My Take: Nothing spectacular about the 7-series this month. Low residual value plus high money factor equals “Too Much”. Of course, if you plan on writing this off as a business expense, then lease away. Personally, I just don’t have that kind of income to even write it off. Haahaa.
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2009 BMW 7-Series
2009 BMW 750i
24-month | 15k miles | residual 49% | .00250 base money factor
36-month | 15k miles | residual 44% | .00250 base money factor
48-month | 15k miles | residual 35% | .00250 base money factor
2009 BMW 750Li
24-month | 15k miles | residual 50% | .00250 base money factor
36-month | 15k miles | residual 45% | .00250 base money factor
48-month | 15k miles | residual 35% | .00250 base money factor
I got a quote today on an A4 Prestige… just awful… once I saw the 6 handle I figured it wasn’t even worth trying to negotiate. After learning of the 5-series crash rating problem, I’m now down to the 328xi and the C300. It seems they are the only two cars that are attractively leasing this month. I have to make a deal next week. I think the C300 has the better lease parameters, but when I outfit them similarly they are still very close in monthly payment. Which one are you recommending with respect to leasing this month? Thanks.
I’m not a big fan of Audi’s right now because I feel they “overvalue” their cars. I feel that the 3-series is still a better lease mainly because they are a better deal at 36 months vs MBs. The thing about MBs is that they seem to be willing to discount them heavily in some states (like a few thousand below invoice or so) where the economy is hitting them hard. I would personally work both dealers because I think both cars are solid. Another thing to consider is whether you plan to keep the car after the lease ends or not. Due to MB’s lower residual values, at lease end, you it should cost you less to buyout your lease compared to BMWs.
That is a good point. However, I have yet to ever buy a car when my leases expire.
Here’s another question for you. I was originally looking for something in the 5-series size range, but I haven’t found anything that has a decent lease in that size range. Do you have any suggestions for something bigger than the 3-series or the C-Class?
The first thing that comes to mind is the MB E-Class, but their AMG models are really pricey. The only model leasing decently is the E350, which is probably too underpowered for you tastes. What about the Acura TL? The lease on that is reasonable this month.
G… actually the E350 is the only other car I’ve considered. The quotes I’ve received on the E have been a little over $100 more than the 5-series. I just can’t get over the crash test results on the 5-series or I would go with it. The C-Class is the best lease I can find right now.
The truth is, there aren’t many good leases right now with residuals so low. I think most manufacturers would prefer you purchased. If they would firm up and lengthen their warranties they might be more successful getting someone like me to purchase.
It’s true, leases right now are a bit weak compared to last year. $300-$400 leases were quite abundant last year for cars in the $35-$40 range. Not so much now. I’m glad you are putting so much emphasis on safety on your selection that. For many people, this is like an afterthought (myself included). I would look into the C-Class personally, I think they are one of the better deals right now considering the discounts. Of course, I am not very fond of leases longer than 36 months, but as long as the warranty is still in effect, it should be okay. Again, check out the TL, A6 and G37 sedan as well. The G37/TL sedans gets very good crash test results from what I’m seeing. Not so sure about the A6 since there’s no data on those.