Yes, Maseratis are pricey to buy and own, with higher upkeep, insurance, and depreciation than many luxury rivals.
If you’re typing “are maseratis expensive?” into search, you’re usually asking two things at once: what you’ll pay to get one, and what it’ll cost to keep it feeling like a Maserati. This guide walks through both, with numbers you can sanity-check and a few tests that stop bad buys.
This is written for shoppers, not brand loyalists today.
What “Expensive” Means When You Shop Maserati
Maserati prices can look normal next to some German badges, then get weird when you start adding real-world ownership costs. A fair way to judge the brand is to split the bill into five buckets and score each one for your situation.
Purchase Price
New Maseratis sit in the luxury tier, and the entry point still lands far above mainstream SUVs and sedans. Options can push the sticker fast, since paint, wheels, leather, and driver-assist packages stack up quickly.
Depreciation
Some Maserati models lose value faster than rivals. That can sting if you buy new and sell in a few years. It can also be a gift if you’re shopping used and you want Italian style for less cash.
Maintenance And Repairs
Routine service tends to cost more than mass-market brands, and repairs can swing wide based on where you live, who works on the car, and how well the prior owner kept records. Parts pricing and shop labor rates drive a lot of the gap.
Running Costs
Fuel economy is often middling, tires are usually pricey performance sizes, and insurance can jump due to repair costs and claim history. Taxes and registration can add another layer in places that charge based on vehicle value.
Time And Hassle
Some areas have fewer Maserati dealers than BMW or Mercedes stores. That can mean longer waits for appointments or parts. If you hate scheduling service, that “time cost” is part of the price.
New Maserati Prices And What You Get For The Money
Price guides from Car and Driver, Edmunds, and Kelley Blue Book place new Maseratis from the mid-five figures into the six figures, depending on model and trim.
| Model (Typical New Entry) | New Price Band (USD) | Used Price Band (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Grecale | $70k–$90k | $45k–$75k |
| Levante | $90k–$120k | $35k–$85k |
| Ghibli / Quattroporte (late models) | $100k–$150k | $25k–$70k |
| GranTurismo / GranCabrio (new gen) | $180k–$250k+ | $70k–$220k |
| MC20 | $230k–$300k+ | $170k–$260k |
Those used ranges look wild next to the new ranges, and that’s not a typo. Depreciation is one of the biggest storylines with this brand, especially for sedans and older SUVs. If you’re cost-sensitive, used shopping is where a Maserati can feel “cheap” up front and “expensive” later if you skip checks.
If you want a clean baseline for the model you’re eyeing, these tools are worth a quick click: Edmunds True Cost to Own and KBB 5-Year Cost To Own. They bundle depreciation, fees, financing, fuel, insurance, and service into one estimate, so you can compare brands on the same yardstick.
Used Maseratis: Why Some Are “Affordable” And When That’s A Trap
Used listings can make you wonder if the whole “expensive Italian car” thing is overblown. A ten-year-old Quattroporte or Ghibli can show up at a price that competes with a new family crossover. That’s depreciation at work, not a secret discount club.
Why Prices Drop Fast
Some buyers avoid used Maseratis because they fear repair bills, dealer access, and resale loss. That shrinks demand, which pulls prices down. Sites that model depreciation for specific trims often show steep five-year drops for certain sedans, so the second owner can get a lot of car for the money.
When A Cheap Listing Turns Into A Cost Sink
A low price can hide a maintenance backlog. If the prior owner skipped fluids, brakes, tires, or cooling system work, you may end up paying that “catch-up” bill in the first months. If you’re trying to answer “are maseratis expensive?” for used ownership, this backlog is the make-or-break detail.
Quick Checks Before You Fall For The Photos
- Ask for service records — Look for routine intervals, not just one big invoice.
- Scan for warning lights — A clean dash matters less than a clean scan tool report.
- Check tire age and brand — Cheap mismatched tires can hint at corner-cutting.
- Verify recall status — Use the NHTSA recall lookup with the VIN.
- Test every feature — Windows, cameras, sensors, seat motors, and HVAC should all work.
If you’re buying from a distance, pay for a pre-purchase inspection at a shop that actually knows the platform. A generic “used car check” can miss brand-specific leaks, suspension wear points, and electronic faults that turn into big labor hours.
Are Maseratis Expensive To Maintain And Repair Over Time
Routine service costs more than many mainstream brands, and repair pricing can swing based on parts and shop labor. Budget higher than a typical family car, then refine the number with quotes from shops near you.
What “Normal” Maintenance Looks Like
Maserati service schedules vary by model and year, yet most follow a cadence tied to time and mileage. Expect oil and filter service, brake fluid checks, cabin filters, and periodic spark plugs on gas models. Dealers may bundle these into annual, two-year, and four-year menu pricing, and those menus can jump at the bigger intervals.
Repairs That Tend To Cost More
It’s not the oil change that breaks budgets. It’s the jobs with high labor time or specialty parts, like suspension components, cooling system issues, turbo plumbing, electrical modules, and air conditioning repairs. When a car sits waiting for a part, you pay in downtime too.
Dealer Versus Independent Shop
Dealers can be a good fit for warranty work, software updates, and factory campaigns. Independent European specialists can save money on labor and offer more flexible parts choices. The safest move is to call both before you buy and ask what they charge for common jobs on the exact model you want.
Ways To Keep Maintenance From Getting Out Of Hand
- Follow the interval — Do fluids on time, even if you drive little.
- Fix small leaks early — Minor seepage can turn into a bigger mess fast.
- Use the right tires — Correct load and speed ratings protect handling and wear.
- Keep a battery tender — Low voltage can trigger odd electrical faults.
- Save every invoice — Records lift resale and help a shop diagnose faster.
If you’re buying newer, check what maintenance is included in your market and whether a prepaid plan pencils out for your driving pattern. If you’re buying older, budget a first-year “reset” fund for fluids, tires, brakes, and any overdue items.
Insurance, Fuel, Tires, And Taxes That Add Up Fast
Even if you score a deal on the purchase, the monthly burn rate can still feel steep. For many owners, these four items are the steady drip that makes the car feel expensive.
Insurance
Insurers price risk and repair cost. Luxury parts, specialized labor, and accident history can raise premiums. Before you sign, get quotes using the exact VIN and your real policy limits. That one step can save you from sticker shock on day one.
If you finance, ask the insurer about gap protection and how claims are handled for parts delays. Some policies include rental limits that run out before a specialty part arrives. Check that your policy allows OEM parts if that matters to you, and ask whether glass, wheels, and roadside benefits are separate add-ons. Those small lines can change your out-of-pocket cost when something goes wrong.
Fuel
Many Maserati models prefer premium fuel, and performance trims can drink it. If you commute a lot, run the math with your local price per liter or gallon. A small MPG gap becomes a big annual number when you rack up miles.
Tires And Brakes
Big wheels look great, but wider performance tires wear faster and cost more. If the car has staggered sizes, you may not be able to rotate front to rear, which can shorten tire life. Brakes can cost more as well, since some trims use larger rotors and pads.
Taxes And Registration
Some regions charge higher annual fees for high-value cars or high emissions. Call your local office or use an online estimator before buying. It’s easy to miss this cost if you only shop by monthly payment alone.
How To Decide If A Maserati Fits Your Budget
“Expensive” is personal. A weekend car with low miles can be far cheaper to keep than a daily driver that racks up 20,000 miles a year. Use the checklist below to decide with your eyes open.
Build A Realistic Monthly Cost Sheet
- Set your purchase ceiling — Include taxes, registration, and dealer fees.
- Add insurance quotes — Use your ZIP code and your real policy limits.
- Estimate fuel spend — Multiply your miles by real-world MPG reports.
- Plan maintenance savings — Put money aside each month for service.
- Hold a repair reserve — Keep a cash buffer for surprises.
Pick The “Right” Maserati For Lower Stress
In general, newer models with remaining factory warranty reduce risk, and cars with complete service records tend to be calmer to own. Sedans can be tempting used because prices drop hard, yet that’s also where you’ll want the strongest inspection and the biggest reserve fund.
Look For These Ownership Green Flags
- Single-owner history — Fewer hands can mean steadier care.
- Clean service timeline — Regular visits beat big gaps.
- Matching premium tires — A clue the owner didn’t cheap out.
- No flood or salvage brand — Avoid title drama in this segment.
- Local specialist access — Short drives to service make life easier.
Key Takeaways: Are Maseratis Expensive?
➤ New Maseratis start in luxury money and climb fast.
➤ Used prices can drop hard, so inspections matter.
➤ Maintenance costs beat many rivals, plan cash monthly.
➤ Insurance and tires can cost more than you expect.
➤ Buy with records, warranty, and a repair reserve.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a used Maserati a smart buy for a first luxury car?
It can be, if you buy the right one. Favor a car with full service records, a clean title, and a shop nearby that knows the brand. Skip the cheapest listing and budget a first-year fund for catch-up items like tires, fluids, and brakes.
What’s the single best way to cut Maserati ownership costs?
Choose a car with documentation. A factory warranty, strong service history, and a clean inspection reduce surprise repairs. Pair that with an independent European specialist for routine work, and you can often keep costs steadier without losing quality.
Do Maseratis hold their value compared to other luxury brands?
Many models, especially older sedans, tend to lose value faster than rivals. That hurts if you buy new and sell soon. It helps if you buy used after the big drop. If resale matters, plan a longer hold and keep records spotless.
Are maintenance plans worth it on a new Maserati?
It depends on your miles and local pricing. If your dealer’s prepaid plan includes the services you’ll hit during your ownership window, it can smooth budgeting. If you drive little or plan to sell early, you may not use enough of it to pay off.
How do I check recall status before I buy?
Get the VIN from the seller, then run it through the NHTSA recall lookup page. Confirm any open recalls are completed by a dealer. If the seller won’t share the VIN early, treat that as a red flag and move on to another car.
Wrapping It Up – Are Maseratis Expensive?
Yes, they can be. The sticker is only the start, and the running costs can be higher than many luxury rivals. A well-chosen Maserati can still pencil out if you buy after the big value drop, verify its history, and keep a repair reserve. Shop for records, coverage, and local service access before you commit.

Certification: BSc in Mechanical Engineering
Education: Mechanical engineer
Lives In: 539 W Commerce St, Dallas, TX 75208, USA
Md Amir is an auto mechanic student and writer with over half a decade of experience in the automotive field. He has worked with top automotive brands such as Lexus, Quantum, and also owns two automotive blogs autocarneed.com and taxiwiz.com.