Lease Questions - Ask Here

CarMan@Edmunds · June 2001

I would be glad to help you out, November. However, since VW Credit's lease program varies depending upon the trim level of the vehicle that you get I am going to need you to be a little more specific about the models that you are interested in. For instance, is the Jetta that you are looking at a GL or a GLS and is the Passat that you want a GLS or GLX, 4-cylinder or V6, 4-Motion or non-4-Motion, etc... As soon as I have that info I will provide you with the data that you are looking for. Talk to you soon.

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aculex · June 2001

Hey CarMan,

Thanks for the advice on the Lexus CPO lease .. I see prices dropping already for the summer. I'll let you know how things go when I negotiate in July.

Anyway, I saw that you own a 1998 CL and are looking to buy a M-B CLK. I just received an Acura CL brochure and they included some magazine articles. One of them (I forgot which) compared the new CL to the CLK / 330Ci / Volvo coupe and they preferred the CL to the CLK. Now of course, this boils down to personal choices, but I do happen to think the CL is a great buy and looks pretty good (I see a Type-S every morning in my build garage). Have you considered the CL? I do think the CLK is more handsome and all, but you sure save a ton of money with the CL to give up on that exlusivity factor. I believe the CL-S goes 0-60 in 6.9 secs ... pretty damn good for a luxury sports coupe for about $30K or less (less, of course, cuz you're the CarMan

Anyway, thanks for your help - I check out this forum everyday to see how others are doing with their leases.

November · June 2001

Carman--

Gee, and I though I'd been so thorough:-)

The Jetta is a GLS automatic with a 1.8T engine--no other options.

If it's not too much hassle, could you also tell me the Jetta GLS 2.0 auto w/leather, etc.

The Passat is GLS automatic with a 1.8T engine--base model.

I'm trying to find out this month's info, but have until August, so if you have any info on what's happening in the next couple months--that would, of course, be helpful also.

Thanks.

volvobuyer · June 2001

Hi Carman (and forum),

I'm ready to lease a Volvo V70 T5. After contacting several dealers to get price quotes and lease payments I encountered money factors (for 39 months / 12,000 miles per year) from 0.00052 to 0.0012. I called Volvo Financing & they said individual dealerships could set these rates at their discretion. Just some interesting information for those looking at leasing.

mtnsun · June 2001

Carman

Hmmmmm is right. I don't know either. I was told that the name Sub Auto Credit remains, but that it is run by Chase. What this means to the consumer is anyone's guess. What I suspect or fear is like the post in 1304 regarding Volvos, that maybe the dealer has discretion. If your information is as of May 1, it should be accurate.

If Volvobuyer is correct, what is the consumer to do. This is what I do not like about leases, there is a lot of uncertainty about the veracity of the information. You can't just check it out on the web or by calling the bank.

Whereas with a sale, you can get the interest rate up front from the bank or web site or manufacturer, but for leases, its hidden information and you have to go to the dealer to get it and then, like Volvobuyer said, you don't know if it is really accurate.

How do we as the public know what you know? How do we find out, other than through the one party, the dealer, who stands to gain by making things more and not less expensive.

If you can solve the above, you are truly the best in the West. Many thanks.

sypv · June 2001

I am currently leasing a 1997 Honda Accord and the lease will mature in October. I have only 32,000 miles on a 12,000 miles a year lease for four years. Would it be in my best interest to turn the car in and refinance the balance or get out of the lease all together and purchase a new car?
Any advice is welcome.
Thanks

CarMan@Edmunds · June 2001

Hooops, Toyota's lease program can vary considerably depending upon which of their many regions you plan to lease your vehicle in. It is very difficult to keep track of all of the promotional leases that they have available on the Corolla across the country, but I have seen their lease program for certain areas. If you let me know where you live I will let you know what I am able to find out for you.

Even though the lease money factor for this car will vary depending upon where you live, its residual value should be the same everywhere. Right now, Toyota's captive finance company's 2 and 3 year 15,000 miles per residual values for the 2001 Corolla are 54% and 50% respectively.

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CarMan@Edmunds · June 2001

Fgrethel, the lease program that you were quoted does not sound like it is from Toyota's captive finance company to me. The lease money factor that they told you is lower than Toyota's standard money factor was the last time I saw it, .00320, and the residual values for the Highlander are much lower than Toyota's, a 2001 Highlander 4x4 leased for 36 mo. with 15K should be around 64%. I would ask them what bank they are providing you information for and have them compare the payment provided by this program to the payment that you would get if you leased through Toyota.

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CarMan@Edmunds · June 2001

I am glad that you enjoy this forum so much. I agree that Acura has done a fantastic job with the new CL. The interior is especially gorgeous. The only problem with it is that it is significantly more expensive to purchase or lease than the previous model was. I guess that's the price of progress. I would love to get a new CLK, but unfortunately I think that it is slightly out of my price range right now. I tend to be a little on the conservative side when budgeting how much I can spend each month on a car payment. Perhaps a pre-owned CLK is a possibility down the road. Actually, they discontinued the blue color that I like, so used would be the only way that I could get one with it.

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CarMan@Edmunds · June 2001

Thanks for the additional info, November. If you decide to lease a 2001 Jetta Sedan 1.8T through VW Credit for 39 months and with 15,000 miles per year prior to July 2nd, the lease money factor and residual value should be .00245 and 53% respectively. For the 2001 Jetta Sedan GLS 2.0L they would be .00240 and 53% respectively. If you wish to lease a 2001 Passat Sedan GLS 1.8T Base for the same terms the money factor and residual should be .00235 and 55% respectively. It is difficult to say what VW will do with their lease programs on these cars by the time that August rolls around. If I had to guess, I would say that their lease programs will probably be fairly similar then to what they are like today, but remember that is just an educated guess.

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CarMan@Edmunds · June 2001

This is a very good question, volvobuyer. I am glad that you asked it. Volvo Finance sets what is essentially a base lease money factor for all of Volvo's vehicles. In turn, individual dealerships are free to "mark-up" this base lease money factor in order to bake additional profit into their deals. The marking-up of lease money factors almost seems as though it is more common in today's marketplace where consumers are more educated and beat up dealers over the prices of new cars and trucks than it was years ago. The dealership that told you this vehicle's money factor is currently .00052 was telling you the truth. If I was in your shoes, I would probably lease through them given the fact that they have been so straightforward with you. That is of course assuming that the price they quoted you for the vehicle is reasonable.

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CarMan@Edmunds · June 2001

Sypv, if you like your car and your lease purchase option is reasonable then you may want to consider exercising your lease-end option to buy it. However, if after doing some research you feel as though its lease-end purchase price is a little on the high side and the bank that you are leasing it through is not willing to negotiate, it is probably best just to walk away from your car. Similarly, if it has been in an accident and had any body work done to it, I would probably just turn it in if I was in your shoes.

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tcaldwell · June 2001

Carman,

Previous posts on what VW Credit is doing have been pretty helpful. Is there a difference in the residual and money factor for a TDI as compared to a 1.8t or 2.0? I am looking for a GLS and would like to lease for 2 years at 12k per year. Thanks.

aculex · June 2001

Hey Carman,

A used CLK sounds good to me - that's why I aim to lease the CPO RX - one of the best ways to get into a nice car.

Good luck with yours and thanks for being here.

gwarren · June 2001

Car_Man
I have pretty much narrowed my selections down and am strongly favoring the Lexus RX300. Ride is great, very luxurious feeling, lots of stuff etc.etc. Dealer lot had over 100 of the same vehicle with a $37,666 MSRP, includes the Premium Package Plus and leather and walnut sttering wheel. Dealers are still using CapCost of $35,000. The Invoice is around $33,200. I think that after seeing how many of these are on the lot they should be much more agreeable to get rid of one of one more.

I would think that with the economy as bad as it is, and with the abudance of availability I should be able to get a deal close to invoice. Has anyone else had any experience here?

fgrethel · June 2001

Car Man: The dealer is unlikely to be honest with me regarding Toyota's plan. The exact vehicle that will be leased is a 4X2 4cyl Highlander. As I mentioned, we will need 12,000 mi per year and three years. Do you by any chance know the money factor and residual for this deal and do you know what Toyota's standard origination fee would be? Armed with this info I will stand a chance of getting a fair deal. Thank you in advance for your help.

hooops · June 2001

Hi Car_man,

I live in NY (a suburb outside nyc). I will be visiting NY and NJ
dealerships. Hope you can now provide me with the rest of the
lease info (Money Factor, Rebates, etc).

Thanks.

dantlo · June 2001

car_man

I have a 98 BMW 528 ending with one payment left. We did not intend to keep the car in the beginning, but it has been a great car and my wife really likes it. Residual is 30650. Drive off was 3600 out of pocket.
It was a 3 yr lease of 588/mth including tax in So Cal.The car has only 28,000 miles right now. I have seen same model going any where from 27500 to 35000. I tried posted on the web to sell but no phone call.
Do you think it is wise to buy? Or too high I should walk away?
Thanks
Dan

kbehnke · June 2001

Hey Car_Man,

Can you get me the numbers for leasing a Ford F150 XLT SuperCrew?

3 yr/45,000 miles
MSRP 33890

What is the money factor and residual?

Thanks a bunch!

CarMan@Edmunds · June 2001

Yes, tcaldwell, the TDIs have a different lease programs than other Jetta models. If you decide to lease a 2001 Jetta GLS TDI through VW Credit right now for 2 years with 12k per the lease money factor and residual value should be .00260 and 66% respectively.

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CarMan@Edmunds · June 2001

Hi Gary. You said that the dealership that you visited had over 100 similar RX 300s on its lot. Wow! They certainly have a lot of inventory. I agree with you that this huge amount of inventory may very well make them more willing to accept a thinner deal on one than they would have in the past. Luxury vehicle dealers can be funny though. Sometimes they don't want to let their slip prices too low no matter what the circumstances are. You definitely should see if they would be willing to drop their price for this truck below $35,000, you never know.

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CarMan@Edmunds · June 2001

Hi again fgrethel. I would be happy to let you know what Toyota's captive finance company's lease plan was like on this truck the last time that I saw it. If you decide to lease a 2001 Highlander 4x2 through them this month in most areas you would have to use their standard lease money factor. The last that I heard, it was .00320. Also, the 3 year, 12,000 miles per residual value for this truck should currently be around 63%. At lease signing you will be responsible for paying your truck's first month's payment, a security deposit of this payment rounded to the nearest $25, and a $250 acquisition fee.

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CarMan@Edmunds · June 2001

Hooops, I have seen the NY region lease program for this car. If you lease one through Toyota's captive finance company this month the lease money factor and residual value for a 2001 Corolla should be .00320 and 54% for 2 years with 15,000 miles per and .00250 and 50% for 3 years with 15,000 miles per.

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Squeke · June 2001

Need help with some basic logic. Looking to lease withing the next few months. 2001 models currently/will have lower price, lower money factors, but also lower residual. Alternatively, 2002 models would have higher price, normal money factors, and higher residuals. Which factor in the monthly payment equation bears the most weight? Was thinking about 2001 "deals", but now wondering if it really matters when leasing.

Please help with my confusion.

dianeb773 · June 2001

Is this a good deal. The MF is incredible.

39 months-$399.00 + Illinois tax-8.5%, Chicago Lease tax on payment-6% / First payment due at signing = $559.30 per month.

Quattro/Leather/Silver/black interior /Sunroof/ESP/Cold Weather/Full size spare-

MSRP $40,100/Invoice $36,375/Price $37,875-$1500 over invoice.

MF .00103 = 2.45%
Residual-$22,456

I'm trading in a car and getting $17,000 so it reduces the payment from $580.00 amonth. I actually thought the payment would go down more but since I have a payoff, they said it's not that big of a difference. Am I getting a good deal?

CarMan@Edmunds · June 2001

Dan, the current lease-end purchase price for your 1998 BMW 528i is right about what I would expect this car to cost today if you were shopping for one. You may want to place a telephone call to the bank that you are leasing it through, probably BMW Financial Services, to see if they would be willing to negotiate with you on your purchase option. Although they are not obligated to do so, banks are willing to lower their lessees' purchase option prices from time to time. You don't have any thing to lose by giving it a shot. Even is they won't lower the buyout, I certainly don't see anything wrong with buying it at its current price if you really like it and don't feel the urge to get something new. This car has one advantage over a similar used car off of the street in that you know its history.

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CarMan@Edmunds · June 2001

All of the factors carry very similar weights in the calculation of your lease payments. You will probably be able to get a lower monthly lease payment on a 2001 car or truck right now than you will be able to get on either a similar 2001 or a 2002 model several months from now. The 2002 will probably have a lot less lease support and a higher price when it is introduced than the 2001 currently has and in several months the residual values of the 2001s will probably have fallen to the point that it will be more expensive to lease one then than it is now regardless of extra money factor support or price discounts.

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dantlo · June 2001

Thanks Car_man!

vidguy · June 2001

When inquiring about leasing after test driving and talking about a car at dealerships, is it really necessary to first fill out a credit app to get detailed info like a final quote, residual, MF, monthly payments? I am reluctant to do that, but have been given only vague "Somewhere in this range" answers from a couple of dealers so far, unless we fill out an application. That seems a bit more investment into the lease negotiation then I would like to make before getting a firm quote on terms. Am I not being firm enough in my request/demands? Can someone give a guy that has not bought a NEW car in 15 years a rundown on their techniques for getting a piece of paper that has numbers on it without having to get DEEP into the negotiation? Something from "dianeb773" about what they had to do to get those figures? I forgot how much of a hassle this car-buying can be. And I know I'm approaching it wrong.
Thanks a lot.
James

dianeb773 · June 2001

James,

I kept asking my dealer what the money factor and residual was after we negotiated a sale price. It was easier to do this in person. I said that my brother-in-law wanted to check all of my figures before I signed. We are actually still in the negotiation process but if you can't get specific info upfront, I'd go to another dealer. I'd also suggest having a printout of your Edmunds invoice and TMV pricing with you for the negotiation. Hope this helps. I'm also a novice lease negotiator and am still learning through this transaction.

Diane.

Squeke · June 2001

Thank you for the insight. Exactly what i needed to know. I'll be back to check the offers the dealers have.

Squeke

vidguy · June 2001

Here is a quote that I got! Thanks Diane!
'01 Infiniti i30L
titanium/sage car with: zenon,navi,traction and heated seats.
561.00 Mo.
2133.00 down (including a $600.00 sec deposit)
FInal price $32600.00
residual $18014.00 = 53%
The dealer said that if we leased they could not use the factory incentives and so the price would be higher by $1000.00 then if I was buying. Is this BS? Is this a decent price?

Thanks a lot!
James

CarMan@Edmunds · June 2001

You're welcome, dantlo & Squeke. I am glad that I was able to help you two out.

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CarMan@Edmunds · June 2001

James, the dealerships that you are dealing with are probably being vague for several reasons. One reason is that without knowing what your credit rating is like, it is difficult for them to know if you will qualify for a bank's top lease tier and if you will be able to take advantage of the best lease money factors that are available. They also are probably being vague so that they have room for future negotiation. If they continue to give you the runaround about how much it will cost you to lease the car or truck that you want and your credit is in very good shape, I would probably just tell them "My credit is excellent and I would like a definite quote as to how much money it is going to cost to lease this car. If you aren't willing to give me one I am sure that I will be able to find a dealership that will." if I was in your situation. That should do the trick. It may not get you anything in writing, but at lease you should be able to get more specific answers to your questions.

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tgif888 · June 2001

The price on the I30L that your sales quote you is quite high. Invoice of the vehicle is $31332. How long is your lease? And what is the money factor?

Go over to www.carsdirect.com the lease quote it has is around $430 something. Of course without the length of the lease and money factor. It really can't say which one is better.

About the $1000 more on lease is right. It happens to me when I bought my I30t. All sales told me ahead of time that if you lease, the price of the vehicle is $1000 more.

vidguy · June 2001

I'm sorry ,I flubbed not posting those
Here is the info again - 2001 i30L with these options - Xenon Headlights - Navigation - Traction
TMV = $31,354

3 years - 12000 miles a year
$561.00 per month through Infiniti
(My credit rating came back as 711)
$2133.00 Down (of which $600.00 is a sec deposit)
$32600.00 Cap cost
residual = 53% / $18014.00
MF = 2.24
MF he said was "2.24" Thats how he said it.
Sounds $1500.00 high? Was he pulling my leg about not being able to use the dealer incentives on a lease?

Thanks so much!

James

vidguy · June 2001

I didn't read your affirmation in your previous post sorry, and thanks.
I am also looking at Lincoln LS's as the rates are great:
0% = 24 mo
2.9% = 36 mo
3.9% = 48 mo
AND they make the first payment to $1000.00
But darn the car is kinda pricey at 34K and up..
I'm trying to get a quote on that one.
AND I read they added 200.00 to the LS's sticker price yesterday. I wonder if it affects existing cars on the lot?

I went to the Acura dealer and they will only come down to $33100 for a new TL-S here in the East SF Bay Area. I will go back with Credit Report in hand and get my written quote. But the i30L is looking like a very good "deal" for the price.

Thanks
James

gwarren · June 2001

Car_Man,
My final question (until my next final)
I am looking for a firm number on the Lexus RX300.
So I need the exact Lease figures RTesiduals and Money Factor for 36 and 39 (or 42) month lease
Residual for the same.
Any other Manufacturer rebates or incentives.

Gary

dzayia · June 2001

car man:

forgive the ignorance as i am new to leasing....just ordered a bmw 330i for august delivery. dealer is allowing me to take advantage of the existing special rates on the 3 series. what kind of payments can i expect?
330i sedan $38,461 ($2816 over invoice)
premium,cd,auto trans
15,000 miles per year/36 months
no trade in or down payment
chicago area.

thanks in advance!!

akrick · June 2001

Here is another one to add to the dumb question list- Do I have to return a leased vehicle to the same dealership that delivered it? If possible I would like to pick the car up on vacation in Wash., use it instead of a rental, and then ship it to Alaska. But I would rather return it to my local VW dealer than send it back South. I would use VW Credit. I am considering a 2001.5 Passat GLS 1.8t w/ manual-leather-luxury. BTW, could you tell me MF and residuals for this car? 24 mos, 10,000 miles, 0 down. Thanks, CarMan.

djr7399 · June 2001

Carman,

Was wondering if you could help to let me know if this lease on a Honda Accord is a good or bad deal, here's the figures:

resid msrp: 19499.00
resid (adj) .540
mf .00275
3yr/36
total down payment $322.45
lease monthly payment $261.05

quoted $246.27
monthly sales tax $14.78(brings to $261.05) 6% sales tax
acq fee: $595
Prep $200 (don't know what this is)
brings total to $19,499

this was the MSRP $17640
$1064 value package
$595 acq
$200 prep
total $19,499
Honda Accord Base not LX or EX just base model

Hope this isn't to crazy to deciper, but I am new to the leasing game, was wondering if that's a good deal.

apprenticate any help

dj

volvobuyer · June 2001

Hi Carman,

Do you know what MB is offering for a 3/36 lease on an ML320?

Thanks!

tgif888 · June 2001

After I punch in your number in this website: http://www.autosite.com/new/loanlse/calc.asp

The lease number I come up with is only $435 something. The MF the dealer quoting is not right. Go to this website and check it out. Hope this help.

dianeb773 · June 2001

Hi again,

Here are my numbers:

MSRP $40,100
Invoice $36,375
Price $37,095
MF .00103
39 month
First months payment/license due at signing

Monthly Lease $399.00 plus $20 for 12k miles, plus $20 for Bose, plus $26 to cover no $1000 down payment

Payment $465.25
8.5% tax $44.00 with a trade-in allowance of $17,000
6% Chicago Lease Tax $30.55
Fianl monthly lease of $539.00
They came down from a $559.00 price a few days ago.

Is this a good deal? Sorry to be a pain but want to make sure I've done all my homework and get a good deal out the door.

Thanks, Diane.

shap1 · June 2001

Hello, Car Man.

Happened to hit the local BMW dealership when they received a large shipment of 2001 325i's. I'm thinking now is a good time to negotiate a lease and avoid factory order.

Here's what they quoted:

leatherette, with only options being Steptronic and in dash CD.

$29,000
residual - 62%
lease end value(?) - $18,342

They will also take over the remaining payments on my Volvo V70 lease (apporx. $1700)

325 lease terms: zero down, 36 months, 10,000 miles/yr
monthly payment (incl. tax) is $499. I believe the interest rate they were using was around 7%, which seems high to me.

What do you think? I am looking to finalize tomorrow. Sorry for short notice.

You are the MAN!

burrsr · June 2001

Car_man,

I am looking to potentially finalize a Z3 2.5 lease deal within the next 1.5 weeks (before the special promotion is up!). I was quoted 15K/yr residuals of 63%, 59%, and 57% for 24-, 30-, and 36-month terms, respectively. MF was quoted at 0.0023. I would be needing only 10k/yr, so I figured adding 3% to the residuals would be about right. Does the above align with the info you have available from BMWFS?

The reason I ask is that no matter how I looked at it, I could not quite duplicate the advertised 2,500 down, 10k/year miles, $299/month for 36 months that I've seen. And I can get the car for about invoice! I assumed the advertised special is using MSRP less the factory-to-dealer incentive ($2,000 for the 2.5, I believe) and still can't get it to quite come out right using my spreadsheet. Am I being misled, assuming something incorrectly, or a little of both?

Thanks for your help.

mmcbride1 · June 2001

The dealer might be marking up the money factor. Otherwise, the residual would be constant, so I can't think of anything else.

tgif888 · June 2001

Why is the 39 months? since you'll be paying registration for either 36 months or 48 months. Is the 39 months lease a special?

mtnsun · June 2001

Carman

CD is offering the Sub Outback Wagon at about 500 under invoice. I asked them and they said that includes a 750 incentive that you cannot use with the manufacturer advertised finance and lease specials. I said Edmunds shows a 300 incentive with no restrictions. Yes, he said you can use the 300 incentive with the specials but not the additional 450 for a total of 750. Hence the car price jumped up 400 above the advertised price!!

Is that true, is there a 750 incentive by Subaru that you cannot use with the advertised finance and lease specials? If that is true, it is not on the Edmunds site and I never heard of it.

Let me know. Tx.

dianeb773 · June 2001

Yes, it's a special advertised lease deal from Audi. I hope it's a good deal.

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