Maserati's Levante LUXURY SUV Feels Like Parts Bin LEGOS *Should I Buy It?*

[@tomdelisle8955]

If an automaker wants to build sport cars, you have to sell SUVs to pay for it.

[@WatchJRGo]

Facts... SUVs and trucks are holding the whole market together. 💯

[@sergiobisonte]

doesnt make any sense to me... honda has all the blueprints for the s2000 and the original nsx... they can start making them again with zero development... nissan has the blueprints of the r34... they can start making it tomorrow with zero development costs... toyota has the blueprints of the mk4 supra... bmw the m3 of the 90's etc etc etc all the automakers can make the same cars they did before! with zero development, and alot cheaper... no development costs... they are allready developted!!

[@JohnDoe-zr6bk]

@@sergiobisonte and not enough people to buy it. Production costs depend solely on the numbers. Not enought cars, not enough profit... Only the models that bring the numbers are being produced.

[@Stressless2023]

@@sergiobisonte Not "zero" development costs... The FED's change their safety requirements constantly, which virtually all automakers have to comply with, plus fluctuating parts costs from subsidiaries, among other numerous incidentals that auto manufactures have to deal with and adjust to on a conveyor-belt basis... Even small changes can cost big bucks for big conglomerates.

[@mexicanspec]

@@sergiobisonte They have the blueprints but times have changed and all the technology they are required to add will not fit in any of those vehicles.

[@weaveracresfarm6584]

We have the 2017 Levante SQ4 and love it. Highly recommend 👌. I'm also the guy in NC that talked with you on FB about your GT-R a while back. We have a bunch of cars but the Levante is one of the most enjoyable to drive. Who cares if FCA uses switchgear from other models. Their infotainment system is also pretty good and reliable out of their other cars so why redesign something so costly for a sub-100k car... The engine, drive train and all-wheel drive system along with burble from the valved exhaust makes that 6 cylinder fun to drive and sound pretty good too. Ours has 32,000 miles on it and has been great. Just my 2 cents - and if you're getting it to rent I think it would be a hit with the Turo crowd. That all being said it is in the shop and we currently have a Ghibli loaner 🤔😬🤣🤣. Also if you open the sunroof with the shade still closed it opens the shade first and then the sunroof with one press of a button. And finally the 2017 has hydraulic power steering - the 18 and later electric. I like the hydraulic power steering feel...

[@fuosdi64]

You're seriously one of the most consistent car KZbinrs out there. How is your work ethic THIS good?!

[@yodasbff3395]

The apple didn't fall far from the tree, JR has good parents, hence the good work ethic.👍

[@hopefulllee4519]

I worry about burn out though. But you seem to enjoy it.

[@JB-mk4ry]

Note that he was filming in the Maserati at 1:30 am... :)

[@OhPhuckYou]

Only time I've seen someone that productive they were on meth, but JR actually gets things done with pride. So couldn't be meth.

[@mexicanspec]

He likes money.

[@100PercentJake]

Nothing like slapping two turbos on a Chrysler Pentastar and shoving it in a Quattroporte on stilts. People would probably rent it just to see what a Maserati is like and then subsequently come away disappointed.

[@elemental5906]

People who rent the “Ferrari V8” version get the true Maserati experience, waiting on the side of the road for a tow truck

[@marlon2k9]

The Quattroporte/Ghibli/Levante are all based on the LX platform too.

[@Hotlog69]

If they slap a Dodge logo on it and lower the price by $10,000 and use the 5.7 Hemi. You'd have a winner!

[@unclejoe6811]

Disappointing much like your videos

[@VarosVapor]

this thing is all about branding and most people will be impressed by the trident and Maserati name which makes it perfect for the rental fleet. Its an OK driver that's mean to look exclusive, from 10 feet away. Glad to hear you mention the Rolls and Camaro, those were very enjoyable video series, can't wait to see them make a comeback,. Happy Thanksgiving JR!

[@1mlb704]

I appreciate car reviews where the reviewer can actually give their honest opinion and point out all of the flaws. If Maserati gave this to you to review you wouldn't be able to be very negative about it. But you still pointed out the positives too. Good review JR

[@benlorentzen7546]

It's a glorified chrysler and will depreciate like one. Hard pass!

[@WatchJRGo]

But if it makes money 🤔

[@benlorentzen7546]

@@WatchJRGo Good point. Not sure how much you make on something like that as a rental when you take into consideration the Initial investment. I'm going to guess though it's not the most reliable vehicle like everything else Chrysler-fiat makes but with the added benefit of having expensive parts when it breaks from all the rental abuse. As long as it has a good warranty I guess 😂

[@rocketwontoo5073]

@@benlorentzen7546 If it was me I pass on buying an over glorified over priced lawyer SUV.

[@69Dartman]

If you can rent it for a profit easily it's a no brainer. Your not selling it your renting it so as long as it's reasonably reliable and rents for a profit you're good long term.

[@bgee461]

It should make money, I suspect there are folks out there that would love to be seen in a Maserati

[@GrandMoffJoseph]

Its somewhat parts bin nature can work to its advantage though. Urus or Bentayga owners can't always easily get to a dealer to order parts, much less a retail parts store. And worst case, you could literally get smaller parts (seat motors, window switches, start button, etc) out of a wrecked Dodge and avoid potential weeks/months long part delays.

[@RandomGuyDan]

I have all this in my 2013 Lincoln MKT that cost $16k 2 years ago with about the same mileage. 335 hp TT 3.5 EcoBoost. Heated/cooled front seats, heated rear seat, nav, Bluetooth, power lift gate, power folding 3rd row with picnic mode, keyless entry and start. 20" wheels, panoramic roof. And great brakes.

[@jeesmith99]

Happy thanksgiving! Looking forward to 2022 projects.

[@WatchJRGo]

Happy Thanksgiving to you! 🦃

[@TheJdog5]

The Dodgerati!! I work for a rental company and these are good to rent out as an “exotic” but not have to worry too much about it. Most people who aren’t car enthusiasts really enjoy them. Looks nice, loud exhaust with cracks and pops(some love it some hate it), decent performance for a suv.

[@emericaman16]

Lavante: **exhaust on upshift sounding like emptying a recycling bin full of aluminum cans ** JR: "Ughhh what is THAT."

[@Flies2FLL]

Sounds like a loose heat shield.

[@jasonbeallie5535]

The driver's door window switches & power locks is the same as in my company mini van. It's a 2008 Chrysler Town & Country.

[@dastrayer63]

Like your unbiased perspective and honesty. Your priorities may not be the same as others. This car fits a niche, but probably not for you...or me.

[@raufamin]

Okay so most here wouldn't know this but luxury Italian sport cars from before the 2000's (before Fiat bought Chrysler and VW bought Lamborghini) used to use Fiat switchgear. And it was worse because you had Maserati's and Lamborghini's (Maybe some Ferrari's too) with cheap switchgear from a lowly Fiat, Lancia or Alfa. Parts bin raiding within cheaper brands are not new to the Italians. These Dodge switchgears are infinitely better than the old Fiat switchgear. Even the last batches of Lamborghini Diablo's that left the factory used to have a steering wheel from a lowly basic Lancia Dedra just with a Lambo badge stuck on (Dad had a Dedra in the 90's). Like it was mentioned by JR, they don't exactly have a luxury parts bin to raid like the Germans but I think they're damn good for what they are. I would rather have working Doge/Chrysler switchgear and infotainment software versus the Italian stuff. This coming from a die hard Italian car fan boy. And a Happy Thanksgiving to everyone!

[@kberry3065]

Dodge quality plus Italian quality……what could go wrong!

[@tjnucnuc]

Hey the Abarth 500 is an awesome car. Albeit a little tricky to work on.

[@bewareofwil]

Don't know about this one, but my Maserati does 185. I lost my license, now I can't drive.

[@insaneiaq]

End up with a limo so you could ride in the back?

[@bewareofwil]

@@insaneiaq Unfortunately yes. The biggest downside to this is that I have to lock the doors in case I'm attacked.

[@hawkeye7249]

It would be interesting to see how it compares to the Alfa Stelvio .

[@wingedhorsegarage473]

I love it when you geek out on sound design! 😆 That red stitching is 🔥. Also, the same tire pressure warning light as my RAM 1500 . 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@350pink]

I like how the rear heated seats buttons are straight out of the Chrysler Town and Country

[@latoyialynch]

Most cars don’t have rear heated seats so that’s a plus

[@itsnotme07]

At the price level talked about, hard NO on buying it. Under $30k OTD? That might make it worthy of the rental fleet. I'd suggest a Lexus RX350 instead. Reliable, looks great, no it's not "sporty", even the F Sport isn't, but as a rental car...it's bulletproof and cheap to maintain. Can you get one for under $30k? not so sure in this crazy car market. Your connections are WAY better than mine though. haha. Oh yeah, Happy Thanksgiving!!

[@Natethegreat200c]

nobody wants a lexus. go on the scotty kilmer page with that nonsense

[@kgisabeast]

Not to mention a way nicer interior than this

[@Natethegreat200c]

@@kgisabeast no it doesn’t

[@latoyialynch]

A Toyota no thank you😂

[@died4us590]

Happy thanksgiving JR, looking forward to the fixilating.

[@WatchJRGo]

Always stay fixilating my friend 🍻

[@terrancesimmons1]

Maserati has a deep history of using parts from their parent manufacture. The selling point of any Maserati has always been the Ferrari derived engine. Some of your favorite supercars uses parts for other manufacturers. Nothing to scoff at…. If it works, it works. Plus the price point in 2024 is very affordable. Great vid!

[@TurboPonies]

Fashion police: Saab shirt in the intro - Like! Levante review - equally on point. I am along with you - I know it exists for some reason b-b-but I can't see myself paying for it.

[@shauncollins2017]

A lot of high-end manufacturers use other companies parts. The radio harness and Dash Kit for a Ferrari California is the same harness as a 2012 Dodge Grand Caravan.

[@williamegler8771]

My neighbor's have one of these as well as a Range Rover. I see them occasionally because their parking spaces are usually occupied by loaner or rental cars. Both have fairly low mileage because they spend most of their time being repaired not driven.

[@sirsweetness8332]

That last comment is so true and funny.

[@Obsidian762]

Spork! Perfect description of the emblem.

[@notj5712]

I can't imagine ever going into a dealership and buying a Maserati on purpose. The fender vents have always looked like something you get at autozone in the plastic"chrome" isle. And the Trident, who are you trying to be, Aquaman? I've only known two people who drove them and they were both, slightly crazy chicks that got them from ex's.

[@OhPhuckYou]

The fender vents just remind me of a Buick Lucerne.

[@BillLaBrie]

I knew a pornographer who owned one.

[@tony_25or6to4]

Walmart version of Buick port holes

[@kgisabeast]

Infiniti uses those too and I just don’t understand the appeal

[@smithjohn2416]

Gees that's a gangster SUV. Love the styling. Maserati all around have some really beautiful rides.

[@latoyialynch]

Facts! You gotta know cars for yourself because these videos are a trip. Maserati, it is beautiful and fun to drive.

[@chefcamsey1375]

The 2005 v8 twin turbo porsche 4x4 is awesome with 32 inch mud tyres both on and off road....couldn't even imagine it tuned

[@HiggsBJ]

I feel like you and Hoovie do a good job showing us what cars to never consider buying….still hoping for another classic boat video! ✌️

[@pauliuscs]

luckily in Europe we do not see things through Dodge drivers eyes. it's still a maserati with some, call it what you want, shared parts. In the end of a day it is an mazing drive. And one thing to mention you forgot while going on about buttons, the engine :)

[@wriddle082]

Maybe this one would be a good choice for the fleet, but you might also consider how much of a PITA it would be to maintain, especially with twin turbos. Otherwise, if I were you I’d look for a late model Pacifica and put a Hemi in it for the fleet! Oh, and Happy Thanksgiving! Best wishes to you and your family!

[@thelifeofjessejames]

Happy Thanksgiving John! Hope you're well, you're one of my favorites on this platform!!

[@2008tourer]

You can move the headrests, visibility will be much better

[@dalefarmer.568]

Glad to see you thinking more than just youtube cause lets face it it wont last forever but ill keep watching

[@RearEngineShop]

I need project winter too. So much to do! Good luck!

[@WatchJRGo]

You can do it, lets knock these cars out! 💪

[@tnourse]

Thanks JR. I’m thankful for your videos. Thanks!

[@BSGSV]

Your review of the Maserati is on point. I have never been impressed with the brand. It is a classic case of show without quality substance. There are some that perform, but can't do it reliably. Sorry Elliot.

[@Natethegreat200c]

what do you mean reliably ? is a Mercedes reliable? bmw?

[@MigySaan]

@@Natethegreat200c still better than that Dodge Dart pos Maserati

[@Natethegreat200c]

@@MigySaan how is a Mercedes or bmw more reliable than a dart. You’ve really let media brainwash you and you look stupid because of it. Just stop

[@davidr-me6ku]

Lots of haters on here.

[@BSGSV]

@@Natethegreat200c Absolutely there are many individual Mercedes and BMW models that are legendary for their reliability. There are NO such Maseratis.

[@showrunner2183]

I can always count on You and Alex for spontaneous content. No schedule; just entertainment

[@renoflames]

HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO YOU TOO AND BE SAFE. I HOPE YOU HAD A GOOD ONE WITH EVERYONE..

[@Fastcar5000]

On a side note, but related; Lockpickinglawer just picked a door lock out of a Rolles Royce that was just a repackaged Audi/VW product.

[@richardkennedy1076]

I must admit that car looked a lot like the 2020 Durango I just rented with mot of it's features. Tho I have to admit the Durango drove very smooth. Steering was great on it.

[@AutoAuctionRebuilds]

Happy Thanksgiving!

[@WatchJRGo]

Happy Thanksgiving to you! 🍻

[@Spiccatoarco]

Looks like my 2017 QX-50. That's a compliment. Cheers.

[@tjnucnuc]

It’s funny we get people trying to trade lightly used ones in and they always think they are worth all the money. I can see it being popular on Turo though. I’d rent one over say an X5.

[@TheBarberShopScott]

Happy Thanksgiving buddy!

[@Danijamali1]

To the switches in the back of the wheel, that's a Maserati thing copied to dodge by FCA not the other way around

[@theEagleBeagle]

Turo fleet? I'm surprised you hadn't done that sooner. great idea!

[@chrish352]

Sounds like you do Turo, I’ve been thinking of getting into that.

[@clifbradley]

Oh and Happy Thanksgiving. I hope you went to your mom's or brother's, or Elliott's or Hoovie's and had real food for Thanksgiving and not Taco Bell or pizza. Real food from an identifiable food source. Lol. Been here with you now for 6 years! Thankful you always put out consistent interesting content.

[@markfrank8057]

Mrs Wizard will be having words with you John Ross 😂

[@elemental5906]

A Maserati is just as useful as a spork!

[@chasethiede9140]

I owned one go in the passenger foot well pull out the 4 screws and your will see the Chrysler ecu I had lots of problems with the ecu failing and the car bricking itself in the garage

[@punkrockford]

That shifter is out of the Durango and Jeep Grand Cherokee. It has lead to many injuries and even at least 1 death.

[@robertm5969]

It could work. Many people would pay top dollar to drive a prestige brand car and show off. Yes, it'll cost more to maintain being a Maserati, but that's what you've got the shop and experience for.

[@joedingman4181]

Happy Thanksgiving Jr great channel keep grinding out those repairs and build that toro fleet….

[@Frossyt]

Nice GTR 35 behind you in the beginning. 😆 🤣

[@WatchJRGo]

That's mine 🍻

[@Frossyt]

@@WatchJRGo when's the reveal? Congrats buddy. Soon as I saw that rear corner and the corner reflectors I knew what it was.

[@keithdosik]

Always buy it! You have some holes in the collection plus the best vids are of buying new cars!

[@WatchJRGo]

Haha, I'm not sure about this, it would rent out a ton but I can probably do more with less 🍻

[@keithdosik]

@@WatchJRGo very very true, they’re kind of expensive for what they are. Idk I’m always here to push my favorite you tubers to buy stuff

[@vincentjenkins4045]

Happy Thanksgiving!!!! Thank you for the great projects and channel you have created

[@alain99v6]

and I had a fight with a fan boy on wizard channel about how the Levante was based on the 300C the fan boy was swearing it was pure italian blood ...

[@WatchJRGo]

Lol! It's obviously the same parts as every $10,000 Dodge on the road, fanboys gonna fanboy. 🍻

[@alain99v6]

@@WatchJRGo and I restrained myself to talk about the 3.0L "Ferrari" engine built with a chrysler Pentastar short block lol

[@t20594]

So it's based on a '90s Daimler E series....

[@P.Galore]

the maserati ghibli is heavily based on the chrysler 300c sedan.....many components on the dash are identical.

[@rsvp-realscalevehiclesproj6965]

I got to test drive a 2019 Cullinan a couple of weeks ago for an inspection. It had 7066 miles on it. Can't even begin to describe the experience. Wish I could attach pictures here.

[@axxisblack]

Better than a Dodge dart?

[@Ne9n]

What about your John Deer 420 crawler for the project winter?

[@kerrylewis2581]

Great review. So great in fact that I strongly feel that you should move on to another vehicle for your fleet of rentals.

[@cadman10000]

I would be offended if I had to deal with that level of deprecation also.

[@WatchJRGo]

Maserati owners: "Hey now it's only depreciated by half it's MSRP" See also: BMW 😬

[@marksbikeexports5123]

When it comes to ideas, the car rental idea make the R8 idea look like a stroke of genius .

[@deloreanman14]

That same shifter design was in the Jeep Grand Cherokee that crushed and killed Anton Yelchin.

[@mmonkeyman1403]

Maserati is a baby company in the FCA/Stellantis portfolio, they do less engineering than Alfa.I’m honestly shocked that it still exists! There’s a video where Frank Stephenson (designer of the MC12) talks about a lot of the parts on the MC12 having been ordered from a catalog because it was the only way they could afford to do it, and the parts fit well.

[@Sylvan_dB]

Most people don't see all those dodge cars, and of those that do the intersection with maserati shoppers is even smaller. :)

[@Dozer04r1]

SUV’s to an enthusiast are there for two reasons - weekend work if you must (still haven’t had the need to buy one for our family yet) and hopefully…hopefully to allow the car company to build the coupe or sports car that you actually want. Otherwise, I honestly can’t stand the idea of them - frankly I’d rather roll in a mini-van if I need to utilitarianism of a vehicle. But that’s not cool enough for many…so they get this thing…

[@elemental5906]

Let’s be honest, Dodge doesn’t deserve to be compared to Maserati…

[@WatchJRGo]

True, Dodge has way better reliability 😂

[@F06M6]

I say buy it. I own one of these, it's been ABSOLUTELY TERRIFIC! We did have the transmission fail electronically, something with the valve body. Our dealership replaced it and we haven't had a single CEL, knock, weird noise, oil leak, coolant leak, or anything for that matter.

[@randyhutchinson5253]

Is that a phone in your pocket? Or are you happy to see me….🤪😁😄👍❤️❤️💯

[@TheJorgern]

Tahoe's and expeditions are also the same now?

[@31dknight]

Great video from JR.

[@roberthicks9191]

people kind of tunning out luxury European car rebuilds, love your video's

[@spuwho]

My friend sold his Maserati. After he had to rent a Chrysler 300S and saw all of his Maserti controls everywhere in the Chrysler, he sold the Maserati the day he got back.

[@davesnothere8859]

is that a 3.6l penstar with a turbo?

[@teseract4755]

Looks like the same sunroof as in the WK2 Grand Cherokee and other FCA products, which means it'll probably start rattling shortly. My kingdom for being able to order a high trim level vehicle these days without having to have a 200lb sunroof I never use other than to open and close it to stop it from rattling or leaking.

[@jean-marcandjoshua-petsjournal]

Happy Thanksgiving John.

[@AL_SD]

I rented a Dodge Charger and it had the same steering issues you’re talking about. I think it’s a dodge thing.

[@mrj-charles6383]

You do have the skills to repair it if it breaks so I think it would be a good addition to the fleet.

[@Garyatairfab]

This reminds me of the 80s k-car that was “by Maserati” ! That was the dumbest idea ever foisted on unsuspecting over the hillers. It wasn’t even rebodied, just rebadged.

[@dave11686]

Happy belated Thanksgiving JR’

[@jessestevenson8041]

Weird that the “important notice” doesn’t self clear, my 21 Challenger Scat self clears. Maybe needs an update?

[@TortugaDeRio]

Drove a Ghibli S...was awesome and great interior..I was wondering why it gets so much hate. Base model sucks so make sure you bump up the trim.

[@Charlieshomeimprovement]

I thought I was looking at the driver’s seat of my Grand Caravan work van when you opened the driver’s door.

[@stormsurgejeep7777]

Looks like the size of Dodge Journey. What the inside reminded me of.

[@IKhanNot]

I like the Ghibli and Levante. Yes, it's a Chrysler inside but if you left the functional stuff to the Italians it would be a nightmare.

[@basalygag94]

The side profile is just a stretched out version of a ‘14-18 Mazda3 5 door

[@uraniumcranium]

If it's a parts-car from the Dodge bins, at least you'll have a Maserati that runs.

[@Fony_turgeson]

sup jr happy thanksgiving to you and the fam

[@Maybe1Someday]

So in theory you could change the suspension on a Ghibli and make it an SUV?

[@WatchJRGo]

😂😂😂 just lift the Ghibli and boom, family hauler!

[@tomjo9838]

Has anyone figured out how to deprogram the warning notice on the head units yet? Owning any vehicle for more then a few days makes that warning message just flat out aggravating.

[@whitef67]

Alex at the Porsche store has an Alfa Romeo Giulia QV that they would really like to move. I went and drove it fully expecting to write a check but found it wasn't that different from the 2.0L Giulia that I already own. Could make an interesting video if nothing else.

[@dvrify1]

Long story short - the best part of this Fiat is window switches from a Mercedes Benz parts bin from the early '00s...

[@RysterARCEE]

Renting cars on Turo is a horrible decision financially, but will make for amazing content. Can't wait!

[@alansmith4734]

LMAO. The vehicle name made me think of a scene from Married with Children. Kelly Bundy is to show the new Cadillac Allante, which sounds like Levante! Scene: kzbin.info/www/bejne/f4PEkoJ7q6mLnaM

[@timtimtimmay4654]

Judging by the fake fender vents, they've also raided the shelves at Autozone while on the way to the Fiat/Dodge plant...better hope it doesn't also have Jeep SKIMs lol.

[@WatchJRGo]

Well they've been doing that since like 2001 it's probably part of their "racing heritage" 😬

[@timtimtimmay4654]

@@WatchJRGo 🤣

[@axxisblack]

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@prettyvacant09]

Lol they are actually functional air vents, you can feel the heat coming from them and a simple Google search would tell you they are functional.

[@timtimtimmay4654]

@@prettyvacant09 There's only one resurrection and I'm not trying to give Jesus any problems. This comment was long dead and was, well, troll bait. Congratulations.