Hertz sells nearly new Maserati Grecale SUV for $45,000

The cheapest Grecale for sale from Hertz has just 12,544 miles and an asking price of $41,269

Want to cruise around in a used Maserati Grecale for the same price as a fully loaded Toyota RAV4 Hybrid? Well, now’s your chance. Hertz is selling more than 180 (as of this writing) pre-lease Grecale SUVs across the state, most priced under $45,000. Tempting, right? But before we pull the trigger, let’s put the brakes on.

As with any lease-before-purchase, there’s a certain risk associated with such an attractive price tag – especially when it involves a premium badge like a Maserati (and one that can be expensive to maintain). After all, we all know how careless it can be to drive a rental car, and Hertz offers no details about the service it offers on the Grecales.

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

Most look like a good deal, right?

Hertz sells many Grecales with mileage between 15,000 miles (24,000 km) and 20,000 miles (32,000 km), with a fleet located in states such as California, Florida, Utah, Nevada, Texas and Arizona. .

For those who like a bargain, the most affordable Grecale in the Hertz fleet is priced at just $41,269. It has 12,544 miles (20,187 km) and is the entry-level GT model. When purchased new from Maserati, the Grecale GT starts at $69,900. It’s equipped with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 296 horsepower and accelerates to 60 mph (96 km/h) in 5.3 seconds. That’s pretty good for a discount luxury SUV.

A browse on Cars.com shows that many Maserati dealers across the United States are selling rarely used or new Grecale GT models for around $60,000, which is a significant discount from the SUV’s MSRP. However, even these competitive deals pale in comparison to the prices Hertz is proposing.

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For those who are hesitant about the wear and tear on a high-mileage vehicle, there’s a more tempting option: the Grecale, the lowest-mileage one on Hertz’s list, the Chrono Only 1,536 miles (2,471 kilometers)located in Stockton, California, priced at $45,255. Several other cars with less than 6,000 miles (9,656 kilometers) are similarly priced under $45,000, offering nearly new cars at deep discounts.

Is it cheaper now but more expensive later?

Before you start dreaming of Italian luxury on a budget, remember that this is a Maserati – which is synonymous with style and performance, but also means high running costs. According to the Department of Consumer Affairs, the average annual preventive maintenance cost for a Maserati is about $1,600. Compared to the average price of most vehicles of $650 per year, the Grecale’s affordability starts to look less promising.

Additionally, there are warranty issues. That’s great if you’re covered, but it’s not always that simple. While Maserati offers a four-year/50,000-mile warranty on new vehicles, coverage may vary on used vehicles, depending on your state and the specifics of the sale.

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For example, a recent ruling by the California Supreme Court stated that the “refund or replacement remedy” for defective models, aka the “lemon law,” does not apply to used cars, even if they still have valid manufacturer’s licenses Warranty, “unless a new vehicle warranty is issued with the sale.”

When it comes to Italian luxury SUVs, high maintenance costs are part of the charm of ownership, or the curse, depending on your perspective.

Photo Hertz