Jump LinksAn automotive enthusiast who may be a romantic at heart may really like the idea of a used Maserati Ghibli. After all, what's not to like about this sculpted Italian luxury sedan? It’s adorned with leather, features a special Trident badge on the nose, and comes with paddle shifters to help you really enjoy that twin-turbo V6. Today, used prices for a 2019 Maserati Ghibli are average in the mid-to-upper $20,000 range, with older cars much lower. And that may put Ghiblis in the same conversation as new mainstream sedans, lightly used crossovers, or sensible daily drivers. But the Maserati name can still be a double-edged sword, and while a Ghibli's used-market appeal is obvious, its ownership reality could turn out to be far more complicated. A $25,000 Maserati Is Exactly Where The Trouble Starts MaseratiFrom the outside, a used Ghibli is an enticing proposition. It’s not some kind of tired luxury car that was anonymous when new and now shows flat performance and worn leather. Instead, the Ghibli still has an emotional spark with its long hood, cab-rearward stance, frameless side-window look, and low-slung proportions.A Ghibli is almost as desirable now as it was when it was new, and that proposition can trigger a used purchase decision that’s far more emotional than rational. When you consider that many used Ghiblis from this era have reasonable mileage and a decent service history, the car stops looking like a depreciated luxury sedan. Instead, it becomes more of an entry point into the glamour of Italian car ownership.When the Ghibli first came out, Maserati positioned it as a smaller, lighter, less costly, and more dynamic alternative to its Quattroporte. It gave the Ghibli rear- or all-wheel drive and twin-turbocharged V6 power, aiming to reach a broader customer base than it could with the older, lower-volume range. Maserati was quite successful in achieving its aspirations, and the Ghibli was certainly attractive to that broader customer base. In the used market, it remains an interesting proposition today. The Market Didn't Forget What The Ghibli Cost New Maserati The third-generation Maserati Ghibli arrived in the US for the 2014 model year. The base car went on sale at $67,850, including destination, and the more powerful Ghibli S Q4 started at $77,850. While these vehicles were still more attainable than some traditional Maseratis, they were nevertheless in the premium category. Maserati was pitching the Ghibli against some serious German and British luxury sedans, and not in the mainstream family car segment.The base 2014 Ghibli had 345 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque in rear-wheel-drive form, with the S Q4 producing 404 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque. The latter option went from 0 to 60 mph in 4.7 seconds and had a top speed of 175 mph, figures that are still respectable more than a decade later.As time went by, Maserati sharpened the formula. Eventually, it came out with the Ghibli Modena Q4, which had 424 hp, 428 lb-ft of torque, all-wheel drive, and a 178-mph top speed. The 3.0-liter V6 engine was developed by Maserati Powertrain in collaboration with Ferrari, adding yet another emotional connection to tempt the marketplace. The Used Reality Is That Costs Stayed Maserati-Sized Cars and Bids As is often the case with Maserati, depreciation has not been entirely kind to the Ghibli. A 2022 example today may have an average nationwide sale price of around $30,390, according to the CarBuzz Marketplace, but this represents a loss of more than 60% from the original price. Another analyst model suggests an even more severe number over five years, projecting 71% depreciation under its assumption.While those figures may be painful for first-time buyers, they make a car like this seem not only accessible but also tempting. It’s worth remembering, though, that subsequent owners will need to buy into the idea of premium brand parts and premium brand labor, as well as insurance prices that may be higher than average.From a maintenance and repair perspective, one of these Ghiblis may cost about $9,125 over the first 10 years, according to CarEdge, and there’s a 19.65% chance of a major repair over that period. Scheduled maintenance is not particularly trivial either, with Consumer Affairs records showing that Maserati maintenance might average $1,500 per year for the first four years, before any unexpected repairs come into the picture. While that figure applies across Maserati as a whole, and not just to the Ghibli in isolation, it still provides useful context for those who want to compare a used Ghibli with a mainstream sedan. Q4 Cars Add A Specific Inspection Point Maserati Many may be particularly attracted to the idea of an all-wheel-drive S Q4 or one of the later Q4 models because they combine the strength of the V6 with better all-weather traction. However, potential owners will need to take a closer look at these vehicles, as some Q4 models may have transfer case issues. The AWD versions certainly carry more potentially troublesome hardware than rear-drive Ghiblis, and that difference could matter when comparing two used examples at similar prices.Maserati issued a bulletin in October 2024 applying to the M157 Ghibli and M156 Quattroporte V6 AWD models from 2021 onwards. This addresses possible oil leaks from the AWD transfer case area and refers to repair kits that can address that specific concern. Maserati says those repair kits could fully address the problem, so owners don't need to worry about a full transfer case replacement. However, that underscores how important it is to assess the AWD hardware and review the service history and any prior warranty work.An NHTSA recall covered a certain number of 2014 Maserati Quattroporte and Ghibli vehicles with a transmission gearshift lever issue. This could mislead drivers into thinking that the vehicle was in "park" when it was actually in "drive". Meanwhile, a separate recall covered some 2017 Ghiblis and involved engine control software that could cause the transmission to shift into neutral or even shut the engine down at very low speeds.These represent two recall examples to consider, even though some of them may be VIN-specific. Potential buyers should ensure that previous owners have complied with recall notices and, if applicable, insist on documented corrective work. Buy The Best Ghibli You Can With A Reserve Fund, Not Just A Dream Via: Maserati It’s certainly possible to find a used Maserati Ghibli for between $20,000 and $30,000, but that doesn’t capture the whole argument. It’s better to think of a vehicle like this as a $70,000 to $100,000 luxury sedan that now trades in that range, which may help avoid expensive lessons in the future.The ideal used example should have complete service records, no warning lights, no deferred maintenance, and a clean recall history. It should also have matched premium tires, no unexplained driveline noise, and a pre-purchase inspection carried out by a Maserati expert. It may be better to look for later, well-kept, rear-wheel-drive V6s instead of an earlier, cheaper S Q4, unless you fully understand the added inspection points and are willing to purchase accordingly.Still, having waved the caution flag so much, there's no doubt that a used Maserati Ghibli can be alluring for the right buyer. However, a buyer shouldn't be seduced by the lowest advertised price; rather, they should understand why that price is so low. The buyer should verify the service history, check the recalls, and inspect the Q4 system. They should also keep enough money aside for maintenance and repairs, in something a little more formal than a hand-waving rainy-day fund.In summary, the problem with the Ghibli is not that it lacks appeal, but that the appeal can sometimes trigger a risky decision-making process. Though if a purchase plan does work out, there's no doubt that a Ghibli can deliver a fabulous Italian luxury sedan experience at a fraction of its original cost.
+21 others
