Everyone is writing love letters to the Giulia Quadrifoglio right now. Production has ended. Prices are rising. Enthusiasts are panic-buying. But let’s pause the romance for a moment.
Yes, it’s one of the greatest driver’s cars ever made. Yes, the Ferrari-derived V6 and rear-wheel-drive chassis are pure magic. And yes… it can also be an expensive, frustrating, impractical nightmare if you pick the wrong owner profile.
Here are the five genuine, non-negotiable reasons you should walk away — even if your heart is screaming “take my money”.
1. It’s Rear-Wheel Drive Only — And It Will Happily Bite You in the Wet
The Giulia Quadrifoglio is one of the last pure RWD super-sedans on earth. That’s also its biggest flaw for 90 % of real-world buyers.
- 520 hp + 600 Nm
- 1,600 kg
- Rear tyres: 285/30 R19 (not exactly all-season)
- No xDrive, no 4Matic, no torque-vectoring safety net
On a damp British B-road or a cold Dubai winter morning, the rear end is alive from the moment you touch the throttle. The reviewer in the Autotrader video calls it “twitching constantly” and says you have to be “really, really precise on that go pedal”. Translation: if you’re not 100 % focused, it will spit you into a hedge at 40 mph.
I’ve driven it in pouring rain on the M25. Traction control light flashing like a strobe. Rear stepping out under gentle acceleration in 3rd gear. It’s hilarious when you’re in the mood. It’s terrifying when you’re late for a meeting with your kids in the back.
If you live anywhere with rain, snow, or just cold tyres in the morning — and you’re not an above-average driver — an M3 Competition xDrive or AMG C63 S E-Performance will be faster, safer, and far less stressful in daily life.
2. Running Costs That Will Make You Cry Italian Tears
This is not a “cheap to own” hero car once the warranty ends.
Real-world figures from UK & UAE owners (2023–2025):
- Front tyres (245/35 R19): £280–£350 each — last 4,000–7,000 miles if you enjoy Race mode
- Rear tyres (285/30 R19): £320–£420 each — 3,000–5,000 miles for enthusiastic drivers
- Carbon-ceramic brakes: £9,000–£12,000 to replace ( discs alone)
- Annual service at main dealer: £900–£1,800
- Insurance (30–45 male, clean licence, London/Dubai): £2,500–£5,000+
- Fuel: 18–24 mpg combined if you’re gentle (real world 14–16 mpg when driven properly)
One owner on PistonHeads spent £19,000 in two years on tyres, brakes, and a replacement gearbox oil cooler. Alfa’s 3-year warranty is gone at 70–80k miles on most used examples. After that you’re in “Italian supercar” territory for parts and labour.
If your budget is £750/month finance + £300/month running costs max, this car will bankrupt your soul.
3. Dealer Network & Reliability Roulette
Alfa Romeo’s UK dealer network: ~50 locations (vs BMW’s 150+). UAE: even thinner outside Dubai & Abu Dhabi.
Common electrical gremlins reported by owners (2020–2025 cars):
- Infotainment black-screen reboots
- Battery drain issues (car flat after 10 days)
- Random warning lights (blind-spot, ADAS, suspension)
- Water leaks into boot (sunroof drains)
- Carbon-ceramic brake squeal that dealers can’t fix
The twin-turbo V6 itself is strong when maintained, but turbo oil lines, coolant leaks, and wastegate rattle have all appeared above 50k miles. Parts waiting times in 2025 are already stretching to 4–12 weeks for some items because production has stopped.
If you don’t have an independent Italian specialist nearby — or you hate the idea of your £90k car being off the road for a month waiting for a £38 sensor from Italy — buy something German instead.
4. Impracticality Disguised as a Family Sedan
It looks like a practical four-door. It really, really isn ʼt.
- Rear legroom: tight for anyone over 5’10”
- Rear headroom: adults will complain after 30 minutes
- Boot: 480 litres — smaller than a Golf
- ISOFIX points exist, but fitting a rear-facing child seat is a yoga exercise
- Ride quality on 19s + run-flats: crashes over potholes
- Road noise at 70 mph: loud enough that conversations are a shout
It’s a sports car wearing a sedan costume. If you need genuine family usability, a BMW M340i xDrive or Mercedes C43 will carry four adults + luggage in comfort while still being quick.
The Giulia Quadrifoglio is selfish — and proudly so. If your life demands compromise, this car will punish you for it.
5. Depreciation Has Stopped… But Only Because Supply Has Vanished
Yes, prices are holding or rising on low-mile 2023–2025 cars (£70k–£100k+). That’s not because it’s a “future classic” yet — it’s because there are no new ones left.
When the hybrid/electric replacement launches in 2027–2028 and is faster, quieter, and cheaper to run, the pure-petrol QV bubble may burst. Early 2017–2019 cars have already lost 45–55 % in 6–8 years.
If you buy at today’s inflated price and the market cools, you could be £20k–£40k underwater in three years. Future classic status is not guaranteed — ask anyone who lost money on a Maserati GranTurismo or Jaguar XKR-S.
Final Honest Verdict
The 2025 Giulia Quadrifoglio is a 10/10 driver’s car and a 4/10 ownership proposition for most normal humans.
Avoid it if:
- You drive in the wet more than twice a year
- You can’t afford £1,000+ per month running costs
- You need a dealer within 50 miles
- You carry rear passengers regularly
- You hate Russian-roulette reliability
Buy it only if your heart beats faster at the sound of a cold-start V6 bark, you have a second sensible car, and you accept that passion sometimes costs more than money.
For everyone else — admire from afar. Wave goodbye. And let the brave (or foolish) own the legend.
