2017 Maserati Ghibli S Q4 Year 1 Lease Review and Experience
Maserati. Once a storied brand, where only the few with enough means could get their hands on one. Now owned by FCA, they decided to produce a car that is more attainable, providing an entry point into the brand and giving it more visibility. The base Ghibli, with ~330hp from a 3.0L twin turbo V6, can be had in the low $70's excluding any dealer discounts/rebates.
That's E-Class and 5-Series territory. Realistically, most people will be leasing them, and thats where the value can be had. The top of the line S Q4 with 430hp and AWD has an MSRP starting at around $80k, but most dealers are selling them for much less. Leases can be had starting at $500/mo and up, with some aggressive dealers taking nearly $20k off the selling price. For 2-3k down, you can have a payment in the 8-900$ a month range for a well-optioned SQ4, on par with the M3/4 but with the all-season practicality of AWD and a bigger trunk/back seat. Not to mention there are like a million BMW's and M-cars on the road, so who wants another one, besides the hardcore BMW guys?
Now after selling my 2015 Evo X due to the inconvenience of driving stick in New York City, and moving to a Lexus NX200, I was ready for something a bit more fun and exciting. While a very practical and comfortable car, the NX200 was slow and extremely boring to drive. I also test drove the Jaguar F-Pace, and considered the Porsche Macan, but in the end, the Maserati won with extremely attractive leases (Jaguar had like a $5k first month payment, WTF?) and the most horsepower. Also, sedan driving dynamics win out every time.
I first took the Ghibli SQ4 for a test drive at Manhattan Maserati, who were great. My salesman, Tom Hale, was especially a pleasure to deal with. The showroom was quiet, and there was no pressure or anything -- they were courteous and respectful. On to the drive -- the first thing I noticed was the sound of the car at idle. I'm used to all my cars having modified exhausts, and the throaty growl of the car while just standing still brought back memories of my Evo and Camaro. It definitely got me excited for the drive. Going up the West Side Highway with the exhaust flaps opened, the sound of the engine reverberating off the median wall at around 3-4k RPMs, was intoxicating. It reminded me of a 2JZ or GTR, but with more rasp - it definitely had its own italian flavor to it. The car pulls hard, as expected, and shifts with enthusiasm thanks to the ZF 8-speed - a solid and well-respected tranny available in many other luxury sports cars. 404 horses in the stable make for a fun ride. The interior wasn't as upscale as the Quattroporte, as thats a $100k+ car, I would put it on par with a top trim 3-series BMW. The infotainment and HVAC switches are plasticky, which you wouldn't think should be in an $80-90k car, but with discounts making it $70k, I can forgive it, as it makes up for it with its performance and character. It's an italian car after all, they aren't known particularly for build quality. The bean-counters at FCA weren't any help either, I'm sure. There are nice wood touches and the extended leather feels great. The Harmon Kardon sound system is a worthy upgrade and the stock infotainment unit is one of the best I'ved used - the screen is high-res and feels snappy. Can't say the same for the piece of sh*t Lexus puts in their cars - the thing makes the original Nintendo Game Boy feel like an Iphone X.
So yes, the car has solid driving dynamics -- good grip, steering that ISN'T completely numb, thanks to a hydraulic steering rack, and an engine with a character that isn't found in a lot of new cars today. The ride is firm, but supple enough to absorb the bumps of New York City and let you keep your teeth. So I was sold - weeks later on Black Friday, my salesman Tom called me and offered me a great deal an SQ4 with the driver assistance package (adaptive cruise, collision warning, lane assist, 360 camera & sensors, etc) with a price I could swallow of around $800 a month and $3k OTD.
Fast forward almost a year later, and the Ghibli is still going strong. The only mod I've done is disconnect the exhaust flap vacuum lines, to make it louder. And boy can it wake the neighbors now on a cold start. The dome lights went out for some odd reason about a month in, and the dealer had to keep the car for a few days to fix it. At the time, the loaner fleet was being switched out, so they couldn't give me one -- unfortunate, but I'll give them a pass this time. Every once in awhile, I get looks and compliments on the car, which is surprising considering how common Maserati's are becoming. I feel like I see a few Ghibli's everytime I go out, so over time I don't expect the same amount of attention. But anyway, I didn't buy this car for the attention -- In fact, I wish it drew less. The general populace think you must be rich if you drive a Maserati, which isn't true anymore. All you have to do is be able to afford the lease payment, which a single guy on a modest salary can do. This leads to some awkward conversations at work or with friends where people think you must make a shitton.
Anyway, I recommend this car for anyone looking for a practical, all-season, performance car. I was able to drive through snowy/slushy city roads on all seasons with confidence, and I can fit a stroller and infant car seat in it as well. The relatively large trunk was able to handle trips to Costco and the adaptive cruise made chugging through traffic a breeze. Compared ot the C-class AMG43, the Ghibli is cheaper after discounts, and has more power and character. I'm sure the AMG wins on build quality/interior amenities though. The 550i is a strong competitor with more power, but its also several hundred pounds heavier. It also looks the same as every other BMW on the road and don't think theres as many discounts on the 550 either.. So if you're in the market for a performance sedan on a lease, I'd say the Ghibli is a great value compared to it's rivals, and I suggest you go take one for a test drive!
Comments
GregoryDramI
Wed, 07/22/2020 - 04:50
Permalink
q65ifmc f11sxx
Seriously tons of useful material. [url=https://dissertationwritingtop.com/]phd dissertations[/url]
m91bdi6 m560za ace3a3_
DannyVon
Wed, 07/22/2020 - 05:05
Permalink
w68wap0 w25ydb
Kudos! Numerous postings.
[url=https://viaonlinebuyntx.com/]effects of viagra[/url]
[url=http://www.lakecountyoffroad.org/LCOR_FORUM/viewtopic.php?f=32&t=617180]... y29okt[/url] 7033548
GregoryDramI
Wed, 07/22/2020 - 05:09
Permalink
x315kwv a91viy
You actually reported it adequately. [url=https://viaonlinebuyntx.com/]viagra online[/url]
j27wdxj f14bgf 0c70335
DannyVon
Wed, 07/22/2020 - 05:23
Permalink
w84rfu8 g38sad
Really many of good info! [url=https://top7writingservices.com/]online writing help[/url]
[url=http://www.internetworld.cz/book/?id=1502]g60hvib z583zc[/url] ce3a2_1
GregoryDramI
Wed, 07/22/2020 - 05:25
Permalink
z53okos y57icy
You mentioned this superbly! [url=https://writingthesistop.com/]phd thesis help[/url]
e36qok0 t84kgs 934e60c
GregoryDramI
Wed, 07/22/2020 - 05:40
Permalink
t864bmi s68evu
You actually suggested that effectively! [url=https://essaywriting4you.com/]essaytyper[/url]
t541qjn u86yvd a8_1941
DannyVon
Wed, 07/22/2020 - 05:42
Permalink
q75hesl r722pb
Regards, Good information! [url=https://canadianpharmaceuticalsonlinerx.com/]canada drug[/url]
[url=https://www.ostrov-kenguru.ru/board/viewtopic.php?f=102&t=1986387]r68sav6 t22umy[/url] 3ace3a1
DannyVon
Wed, 07/22/2020 - 05:57
Permalink
d80ycqr d26ske
Very good material. Thank you. [url=https://ciaonlinebuyntx.com/]Pastillas Cialis Para Que Sirven[/url]
[url=http://sakhafilm.ya1.ru/video/88-uon-bies-kun#comments]b36oose p65wtv[/url] 96429e1
GregoryDramI
Wed, 07/22/2020 - 06:00
Permalink
k45vbhj h12kuq
You definitely made your point. [url=https://essaywriting4you.com/]i need help writing an essay for college[/url]
y76ikyr y42flq e13ace3
GregoryDramI
Wed, 07/22/2020 - 06:16
Permalink
j33gbem p11gun
You actually mentioned that really well! [url=https://viagrapython.com/]generic viagra 100mg[/url]
n85hajy x18psq 0c70335
DannyVon
Wed, 07/22/2020 - 06:16
Permalink
p14devw i29zef
Thanks a lot! Plenty of material!
[url=https://paydayloansttf.com/]personal loans online[/url]
[url=http://www.alaiwu.com/forums/topic/successfully-shed-weight-and-maintain... a40boe[/url] 6429e13
DannyVon
Wed, 07/22/2020 - 06:35
Permalink
p694xpg h99wbb
Cheers, Valuable stuff! [url=https://canadianonlinepharmacytrust.com/]pharmacy without dr prescriptions[/url]
[url=https://www.kz-international.com/the-worlds-first-commercial-jetpack-wil... p85auj[/url] 5489642
GregoryDramI
Wed, 07/22/2020 - 06:38
Permalink
x19mxpx a62wdi
Nicely put, Thanks. [url=https://buymodafinilntx.com/]armodafinil vs modafinil[/url]
s98wlnn g645pn 4896429
DannyVon
Wed, 07/22/2020 - 06:51
Permalink
v81qnw2 s97osc
Cheers, Awesome information. [url=https://viagradocker.com/]how much does viagra cost[/url]
[url=http://www.mastersstores.co.ke/?p=11798#comment-472313]t242vb0 m863gk[/url] 6429e13
GregoryDramI
Wed, 07/22/2020 - 06:53
Permalink
n299txi z770zi
Lovely facts, Appreciate it. [url=https://paperwritingservicestop.com/]master paper writers[/url]
g587zib a21njp a6_963d
DannyVon
Wed, 07/22/2020 - 07:07
Permalink
t91onxl e235oi
Amazing quite a lot of great knowledge! [url=https://paperwritingservicestop.com/]writing paper[/url]
[url=http://new.f1-mania.ru/f1codemasters/news/1385-f1-2014-codemasters-pc]n2... d523od[/url] a0_525d
GregoryDramI
Wed, 07/22/2020 - 07:10
Permalink
l806ivv x897in
You explained this perfectly. [url=https://canadianpharmaceuticalsonlinerx.com/]canadian online pharmacies legitimate by aarp[/url]
l652szo j99thd c703354
GregoryDramI
Wed, 07/22/2020 - 07:25
Permalink
r29yflt c820ir
Thanks! I value it. [url=https://viagrapython.com/]mom son viagra[/url]
k48pyrj s21ifg 429e13a
CoreyDet
Wed, 07/22/2020 - 07:27
Permalink
f85jjvg u33vmz
This is nicely expressed! ! cheap viagra
q59gxq1 x91ipo 04b934e
DannyVon
Wed, 07/22/2020 - 07:30
Permalink
d895tt0 j81ajy
Appreciate it! An abundance of write ups!
[url=https://viaonlinebuyntx.com/]viagra for women[/url]
[url=https://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=8456546608711893889&postID=8839... o29ldi[/url] 3ace3a2
DannyVon
Wed, 07/22/2020 - 07:43
Permalink
u89cvt8 a67clr
With thanks, Numerous facts!
[url=https://canadianpharmacyntv.com/]canada online pharmacies[/url]
[url=http://semerarocostruzioni.it/bid-for-papers-fundamentals-explained/#com... t59stv[/url] 3548964
GregoryDramI
Wed, 07/22/2020 - 07:44
Permalink
d98urms e11elb
Very good forum posts, Thanks! [url=https://canadianonlinepharmacytrust.com/]canada pharmacy online[/url]
q90oirv e80mjp e60c703
Michaelfal
Wed, 07/22/2020 - 07:51
Permalink
d307va4 a51blz
Kudos. An abundance of stuff!
borrowing money
[url=http://goodbyeeddie.com/a-note-from-bens-mom?page=4089#comment-235600]b1... f553ml[/url] 8_78134
GregoryDramI
Wed, 07/22/2020 - 08:00
Permalink
j44ohnd z879yf
Cheers, A lot of data.
[url=https://ciaonlinebuyntx.com/]cialis without a doctor prescription[/url]
c10nsve j32bbv 3354896
DannyVon
Wed, 07/22/2020 - 08:02
Permalink
g71haif z651sm
You actually mentioned it superbly. [url=https://homeworkcourseworkhelp.com/]degree coursework[/url]
[url=https://080121111228-sin.blog.ss-blog.jp/2015-11-10?comment_fail=1#comme... g85adi[/url] 04b934e
DannyVon
Wed, 07/22/2020 - 08:20
Permalink
v70lens z132vl
With thanks! Loads of write ups.
[url=https://writingthesistop.com/]thesis wiki[/url]
[url=http://www.adieldesantana.com.br/20-best-smartphones-on-the-market-today... n526hf[/url] b934e60
GregoryDramI
Wed, 07/22/2020 - 08:20
Permalink
u858dg7 u77bfh
Very good content. Thanks! [url=https://payday8online.com/]bad credit loans[/url]
r31hfib k88inw 0c70335
GregoryDramI
Wed, 07/22/2020 - 08:34
Permalink
d963geu r438yq
Regards! Very good stuff! [url=https://viagradocker.com/]blue chew viagra scam[/url]
o343jxo i14rkh 0c70335
DannyVon
Wed, 07/22/2020 - 08:37
Permalink
w22hdhk w62ycy
Thanks a lot, I appreciate it. [url=https://viagradjango.com/]buy generic viagra[/url]
[url=https://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=976777854705238486&postID=25568... x95lhj[/url] 6429e13
GregoryDramI
Wed, 07/22/2020 - 08:54
Permalink
w70ayev f985dj
Truly many of awesome knowledge! [url=https://canadianpharmaciescubarx.com/]canadian pharmacy[/url]
w653laz j81ebx 3548964
DannyVon
Wed, 07/22/2020 - 08:56
Permalink
j65pnw2 n48hyp
Really many of great advice! [url=https://top7writingservices.com/]custom essay writing services[/url]
[url=http://semerarocostruzioni.it/understanding-real-world-plans-in-asiachar... b43uvw[/url] 5489642
GregoryDramI
Wed, 07/22/2020 - 09:09
Permalink
z82vkiq u69fak
Thanks a lot, A good amount of facts.
[url=https://top7writingservices.com/]cheap essay writing service[/url]
d108kr6 g210dw e3a3_2a
DannyVon
Wed, 07/22/2020 - 09:13
Permalink
c624zt9 p56klu
Perfectly voiced of course. . [url=https://writingthesistop.com/]thesis writing help[/url]
[url=http://www.paranormalz.cz/novinky.php?action=comments&id=34&msg=sent]u21... q11jgt[/url] 4e60c70
DannyVon
Wed, 07/22/2020 - 09:29
Permalink
j294uvh v407um
You reported that adequately. [url=https://viagradjango.com/]viagra meme[/url]
[url=http://www.nsu-club.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=10&t=1127761&p=1544540#p15... o72hfx[/url] 60c7033
GregoryDramI
Wed, 07/22/2020 - 09:32
Permalink
t897ita w75pck
Awesome information. Thanks. [url=https://canadianpharmaciescubarx.com/]no prescription pharmacies[/url]
u71bdsd m50yqf 934e60c
GregoryDramI
Wed, 07/22/2020 - 09:45
Permalink
n53mwcr s48ekp
You actually suggested this well! [url=https://homeworkcourseworkhelp.com/]world history homework[/url]
g274dpe f87chl 2804b93
DannyVon
Wed, 07/22/2020 - 09:48
Permalink
z63xfsc t50qoq
Regards! Loads of material.
[url=https://paydayloansttf.com/]personal loans for bad credit[/url]
[url=https://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=8456546608711893889&postID=1417... g64gac[/url] 3ace3a8
DannyVon
Wed, 07/22/2020 - 10:04
Permalink
e89ykf5 p26oqx
Whoa a good deal of good tips! [url=https://viagradocker.com/]viagra generic[/url]
[url=http://93.xmbs.jp/laughmaker-37852-bbs_res.php?guid=on&serial=288350&pag... p79ofq[/url] ce3a4_e
GregoryDramI
Wed, 07/22/2020 - 10:08
Permalink
b43lcjw x35srp
You made your point. [url=https://canadianonlinepharmacytrust.com/]canadian pharmacies that are legit[/url]
o332rds q91hwy e13ace3
GregoryDramI
Wed, 07/22/2020 - 10:20
Permalink
t99zbdu f94lpf
This is nicely expressed. ! [url=https://paydayloansbbv.com/]no credit check loans guaranteed approval[/url]
n25xseu s73qss e3a7_57
DannyVon
Wed, 07/22/2020 - 10:24
Permalink
t233qjj n145ch
Awesome posts. Thanks. [url=https://viagradocker.com/]online viagra[/url]
[url=https://www.tankerderbanker.dk/blog/kaerlighed-er-det-staerkeste-vaben-2... t77gja[/url] e60c703
GregoryDramI
Wed, 07/22/2020 - 10:39
Permalink
t23xydn n751xw
Great content. Appreciate it! [url=https://paydayloansttf.com/]bad credit loans[/url]
d19bpwa v108fi a8_e2f2
DannyVon
Wed, 07/22/2020 - 10:43
Permalink
f46bpvt u23frq
Perfectly spoken genuinely! ! [url=https://essaywriting4you.com/]essay on college life[/url]
[url=http://www.rippedmass.org/forums/anabolic-image-gallery/78694-online-can... h69bnj[/url] c703354
GregoryDramI
Wed, 07/22/2020 - 10:54
Permalink
f35fgmm a475ad
Superb information, Cheers! [url=https://viaonlinebuyntx.com/]viagra online[/url]
s54bss0 o85mwc 3354896
DannyVon
Wed, 07/22/2020 - 10:59
Permalink
a20vnpq k342nv
Amazing plenty of terrific tips. [url=https://homeworkcourseworkhelp.com/]do my homework[/url]
[url=http://www.sickautos.com/?q=node/30&page=1469#comment-86398]s801yys h713vb[/url] 3ace3a7
GregoryDramI
Wed, 07/22/2020 - 11:14
Permalink
m601ny9 v70vxr
Awesome postings. Regards! [url=https://viagradjango.com/]cost of viagra 100mg[/url]
q47cbu8 y66kqd c703354
DannyVon
Wed, 07/22/2020 - 11:15
Permalink
o64bftw u13wvp
You actually suggested this really well! [url=https://dissertationwritingtop.com/]search dissertations[/url]
[url=http://littlebikers.messageboard.nl/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=1153731]d83dyci d82xyn[/url] 896429e
GregoryDramI
Wed, 07/22/2020 - 11:29
Permalink
h65fdw7 v63ege
Fantastic stuff. Thanks. [url=https://canadianpharmaciescubarx.com/]canada online pharmacies[/url]
p48eej8 b73bgr 4b934e6
CoreyDet
Wed, 07/22/2020 - 11:31
Permalink
p63raw3 z93bwp
Thanks a lot! Awesome stuff. viagra dick
k635wvj h78qap ace3a6_
DannyVon
Wed, 07/22/2020 - 11:34
Permalink
q65hism j47lpy
Incredible loads of very good facts! [url=https://paydayloansbbv.com/]online loan companies[/url]
[url=https://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=8456546608711893889&postID=1139... r76hih[/url] 2804b93
Pages