Money Factor

August 2008 Lease Rate for 08/09 Mercedes Benz E-Class

Published by G

My Take: 2009 Models for the E-Class are out, with lease support too (on some models)! 2008 models do no have any lease support from MB, so stay away from those. Luxury, Sport and Luxury 4matic models seem to be getting the most love from MB this month. Residuals could be better, but I think MF’s are low enough to make things interesting here.

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  • E350 Luxury + Premium 2
  • MSRP $58,125
  • Invoice $54,118
  • Standard inception fees + tax not included

2009 Mercedes E350 Luxury
24 Month – Residual 58% of MSRP – .00041 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 49% of MSRP – .00120 Base Rate
48 Month – Residual 40% of MSRP – .00120 Base Rate

24mo Payment: $886 at invoice, $1054 at MSRP
36mo Payment: $811 at invoice, $927 at MSRP
48mo Payment: $736 at invoice, $824 at MSRP

I opted to look at the 48mo lease because I suspected that the payments would be lower. The MF stayed the same while the residual dropped only 9%, same as from 24-36 months. Looks like I was right. It might be “okay” to do so since MB does provide you with a 4yrs / 50,000 mile warranty. You might have to replace some tires during the term, but that would be offset by the upfront costs you would had to pay if you chose a shorter term and had to into another lease. The only major thing I’d be worried about are those 36k mile maintenance checkups.

Even with the reduced MF, the lease is still expensive. You are better off with the 5-series or the M35, with the edge going to the 5-series. I’m only going to analyze one trim this time since most of the rates are pretty bad, with the ones that are good falling around the same range as the one I calculated. Keep in mind that there will probably be better “purchase” incentives available for the ’08 models, so be sure to inquire about those.

2009 Mercedes E320 BlueTec
24 Month – Residual 61% of MSRP – .00385 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 52% of MSRP – .00350 Base Rate
48 Month – Residual 46% of MSRP – .00350 Base Rate
60 Month – Residual 39% of MSRP – .00350 Base Rate

2009 Mercedes E350 Luxury 4matic
24 Month – Residual 58% of MSRP – .00030 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 49% of MSRP – .00120 Base Rate
48 Month – Residual 41% of MSRP – .00120 Base Rate

2009 Mercedes E350 Sport
24 Month – Residual 58% of MSRP – .00041 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 49% of MSRP – .00120 Base Rate
48 Month – Residual 40% of MSRP – .00120 Base Rate

2009 Mercedes E350 Sport 4matic
24 Month – Residual 52% of MSRP – .00385 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 43% of MSRP – .00350 Base Rate
48 Month – Residual 39% of MSRP – .00350 Base Rate

2009 Mercedes E550
24 Month – Residual 52% of MSRP – .00030 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 43% of MSRP – .00120 Base Rate
48 Month – Residual 39% of MSRP – .00120 Base Rate

2009 Mercedes E550 4matic
24 Month – Residual 51% of MSRP – .00385 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 43% of MSRP – .00350 Base Rate
48 Month – Residual 39% of MSRP – .00350 Base Rate
60 Month – Residual 33% of MSRP – .00350 Base Rate

2009 Mercedes E63 AMG
24 Month – Residual 57% of MSRP – .00385 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 47% of MSRP – .00350 Base Rate
48 Month – Residual 42% of MSRP – .00350 Base Rate
60 Month – Residual 34% of MSRP – .00350 Base Rate

2009 Mercedes E350 4matic Wagon
24 Month – Residual 52% of MSRP – .00385 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 44% of MSRP – .00350 Base Rate
48 Month – Residual 40% of MSRP – .00350 Base Rate
60 Month – Residual 33% of MSRP – .00350 Base Rate

2009 Mercedes E63 4matic Wagon
24 Month – Residual 54% of MSRP – .00385 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 45% of MSRP – .00350 Base Rate
48 Month – Residual 40% of MSRP – .00350 Base Rate
60 Month – Residual 33% of MSRP – .00350 Base Rate

2008 Mercedes E320 BlueTec Sedan
24 Month – Residual 60% of MSRP – .00385 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 51% of MSRP – .00350 Base Rate
48 Month – Residual 45% of MSRP – .00350 Base Rate
60 Month – Residual 38% of MSRP – .00350 Base Rate

2008 Mercedes E350 Luxury Sedan
24 Month – Residual 52% of MSRP – .00385 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 44% of MSRP – .00350 Base Rate
48 Month – Residual 39% of MSRP – .00350 Base Rate
60 Month – Residual 33% of MSRP – .00350 Base Rate

2008 Mercedes E350 Luxury 4matic Sedan
24 Month – Residual 53% of MSRP – .00385 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 44% of MSRP – .00350 Base Rate
48 Month – Residual 40% of MSRP – .00350 Base Rate
60 Month – Residual 34% of MSRP – .00350 Base Rate

2008 Mercedes E350 Sport Sedan
24 Month – Residual 52% of MSRP – .00385 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 44% of MSRP – .00350 Base Rate
48 Month – Residual 39% of MSRP – .00350 Base Rate
60 Month – Residual 33% of MSRP – .00350 Base Rate

2008 Mercedes E350 Sport 4matic Sedan
24 Month – Residual 53% of MSRP – .00385 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 44% of MSRP – .00350 Base Rate
48 Month – Residual 40% of MSRP – .00350 Base Rate
60 Month – Residual 34% of MSRP – .00350 Base Rate

2008 Mercedes E350 4matic Wagon
24 Month – Residual 50% of MSRP – .00385 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 43% of MSRP – .00350 Base Rate
48 Month – Residual 38% of MSRP – .00350 Base Rate
60 Month – Residual 32% of MSRP – .00350 Base Rate

2008 Mercedes E550 Sport Sedan
24 Month – Residual 51% of MSRP – .00385 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 42% of MSRP – .00350 Base Rate
48 Month – Residual 38% of MSRP – .00350 Base Rate
60 Month – Residual 32% of MSRP – .00350 Base Rate

2008 Mercedes E550 Sport 4matic Sedan
24 Month – Residual 50% of MSRP – .00385 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 42% of MSRP – .00350 Base Rate
48 Month – Residual 38% of MSRP – .00350 Base Rate
60 Month – Residual 32% of MSRP – .00350 Base Rate

2008 Mercedes E63 AMG Sedan
24 Month – Residual 56% of MSRP – .00385 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 46% of MSRP – .00350 Base Rate
48 Month – Residual 41% of MSRP – .00350 Base Rate
60 Month – Residual 33% of MSRP – .00350 Base Rate

2008 Mercedes E63 AMG Wagon
24 Month – Residual 53% of MSRP – .00385 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 44% of MSRP – .00350 Base Rate
48 Month – Residual 39% of MSRP – .00350 Base Rate
60 Month – Residual 32% of MSRP – .00350 Base Rate

* Residuals posted are for 15K miles/year.
** Rates provided by Tarry Shebesta from Leasecompare.com

August 2008 Lease Rate for 08 Infiniti EX35

Published by G

My Take: Good News! Last month’s super low MF for the EX35 stays the same for August. Not to mention 0% financing is available as well. So leasing or buying looks like a great deal right now for the EX35. The rates look so good that I will be estimating payments for all four trims at 24mo and 36mo terms. For those people in Southern California, I can refer you to solid Infiniti sales guy.

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  • 2008 Infiniti EX35 2WD
  • MSRP $32,765
  • Invoice $30,208
  • Standard inception fees + tax not included

2008 Infiniti EX35 2WD
24 Month – Residual 66% of MSRP – .00001 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 54% of MSRP – .00002 Base Rate

24mo Payment: $358 at invoice, $465 at MSRP
36mo Payment: $349 at invoice, $420 at MSRP

Edmunds TMV indicates about $1800 under invoice, but the lowest quote I’ve personally seen is $200 under invoice for a lease. From what I was told, $1800 under invoice is only attainable if you purchase. In any case, how attractive is this? $349 a month? If you can get that $200 under invoice price at your dealer, that’s another $9 off per month on a 24mo and $7 on a 36mo. You can cut the payments further by going for 12k miles per year. Now the only question is, can you find a base EX35 2WD in your area? They are probably quite rare.

  • EX35 Journey 2WD + Premium + Tech + Navi Packages
  • MSRP $42,565
  • Invoice $38,848
  • Standard inception fees + tax not included

2008 Infiniti EX35 Journey 2WD
24 Month – Residual 61% of MSRP – .00001 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 51% of MSRP – .00002 Base Rate

24mo Payment: $537 at invoice, $692 at MSRP
36mo Payment: $477 at invoice, $580 at MSRP

The numbers look much higher here due to a few reason; lower residual, high price tag. You can drive down the payments by taking off a few packages, opting for 12k lease and asking for a that $200 under invoice price I was quoted in July. You could be looking at low $400s on the 36mo lease if you can manage that. The Journey 2WD trim should be more abundant than the Base 2WD model. This is probably what I would have gone with hadw aited until August to lease.

  • 2008 Infiniti EX35 AWD
  • MSRP $34,165
  • Invoice $31,491
  • Standard inception fees + tax not included

2008 Infiniti EX35 AWD
24 Month – Residual 67% of MSRP – .00014 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 56% of MSRP – .00057 Base Rate

24mo Payment: $366 at invoice, $477 at MSRP
36mo Payment: $372 at invoice, $448 at MSRP

Notice something interesting here. The 24mo/15k lease at invoice is actually cheapest. That’s a good deal if you ask me. If you need AWD, but don’t need all the extras, this is the car to get.

  • EX35 Journey AWD + Premium + Tech + Navi Packages
  • MSRP $43,965
  • Invoice $40,131
  • Standard inception fees + tax not included

2008 Infiniti EX35 Journey AWD
24 Month – Residual 63% of MSRP – .00014 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 52% of MSRP – .00057 Base Rate

24mo Payment: $527 at invoice, $688 at MSRP
36mo Payment: $515 at invoice, $624 at MSRP

Not too bad here. You’re looking at a near-loaded model, so payments aren’t going to be in the high $300s to low $400s. I recommend opting for the 24mo lease if you can get it to be lower than a 36mo lease because at the end of 36 months, your tires will more than likely need to be replaced. Have you ever looked at how much four 17″ or 18″ tires cost recently? Not Cheap.

If you are looking to buy/lease a EX35, now is the time!

* Residuals posted are for 15K miles/year.
** Rates provided by Tarry Shebesta from Leasecompare.com

August 2008 Lease Rate for 08 Nissan 350Z

Published by G

My Take: Edmunds TMV suggests around invoice pricing for the 2008 350Z, so lets take a look at the Touring model since it seems to have a higher residual.

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  • 350Z Coupe Touring (manual) + All Options
  • MSRP $39,200
  • Invoice $35,677
  • Standard inception fees + tax no included

2008 Nissan 350Z Coupe Touring (manual)
24mo/12k – Residual 66% of MSRP – .00165 Base Rate
36mo/12k – Residual 56% of MSRP – .00165 Base Rate
24mo/15k – Residual 65% of MSRP – .00165 Base Rate
36mo/15k – Residual 55% of MSRP – .00165 Base Rate

24mo Payment: $510 at invoice, $663 at MSRP
36mo Payment: $476 at invoice, $580 at MSRP

Not too shabby for a fully loaded Touring model. If we were to take out the Navi and the 18″ Chromies, thus dropping the price to $35,720 MSRP / $32,914 invoice, we’ll be looking at the sweet spot of $446 a month for 36mo/12k. Dropping to 10k miles a year will save you another $9 a month, which is pocket change if you ask me, so go with the 12k. If you need the extra backseat, the G37 will probably work out better and a bit cheaper too.

2008 Nissan 350Z Coupe GT
24mo/12k – Residual 63% of MSRP – .00165 Base Rate
36mo/12k – Residual 54% of MSRP – .00165 Base Rate
24mo/15k – Residual 62% of MSRP – .00165 Base Rate
36mo/15k – Residual 53% of MSRP – .00165 Base Rate

August 2008 Lease Rate for 08 BMW 6-Series

Published by G

My Take: The 6-series is one of my favorite BMWs around, despite that, I can think of many other cars I’d rather have for a near-$100k price tag.  The numbers aren’t looking very attractive this month, expect payments in the thousands because the MF is a bit high. The residual would need to be 10% higher and the MF a good .001 lower (on a 36mo lease) in order for me to consider this a “good” deal.

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  • 650CiC + Premium Sound + BMW Individual Composition
  • MSRP $98,825
  • Invoice $90,250
  • Standard inception fees + tax

2008 BMW 650CiC Convertible
24 Month – Residual 67% of MSRP – .00205 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 57% of MSRP – .00205 Base Rate

24mo Payment: $1322 at invoice, $1697 at MSRP
36mo Payment: $1294 at invoice, $1549 at MSRP

Wow payments are crazy high. That’s more than my sister pays for mortgage every month. Edmund’s TMV is also suggesting that the sale price is $2000 over invoice. I personally don’t think this car is leasable unless you can treat this as a business write-off or you make so much money that a few thousand a month is pocket change.

2008 BMW 650Ci Coupe
24 Month – Residual 65% of MSRP – .00205 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 55% of MSRP – .00205 Base Rate

2008 BMW M6 Coupe
24 Month – Residual 68% of MSRP – .00250 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 57% of MSRP – .00250 Base Rate

2008 BMW M6 Convertible
24 Month – Residual 68% of MSRP – .00250 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 57% of MSRP – .00250 Base Rate

* Residuals posted are for 15K miles/year. Add 2% to Residual for 12k mi/yr and 3%
for 10k mi/yr on all terms
** Rates provided by Tarry Shebesta from Leasecompare.com

August 2008 Lease Rate for 08 Lexus ES350

Published by G

My Take: There is a $1000 cash rebate available for current customers on the ES350, in addition to a reduced money factor. The residual stays the same, making this lease cheaper than last month.

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  • ES350 + Premium Plus + Navi
  • MSRP $39,075 ($40,075 – $1000)
  • Invoice $34,366 ($35,366 – $1000)
  • Standard inception fees + tax not included

2008 Lexus ES350 Sedan
24 Month – Residual 57% of MSRP – .00065 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 50% of MSRP – .00065 Base Rate

24mo Payment: $517 at invoice, $717 at MSRP
36mo Payment: $433 at invoice, $567 at MSRP

Check out last month’s numbers:

24 month payments: $574 at invoice, $775 at MSRP
36 month payments: $476 at invoice, $611 at MSRP

That’s about $40+ less per month on the 24mo and 36 mo leases compared to July. Obviously, the $1000 rebate is what’s helping drive the payments down. Even without it, you should see some savings ($15 less on a 36mo lease). So what does Edmund’s TMV say? They say that the ES350 goes for about $36,366, which is about $1k over invoice. So I think best case scenario is $1000 over invoice, minus the $1000 loyalty case (if you are a current customer) and you get invoice, which on a 36mo/15k lease it’s approximately $462. Knock it down to a 12k mile lease and you’re looking at $440 a month.

* Residuals posted are for 15K miles/year. Add 2% to Residual for 12k mi/yr and 3%
for 10k mi/yr on all terms

August 2008 Lease Rate 08 Infiniti M35

Published by G

My Take: M35’s August rates are the same from July, so if you missed out last month, you still got about three weeks to jump on this. The base model’s super-low .00002 MF is looking like a good deal right now.

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  • M35 Base + Premium + Tech + Sport Packages
  • MSRP $57,365 ($59,365 – $2000)
  • Invoice $51,782 ($53,782 – $2000)
  • Standard inception fees + tax not included

2008 Infiniti M35 Sedan
24 Month – Residual 58% of MSRP – .00002 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 48% of MSRP – .00064 Base Rate

24mo Payment: $725 at invoice, $957 at MSRP
36mo Payment: $698 at invoice, $857 at MSRP

There is a $2000 loyalty cash for leasing ($3000 for purchases). TMV reports $1500 under invoice sale price, which means the car is probably selling for $500 over invoice plus the mfg’s $2000 loyalty cash. Payments drop to $693 if you go to a 36mo/12k lease, or
$677 on a 36mo/10 lease. I know the payments look a bit high, but consider the fact this car has about 14k worth of add-ons. You could opt just the Sports Package and you’ll see your payments drop down into the high $500 territory.

  • M35 AWD + Premium + Tech
  • MSRP $57,465 ($59,465 – $2000)
  • Invoice $51,964 ($53,964 – $2000)
  • Standard inception fees + tax not included

2008 Infiniti M35 AWD Sedan
24 Month – Residual 59% of MSRP – .00024 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 50% of MSRP – .00099 Base Rate

24mo Payment: $724 at invoice, $955 at MSRP
36mo Payment: $698 at invoice, $857 at MSRP

This is not a typo by the way, the payments are pretty darn close between the Base and AWD, assuming they are equipped the way I specified them. The major difference being the AWD doesn’t have a Sports Package. For those living in more extreme weather, this is probably going to be the better option. Just remember, take a few packages and adjust the mileage allowance a bit and you’re looking at a very attractive lease. Infinitis do come fairly well equipped even without any of the optional packages, so if payments are what matter to you, you may want to look into a base without any options (about $525 a month on a 36mo/12k term)

* Residuals posted are for 15K miles/year. Add 2% to Residual for 12k mi/yr and 3%
for 10k mi/yr on all terms
** Rates provided by Tarry Shebesta from Leasecompare.com

August 2008 Lease Rate for 08 BMW Z4

Published by G

My Take: August rates are identical to the July rates for the Z4, with the 3.0i & 3.0si convertible holding the best residual and only a slight bump on the MF. I’ll be taking the 3.0i to use as an example in this case.

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  • Z4 3.0i + Premium + Sport + Navi Packages
  • MSRP $44,825
  • Invoice $41,235
  • Standard inception fees + tax
  • Lease rate in BOLD

24mo Payment: $556 at invoice, $713 at MSRP
36mo Payment: $535 at invoice, $642 at MSRP

Edmund’s TMV suggests the sale price for the 3.0i convertible to be about $900 under invoice price. If that is the case, you will be looking at monthly payments of $509. Remember use TMV as a guide, is by no means the final word on how much the Z4 (or any other car) is selling for at the moment. BMW is promoting $379 a month payments on a $38,850 MSRP model, with $3279 due at signing, for 36mo/10k miles per year. Assuming those same conditions, but using the $44,825 MSRP model I picked out, I’m looking at $474 per month with about $1600-$2000 due at signing. Not too bad if you ask me. It is still a good $100 more per month.  Taking in consideration that my model has $6k worth of optional packages, (whereas the “BMW Special” is bone stock) I think the current promotion is a raw deal. Honestly, the best thing to do now is to take advantage of the 1.9% financing that is available for up to 60 months. That’s probably the “best deal” if you ask me.

2008 BMW Z4 3.0si Coupe
24 Month – Residual 61% of MSRP – .00190 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 51% of MSRP – .00190 Base Rate

2008 BMW Z4 3.0i Convertible
24 Month – Residual 70% of MSRP – .00200 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 60% of MSRP – .00200 Base Rate

2008 BMW Z4 3.0si Convertible
24 Month – Residual 70% of MSRP – .00200 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 60% of MSRP – .00200 Base Rate

2008 BMW Z4 M Coupe
24 Month – Residual 66% of MSRP – .00190 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 56% of MSRP – .00190 Base Rate

2008 BMW Z4 M Convertible
24 Month – Residual 66% of MSRP – .00190 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 56% of MSRP – .00190 Base Rate

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* Residuals posted are for 15K miles/year. Add 2% to Residual for 12k mi/yr and 3%
for 10k mi/yr on all terms
** Rates provided by Tarry Shebesta from Leasecompare.com

August 2008 Lease Rate for 08 BMW X5

Published by G

My Take: X5 rates are down from July, while the residuals have remained steady. Good news for those of you looking to lease the X5. I’ll be examining the payments on both X5s since I suspect that they could be pretty close due to the 3.0si’s higher MF and lower residual.

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  • X5 3.0si + Sport + Tech + Premium Packages
  • MSRP $56,175
  • Invoice $51,655
  • Standard inception fees + tax
  • Lease rate in BOLD

24mo Payment: $851 at invoice, $1049 at MSRP
36mo Payment: $770 at invoice, $905 at MSRP

You can shave another $30 a month off your 36mo payments by opting for the 12k mile term. Still a very expensive SUV. TMV suggests the price to be around 2k over invoice, which should bump your payments into the mid-$800 a month range after taxes.

  • X5 4.8i + Sport + Tech + Premium Packages
  • MSRP $63,775
  • Invoice $58,655
  • Standard inception fees + tax
  • Lease rate in BOLD

24mo Payment: $892 at invoice, $1114 at MSRP
36mo Payment: $819 at invoice, $970 at MSRP

As I suspected, the price difference isn’t as much as expect. For about $40 more a month, I would go for the 4.8i over the 3.0si trims. That’s $1440 more over 3 yrs for a car that’s over $7,000 more. Sounds like the better deal to me.

2008 BMW X5 3.0si 4WD SUV
24 Month – Residual 63% of MSRP – .00200 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 53% of MSRP – .00200 Base Rate

2008 BMW X5 4.8i 4WD SUV
24 Month – Residual 65% of MSRP – .00175 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 55% of MSRP – .00175 Base Rate

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* Residuals posted are for 15K miles/year. Add 2% to Residual for 12k mi/yr and 3%
for 10k mi/yr on all terms
** Rates provided by Tarry Shebesta from Leasecompare.com