Category: Exotic Cars

Is Ceramic Coating Worth It?

We were non-believers at first. In fact, I can still recall mobile detailers visiting the dealership several years ago to pitch their ceramic coating services, and we did not even entertain what we then perceived as an overpriced wax. What changed our minds?

For starters, we could no longer ignore that the ceramic coating process was growing in popularity. Over the next few years, we noted a rise in fellow car enthusiasts boasting about it all over social media and otherwise. Further, we knew a quality ceramic coating job was a $2,000+ investment, so the value must be there if so many people were opting for it. We finally sought out one of those mobile detailers and asked for a demonstration on a Maserati. The result? It turns out that we were guilty of contempt prior to investigation.

We’ve seen our fair share of high-quality paint correction and polish. This was something else. Yes, the process does include extensive paint correction before applying the sealant, but the finished product proved to be far superior to that of a standard luxury detail. While our expert detailing team could speak more to the technicalities of why the sealant is so much more effective than standard wax, we’ll stick with the basics that a novice can appreciate.

1. The Ultimate Gloss & Slickness
We all know how satisfying the paint feels after a good hand wax; imagine that feeling magnified by 100. The final finish is extremely slick and provides a “high gloss” look that doesn’t start to diminish after the first wash or getting caught in the rain. Granted, much of the gratification can be attributed to the extensive paint correction that took place prior to applying the sealant, but the sealant preserves and enhances that look. In fact, the product is touted to provide this gratification for several years—assuming it’s not being taken to a drive-through car wash (please, don’t do that). The extra slickness is actually one of the added benefits of the sealant, as it also acts as a repellent for rock chips and other road debris.

2. Protection from the Elements
Speaking of the repellent factor, the ceramic coat sealant is essentially an added layer that bonds with the top clear coat of your car’s paint. The only reason we care about that is that this added layer can absorb the various day-to-day blemishes caused by acid rain, bug guts, tree sap, etc. (instead of your car’s paint). When it does rain, the rainwater beads up and easily rolls off the top surfaces instead of leaving water spots. Further, the super slick finish cuts washing time in half. These are all advantages that we’ve witnessed firsthand.

3. Interior Protection for Leather
Ceramic coating for the interior really shines with cars that feature a lot of leather. We are all too familiar with the drudgeries of replacing leather on a Ferrari dash due to heat shrinkage. No, ceramic coating the interior will not save you from the consequences of repeatedly parking your Ferrari in an open lot during the summer months. That said, coating the interior will add some UV resistance. Moreover, the interior coating conditions and keeps the leather supple, which helps prevent hardening, shrinking, wearing, and tearing—ultimately delaying expensive re-upholstery. Much like the exterior benefits, regular maintenance and cleaning become much easier as well.

There are certainly other noteworthy benefits, but to keep it simple: yes, we believe that ceramic coating is a worthy investment for your luxury or exotic car. To realize the benefits mentioned above to the fullest potential, we also suggest commissioning qualified individuals to do the job with high-quality products.

Our expert detailing team, with 40+ years of professional luxury car detailing experience, was trained to be Accredited Gtechniq Platinum Installers. To reiterate, much of the effectiveness of the sealant depends on the paint correction and preparation that takes place prior to its application, which requires a skilled detailer equipped with the proper tools. Factors such as humidity, temperature, and air pollution during application also determine the long-term efficacy of the sealant. Lastly, if the sealant is installed by a Gtechniq Accredited Dealer, a 5-year warranty is offered against stains and discoloration.

To learn more about our luxury car detail services, please visit our Detail Services page.

Maserati Service Schedules & Cost

As you can imagine, we are often asked how frequently Maseratis need to be serviced and how much it will cost. We thought it would be helpful to put together a schedule based on the manufacturer’s recommendation along with any notes we had. According to the manufacturer's current recommendations, scheduled maintenance should be carried out on your Maserati every 12,500 miles or annually, whichever comes first. For those that do drive their Maserati more regularly and tend to be meticulous about maintenance, our lead Maserati technician, who has been Master Certified since 2010, recommends visiting your service center at 7,500 miles to prolong the health of the motor.

Ghibli, Quattroporte (2014+), and Levante Maintenance

The latest Ghibli, Quattroporte, and Levante models all share a similar maintenance schedule. Annual services average $500-$600 to include basic maintenance such as an oil change and pollen filter replacement. Replacing the spark plugs is recommended every 3 years. The most comprehensive maintenance is at the 4-year service to include replacing the belts; the average cost of this service is $1700.

GranTurismo Maintenance

Scheduled maintenance for the GranTurismo includes very specific recommendations from the factory at each yearly interval. These services tend to range from ~$1400-$2,000 for annual maintenance. Every 4 years, it is recommended to replace the belts, in addition to other routine maintenance. Replacing the spark plugs is only recommended every 12th year on this model range, which is less frequent than other Maserati models.

M139 Quattroporte Maintenance

Like the GranTurismo, earlier Quattroporte models, powered by a 4.2L or 4.7L V8 motor, have slightly different recommendations at each service interval and average between ~$1,400-$2,000 for annual maintenance as well. Every 6th year, it is recommended by the manufacturer to replace the belts and spark plugs in addition to routine maintenance; this service interval tends to average around $3,000 to carry out.

M138 Coupe, Spyder, Cambiocorsa, Gransport Maintenanc

An earlier M138 Coupe or Spyder should get an oil change and brake fluid flush annually at a minimum. The average annual service expense is between ~$800-$2,400. It is recommended to replace the accessory belt and spark plugs every 3 years for this model range, which is where owners generally see the higher side of the above range.

General Maserati Maintenance

At each interval, the manufacturer also recommends inspecting certain components on your Maserati. Our service center performs a complimentary multi-point inspection that either your Service Advisor or technician can help you understand.

As with any vehicle, standard annual services are not the only factor to consider with respect to overall maintenance costs. For example, earlier Maseratis that were equipped with an automatic F1 transmission have a wearable clutch just like a true, 3-pedal, manual transmission would. Brake pads and rotors are another wearable item that will need to be replaced every so often. Gaskets and seals will eventually fail and require attention as well. Of course, miscellaneous repairs will increase in frequency as the vehicle begins to age.

Much like Ferrari, the Maserati models tend to suffer from the same cosmetic challenges with leather shrinking and sticky buttons/interior trim. While this could be categorized as †wear and tear†and usually found in examples that have begun to age, it's worth noting that addressing these cosmetic concerns can be a considerable expense. To learn more about these nuances, be sure to check out another recent article †Is Maserati Service Similar to Ferrari Service? â€.

Whether you need routine maintenance, more advanced repairs, or cosmetic refurbishments, our service center is fully equipped to service Maseratis of any vintage.

Where exactly do Maserati service costs lay in the gamut of car maintenance?  Are they similar to their sister company Ferrari, or are they more in line with a high-end vehicle?  And, for the buyer who really wants a better understanding, why and how is a Maserati service different as compared to other cars?

Ever since Maserati decided to increase the supply of Maseratis and flood the market, we have been getting more and more questions about Maserati service and what can be expected. Many people do assume that being an Italian exotic it is going to be pretty expensive to maintain, but that is not necessarily true for Maserati. The great news is that the service is much, much cheaper than a Ferrari, and more affordable than most people would guess.

Digging into the details a bit, what can you expect?

Annual Service

All of Maserati’s models, the Ghibli, the Levante, the Gran Turismo, and the Quattroporte do require an annual service. This service includes changing all the filters, all the fluids, and an overall inspection. For the yearly service, you can expect to pay about $1,000 assuming no issues arise from the inspection. Some may balk at this, especially if you compare it to a Honda service, but for an exotic vehicle, this really is in line, and quite frankly on the lower end of the spectrum for an exotic annual service. In fact, this cost actually falls more in line with an annual service for a high-line, vehicle such as a Porsche or Mercedes. Also, considering an average Ferrari service can run you thousands and sometimes tens of thousands, this really is a good deal.

Additional Services

Every other year the annual service is a little bit larger because there are additional requirements. Then, at the fourth or fifth annual, you should expect to have issues arise from the inspection such as, spark plugs that need to be replaced. These issues can increase your bill a few thousand. Again, this is in line with other luxury vehicles such as a Porsche or AMG.

One thing that is important to point out is what can be expensive when you own a Maserati. Maseratis, unfortunately, are known for a few reoccurring service issues. Window regulators and interior door handles will constantly be failing. Poor quality trim pieces and shrinking leather is usually a surprise to most who are new to Maseratis, but this will happen, and when it does, it can be expensive to replace.

Considering all of these service costs, we believe that Maserati represents a terrific, exotic value. If you also factor in the sporty, luxurious design, the Ferrari-inspired sound, and the fact that the cost of some Maseratis is similar to that of an Acura or Infiniti, then we believe that Maserati represents an excellent, exotic decision!

Over the past several years one consistent observation about Maseratis is that the values have surely plummeted. You might ask why this is? Is it because these cars are really not good cars? Is it because there are Maserati service issues and people are dumping them? Or is it simply because of a strategy Maserati decided years ago?

Several years ago Maserati as a company decided they wanted to sell more Maseratis. They decided they wanted to sell 50,000 cars a year meaning they would have to greatly increase production. The result? It all comes back to simple economics… supply and demand.

One thing we say here at Merlin Auto Group is determining the value of a car has several components and the most important factor is looking at supply and demand in the market. When Maserati made a conscious decision to introduce an entry-level Maserati starting at $50,000 and increase production hoping to sell 50,000 units a year they changed the market for their brand. When the supply increased much more rapidly than the demand, the market became flooded with Maseratis and buyers became opportunistic buying $100,000 and $50,000 Gran Turismo's for a fraction of the price.

Now, with the Italian design, the Ferrari-inspired motor, the sound, the handling, and the performance, some people would say Maseratis are the best value on the market today. Would I go and buy a new one? There is absolutely no chance, but if you are looking for an unbelievable value and a ton of car for the money, then you should absolutely consider a Maserati and especially a used Maserati as the supply and demand have greatly affected the pre-owned market. In addition to a great deal, Maseratis are very reliable and safe vehicles. Maserati service, while still much more than a Hyundai or Toyota, is much more cost-effective than other exotic brands. Oh yeah, and did I mention, they are gorgeous and fun to drive!

It's not often you will hear the terms “bang for your buck” and Italian exotic in the same sentence, but when you're talking about Maseratis, this definitely applies to the current market.

What is the cost of ownership for a Maserati?

Over the last few years, the values of used Maseratis have fallen quite a bit; actually, they have fallen so far that many people who previously found the price tag unattainable are now considering purchasing one.  Are they so cheap because the cost of a Maserati service is so astronomical? Is the cost of ownership so high that the value of the Maserati has dropped?  These are questions I get asked a lot and, interestingly, I enjoy answering them because I believe in value, and I think a Maserati is one of the best values in the exotic car space.

Maintaining a Maserati, while certainly more expensive to maintain than a Toyota or Honda, is not cost prohibitive. By and large, Maseratis are terrific automobiles.  What you can expect is a luxurious, Italian, sports car with a gorgeous interior designed with style and convenience in mind.  The unique design of this vehicle is stunning and comfortable, making it a great daily driver.  And, let’s not forget about the engine!  The Maserati will deliver all the speed and performance that you would expect of such an engine, while at the same time delivering a smooth and gentle drive.  Considering all this car offers, I find it to be great for a single person as well as for a family with kids.

Now, let’s talk about what you can expect on the service side.  An annual Maserati service is recommended and, as you have probably guessed, it will cost more than your typical Hyundai service, but much less than a Ferrari service.  You can expect the cost to compare to the service of a standard AMG Mercedes or Porsche.  What you will find is that Maserati parts such as, brakes and rotors are not prohibitively expensive, they just need to be maintained regularly to avoid larger, more costly services.  A Maserati will last many years, trouble-free if it is properly maintained.  It is important to qualify that this applies to the newer generation Maseratis, 2014 and later; the  earlier models, while still not cost-prohibitive to maintain, can certainly pose some different challenges.

There are a few issues that all Maseratis have that are important to point out, especially to a first-time buyer, because they are not common problems in other cars.  Maseratis do have issues with “sticky buttons” and shrinking leather components that their sister company Ferrari is famous for.  To elaborate, “sticky buttons,” are when the buttons in the Maseratis start to develop a tacky feel over the years.  This stickiness has been an issue for decades and there is no easy solution out there.  In addition to the buttons and leather shrinkage, there are electrical issues, like broken window regulators,  that are much more common in these vehicles.  However, aside from these items, you will find the Maserati to be a reliable vehicle that will not take you to the poorhouse.

As new car manufacturers continue to broaden their line and ramp up production in order to gain marketshare, it brings to mind the question: how does this affect the value of pre-owned cars? What does it do to the current cars on the pre-owned market and how does it change? At the end of the day, it’s the same philosophy that we often talk about: Supply and Demand. Simple economics–as long as the demand exceeds the supply, then values will remain stable. However, when supply far exceeds demand, that’s what generates all the rebates and low prices, diminishing the value of all of the products. As a result, used car prices go down and new car prices go down. The reason why a lot of the domestic manufacturers and these super high-volume brands all have big rebates is because the supply heavily outweighs the demand–They have so much inventory they have to discount it to get rid of it. So what happens next? When you start selling new cars for $15,000 off of MSRP, whats a one-year-old one, same make and model, going to be worth? How many times have you seen a recent year model and thought, well, I could buy a new one for virtually the same price…so why would I buy the used one? This starts to kill the market.

Another thing that happens when these manufacturers broaden their brand to this degree, is they can confuse customers. Someone who wants to spend upwards of $100,000 on a highline car, a BMW, a Mercedes-Benz or a Lexus, for example, they can often see similar models out there on the market for almost half the price. This diminishes that value of the market in general, so if there is an entry-level, $20,000 Mercedes-Benz, it makes the aspirational $200,000 Mercedes technically worth less because it is the same brand. There is an element of exclusivity of the brand that inevitably deteriorates. It’s no different than a big-time designer going into outlet stores, it diminishes the value of that particular brand. The goal is to keep price integrity and keep values high, and that is all done by the supply and demand ratio. The only way to maintain high prices is to have a smaller supply of product than there is a demand for it.

As it pertains to the exotic market, we couldn’t help but wonder, is this the direction we see the Ferrari brand going in with some of the mass-production of newer models? We can’t say for sure, but it is definitely nerve-racking, considering Ferrari’s production is the greatest it has ever been. What makes a 1987 Ferrari Testarossa so special is there are just not that many of them out there. Contrarily, you can find a plethora of used Ferrari 458 models on the market, so you can see how people naturally gravitate toward the model that there are not as many of–it’s more exclusive. Even more worrisome, there is talk of Ferrari ramping up production even more, and potentially offering an SUV. In other words, Ferrari is doing things to broaden their customer base, which is understandable, since it is a publicly traded company and they have a stock price to worry about, but it is not necessarily a good thing for the market. Another thing to think about: The manufacturers make money when they sell their cars to the dealers, they don’t then make money again on the used car sale, aside from selling parts, so Corporate Ferrari is not as concerned with the pre-owned Ferrari sale.

The good news is, this only bodes well for older exotic cars, whether it’s an older Porsche, an older Ferrari 360, and certainly an older Ferrari Testarossa. These older cars continue to go up in value with the mass-market production of newer, more modern models, as it makes these older exotics even more special and exclusive.