2004 Maserati Quattroporte 4.2L Petrol · FJ04 TXU

Accumulating 126,648 miles over its twenty-two-year lifespan places this Maserati Quattroporte at a modest average of roughly 5,750 miles annually, though the test history reveals intermittent gaps where the vehicle was left untested or potentially laid up for extended periods. This modest annual mileage does not eliminate mechanical fatigue; rather, low-usage luxury vehicles of this vintage frequently suffer from the degradation of rubber suspension joints, seals, and friction components due to age and static exposure rather than heavy wear. While the MOT data shows a largely compliant pass record punctuated by a clean pass on 2026-08-07, the previous examination in April 2025 flagged a concentrated cluster of consumable wear that demands close scrutiny during an inspection. The 2025 test serves as the primary roadmap for targeted mechanical checks, specifically highlighting a slight play in the offside front track rod end ball joint, heavily worn or scored rear brake discs, thin rear brake pads, and both rear tyres worn close to their legal limits on the edges. On a prospective test drive, listen carefully for any knocking or vagueness from the front steering assembly when negotiating rough tarmac, and check for steering pull or uneven tracking at motorway speeds. The braking system requires immediate physical inspection to assess whether the rear discs and pads noted in the previous test have since been renewed, or if they continue to exhibit scoring and reduced friction material that could induce judder or compromised stopping performance under heavy pedal application. Given the mechanical complexity and high-performance nature of this chassis, the buyer must verify the condition of all suspension components beyond the steering linkage, checking upper and lower control arms, bushes, and adaptive dampers for fluid leaks or perished rubber. Furthermore, because low-mileage periods can sometimes mask underlying maintenance neglect, a comprehensive ramp inspection is essential to inspect the underbody, exhaust system integrity, and subframe mountings for structural corrosion. Ensure that all electrical systems, ancillary auxiliary drives, and the automated manual gearbox operate smoothly without hesitation, as deferred maintenance on this specific Italian saloon can quickly translate into substantial repair expenditures.