, as "interesting" as they can be to keep rolling, you are saving big on the initial purchase. E.g. a 2009 911 base model with 54K miles just sold on Bring a Trailer for $38,500. This car was MSRP $72K! That is incredible value retention! How much did you pay for the 2009 QP with only 19K miles? Maybe about $38K? There is a lot of life left in your car and it deserves some expensive fixing because it was so cheap to begin with.
Not to mention you are now driving a toolbox around.
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About Right...
Some QP5 owners have set up a sort of escrow account that they deposit a monthly sum into to ease the pain of eventual repairs. Having about $5K in reserve, in either cash or some form of vehicle service contract that you can purchase for a (high) price, is a good idea for these cars. There is no shame, if $2-4K per year is more than you wish to invest, to divest. But if you go that route, please announce to this forum first. You might find someone with a different perspective or financial planning horizon to accommodate you.
Hope you decide to keep the faith. There is nothing newer before you get to a 488 that compares with this driving experience. And the Ferrari has only 2 doors.
KTBD
That sounds about right in my experience with a 2009 Base QP5. That said, my two previous rides, BMW 7 series, each ran about $2,500 a year in maintenance & repairs, not counting tires, oil & fuel. So now isn't out of line with my prior experiences.
Some QP5 owners have set up a sort of escrow account that they deposit a monthly sum into to ease the pain of eventual repairs. Having about $5K in reserve, in either cash or some form of vehicle service contract that you can purchase for a (high) price, is a good idea for these cars. There is no shame, if $2-4K per year is more than you wish to invest, to divest. But if you go that route, please announce to this forum first. You might find someone with a different perspective or financial planning horizon to accommodate you.
Hope you decide to keep the faith. There is nothing newer before you get to a 488 that compares with this driving experience. And the Ferrari has only 2 doors.
KTBD
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What about 458 Italia? Do you have better driving experience with QP rather than a 458? Come on....don't compare apples with oranges.
We all know that QP is a fast, elegant sedan car, nicely balanced for a 2tons car.
But a truly sport (lightweight) coupe car is completely different thing.
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I think an accurate comparison in driving experience would be a F430. If you were to turn an F430 into a sedan, it would be an early QP5. Yes, there's extra weight, but the sport feel and performance was retained well in the design in my opinion.
I've said this before, the F1 transmission is the most durable, reliable and serviceable way to shift an exotic car, hands down. The Getrag DCTs are full of little issues that have created problems that extend beyond the warranty coverage. I've seen/heard this personally and many issues are well documented on Ferrari forums from owners. At least with the F430/QP5 era cars, you can replace a clutch, and you're back to square one again, rolling out of the shop like a new car.
My friend recently sold his 100K mile 360 spider. If that was a DCT 458, I would suspect he'd be on his 3rd tranny by then.
I've said this before, the F1 transmission is the most durable, reliable and serviceable way to shift an exotic car, hands down. The Getrag DCTs are full of little issues that have created problems that extend beyond the warranty coverage. I've seen/heard this personally and many issues are well documented on Ferrari forums from owners. At least with the F430/QP5 era cars, you can replace a clutch, and you're back to square one again, rolling out of the shop like a new car.
My friend recently sold his 100K mile 360 spider. If that was a DCT 458, I would suspect he'd be on his 3rd tranny by then.
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Good point yep 41k but as it's been barely driven it's 'like new' nothing has been worn out. Agree on the Porsche's when they are air cooled very pricey to fix and definitely the 924,928,944. Newer models have some of the highest reliability though. I had an 06 Cayenne S with 180k miles on it (bought new) had zero mechanical issues, just general maintenance. Same with my old 07 911S (used). Mas Q values tanked because of the poor American driving of the initial transmission burning through clutches gave them a bad rap. So yes it's a deal due to perceptions but that shouldn't mean the difference is made up in repair costs. Granted I do some DIY because I like it and side benefit it reduces the costs and fortunately have a fantastic local mechanic so don't have to pay dealer costs.
Thanks for the confirmation - and good idea on the one hand on the other kinda crazy to have to consider it. I mean it's supposed to be more reliable than an Alpha... I was lucky that I wasn't on the highway when it seized or it probably would have been engulfed in flames. Guess that is really what shocked me. Plan on keeping it as long as realistically possible for me and I increased my AAA for the next time. Just don't want the attached pic to be a common occurrence. Appreciate all of the feedback good to know that is what to expect.
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I'm just a regular guy who is a total car nut, and really love exotic cars. Over the years I've owned several Ferrari Testarossa's when they were considered an "entry level Ferrari". Those cars were simple enough that I could do all of the repairs and maintenance myself, including engine-outs. Once you understand those machines, they make sense in an emotional sort of way. The flat-12 engine is built like a battleship and is rock solid. While the TR's do have their quirks, none of them ever let me down or stranded me....they were very good cars.
As I got older, fatter, and slower...I decided to get something more for a "mature man" so I started looking for a nice used QP. I eventually found an awesome 2006 Sport-GT with every available option, it was an incredible machine! Whenever the car was going to set for more than a couple of days, I would always hook up a trick-charger to the battery. I also knew how to properly drive with the Duo-Select transmission and never had any issues. All I ever had to do was replace the battery, fix one of the wheels, and change the oil. The QP did have the rattle at start-up but it stopped in the first second or two, and if I drove the car frequently it never made any noises at all. And the sound of the Sport-GT exhaust....well....it was one of the best sounding V8's I'd ever heard! The QP was my wife's absolute favorite car of all the cars I'd ever owned, and I've had over a hundred cars.
Fast forward to today, I may be back in the search for a QP again. My wife wants me to get rid of my Audi Q7 and get something a bit newer. I'm considering a newish VW Golf GTI, but while browsing on line my wife spotted a nice QP and said "oh....that looks nice!". I reminded her that her orders to me were to get something newer, economical, reliable, and fun to drive. And she said...."well....I'll make an exception if you get another QP!" I nearly fell off the sofa! So the search is on....!! This will be my daily driver....call me crazy....!
As I got older, fatter, and slower...I decided to get something more for a "mature man" so I started looking for a nice used QP. I eventually found an awesome 2006 Sport-GT with every available option, it was an incredible machine! Whenever the car was going to set for more than a couple of days, I would always hook up a trick-charger to the battery. I also knew how to properly drive with the Duo-Select transmission and never had any issues. All I ever had to do was replace the battery, fix one of the wheels, and change the oil. The QP did have the rattle at start-up but it stopped in the first second or two, and if I drove the car frequently it never made any noises at all. And the sound of the Sport-GT exhaust....well....it was one of the best sounding V8's I'd ever heard! The QP was my wife's absolute favorite car of all the cars I'd ever owned, and I've had over a hundred cars.
Fast forward to today, I may be back in the search for a QP again. My wife wants me to get rid of my Audi Q7 and get something a bit newer. I'm considering a newish VW Golf GTI, but while browsing on line my wife spotted a nice QP and said "oh....that looks nice!". I reminded her that her orders to me were to get something newer, economical, reliable, and fun to drive. And she said...."well....I'll make an exception if you get another QP!" I nearly fell off the sofa! So the search is on....!! This will be my daily driver....call me crazy....!
Are you looking for another V or are you now seeking a VIth generation? Because you have to realize that the VI is nothing like the V in its fundamentals. No more V-8 standard, they use a V-6 TT these days. Not so much loving the exhaust sound there.
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Rest assured that you are not alone my friend. There are much more crazy people out there��������
I bought the car last year knowning that I must pay nearly 5000 Eur annually for taxes (luxury tax and road tax) and 1.5 eur per liter for gasoline!!!
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Mine is a daily for sure. Put 50K additional miles on it in 2 years.
Once you are no longer "scared" of the car, it becomes very rewarding. But, coming from someone who calls a Testarossa an "entry level" Ferrari, you should have NO PROBLEM at all!
Once you are no longer "scared" of the car, it becomes very rewarding. But, coming from someone who calls a Testarossa an "entry level" Ferrari, you should have NO PROBLEM at all!
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SEANFULOP....I will be looking at model years 2006 through 2008. I have never driven a QP with the ZF Automatic transmission, not sure it's for me as I like the level of engagement I get with the duo-select. If I do get another QP it will probably be the standard model or maybe an executive model, as they are more readily available than a sport-gt. I'll have to modify the exhaust to get the sport-gt sound or maybe something a bit louder. I'm still on the fence at this point.
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Regarding the Testarossa being an "entry level Ferrari"...at one time it was, due to what most buyers perceived excessively high maintenance costs. Being a do-it-yourself kind of guy, I would get one that needed the major service performed...which reduce the price by $10k to $20k or so. The good thing is when I would do the engine-out service myself, I would then know what has been done. When your working on your own car, you tend to take more care and pay more attention to details than the typical shop. Bottom Line....my last TR was a 1990 model, red/tan, 36k miles on it, and she had some needs but overall very solid. I paid $37,500. Alas...those days are long gone now!
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