Lease Down Payment

mb_stan

I am considering a leasing a C-class or CLA-class over purchasing. Would it make sense to put down a large down payment (almost 50%) and lower the monthly payments (considerably less than doing the same for a purchase)? How would that affect the MF and what is the RV on C250. Thanks.

kyfdx

mb_stan said:

I am considering a leasing a C-class or CLA-class over purchasing. Would it make sense to put down a large down payment (almost 50%) and lower the monthly payments (considerably less than doing the same for a purchase)? How would that affect the MF and what is the RV on C250. Thanks.

It isn't a good idea to make a large down payment on a lease. If the lease ends early due to theft/accident, GAP insurance will make sure the bank is made whole, but part of your big downpayment could be lost.

Better to keep that money in your pocket and use it to help make your lease payments, as you go.

2016 or 2017 CLA 250?
FWD or AWD?

Michaell

mb_stan said:

Looking to lease either a 2017 FWD CLA 250 priced at $33,850 or 2016 FWD CLA 250 at $39,595 - both new. What is considered a responsible down payment ( I heard 25% of MSRP is the max.) What would be the MF and RV max. term is 36 months and 12K miles. What else should be considered and any advantage over purchasing besides lower monthly payments?

It depends on how long you plan to keep the car.

I have car ADD, so I lease. Wife keeps her cars a long time, so we buy hers.

As my cohost noted, we don't recommend any down payment; in fact, we suggest paying only the first payment and any non-taxable fees at signing and adding everything else into the lease payment.

36/12 numbers
2016 - .00025 and 57%
2017 - .00056 and 59%

mb_stan

Thanks again for the information, I will reassess my options, particularly on the down-payment.

mb_stan

Thanks. I didn't consider that and it does free up more money.

mb_stan

Looking to lease either a 2017 FWD CLA 250 priced at $33,850 or 2016 FWD CLA 250 at $39,595 - both new. What is considered a responsible down payment ( I heard 25% of MSRP is the max.) What would be the MF and RV max. term is 36 months and 12K miles. What else should be considered and any advantage over purchasing besides lower monthly payments?