Lease Questions - Ask Here

CarMan@Edmunds · June 2002

Welcome aboard, bradlake1. I have seen Acura's current lease program for the MDX and Lincoln's current program for the Navigator and would be more than happy to give you an idea of what they are like. However, first I am going to need you to tell me how long your wife is interested in leasing her new truck for and how many miles per year that she wants to be able to drive without any sort of penalty. Once I have that information, I will be able to help you out. Talk to you soon.

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CarMan@Edmunds · June 2002

Hi emmett1. Here is the information that you are looking for. If you were to lease a 2002 Chrysler 300M through Chrysler Financial this month in the New York region for 3 years with 15,000 miles per, the base lease money factor and residual value should be .00260 and 41%, respectively. When negotiating a lease on this particular model, it is important to keep in mind that Chrysler has $3,000 lease cash on it in the New York region that may be used to reduce its capitalized cost.

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bradlake1 · June 2002

Thanks for aknowledging my request. My wife would like to enter into a 3yr. / 15,000 mile miles per year lease. I am not certain if it matters....we live in Metro Atlanta. Also, is it smart to buy extra miles in advance to prevent penalty?

alexi1 · June 2002

Carman, Thank you for all the helpful informatiion. I am getting ready to ink a deal. But before I do that, I was just wondering what the bank fee for Mercedes-Benz Credit Corp.

Thanks very much for your help.

parnola · June 2002

Has anyone leased a vehicle in Ohio since the new tax laws went into effect on Feb 1, 2002? If so, do you have to pay the tax up front on the entire vehicle or just the difference between your cap cost and the residual at the end of the lease?

km99cobra · June 2002

You do now have to pay all the tax on the depreciable amount of the vehicle including any down payment/rebate cash applied/etc., or tack it on to the amount being financed (capitalized cost). To figure it, calculate how much your pre-tax monthly payment will be and multiply that times the number of months you are planning to lease. Then multiply that by your local tax rate (Example: $300 per month payment times 36 months times 6% tax equals $648 tax due at signing). If you put $1000 down and applied a rebate of say $1000 for a total capitalized cost reduction of $2000, then you would pay tax on that amount as well ($2000 times 6% for an additional $120). You pay that tax at signing, or roll it into your payments (and pay interest on it!). And to make it worse, if you were to terminate your lease early for whatever reason, the State of Ohio keeps that tax money paid. But look at all the fantastic road work you will be helping to pay for!!

jnijankin · June 2002

Hi Carman!

Ok I have the numbers for you to let me know what are the best numbers on the TT lease. You can look at Post Nr. 3888 on the car details. The numbers are following: MSRP $37,945 - Cap Cost: $35,872. Audi gave me a residual of 55% and a money factor of .002150 (In Florida). Can you give me the real skinny based on the numbers if this is a good deal and what you think I should be paying?
Thanks as always !

markhampton · June 2002

Hello again Car_Man,

I was wondering if you had numbers for the 2003 Jaguar S-Type. I'm looking at the 4.2L model with 12K mi/yr. Need to know the residual and money factor. If there are any national or regional incentives (unlikely on a new model, I know, but it never hurts to ask) applicable to Colorado, it would be helpful to know that as well.

Thanks!

parnola · June 2002

Thanks for the Ohio tax info. I think I liked the old way better!

CarMan@Edmunds · June 2002

Thank you for the additional information, bradlake1. Here is the info that you are looking for. Since the MDX is such a popular vehicle right now, Acura does not need to provide any sort of support on it. So, if you were to lease one through American Honda Finance Corp. this month you would have to use their standard lease money factors. The last that I heard, their standard factor for 3 year leases was .00240. The corresponding 15,000 miles per year residual value for a 2002 MDX without Navigation is a solid 62%.

As far as the Lincoln Navigator goes, if you were to lease one through Ford Motor Credit this month, for 3 years I believe that their lease rate should currently be 1.50%. This may vary somewhat by region though. The corresponding 15,000 miles per year residual value for a 2002 Navigator 2WD (I assume that you don't need 4WD in Atlanta, please correct me if I am wrong) is 43%. When negotiating a lease on a new Navigator, it is important to keep in mind that Ford is providing $3,000 dealer cash on this truck right now, which I believe may be used in conjunction with Ford Motor Credit's lease program.

If you feel as though you will drive more than 15,000 miles per year, it is usually to your advantage to purchase excess mileage in advance. Doing so is usually less expensive on a per mile basis than waiting until your turn your car or truck in at lease-end.

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CarMan@Edmunds · June 2002

You're welcome, alexi1. I am glad that I was able to help you out. The base lease acquisition fee for Mercedes-Benz Credit Corp. is $595. Make sure that you aren't charged more than than on an MBCC lease. Dealerships often have the ability to mark-up a bank's base lease acquisition fee in order to bake additional profit into deals.

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CarMan@Edmunds · June 2002

Hi again jnijankin. I don't know the exact TT model that you are interested in, however in the state of Florida this month the Audi Financial Services base lease money factor for the 2002 TT 180 Coupe 2WD is indeed .00215 for 3 year leases. All other TT models have a base lease money factor of .00200, except for the 2002 TT Convertible 225 quattro which has a base factor of .00180.

I just did some calculations and based on the information that you provided me with, I believe that this car should have a zero down, pre-tax monthly lease payment of right around $539.

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CarMan@Edmunds · June 2002

Good morning, markhampton. I have indeed seen the current lease program for the 2003 Jaguar S-Type 4.2L. If you were to lease this car (non-Sport model) through Jaguar Credit this month for 3 years with 12,000 miles per, their base lease money factor and residual value should be .00244 and 57%, respectively. As you suspected Jaguar is not providing any cash incentives on the 2003 S-Type at this time. They do have an early lease termination program that would let you out of your current Jaguar Credit lease up to 6 months before your scheduled termination date if you are a current lessee though.

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rroyce10 · June 2002

..... You are kidding right ....?

I have traveled through MI, PA, GA, FL, N and S Carolina, NJ, MD, WI, ... well you get the idea.

When is Ohio going to start spending all that "upfront" tax money on all those roads of theirs ..?

I just figured, when all these lease vehicles get returned in the next 30/40 months or so ... maybe you know. l..o..l....

Terry :-)

jefepro2 · June 2002

Hello-
Thanks guys for the service!!! I would like a 39 month lease at 15k for a Toyota 4runner SR5 or Tundra Limited. I live in MO. Thanks

Jeff

jnijankin · June 2002

Hi Carman,

Thanks for the input on the numbers. The car that I am looking at is the TT 225hp Coupe. In that case then the money factor is .00200 and residual 55%? I was given a lease rate of $509.00 per month + tax for 39 months. Is there anyway to better these numbers?
Thanks for your input

footie · June 2002

I think that Car_Man's number is for 36 months. If you do it for 39, then the I got a similar value to your dealership -- $506.67 pre-tax as follows:

Assuming no down payment, a $500 up front fee, first month's payment and a security deposit equal to 1st month as follows:

Audi TT Quattro Coupe

MSRP $37,945
Invoice price $34,380
Capitalized Cost (negotiated fair price) $35,872

First months payment $506.00
Acquisition Fee $500 (my guess)
Security Deposit $506 (my guess
Capitalized Cost Reduction $0
Due at signing not including tax/fees $1,512.00 (sum of 1st mo plus my guesses)

Residual Percentage 55%

Residual Value after 3 years $20,869.75
Term Depreciation $15,002.25 (Cap Cost - Residual)
"Interest Rate" 5.2% (this is 24 x Money Factor)

Money Factor 0.00215
Monthly Lease Rate $121.99 [ (Cap Cost + Residual) x MF ]
Number of months 39
Monthly Depreciation $384.67
Monthly lease payment $506.67
(this price doesn't include taxes)

If the 6% Florida tax on the lease payments gets included
:
State Sales Tax on Payment $30.40

State Sales Tax on Cap Reduction $0.00

Monthly Payment $537.07

Out the door would be your first months lease amount, any initiation fees, deposits and title. If you have to pay tax up front... at 6% on the depreciation, it would be about $900.

alexi1 · June 2002

Car_man, I was thinking exactly the same thing. But, as it turns out, I was charged the correct amount of 595.00. Thank you very much for all your help. I think edmunds needs to create a real time counter where they can track how much money you helped people to save.

Again, Thank you!.
Alex.

jnijankin · June 2002

Hi Footie -

Hey , thanks a bunch on the number crunching was very helpful. Do you know if it is possible to pay the tax up front on the lease and not assume it on the monthly payment? (In florida) I heard some states allow it, other don't. I am also trying to figure out if it is possible to actually get a better lease deal but I am told no other bank will provide better numbers than Audi Financial. I am also trying to decide if it is worth putting down out of pocket $1000 just to lower the payment. Any suggestions my friend?

topgun7 · June 2002

Hello Car_man, do you have a chance to look intothe money factor and residal for 02 LS 430 with custom Luxury package? I am in northern California. I am interested in both 3 yr/15kmi per year and 4 yr/15k mi per year. Thanks.

skobola · June 2002

The rule is not to put any money down when leasing, as if something happened, you would loose that money (if the car gets stolen, for example). This is even more true when the MF (interest) rate is so low, so it is better to get credited instead of putting money down. The only thing that I would suggest for you is to consider a Bimmer - I believe that you can lease a 330Ci for that money.

footie · June 2002

The spreadsheet I use indicated that $1000 down reduces your payment by about $25 / month on this deal. Of course, you'd have to do your own math and check the deal offered by an dealer carefully, right!

I also think that skobola's point about shopping around is valid.

$500 / month provides you with a pretty wide range of coupes, sports cars or sporty cars to choose from.

I got a ride in a TT convertible a few weeks ago, and was suprised how small it really was. There wasn't much 'there' there.

For raw fun in this size and form factor, I'd be giving the new "BMW" Mini-Cooper S a real hard look. Per Edmunds' pricing, even fully loaded it's more than $14K less than the TT The Mini has great 'street appeal' and is a blast to drive per reviewers. The only issue is finding one!

The new Infiniti G coupe is due in a few months. It looks to be a beauty in this price range.

Regards and good luck

CarMan@Edmunds · June 2002

Hey Jeff. I have not seen Toyota's exact lease money factors and residual values for these two models yet this month. However, I have a feeling that they are probably similar, if not exactly the same as they were in May. Then, Toyota was not providing any sort of lease money factor support on either the 2002 4Runner or Tundra in most parts of the country. So if you were to lease either of them through Toyota Financial Services, you would have to use their base standard lease money factor of .00280. The corresponding 3 year 15,000 miles per residual values for these trucks are 58% for the 2002 4Runner SR5 4WD and 56% for the 2002 Tundra 4WD.

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CarMan@Edmunds · June 2002

Hi again, jnijankin. If you were to lease a 2002 Audi TT 225 quattro Coupe in the state of Florida this month for 39 months and with 15,000 miles per year, their base lease money factor and residual value should be .00200 and 55%. If you are being charged a higher lease money factor than that, there is a good chance that the dealership that you are working with is baking additional profit into your deal. Even so, they really aren't marking it up all that much. If they are charging you a good price for this car, and you can not beat it at another local Audi dealership, then go for it and enjoy!

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CarMan@Edmunds · June 2002

Hey topgun7. How have you been? I would be happy to give you an idea of what the numbers should be like for the LS430 this month, but I haven't seen the Lexus lease program for June yet. I suspect that it is exactly the same as May's program, but let me confirm that. Check back with me on Monday or Tuesday and I will have the exact numbers for you. Talk to you then.

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uvaman · June 2002

Hello Car_Man. I'm a new poster here. It's a great site. Anyways, If I were to lease an 02' 325Ci BMW in the state of Virginia for three years (15K) with a money factor of .0260 and a 59% residual value, what would my monthly payment be? MSRP is $31,795. The selling price is $30,150. I was quoted the 0.0260 rate in April. I'd like to know if that factor was correct for April and also what is BMW's base money factor for June? TIA

rroyce10 · June 2002

..... That's what's going to be the hard part .. is trying to find a Cooper, for low numbers.

Right now, these little scoot machines are doing $1,000+ over MSRP at the auctions. With them being produced at limited #'s, it will be a whole lot easier to lease something else -- at least for the first year or so.

Terry.

jnijankin · June 2002

Hi Everyone -

Thanks for all your feedback! It has been a tough decision indeed and I have shopped around. I looked at the S2000 and can get it cheaper but it is not as practical a car than the TT. I am coming off my current lease of a 99' BMW 323CI and loved the car but the after checking the dealers the numbers are higher than the TT unless someone can tell me otherwise on the numbers for a new 325CI. I test drove the TT 225 and for me it has lots of punch, hugs the road like its on rails (b/c of the quattro) and since I am of average height and size I fit fine. Besides I already have a 01' Pathfinder for the space issues. Sounds to me like you guys don't really like the TT! - I think its a refreshing work of art compared to what's out there... Your thoughts are always appreciated!

im_brentwood · June 2002

You cutting em loose that cheap? Jeez... you get weak on me all of a sudden?

Bill
With a $21,700 yellow slip from this week LOL

awdlady · June 2002

Hello all. I am looking for information (the numbers) on a VW Passat GLX V6 4Motion in the Buffalo, NY Area. I would want a 36, 39, or 42 month lease with 15, 000 miles yearly. Thanks in advance for the assistance.

rroyce10 · June 2002

..... (+) ...

Terry.

rroyce10 · June 2002

..... In my stupid humble opinion, the TT is one "Fat Daddy" ...

It will outfox the Boxsters, the build quality is excellent, it keeps the Boxsters on the porches, it's great on super wet roads and curves ... not much out there thats really a true competitor, unless you want to spend the Xtra $10/$15+ grand or so ... but thats just my opinion, I'm more of a 4dr kinda guy ..

Terry.

im_brentwood · June 2002

jnijankin · June 2002

I think that reply summed it up don't you think? I believe Brentwoodvolvo agrees too :-)

I agree with you rroyce - I don't think there is a competitor out there either - perhaps in quicker off the line starts yes, but for overall practicality, sheer beauty, and the fun factor - its all there!

Cheers! Am going to the dealer tomorrow - will let you know the outcome.

jnijankin · June 2002

Hi Carman!

I have a quick question. What amount would be considered a reasonable profit above invoice for the dealer on a lease. I was told that $1000.00 is more than reasonable - what do you think?

Thanks!

CarMan@Edmunds · June 2002

Welcome aboard, uvaman. I'm glad that you enjoy visiting this site so much. Fortunately, BMW unexpectedly enhanced their lease money factors slightly for several models this month. Now, BMW's base lease money factor for a 3 year lease of a 2002 325Ci is .00250. Using this money factor and the numbers that you provided in your post, I calculate that you should be able to lease this car right now for 3 years with 15,000 miles per for $439 per month pre-tax without any money down.

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CarMan@Edmunds · June 2002

Jnijankin, if it counts for anything, I absolutely love the TT. I think that is is an amazing looking car and would get one in a second. Of course, it is a little on the small side, but if you have another vehicle that you can use to haul things around, then you really don't have to worry about that.

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im_brentwood · June 2002

There's really no cut and dried formula... Lease or Purchase, you should pay really the same $$ for the car. Is $1,000 over invoice a good deal on an Accord? Taurus?

Probably you can do much better. Certainly you can.

On a BMW 525i? I doubt highly you can get one anywhere for $1,000 over.

Depends on the car and market conditions where you live...

Bill

CarMan@Edmunds · June 2002

Hi awdlady. Here is the information that you are looking for. If you were to lease a 2002 Volkswagen Passat GLX V6 4Motion this month for 3 years with 15,000 miles per, Volkswagen Credit's base lease money factor and residual value should be .00175 and 54%, respectively. The 39 month numbers would change to .00200 and 52%. Unfortunately, I have not seen their 42 month lease parameters for this vehicle so I can't help you out with that.

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CarMan@Edmunds · June 2002

Hey jnijankin. To be honest with you, leases really aren't any different than any other sort of transaction in terms of the amount of money that a dealership wants to make. With leases, your dealer is still getting paid for the vehicle that you are getting, but they are getting paid by the bank that you are leasing it through instead of by you. It is very difficult to generalize about the amount of money over invoice that is acceptable for a dealer to make on a leased vehicle. Some vehicles that are in low supply or high demand, or both will demand prices that are very close to full MSRP. On the other hand, certain other vehicles that aren't selling as well can be had at very close to dealer invoice, or even below it when taking cash incentives into account. What vehicle are you interested in? If you fill us in on the specific model, you will be able to give you a much better idea as to what sort of price you should be able to negotiate on it.

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rlowrie · June 2002

CarMan- What is the June program for 2002 BMW 540 for 3 yrs and 15k miles. Also, when would I start running into 2003 MY issues given a 3 month build time estimate.

jnijankin · June 2002

Hi Carman,

I am interested in the Audi TT 225hp qt Coupe. The dealer Invoice on the car I want (after checking with Edmunds) is $34,380. The dealer's negotiated cap cost price is $35,872.00, just about $1500 above invoice. That is why I figured that at the most $1000 above invoice was sufficient.

Will await your comments. Thanks!

im_brentwood · June 2002

Well..

TMV is about $2,500 over invoice, or about $1,000 or so off of MSRP. If you are at $1,500 over invoice, that sounds like a very strong deal to me. The dealers in FL that I know of are not letting them go for less than $1,000 off of MSRP (Orlando, Jacksonville, Naples, etc..) to $1,500 off of MSRP in the South FL Area.

At $1,500 over, sounds like an agressive deal on a TT.

Bill

rxke · June 2002

Hi Carman

Could you please tell me the money factor and residuals for 36/29 months at 15000 miles per year. I live in Westchester NY. Also, what about a Passat GLX 1.8 with 4motion for 36/39 months with 15,000 miles per year?

Thanks for your help.

rxke

brantmaxim · June 2002

Hi Carman...

Do you have the numbers on the residual and money factor for the Honda Accord? I want to lease it for 12000 miles/36 months. How much of a chance would I have at getting the Honda at close to invoice? I gave one dealer a price of $200 over invoice and he laughed! (Found out he was a real prick after speaking with him a bit more). I basically need a starting point for negotiating because it seems that invoice on Accords is nonexistent these days.

Also, I've been reading thru the boards about Honda offering $1000 incentives with special financing. Is this true?
Thanks, Brant

CarMan@Edmunds · June 2002

Hi rlowrie. Here is the information that you are looking for. If you were to lease a 2002 BMW 540i through BMW Financial Services this month for 3 years with 15,000 miles per, their base lease money factor and residual value should be .00245 and 58%, respectively. It is difficult for me to say for certain when BMW will cut off orders for 2002 models, but I suspect that it will be relatively soon. You will probably need to speak with someone at your dealership to find out the exact date.

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CarMan@Edmunds · June 2002

Thanks for the additional information, jnijankin. I personally feel as though you have done an excellent job if you are able to get this particular car for $1,000 over invoice, but $1,500 over is actually a good deal on the TT right now. Good luck in your negotiations.

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CarMan@Edmunds · June 2002

Hey rxke. If you were to lease a 2002 A4 1.8 Quattro Sedan through Audi Financial Services in the state of New York this month for 3 years with 15,000 miles per, their base lease money factor and residual value should be .00235 and 57%, respectively. The numbers for an otherwise identical 39 month lease should be .00235 and 55%. As far as the 2002 Volkswagen Passat GLX Sedan 4-Motion goes, if you were to lease one through VW Credit this month for 3 years with 15,000 miles per, their base lease money factor and residual value should be .00175 and 54%, respectively. The numbers for an otherwise identical 39 month lease should be .00200 and 52%.

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CarMan@Edmunds · June 2002

Hi Brant. Let me begin by saying that it is unacceptable for anyone involved in a business transaction to treat you the way that you were treated. As far as the price that you should be able to negotiate on a 2002 Accord right now goes, you definitely should be able to get one for $200 over invoice at this point. In fact I wouldn't be surprised if you were able to purchase or lease one for $500 under invoice at this point. I say this because Honda recently enhanced the dealer cash incentive on this model to $1,000. When they did this though, they did away with the special financing and lease programs on this car. So, if you were to lease one through American Honda Finance Corp. this month, I believe that you would have to use their standard lease money factors. The least that I heard, AHFC's base standard lease money factor for 36 month terms was .00240. The 3 year 12,000 miles per residual values for the 2002 Accord are 53% for the DX and LX V6, 57% for the EX, and 54% for the LX 4-cyl. and SE.

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gperr · June 2002

Car-Man,

Can you please give me the Residual and MF for the 2002 Civic Sedan EX auto w/side airbags.

Term 24, 30 & 36 months
12K miles/year.

Any cash incentives with the special lease deals?

Gregg

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