Why Are Maserati Oil Changes So Expensive? 10 REASONS WHY

Maserati oil changes are expensive because these exotic cars demand specialized oils, complex procedures requiring extra labor hours, and dealership service pricing versus standard shops. Additional reasons include more frequent changes needed, use of both engine and transmission fluids, inherently higher costs for an elite Italian brand, larger oil capacities, premium formulations required, and significant dealer markup on parts.

When it comes to maintaining a Maserati, few expenses sting as much as the oil change. You’ve just spent a small fortune on your dream car, yet something as routine as an oil change costs far more than other luxury brands. What gives?

As it turns out, there are some clear reasons why Maserati oil changes cost a pretty penny. From specialized oil to intensive labor, getting that vital fluid swapped isn’t cheap. Here are the top 10 reasons you’ll pay a premium when it’s time for your Maserati to get new oil.

Top 10 Reasons Why Are Maserati Oil Changes So Expensive

1. They Require Fancy Schmancy Oil

Let’s start from the ground up – the oil itself. Your Maserati requires full synthetic oil that meets strict standards for performance and protection. It’s not the conventional stuff you’d put in your average ride.

Expect to pay around $25 per quart for approved Maserati oils, far surpassing regular oil. Considering your Maserati needs 6-8 quarts per change, the oil alone gets pricey.

2. Oil Changes Require More Labor – 106 Words

Changing a Maserati’s oil requires significantly more mechanical effort compared to everyday cars. Their engines sit lower to the ground for sportier handling, but this makes accessing drain plugs and filters trickier.

Maserati oil filters also sit in inconvenient locations, requiring extra labor to access. With the difficult access, you can expect over 2 hours of effort for something that takes 30 minutes on conventional vehicles.

3. Exotic Car Service Centers Charge More

You can’t just pull up to your average quick oil change shop for Maserati service. These cars demand dealership maintenance from specialized technicians. Exotic car dealerships invest heavily in tools, training and facilities to service finicky vehicles like the Maserati.

That overhead gets passed onto the customer in shop rates exceeding $200 per hour – far beyond everyday auto shops.

4. Some Models Require Engine Oil Dry Sumps

Some Maserati models like the MC20 use dry sump engine oiling systems rather than conventional wet sumps. The dry sump setup circulates oil through an external tank to improve flow and prevent oil starvation.

While beneficial, it adds more parts and complexity requiring specialized service tools and knowhow. Just more reasons why your Maserati oil change will cost exponentially more than typical cars.

5. More Frequent Oil Change Intervals – 95 Words

Not only are Maserati oil changes pricier per service, but you need them more often too. Their high-performance engines and demanding driving dynamics mean oil breaks down quicker.

Maserati’s call for oil service every 7,500 miles – nearly half that of some everyday cars. All that adds up to shelling out big bucks more often just to keep oil fresh.

6. Use of Both Engine Oil and Transmission Fluid

Most cars just require engine oil and filter services. But for Maseratis, you also need to change its transmission fluid since the systems share oil. So not only are you paying for complete engine oil replenishment more often, but also replacing shared transmission fluid too – translating to higher costs overall per service interval.

7. Italian Exotic Name Means Pricey Parts & Service

The prancing Maserati emblem carries cachet and pedigree as an iconic Italian exotic brand. And with such esteem comes elevated prices for even basic maintenance like oil changes.

There’s reputation and dealer overhead involved with that iconic trident logo. So while the oil itself is comparable to other European makes, the labor, shop fees and branding all mean that premium tax gets applied to your bill.

8. Higher Oil Capacities Equal Bigger Bills

Your Maserati require more oil than the average engine, therefore every oil change means buying more precious quarts of that pricey synthetic blend. All Maserati models take at least 6 quarts, while most guzzle 8.

For comparison, normal passenger car engines typically need just 4-5 quarts. So not only is the per-quart price higher, but your Maserati demands several more quarts each change.

9. Maseratis Often Take Special High-Performance Formulas

Being performance machines, many Maseratis mandate specific high-end synthetic oils like Shell Helix Ultra or Motul. Those brands market exotic titles like “Ferrari-Certified” formulas designed expressly for the demands of powerful European engines.

And such lofty language means you’re paying for costly formulations well beyond typical synthetics. Just one more expense itemized on your bill.

10. Dealer Markups on Parts & Fluids

Lastly, dealership service centers are notorious for charging way above wholesale on items like oil and filters. It’s not unusual to spot a $50+ markup on a $25 jug of oil, or a $90 billed rate for a $15 OEM filter.

Padding the prices on maintenance parts might seem egregious, but it’s standard practice at many high-end dealers. One more thorn that blooms your total way beyond the raw expenses.

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