For enthusiasts dreaming of owning a true European grand tourer, the Maserati GranTurismo has become a surprisingly accessible option on the used market. Thanks to significant depreciation, early first-generation GranTurismo models now sell for less than the price of a new Honda Civic, bringing Italian luxury within reach of more buyers than ever before.
The Maserati GranTurismo, introduced in 2008 and produced through 2019, established itself as a stylish and capable grand tourer with classic proportions and a powerful V8 engine. In its day, this model competed with the likes of the Aston Martin Vantage, Bentley Continental GT, and Mercedes-AMG GT—cars typically priced well into six figures when new. Today, however, pre-owned examples, especially from the earlier years, are available at a fraction of their original cost.
Depreciation has dramatically reduced the cost of owning a Maserati GranTurismo. While a new 2026 Honda Civic Sport Touring hatchback starts at $34,790, recent market data shows that the average price paid for a used M145 GranTurismo last year was around $31,069. Even more striking, early 2008 models have been selling for as little as $18,644, undercutting even the base 2026 Civic LX, which begins at $25,890. This puts a genuine Italian GT car within reach of buyers considering mainstream sedans.
First-generation GranTurismos are powered by naturally aspirated Ferrari-derived V8 engines. Early models feature a 4.2-liter V8 producing 405 hp and 339 lb-ft of torque, paired with a responsive ZF six-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive layout. Later variants, such as the GranTurismo S, received a larger 4.7-liter V8 delivering up to 454 hp. The engine’s character and soundtrack set the GranTurismo apart from the average sedan, offering a driving experience that few cars in this price bracket can match.

The GranTurismo’s interior is finished with high-quality materials and offers a blend of comfort and luxury expected from a premium touring coupe. The automatic gearbox can be operated via a central lever or steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters, providing flexibility for different driving moods. However, buyers should be aware that maintenance costs can be higher than those for mainstream vehicles, and reliability can vary, particularly as these cars age.
While the new Honda Civic offers modern technology, low running costs, and everyday practicality, it cannot match the GranTurismo’s presence, performance, or emotional appeal. The Maserati is best viewed as a special-interest purchase—a car for those willing to embrace the quirks of an aging luxury coupe in exchange for exclusivity and charisma not found in new mainstream models.
It is striking to see a grand tourer once reserved for a select few now competing in price with one of the world’s most popular compact cars. The Maserati GranTurismo’s depreciation puts it in a unique position, appealing to enthusiasts who value style, performance, and heritage over practicality. Still, buyers must approach with realistic expectations about maintenance and running costs, as well as the inevitable quirks of an older Italian luxury car. For those prepared to accept these trade-offs, the GranTurismo offers an opportunity to own a piece of automotive history for less than the outlay required for a new, everyday sedan. Looking ahead, as more modern GTs become available on the used market, we may see further democratization of luxury performance cars, giving enthusiasts more choices than ever before.