Hertz Selling Nearly-New Maserati Grecale SUVs For $45,000

Fancy the idea of cruising around in a used Maserati Grecale for the same price as a fully-loaded Toyota RAV4 Hybrid? Well, now’s your chance. Hertz is offloading over 180 (at the of writing) ex-rental Grecale SUVs across the States, with most priced under $45,000. Tempting, right? But before you pull the trigger, let’s pump the brakes.

As with any ex-rental purchase, there’s a whiff of risk that comes attached to that sweet price tag—especially when it involves a badge as premium (and potentially expensive to maintain) as Maserati. After all, we all know how carelessly rental cars can be driven and Hertz hasn’t provided servicing details about the Grecales it has on offer.

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Still, at a price point where many models hover around $40,000 to $45,000, it’s certainly hard to resist. For context, a new Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Limited starts at $40,030. For a luxury SUV that once retailed for nearly $70,000, it’s enough to get your attention.

Most Look Like A Bargain, Right?

Many of the Grecales being sold by Hertz have between 15,000 miles (24,000 km) and 20,000 miles (32,000 km) on the clock, and the fleet is scattered across states like California, Florida, Utah, Nevada, Texas, and Arizona.

For bargain hunters, the single most affordable Grecale from the Hertz fleet is listed for just $41,269. It has been driven 12,544 miles (20,187 km) and is the entry-level GT model. When purchased new from Maserati, the Grecale GT starts from $69,900. It’s equipped with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder delivering 296 hp and propelling it to 60 mph (96 km/h) in a swift 5.3 seconds. Not bad for what amounts to a discount luxury SUV.

A browse through Cars.com reveals plenty of Maserati dealerships across the United States selling lightly used or new Grecale GT models for around $60,000, representing a noticeable discount from the SUV’s MSRP. However, even these competitive deals pale in comparison to the prices asked by Hertz.

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For those hesitant about the wear-and-tear of higher-mileage vehicles, there’s an even more enticing option: the lowest-mileage Grecale on Hertz’s list, clocking just 1,536 miles (2,471 km), is located in Stockton, California, and is priced at $45,255. Several others with under 6,000 miles (9,656 km) are similarly priced below $45,000—offering nearly new cars at huge discounts.

Affordable Now, Expensive Later?

Before you start dreaming of Italian luxury on a budget, remember that this is a Maserati—a badge synonymous with style and performance, but also with high running costs. According to Consumer Affairs, Maseratis cost about $1,600 per year on average in preventive maintenance. Compare that to the $650 yearly average for most vehicles, and the Grecale’s affordability begins to look a little less rosy.

Moreover, there’s also the question of warranties. If you’re covered, that’s fantastic, but it’s not always that simple. While Maserati provides a four-year/50,000-mile warranty on new vehicles, coverage on a used one may vary depending on your state and the specifics of the sale.

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For example, a recent ruling by the California State Supreme Court stipulates that the “refund-or-replace remedy” for defective models, aka the “Lemon Law”, does not apply to used cars, even if those still have an active manufacturer’s warranty, “unless the new car warranty was issued with the sale.”

And when it comes to Italian luxury SUVs, hefty repair bills are part of the ownership charm—or curse, depending on your perspective.

Photos Hertz