My Take: The C63 is not a vehicle you should be leasing, so remember to buy it if you are itching for that ride. As for the rest of the C-Class, I’m noticing that the C’s are leasing better at the 36 and 48 month terms than on the 24. MB is clearly pushing lessees towards the longer terms by bumping the money factor on up on the 24 month terms. Personally, I think the 24 month leases are a thing of the past. Residual values have taken a dive in the past year and it is clear to automakers that short term leases are money losers. Compared to January, the C-Class 4matic models’ lease rates have come down a bit, so that should save you some money every month. The C350 came down a bit too this month so that’s worth a look as well. Again, there are special financing programs available on the C-Class, however, I think the money factors are low enough to go with leasing instead.
As an added bonus, I spec’ed out a C350 with the Pano Moonroof, Premium 2 Package, 6-disc cd player, ipod connector and walnut trim for a MSRP of $43110. Assuming you can get $2000 under invoice ($38154) sale price, 48-month lease, 12k miles per year, 8.25% sales tax (So Cal), inception fees due at signing; you are looking at approximately $438 per month ($462 if you only get $1000 below invoice). I know the sale price may seem like a stretch, but if you think about it, it really isn’t. Back in Sept 2008, when the 09 C-Class was brand-spanking new, I’ve heard of dealers offering $1000 under invoice. Things were better then. We are now 5 months into the 09 model year, not to mention Audi is giving out $2000 under invoice on their A4s, so do I think $2000 under invoice on the more expensive C350 is possible? HELL YEAH! Getting into a C350 never looked so good.
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| At Invoice | At MSRP | |||||
| Make/Model | Invoice | MSRP | 24-month | 36-month | 24-month | 36-month |
| 09 Mercedes C300 Sport | $31,472 | $33,775 | $530 | $458 | $630 | $526 |
| 09 Mercedes C300 Sport 4matic | $34,541 | $37,075 | $590 | $481 | $701 | $554 |
| 09 Mercedes C350 Sport | $37,145 | $39,875 | $637 | $535 | $753 | $613 |
NOTE: Estimates assuming the following conditions:
- Inception fees (1st month payment, DMV, doc fee, bank fee, tire tax and possible security deposit) will be paid at signing.
- Local Taxes not included.
- 24-month/15k and 36-month/15k terms.
- All cars are stock, without any options.
2009 Mercedes C-Class February Lease Rates
2009 Mercedes C300 Luxury
24-month | 15k miles | residual 63% | .00200 base money factor
36-month | 15k miles | residual 53% | .00165 base money factor
48-month | 15k miles | residual 44% | .00165 base money factor
2009 Mercedes C300 Luxury 4matic
24-month | 15k miles | residual 63% | .00215 base money factor
36-month | 15k miles | residual 53% | .00125 base money factor
48-month | 15k miles | residual 44% | .00125 base money factor
2009 Mercedes C300 Sport
24-month | 15k miles | residual 63% | .00200 base money factor
36-month | 15k miles | residual 53% | .00165 base money factor
48-month | 15k miles | residual 45% | .00165 base money factor
2009 Mercedes C300 Sport 4matic
24-month | 15k miles | residual 63% | .00215 base money factor
36-month | 15k miles | residual 53% | .00125 base money factor
48-month | 15k miles | residual 45% | .00125 base money factor
2009 Mercedes C350 Sport
24-month | 15k miles | residual 58% | .00089 base money factor
36-month | 15k miles | residual 50% | .00100 base money factor
48-month | 15k miles | residual 45% | .00100 base money factor
DO NOT LEASE
2009 Mercedes C63 AMG
24-month | 15k miles | residual 58% | .00430 base money factor
36-month | 15k miles | residual 49% | .00395 base money factor
48-month | 15k miles | residual 46% | .00395 base money factor
Don’t like what you see? Visit Leasecompare.com and see what 3rd party banks offer!