It's fair to say the automotive world was fairly excited about the arrival of the Maserati Ghibli. Here, after all, was a smaller, more affordable Maserati saloon, one to take on the staid, German-dominated marketplace with something a little more... Italian.
At the time of its launch, the previous Quattroporte was fondly remembered, and, despite its age, the GranTurismo's melodic V8 and nicely balanced chassis still did a job. With that reputation preceding it, plus a whole host of expensive componentry underpinning it, there was genuine optimism for the Ghibli. This was a 400hp Maserati four-door ready to stick it to BMW, Audi, Jaguar and Mercedes right where it hurt: the executive saloon segment.
As it happened, the car wasn't good enough to topple the class leaders. Or even really challenge them. When we reviewed the car back in 2014, a decent chassis wasn't enough to save the Ghibli; the steering wasn't great, the automatic's calibration snoozy and the ride too firm. Of course it looked great and the interior was suitably snazzy, but the Maserati was an also-ran at best.
However, when paying comfortably less than £30,000 for a car that's covered just 13,000 miles since 2014, it's easier to cut the Ghibli some slack. Because that's a level of depreciation comparable with the Jaguar XF leave alone the German alternatives. And for those willing to forego the segment's very best offerings, and covet something different, Maserati surely beats out Jaguar for desirability - doesn't it?
This particular Ghibli spec may not be to all tastes (because wood isn't for everyone, and cream leather is a pain to keep clean) but there is plenty to be encouraged by. The grey paint and 21-inch wheels still look factory fresh, broken up stylishly by the red calipers; the service history is exclusively Maserati main dealer; there's a Bowers and Wilkins stereo upgrade and the rear seats look like they've barely been sat in. You feel for the first owner, but the Ghibli's less than favourable reception means there are half-price bargains to be had.
And let's be honest: nobody assesses a car like a motoring journalist. Most people want something that looks cool, goes fast and makes them feel good while doing it. A twin-turbo, 175mph Maserati ought to do that, especially one cocooned in leather and cheaply bought. It'll even do 30mpg if needed, too...
So, although the Ghibli was never going to be a group test winner, the ravages of depreciation make it a lot easier to recommend a few years down the line. Quite where they will end up value-wise is anyone's guess, though it should be noted that petrol Ghiblis are very rare - the 3.0-litre diesel was favoured by the overwhelming majority of UK customers. They're certainly not going to increase in popularity either as the Levante and future SUVs become Maserati's biggest sellers. All of which means that, for those who still favour four doors over four-wheel drive for their executive express, there's arguably more going for a Ghibli now than at any point in time before. It's a hackneyed cliché of the very highest order, but it really would be a very dull world if we all coveted the same thing - especially when it comes to cars.
SPECIFICATION | MASERATI GHIBLI S
Engine: 2,979cc, turbocharged V6
Transmission: 8-speed automatic, rear-wheel drive
Power (hp): 410@5,500rpm
Torque (lb ft): 406@4,500rpm
MPG: 27.1 (claimed)
CO2: 242g/km
Year registered: 2014
Recorded mileage: 13,000
Price new: £63,415
Yours for: £27,995
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