[timeisnot]

Am considering purchasing a 1982 Maserati Quattroporte that looks/drives great, but am not a mechanic and need a first rate expert [within the next few days] to look over drive train and other systems before purchasing. Would prefer not to bring car to a Maserati or Ferrari dealer. I don't know of any reliable expert in or near Northern New Jersey; and am sure a Ferrari expert could do the detailed inspection that I need. Incidentally, if anyone has any good/bad experience with this model that info would also be appreciated.Thanks in advance for any help.

 

[Fred]

Brian at Independent Motor Works in Short Hills is very good with older Ferraris.
If he is not up on the older Maserati, I would think that he would know of someone that is.

 

[Dolle Dolf]

Try Col-Gen motors in Newark (near Belleville border on 6th St).
They are Alfa guys but will do just about anything.
I am sure they would like to get their hands on a nice QP.

 

[John A. Gallo]

hey Jersey guy, The only person that I would let touch my 02 Spyder Gt is the owner of Somerset Transmission, RT 27 Somerset, NJ. His name is Cort..
Sorry, I am in St. thomas US Virgin Islands, I don't have his phone# but he is in the tel book. This guy doesn't miss a thing..his price is very fair to low don't tell him that...He is a close friend as well just tell him my name..Good luck.. my opion only, I wouldn't buy one of those boats..always a problem with them, unless you just like to tinker with things...John Gallo

 

[Dolle Dolf]

..... I wouldn't buy one of those boats..always a problem with them, unless you just like to tinker with things...

FWIW I second that. An old alfa is a paragon of reliability and easy to fix when compared to these old masers. Certainly if the potential buyer describes himself as "I am not a mechanic".....

 

[italiancars]

my opion only, I wouldn't buy one of those boats..always a problem with them, unless you just like to tinker with things...John Gallo

Absolute BS. I've owned 2 QP lll and used one as my daily driver for 3 years.
They are great cars, it's 5,000 lbs of get the F*&@ out of my way. One of the most comfortable cars you'll ever drive, I'd go so far as to say that it more comfortable than the current QP V, which is a comfortable car. It is a great cruiser and handles well for size and age. It will out handle any of its contemperaries from that era.


They have 3 weaknesses. Front suspension: early springs weren't strong enough. Easy way to tell is the space between the top of tire and the body. If the body covers the top of the tires, it could use new springs. At that point you should also replace the front bushings as well.

The next area is exhaust, its just expensive and 25 years old. The electrical system can also do some weird things mostly with the central locking system and the relays.

Other than that they are reliable. The engines are bullet proof (as long as maintained) and the tranny is a Chrysler unit and the rear has Jag gears. AC & Heating are great. Beware that the front windshield is also heated so a radar detector & Garage openers have limited range.

If I ever run across another one at the right time, I'll probably buy it.

 

[John A. Gallo]

Hey Dolle Dolf,

Talking about Alfas I just bought this one they are shipping it to Jersey in Mid March...I hope you like it..I also have a 65 Spyder Veloce

http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?f=99&t=144063

scroll down it is the first red coupe with red valve covers..John