If you've ever wondered how much does a Maserati cost, you're not alone. But the sticker price is just the beginning. I’ve spent years tracking ownership costs, and Maserati is one of those brands where the purchase price tells only half the story. Let’s run the numbers so you can decide if that Trident badge fits your budget.
The Sticker Price: New vs. Used
A new Maserati isn’t cheap. The Ghibli, their entry-level sedan, starts around $75,000. The Levante SUV goes for about $85,000, and the Quattroporte flagship sedan pushes past $105,000. But the used market is a different game. A three-year-old Ghibli can often be found for $40,000–$55,000, and older examples dip into the low $30,000s. That sounds like a bargain, but remember: a used Maserati still carries new-Maserati maintenance costs.
Insurance Costs: What to Expect
Insuring a Maserati isn’t cheap. Because it’s a luxury performance car, insurers charge accordingly. Expect to pay $3,000–$5,000 per year for full coverage on a Ghibli or Levante, depending on your driving record and location. That’s about double what you’d pay for a mainstream sedan like a Honda Accord. To get an accurate answer to how much does a Maserati cost to insure, get quotes from multiple providers before you buy.
Maintenance and Repairs: The Hidden Expense
Here’s where the dream can turn into a nightmare. Maserati maintenance is expensive. An oil change can run $400–$600. Brake pad and rotor replacement? That’s $1,500–$2,500 per axle. And if something major goes wrong—like a timing chain issue or a suspension problem—you could be looking at a $5,000–$10,000 repair bill. These are not numbers you want to guess at. If you’re still asking how much does a Maserati cost in the long run, factor in at least $2,000–$3,000 per year for routine maintenance and minor repairs.
Depreciation: The Big Hit
Maseratis depreciate hard. In fact, they’re among the worst in the industry for value retention. A new Maserati can lose 40–50% of its value in the first three years. That means a $100,000 car could be worth $50,000–$60,000 after three years. For used buyers, that’s great news—you get a luxury car for a fraction of the original price. But if you buy new, you’ll absorb that loss. So when you calculate how much does a Maserati cost to own, depreciation is the single largest expense.
Fuel Economy and Other Running Costs
Maseratis aren’t fuel sippers. The Ghibli gets around 16 mpg city and 25 mpg highway. The Levante SUV is worse—about 15 city, 22 highway. With premium gas required, your fuel budget will be noticeable. Over 12,000 miles a year, expect to spend $2,000–$2,500 on gas. Tires are also pricey: a set of performance tires can cost $1,000–$1,500, and they won’t last 50,000 miles.
So, Is It Worth It?
If the numbers don’t work, the car doesn’t work. A Maserati can be a fantastic driving experience, but the total ownership cost is high. For many people, a used Lexus or a new BMW offers similar performance with far lower maintenance and depreciation. But if you’ve already run the math and you still want a Maserati, buy a well-maintained used example, get a pre-purchase inspection, and set aside a repair fund of at least $3,000. That’s the honest answer to how much does a Maserati cost.
A Pre-Purchase Checklist for Buying a Used Maserati
Buying a used Maserati can save you tens of thousands, but only if you ask the right questions before handing over your money. Here are four things to check to avoid a financial disaster.
**1. What’s the service history?** A Maserati with full dealer service records is worth the premium. Look for proof of oil changes every 10,000 miles or 12 months, and major services like spark plugs and belts at the recommended intervals. Without records, assume the worst—and negotiate accordingly.
**2. Has the car been in an accident?** Because Maseratis are expensive to repair, even minor collisions can leave hidden damage. Run a Carfax or AutoCheck report, and have a trusted mechanic do a thorough inspection. Pay special attention to the suspension and electrical systems, which are costly to fix.
**3. What’s the warranty situation?** Most used Maseratis have expired factory warranties. If the car is still under the original 4-year/50,000-mile warranty, that’s a big plus. Otherwise, consider buying an extended warranty from a reputable provider—though you’ll pay $2,000–$4,000 for decent coverage.
**4. Is this the right model year?** Some model years are more reliable than others. For the Ghibli, 2014–2016 had frequent electrical issues; 2017 and later are better. For the Levante, avoid the 2016–2017 first-year models and look for 2018 or newer. Doing this homework can save you thousands in repairs.
By ticking these boxes, you’ll have a much clearer picture of how much does a Maserati cost you in the long run—and whether the deal is truly a steal or just a headache waiting to happen.
*Eli Turner is a procurement analyst and the voice behind CarCostHonest.com. He believes the best car decision is the one that still makes sense six months from now.*