Affordable Exotics: Maserati

Bargains or Bombs?
Here are some Maseratis to watch out for. Properly maintained ones can be elegant exotics at incredibly cheap prices, but most have been poorly maintained and have dismal resale value. Even if you can buy them cheap, someday you will have to sell them cheap as well! The production dates shown are for American-market cars.


Quattroporte (1963-1969 and 1979-1986): The massive Quattroporte was billed as the fastest 4-door sedan in the world when it came out in 1963. Styled by Frau, it can charitably be described as restrained. It used the Maserati V-8 engine that later powered other Maseratis. In 1979, an all-new Quattroporte was introduced with boxy styling and an upgraded version of the V-8. The Q-Ports have not been highly valued and can be found in the $10,000 to $20,000 range.


Biturbo (1982-1990): Maserati struck out in a new direction dropping their big V-8 models and introducing a twin-turbocharged V-6 sports sedan that sold for little more than top-line BMWs. Coupe, convertible and 4-door versions were eventually offered; and, although the Biturbo originally sold well, it soon developed a reputation for poor reliability and dealer service. Not surprisingly, they have low resale value and even nice examples now sell for less than $7,000. Rough ones are plentiful at under $2,000, but are no bargain in the long run.


Oddities: When Citroen owned Maserati in the early 1970s, this French automaker brought out a new model of its own called the Citroen SM (M for Maserati). It used the same V-6 engine from the Merak, and was a graceful and modernistic sedan (some may recall its role in "The Longest Yard" with actor Burt Reynolds manning the wheel during a wild car chase that landed him in jail). Although unreliable, they are prized by Citroen fans and sell for $6,000 to $20,000.


Possibly the least appreciated "Maserati" was the Chrysler-Maserati of 1989-1990. This was a restyled 2.2-liter Chrysler convertible with Maserati badges. Although venerated by Mopar fanatics, they can still be had for under $5,500. One plus: this "Chryslerati" is the only Maserati with low-cost repair parts!