One for the Road: A high-performance saloon

 

James Ruppert
Thursday 20 June 2013 17:17 BST
Comments
Head-turner: The Maserati Quattroporte is a wonderfully charismatic car
Head-turner: The Maserati Quattroporte is a wonderfully charismatic car

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

David Manley hankers after a used 2009 Mercedes CLS AMG. He says that fuel economy is not a big issue...

A car for the head

With a 2009 Mercedes in his sights, David will have to spend £20,000 at the very least. He is after a high-performance luxury saloon and the added attraction of the CLS is that it has a sloped coupé-style roof which makes it look very sexy indeed. An alternative would be the Audi S8. Automotive hero of the film Ronin, this Audi has a purposeful but subtle styling, is very quick and has four-wheel drive. A 2007 example in mint condition with 40,000 miles and a full service history will be £18,995.

A car for the heart

A Maserati Quattroporte (pictured above) is a real head-turner and a wonderfully charismatic car. The GT Sport version is aimed at the hardcore driver – a riot of carbon fibre, faster gearbox software and electronic shock absorbers that are programmed to entertain; then there is the softer Executive GT with more dollops of chrome Alcantara trim and more comfort kit. The actual spec varies hugely. Ideally go for the prettier 19in or 20in alloy wheels and the park-distance sensors to help avoid a prang. A beautiful 2006 GT Sport is £22,000.

Looking to buy?

Email James Ruppert at onefortheroad@independent.co.uk, giving your age, address and phone number, details of the type of vehicle in which you are interested, and your budget

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in