Money Factor

June 2008 Lease Rates for 08 Infiniti FX35

Published by G

FX35 AWD
24mo/12k – money factor .00095 – residual 66%
24mo/15k – money factor .00095 – residual 65%
36mo/12k – money factor .00094 – residual 55%.
36mo/15k – money factor .00094 – residual 54%.

My Take: Unless you really need a V8 powered SUV (for towing stuff), the FX35 should be sufficient for most families. Gas prices nowadays seem to dictate how consumers buy cars, so I can’t help but recommend the FX35 over the FX45. With the new FX50’s release being right around the corner, Infiniti seems to be trying to move the FX to make room on their lots by offering a low money factor for their leases. Now might be the time to pounce of the FX if that’s what you are in the market for.

June 2008 Lease Rate for 2008 Chevrolet Malibu

Published by G

24mo/12k – money factor .00131 (3.15%) – residual 64%
36mo/12k – money factor .00131 (3.15%) – residual 54%

My Take: The Malibu is actually a very good looking car compared to it’s predecessor. It has a much higher quality feel compared to many of the GM cars out there. Since it’s a relatively new car, reliability is still in question. However, if you are looking for an alternative to the Altima, Camry or the Accord, the Malibu isn’t half bad. The MF is decent and the 24mo lease seems to hold a rather high residual value. The 36mo lease seems to take a huge 10% hit in residual value, but spread over an extra 12 months will still make the payments lower than the 24mo lease.

June 2008 Lease Rate 08 Saab 9-3

Published by G

Special Note: Normally I don’t bother with Saabs, but I know someone who was inquiring about it recently so I decided to look for the numbers and post them.

24mo/12k – residual 70% – money factor .00181 (4.35%)
27mo/12k – residual 69% – money factor .00181 (4.35%)

$1000 loyalty cash – Ironic since not many people drive Saabs to being with…why not give it to EVERYONE?

My Take: Better cars can be had for the same amount of money or less. I’ve never been a big fan of Saabs, so I don’t think I would ever lease one. But there are folks out there who like their American owned Swedish-engineered rides. Personally, I would rather have an A4 2.0T, Accord V6, Passat, TL or G35, which can be had for about the same or less. Hell, I’ll even take a Camry V6 SE.

June 2008 Lease Rate for 09 Acura TSX

Published by G

36mo/12k – residual 65% – money factor .00245

My Take: It really baffles me how a car company can “inflate” their residual values. 65% after 36 months? That’s insane. I could be wrong, but I don’t even think the Mini holds value THAT well. Anyway, can you really lease this thing right about now? Nope. Personally, I would wait for the diesel version to arrive in the US. Better MPG, more torque, same plush interior. Makes you wonder why they even bother introducing the gasoline version at all. The 09 TSX is fully redesign as you all know. Comes very nicely appointed and it’s an excellent entry-level luxury sports sedan. The new design has a elegant/techie flair to it and I think it really looks awesome in black because it’s offset very well by the chrome trims. Sweet ride.

June 2008 Lease Rates for 08 Acura TSX

Published by G

36mo/15k – money factor .00235 – residual 66%

My Take: If you missed out on the lease support back in April then you are pretty much out of luck. The official word is that the MF has jumped to Honda’s “awesome” standard rate, which means you’ll be paying WAY MORE than back in April. There is a $1000 cash incentive (maybe $1500, not 100% sure) floating around, but highly doubt that will do much for you. The 2008 models have ended production and the 2009 models are out and fully redesigned, so this move isn’t exactly unexpected. Inventory on the ’08s is probably limited at this point, so if you are looking for one (specially a manual), it won’t be easy. As for the car, it is a very solid machine, well equipped and has a very smooth ride. The handsfree system isn’t very good and the engine could use more torque, but I can’t complain about the gas mileage. I was averaging 26 MPG on mixed driving. Contrary to popular belief, this car does NOT NEED Premium gas, it is actually optional.

May 2008 Lease Rate for 08 Honda CR-V

Published by G

EX AWD
36mo/12k – residual 63% – money factor .00235
36mo/15k – residual 61% – money factor .00235

EX-L AWD
36mo/12k – residual 62% – money factor .00235
36mo/15k – residual 60% – money factor .00235

*security deposit may be required

My Take: The residual value seems to help offset the high money factor in this case. This is a nice compact SUV that gives pretty decent gas mileage. The rims on the “cheaper” version of this car are very unattractive if you ask me. The EX-L’s rims are FAR better looking, so if you can afford this model, do it. My cousin’s girlfriend recently purchased this vehicle and got a nice sale price of approximately $24500 + tax and licenses. Not bad considering it’s MSRP is in the $29,000s.

May 2008 Lease Rate for 08 Audi A4 Cabriolet

Published by G

Audi A4 2.0T Cabriolet Quattro (Geez, long enough name you think?)

36mo/12k miles/yr – residual 55% – money factor .00048

My Take: It took me some time to “warm up” to the redesigned A4 in general. I preferred the 2002 model style, but really hated the 1.8T engine because the coil packs were prone to “blow” and the engine was far too underpowered for an AWD sedan of that size. In any case, the current model has slowly grown on me. The front grill still looks like my goldfish’s mouth during feeding time, but the peppy 2.0T engine makes up for it by providing you with very little turbo lag and getting better gas mileage than the 1.8T. The residual and money factor is looking pretty darn good right now, so if you want to lease a convertible to get ready for the summer, this is not a bad choice.