Models · Maserati
Maserati Quattroporte V buying guide
The fifth Quattroporte, on sale from 2004 to 2012, with a Ferrari-developed 4.2 V8 and, from the 2008 facelift, a 4.7 V8 in the S and Sport GT S. Early cars have the DuoSelect automated manual; a ZF automatic was added in 2007.
The versions
- 4.2 V8 (4244cc), about 395bhp
- Quattroporte S and Sport GT S (from 2008): 4.7 V8 (4691cc), 425bhp to 434bhp
- Executive GT and Sport GT trims from 2005, then the sharper Sport GT S
- DuoSelect six-speed automated manual in a rear transaxle (2004 to 2008), or ZF six-speed automatic (from 2007)
- Skyhook adaptive dampers on most cars before the 2008 facelift; Sport GT S and S use fixed-rate dampers
What to check on a Quattroporte V
3 model-specific things to look at when you view one. They're a starting point, not the full inspection.
Camshaft variator rattle
What to look for: Start the engine from fully cold and listen at the front. A rattle in the first moments before the oil has pumped round, or random tapping when accelerating from around 2,000rpm, is the thing to note. Listen on overrun too.
Why it matters: These are the signs of worn camshaft variators, the main recurring fault on this V8. Many were replaced under warranty or with a later modified part, so ask for paperwork showing the work.
DuoSelect clutch and shifting
What to look for: On a DuoSelect car, note any odd gearchanges such as jumping from second to fourth, and any slow or noisy shifts. Ask when the clutch was last replaced.
Why it matters: Jumping gears usually points to a worn clutch rather than a gearbox fault. Clutches last roughly 20,000 to 30,000 miles, less with town use, and the flywheel is usually renewed at the same time. Maserati diagnostics can read the remaining clutch life. Slow or noisy shifts can mean the hydraulic selector needs attention. The ZF automatic is almost trouble-free.
Front suspension knocks and Skyhook
What to look for: On the test drive, listen for creaks, knocks or clonks from the front over bumps. On a Skyhook car, switch between Normal and Sport and feel for a change in firmness.
Why it matters: Ball joint wear happens, though less than on the 4200 coupé. Skyhook is generally reliable, but replacement dampers are a significant job, so confirm it's working.
Also in the full guide
- A rattle from the air conditioning compressor
- The cold start, test drive and paperwork checks for the exact version you're viewing
The full guide to the Quattroporte V
The CrankSight guide walks you round the car on your phone at the viewing, with every check for the exact version you're looking at: what to look for, where to find it, and what anything you find is likely to cost. As you go it builds an assessment of that car, and if you view more than one, it lines them up side by side.
£29 for the model, used on as many cars as you like, delivered within 72 hours or your money back.
Other generations
General points for the model, last checked October 2026. Every car is different, so treat this as a guide to what to look at, not a verdict on any car. CrankSight is independent and has no connection with Maserati.