MB S550 vs Maserati Quattroporte - Page 2

I'll definitely be getting the auto version. By sportier feel, what do you mean? In handling situations? Honestly, I don't know how much I am going to notice. It's not like I am driving down winding roads at 100mph every day. I do have a sense of loyalty towards MB, but I'd like to try the Maserati if it has the features I desire, and I can be comfortable in it.

Also, I've never seen the point of a coupe. I think 4 doors always comes in handy and there's always going to be a time when you needed the extra space. And, since I don't have access to the Autobahn at 7am on a Sunday morning, I won't be able to top out the cars.

Which Maserati have you driven? I was looking at the dealer in Greenwich and they have a few 2006 autos that are marked at 70 grand, about 50 grand from MSRP. Of course they are used, but I don't care, as long as there is a warranty. (And yes, of course I'll be purchasing it from a local dealer, I just wanted to look in that area as I figured there would be more than in Boston)

I'm not impressed with the A8 - or any Audi for that matter. My friend just purchased the German version of the A6 and gets it in the next few weeks. On my next vacation, I'll drive it, but of course, it's not available over here.

I was referring to the year. I know they've been making some changes, the most significant being going to auto.

Diesel.

I just made the "first step" and called the dealership and left them my mobile number. Let the harassing begin.

A few people have said the interior is nicer; in what regards? Obviously when I see one, I'll probably feel the difference, but the pictures aren't anything out of the ordinary, in my opinion.

I can't wait to find out how much insurance will be, heh.

I just had an hour long talk with someone from the dealer. Great guy - I won't even call him a salesman (he sounds like the personal shopper at BG, Pierre: intelligent, not pushy, cultured, and has a sense of humor).

They have a 2007 Maserati Quattroporte for 100k that's brand new (30 or so miles). He said Maserati is doing a special to get rid of the 2007s, so I'm saving 20k automatically off sticker price. Also, when we were looking through inventory, I asked him about the coupes, and they have a 2004 Coupe for 49.5. I don't know much about the coupes, but for 49.5, it seems like a deal that can't be beat.

One thing that surprising me vis-a-vis Maserati is they top out around 180. He said with the electronics removed, you'd only gain 15MPH on the Quattroporte, he wasn't sure (and said so, which I respect) on the coupe. You'd think a car like that would go over 200. I know it's a psychological thing, but knowing your car can go 200MPH+ is a nice thing to know.

Anyways, a MUCH better experience than MB. I made a little joke, "So, if I buy two, can I get a discount?" And as he laughed he said, "We can work something out."

So now I'm gonna go driving them both. There's no warranty on the Coupe, which is a downside, but it is a 4 year old sports car. I'll ask him more about maintenance costs and the costs of repairs of things that can go wrong. As they say whilst investing, you need to do your due diligence before buying a stock, and I really need to research about these Coupes since I know next to *nothing* about them except they look beautiful. It'll be fun driving a true stick again.

Hah, is it sad when you can say a nice guy on the phone made your week? Not only was he nice, he had some good prices on some very nice cars. Now I just need to test drive the Quattroporte and decide if the ride is right for me - and as he admits, it isn't right for everyone. Can't wait. : )

Thanks guys.

(If only building my new home were this easy)