09 Mercedez-Benz Lease Rates for December 2008

My Take: You probably want to stick with the C, CLK, CLS, E (MAYBE), GL and ML classes this month. Everything else seems like it will cost you far more than you should be paying. The models previously mentioned enjoy a fairly low money factor and a decent residual value. You probably want to opt for the 12k mile leases and maybe extend the lease to 48 month. Unlike BMW, Mercedes Benz seem to lease better in the 36-month and 48-month terms. With Warranty covering up to 48 months, you should be taken cared of in case something happens to your Benzo. Now the question is, do you really want to drive the same car 4 straight years? Personally, I have leased both 36-month and 48-month leases and I find that 48 month leases just a tad “too long”. In 4 years, I tend to find way too many flaws in one car and I end up not enjoying the latter part of my lease. Of course, it if works out in the budget, 48 month isn’t too bad, just keep your miles low (lower than your contracted allowance) and you can probably end your lease in advance by trading it in, you might even get some money back.

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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 $485 $467 $585 $535

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 Mercedez-Benz December Lease money factors

2009 Mercedes C300 Luxury
24-month | 15k miles | residual 65% | .00166 base money factor
36-month | 15k miles | residual 54% | .00200 base money factor
48-month | 15k miles | residual 46% | .00200 base money factor

2009 Mercedes C300 Luxury 4matic
24-month | 15k miles | residual 65% | .00166 base money factor
36-month | 15k miles | residual 54% | .00200 base money factor
48-month | 15k miles | residual 46% | .00200 base money factor

2009 Mercedes C300 Sport
24-month | 15k miles | residual 65% | .00166 base money factor
36-month | 15k miles | residual 54% | .00200 base money factor
48-month | 15k miles | residual 46% | .00200 base money factor

2009 Mercedes C300 Sport 4matic
24-month | 15k miles | residual 65% | .00170 base money factor
36-month | 15k miles | residual 54% | .00202 base money factor
48-month | 15k miles | residual 46% | .00202 base money factor

2009 Mercedes C350 Sport
24-month | 15k miles | residual 60% | .00231 base money factor
36-month | 15k miles | residual 51% | .00234 base money factor
48-month | 15k miles | residual 46% | .00234 base money factor

2009 Mercedes C63 AMG
24-month | 15k miles | residual 61% | .00430 base money factor
36-month | 15k miles | residual 51% | .00395 base money factor
48-month | 15k miles | residual 47% | .00395 base money factor

2009 Mercedes CL550 4matic
24-month | 15k miles | residual 55% | .00430 base money factor
36-month | 15k miles | residual 45% | .00395 base money factor
48-month | 15k miles | residual 42% | .00395 base money factor

2009 Mercedes CL600
24-month | 15k miles | residual 46% | .00430 base money factor
36-month | 15k miles | residual 38% | .00395 base money factor
48-month | 15k miles | residual 35% | .00395 base money factor

2009 Mercedes CL63 AMG
24-month | 15k miles | residual 48% | .00430 base money factor
36-month | 15k miles | residual 42% | .00395 base money factor
48-month | 15k miles | residual 34% | .00395 base money factor

2009 Mercedes CL65 AMG
24-month | 15k miles | residual 44% | .00430 base money factor
36-month | 15k miles | residual 38% | .00395 base money factor
48-month | 15k miles | residual 32% | .00395 base money factor

2009 Mercedes CLK350 Coupe
24-month | 15k miles | residual 59% | .00050 base money factor
36-month | 15k miles | residual 50% | .00005 base money factor
48-month | 15k miles | residual 43% | .00005 base money factor

2009 Mercedes CLK350 Convertible
24-month | 15k miles | residual 59% | .00100 base money factor
36-month | 15k miles | residual 50% | .00114 base money factor
48-month | 15k miles | residual 43% | .00114 base money factor

2009 Mercedes CLK550 Coupe
24-month | 15k miles | residual 49% | .00015 base money factor
36-month | 15k miles | residual 43% | .00050 base money factor
48-month | 15k miles | residual 38% | .00050 base money factor

2009 Mercedes CLK550 Convertible
24-month | 15k miles | residual 57% | .00100 base money factor
36-month | 15k miles | residual 49% | .00114 base money factor
48-month | 15k miles | residual 42% | .00114 base money factor

2009 Mercedes CLS550
24-month | 15k miles | residual 61% | .00090 base money factor
36-month | 15k miles | residual 51% | .00090 base money factor
48-month | 15k miles | residual 45% | .00090 base money factor

2009 Mercedes CLS63 AMG
24-month | 15k miles | residual 58% | .00190 base money factor
36-month | 15k miles | residual 50% | .00190 base money factor
48-month | 15k miles | residual 43% | .00190 base money factor

2009 Mercedes E320 BlueTec
24-month | 15k miles | residual 57% | .00430 base money factor
36-month | 15k miles | residual 48% | .00395 base money factor
48-month | 15k miles | residual 45% | .00395 base money factor

2009 Mercedes E350 Luxury
24-month | 15k miles | residual 54% | .00030 base money factor
36-month | 15k miles | residual 45% | .00057 base money factor
48-month | 15k miles | residual 39% | .00057 base money factor

2009 Mercedes E350 Luxury 4matic
24-month | 15k miles | residual 54% | .00011 base money factor
36-month | 15k miles | residual 45% | .00038 base money factor
48-month | 15k miles | residual 40% | .00038 base money factor

2009 Mercedes E350 Sport
24-month | 15k miles | residual 54% | .00030 base money factor
36-month | 15k miles | residual 45% | .00057 base money factor
48-month | 15k miles | residual 39% | .00057 base money factor

2009 Mercedes E350 Sport 4matic
24-month | 15k miles | residual 54% | .00011 base money factor
36-month | 15k miles | residual 45% | .00038 base money factor
48-month | 15k miles | residual 40% | .00038 base money factor

2009 Mercedes E550
24-month | 15k miles | residual 47% | .00030 base money factor
36-month | 15k miles | residual 39% | .00057 base money factor
48-month | 15k miles | residual 37% | .00057 base money factor

2009 Mercedes E550 4matic
24-month | 15k miles | residual 47% | .00011 base money factor
36-month | 15k miles | residual 39% | .00038 base money factor
48-month | 15k miles | residual 37% | .00038 base money factor

2009 Mercedes E63 AMG
24-month | 15k miles | residual 53% | .00012 base money factor
36-month | 15k miles | residual 44% | .00012 base money factor
48-month | 15k miles | residual 40% | .00012 base money factor

2009 Mercedes E350 4matic Wagon
24-month | 15k miles | residual 48% | .00011 base money factor
36-month | 15k miles | residual 40% | .00038 base money factor
48-month | 15k miles | residual 38% | .00038 base money factor

2009 Mercedes E63 4matic Wagon
24-month | 15k miles | residual 51% | .00430 base money factor
36-month | 15k miles | residual 42% | .00395 base money factor
48-month | 15k miles | residual 39% | .00395 base money factor

2009 Mercedes G550
24-month | 15k miles | residual 52% | .00430 base money factor
36-month | 15k miles | residual 45% | .00395 base money factor
48-month | 15k miles | residual 40% | .00395 base money factor

2009 Mercedes G55 AMG
24-month | 15k miles | residual 48% | .00430 base money factor
36-month | 15k miles | residual 41% | .00395 base money factor
48-month | 15k miles | residual 38% | .00395 base money factor

2009 Mercedes GL450
24-month | 15k miles | residual 60% | .00062 base money factor
36-month | 15k miles | residual 52% | .00094 base money factor
48-month | 15k miles | residual 42% | .00094 base money factor

2009 Mercedes GL550
24-month | 15k miles | residual 54% | .00062 base money factor
36-month | 15k miles | residual 45% | .00094 base money factor
48-month | 15k miles | residual 40% | .00094 base money factor

2009 Mercedes ML320 CDI 4WD SUV
24-month | 15k miles | residual 67% | .00169 base money factor
36-month | 15k miles | residual 55% | .00169 base money factor
48-month | 15k miles | residual 46% | .00169 base money factor

2009 Mercedes ML350 4WD SUV
24-month | 15k miles | residual 58% | .00073 base money factor
36-month | 15k miles | residual 46% | .00069 base money factor
48-month | 15k miles | residual 40% | .00069 base money factor

2009 Mercedes ML550 4WD SUV
24-month | 15k miles | residual 52% | .00073 base money factor
36-month | 15k miles | residual 41% | .00069 base money factor
48-month | 15k miles | residual 37% | .00069 base money factor

2009 Mercedes ML63 AMG 4WD SUV
24-month | 15k miles | residual 53% | .00430 base money factor
36-month | 15k miles | residual 43% | .00395 base money factor
48-month | 15k miles | residual 38% | .00395 base money factor

2009 Mercedes R350
24-month | 15k miles | residual 56% | .00139 base money factor
36-month | 15k miles | residual 47% | .00177 base money factor
48-month | 15k miles | residual 37% | .00177 base money factor

2009 Mercedes S550
24-month | 15k miles | residual 54% | .00245 base money factor
36-month | 15k miles | residual 47% | .00245 base money factor
48-month | 15k miles | residual 38% | .00245 base money factor

2009 Mercedes S550 4matic
24-month | 15k miles | residual 54% | .00245 base money factor
36-month | 15k miles | residual 47% | .00245 base money factor
48-month | 15k miles | residual 40% | .00245 base money factor

2009 Mercedes S600
24-month | 15k miles | residual 42% | .00245 base money factor
36-month | 15k miles | residual 36% | .00245 base money factor
48-month | 15k miles | residual 33% | .00245 base money factor

2009 Mercedes S63
24-month | 15k miles | residual 50% | .00430 base money factor
36-month | 15k miles | residual 43% | .00395 base money factor
48-month | 15k miles | residual 39% | .00395 base money factor

2009 Mercedes S65
24-month | 15k miles | residual 43% | .00430 base money factor
36-month | 15k miles | residual 38% | .00395 base money factor
48-month | 15k miles | residual 34% | .00395 base money factor

2009 Mercedes SL550
24-month | 15k miles | residual 58% | .00245 base money factor
36-month | 15k miles | residual 48% | .00245 base money factor
48-month | 15k miles | residual 40% | .00245 base money factor

2009 Mercedes SL600
24-month | 15k miles | residual 48% | .00245 base money factor
36-month | 15k miles | residual 40% | .00245 base money factor
48-month | 15k miles | residual 33% | .00245 base money factor

2009 Mercedes SL63 AMG
24-month | 15k miles | residual 53% | .00430 base money factor
36-month | 15k miles | residual 44% | .00395 base money factor
48-month | 15k miles | residual 37% | .00395 base money factor

2009 Mercedes SL65 AMG
24-month | 15k miles | residual 47% | .00430 base money factor
36-month | 15k miles | residual 38% | .00395 base money factor
48-month | 15k miles | residual 33% | .00395 base money factor

2009 Mercedes SLK300
24-month | 15k miles | residual 58% | .00047 base money factor
36-month | 15k miles | residual 49% | .00048 base money factor
48-month | 15k miles | residual 42% | .00048 base money factor

2009 Mercedes SLK350
24-month | 15k miles | residual 60% | .00047 base money factor
36-month | 15k miles | residual 52% | .00048 base money factor
48-month | 15k miles | residual 45% | .00048 base money factor

2009 Mercedes SLK55 AMG
24-month | 15k miles | residual 57% | .00430 base money factor
36-month | 15k miles | residual 49% | .00395 base money factor
48-month | 15k miles | residual 43% | .00395 base money factor

Download the Lease Calculator This Month Best Leases Join The Wall at RIDE with G

Rates provided by Leasecompare.com

09 BMW Lease Rates for December 2008

  At Invoice At MSRP
Make/Model Invoice MSRP 24-month 36-month 24-month 36-month
09 BMW 335i Sedan $37,715 $40,925 $543 $474 $682 $569
09 BMW 528i Sedan $42,685 $46,325 $651 $549 $809 $656
09 BMW X5 xDrive 4.8i $52,160 $$56,625 $818 $679 $1011 $810
09 BMW X3 xDrive 3.0i $37,075 $40,225 $543 $476 $680 $569
09 BMW 328i Sedan $31,555 $34,225 $427 $384 $542 $462
09 BMW 128i Coupe $27,690 $30,025 $393 $399 $497 $470

My Take: BMW’s December lease rates leave a lot to be desired if you ask me. I’ve been wait for the 1-series’ money factor to drop a little bit since it is such an “intriguing” little ride. Yes, it’s ugly, but it’s hella fast (135i). With a residual value of 68% for 24 months, it would be nice to get a nice .001 discount off the current MF to make this ride a “must lease” on my list. The 3-series is looking pretty much like last month, same goes for the 5-series. X3 looks promising with it’s high residual and relatively “low” money factor. The 6-series and X5 is “okay”, while the “worst lease of the month” title goes to the X6 and the M-models. Not unexpected since they are more of a “niche” model than anything else.

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NOTE: Estimates do assuming the following:

  • 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 BMW December Lease Rates

2009 BMW 128i Coupe
24-month | 15k miles | residual 72% | .00285 base money factor
36-month | 15k miles | residual 60% | .00285 base money factor

2009 BMW 128i Convertible
24-month | 15k miles | residual 73% | .00285 base money factor
36-month | 15k miles | residual 60% | .00285 base money factor

2009 BMW 135i Coupe
24-month | 15k miles | residual 68% | .00285 base money factor
36-month | 15k miles | residual 56% | .00285 base money factor

2009 BMW 135i Convertible
24-month | 15k miles | residual 70% | .00285 base money factor
36-month | 15k miles | residual 58% | .00285 base money factor

2009 BMW 328i Sedan
24-month | 15k miles | residual 68% | .00150 base money factor
36-month | 15k miles | residual 60% | .00150 base money factor

2009 BMW 328i Coupe
24-month | 15k miles | residual 64% | .00175 base money factor
36-month | 15k miles | residual 59% | .00175 base money factor

2009 BMW 328i Convertible
24-month | 15k miles | residual 65% | .00200 base money factor
36-month | 15k miles | residual 59% | .00200 base money factor

2009 BMW 328i Wagon
24-month | 15k miles | residual 65% | .00200 base money factor
36-month | 15k miles | residual 58% | .00200 base money factor

2009 BMW 328xi Sedan
24-month | 15k miles | residual 67% | .00150 base money factor
36-month | 15k miles | residual 60% | .00150 base money factor

2009 BMW 328xi Coupe
24-month | 15k miles | residual 64% | .00175 base money factor
36-month | 15k miles | residual 59% | .00175 base money factor

2009 BMW 328xi Wagon
24-month | 15k miles | residual 65% | .00200 base money factor
36-month | 15k miles | residual 58% | .00200 base money factor

2009 BMW 335i Sedan
24-month | 15k miles | residual 67% | .00175 base money factor
36-month | 15k miles | residual 60% | .00175 base money factor

2009 BMW 335i Coupe
24-month | 15k miles | residual 63% | .00200 base money factor
36-month | 15k miles | residual 58% | .00200 base money factor

2009 BMW 335i Convertible
24-month | 15k miles | residual 63% | .00200 base money factor
36-month | 15k miles | residual 57% | .00200 base money factor

2009 BMW 335xi Sedan
24-month | 15k miles | residual 67% | .00175 base money factor
36-month | 15k miles | residual 60% | .00175 base money factor

2009 BMW 335xi Coupe
24-month | 15k miles | residual 63% | .00200 base money factor
36-month | 15k miles | residual 58% | .00200 base money factor

2009 BMW M3 Sedan
24-month | 15k miles | residual 58% | .00285 base money factor
36-month | 15k miles | residual 50% | .00285 base money factor

2009 BMW M3 Coupe
24-month | 15k miles | residual 58% | .00285 base money factor
36-month | 15k miles | residual 52% | .00285 base money factor

2009 BMW M3 Convertible
24-month | 15k miles | residual 52% | .00285 base money factor
36-month | 15k miles | residual 47% | .00285 base money factor

2009 BMW 528i Sedan
24-month | 15k miles | residual 65% | .00175 base money factor
36-month | 15k miles | residual 59% | .00175 base money factor

2009 BMW 528xi Sedan
24-month | 15k miles | residual 65% | .00175 base money factor
36-month | 15k miles | residual 59% | .00175 base money factor

2009 BMW 535i Sedan
24-month | 15k miles | residual 64% | .00175 base money factor
36-month | 15k miles | residual 59% | .00175 base money factor

2009 BMW 535xi Sedan
24-month | 15k miles | residual 65% | .00175 base money factor
36-month | 15k miles | residual 59% | .00175 base money factor

2009 BMW 535xiT Wagon
24-month | 15k miles | residual 64% | .00175 base money factor
36-month | 15k miles | residual 59% | .00175 base money factor

2009 BMW 550i Sedan
24-month | 15k miles | residual 63% | .00175 base money factor
36-month | 15k miles | residual 57% | .00175 base money factor

2009 BMW M5 Sedan
24-month | 15k miles | residual 52% | .00285 base money factor
36-month | 15k miles | residual 47% | .00285 base money factor

2009 BMW 650i Coupe
24-month | 15k miles | residual 62% | .00175 base money factor
36-month | 15k miles | residual 55% | .00175 base money factor

2009 BMW 650i Convertible
24-month | 15k miles | residual 64% | .00175 base money factor
36-month | 15k miles | residual 57% | .00175 base money factor

2009 BMW M6 Coupe
24-month | 15k miles | residual 59% | .00285 base money factor
36-month | 15k miles | residual 50% | .00285 base money factor

2009 BMW M6 Convertible
24-month | 15k miles | residual 59% | .00285 base money factor
36-month | 15k miles | residual 50% | .00285 base money factor

2009 BMW X3 xDrive 3.0i
24-month | 15k miles | residual 67% | .00190 base money factor
36-month | 15k miles | residual 60% | .00190 base money factor

2009 BMW X5 xDrive 3.0i
24-month | 15k miles | residual 63% | .00175 base money factor
36-month | 15k miles | residual 57% | .00175 base money factor

2009 BMW X5 xDrive 4.8i
24-month | 15k miles | residual 63% | .00150 base money factor
36-month | 15k miles | residual 57% | .00150 base money factor

2009 BMW X6 xDrive 3.5i
24-month | 15k miles | residual 51% | .00285 base money factor
36-month | 15k miles | residual 45% | .00285 base money factor

2009 BMW X6 xDrive 5.0i
24-month | 15k miles | residual 49% | .00285 base money factor
36-month | 15k miles | residual 43% | .00285 base money factor

Download the Lease Calculator This Month Best Leases Join The Wall at RIDE with G

Rates provided by Leasecompare.com

09 Honda Pilot Lease Rates for December 2008

  At Invoice At MSRP
Make/Model Invoice MSRP 24-month 36-month 24-month 36-month
09 Honda Pilot Touring 2WD $33,994 $37,465 N/A $502 N/A $602
09 Honda Pilot EX-L AWD $32,548 $35,865 N/A $471 N/A $567

My Take: The Pilot is one UGLY SUV. I’m a believer in driving something that not only drives well, but also makes you look good riding it it. This car fails miserably in that department. Despite that fact, this is still a very good family hauler and it’s very well appointed, like all Hondas/Acuras are. The lease looks pretty decent on the 36mo/15k term at invoice. Go with the 12k lease and you will see your payments drop some more. Remember that RES and Navi models tend to have lower residual values, so if you opt for that, make sure you aren’t paying more (over 36 months) than buying a portable Navi or RES which you get to keep AFTER your lease is over.

If you like the site and would like to receive my latest posts, please consider subscribing to our newsletter on a reader or have it delivered to your email.

NOTE: Estimates do assuming the following:

  • 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 Honda Pilot December Lease Rates

Touring 2WD
36-month | 15k miles | residual 48% | .0011 base money factor

EX-L AWD
36-month | 15k miles | residual 49% | .0011 base money factor

Download the Lease Calculator This Month Best Leases Join The Wall at RIDE with G

Lease Calculator 2.0 and other News…

Lease Calculator 2.0

I know, you are all probably eagerly anticipating December’s lease rates and the best thing I got for you right now is an updated on the Lease Calculator. Well, don’t be too disappointed! The new lease calculator is rather nifty. I added some new fields such as “Sales Tax Paid in Advance”; “Previous Balance” (for those who plan on carrying over some negative equity from their existing vehicles; monthly payment calculations assuming you roll in all fees into the lease; and monthly payment calculations assuming you pay inception fees in advance. Cool huh? I thought so. I based it loosely on my own lease contracts. I still haven’t exactly decyphered their system yet…but it’s only a matter of time.

Lease Rates

Patience…if you haven’t noticed, they usually surface around the 2nd week of each month, while some (Audi) will carry over through a good portion of this month since they just released last week.

Buying

It is a good time to buy since we’re looking at year end right now. 2008 model clearance is on! You waited all year long to buy a car, this is as good a time as any. Lot of “Winter” promotions with low APR going on right now. I said it before and I will say it again, no lease will beat 0% financing. If you are looking to lease a car that offers 0% financing, consider buying it. Specially since a lot of those 0% financing deals are for 60 month terms.

Auto Industry and the Economy

GM builds 4 similar SUVs (Acadia, Enclave, Outlook, Traverse) across 4 different brands…WHY!?!?! Need I say more? If they can’t learn to manage their company, they don’t deserve a bailout. That’s what I mean. I hear a lot of the “if the gov’t isn’t going to bail us out, the economy will end fall into a depression, etc…” That may be true, but that’s a half truth. It sounds more like someone is trying to save their own skin.

Downtime

I will be away on vacation starting Christmas until January 10th. That means I will be MIA for approximately two weeks, most likely with limited internet access. Hopefully you can all survive without me for that time period. 🙂

Special Auto Deals for Costco Members!

Every morning, I get an email from Costco pitching their latest and greatest deals. This morning, I noticed that there were some “specials” on their Automotive site. I once leased a car using AAA and Costco (I have them both) membership, but I didn’t really seen any major advantages (mainly because I didn’t bother to ask what sort of discounts I would get). This time around however, if you head over to Costco’s Auto website, you can see all of the promotions going on.

Costco Auto Special Promotions

Couple things stand out here:

Purchase a new Volvo XC90, XC70 or V70 through the Costco Auto Program between November 13, 2008, and January 5, 2009, to receive:

* $1,000 Off Volvo’s employee price
* $750 holiday gift card from Volvo1
* All available customer rebates and dealer incentives
* $500 Costco Cash Card for completing a Costco Auto Program Survey

That’s a lot of savings since you get $1000 off the employee pricing + rebates + gift card + costco cash. Add on whatever discounts the dealer gives you and you simply can’t over look this deal if you are shopping for a new family hauler that’s one of the safest according to the IIHS (XC90).

Then there is 0% financing for Infiniti, Toyota, Nissan models. Nothing out of the norm here since I’ve seen the commercials on TV for quite some time.

GM is having a Red Tag sale…ho-hummm…

Lastly, you can get employee pricing + rebates on most 2008/2009 Ford models.

2009 Top Safety Pick Awards by IIHS

From IIHS

How vehicles are evaluated: The Institute’s frontal crashworthiness evaluations are based on results of 40 mph frontal offset crash tests. Each vehicle’s overall evaluation is based on measurements of intrusion into the occupant compartment, injury measures recorded on a Hybrid III dummy in the driver seat, and analysis of slow-motion film to assess how well the restraint system controlled dummy movement during the test.

Side evaluations are based on performance in a crash test in which the side of a vehicle is struck by a barrier moving at 31 mph. The barrier represents the front end of a pickup or SUV. Ratings reflect injury measures recorded on two instrumented SID-IIs dummies, assessment of head protection countermeasures, and the vehicle’s structural performance during the impact.

Rear crash protection is rated according to a two-step procedure. Starting points for the ratings are measurements of head restraint geometry — the height of a restraint and its horizontal distance behind the back of the head of an average-size man. Seat/head restraints with good or acceptable geometry are tested dynamically using a dummy that measures forces on the neck. This test simulates a collision in which a stationary vehicle is struck in the rear at 20 mph. Seats without good or acceptable geometry are rated poor overall because they can’t be positioned to protect many people.

ALL 72 WINNERS

Large cars
Acura RL
Audi A6
Cadillac CTS
Ford Taurus
Lincoln MKS
Mercury Sable
Toyota Avalon
Volvo S80

Midsize cars
Acura TL, TSX
Audi A3, A4
BMW 3 series 4-door models
Ford Fusion with optional electronic stability control
Honda Accord 4-door models
Mercedes C class
Mercury Milan with optional electronic stability control
Saab 9-3
Subaru Legacy
Volkswagen Jetta, Passat

Midsize convertibles
Saab 9-3
Volkswagen Eos
Volvo C70

Small cars
Honda Civic 4-door models (except Si) with optional electronic stability control
Mitsubishi Lancer with optional electronic stability control
Scion xB
Subaru Impreza with optional electronic stability control
Toyota Corolla with optional electronic stability control
Volkswagen Rabbit

Minicar
Honda Fit with optional electronic stability control

Minivans
Honda Odyssey
Hyundai Entourage
Kia Sedona

Large SUVs
Audi Q7
Buick Enclave
Chevrolet Traverse
GMC Acadia
Saturn Outlook

Midsize SUVs
Acura MDX, RDX
BMW X3, X5
Ford Edge, Flex, Taurus X
Honda Pilot
Hyundai Santa Fe, Veracruz
Infiniti EX35
Lincoln MKX
Mercedes M class
Nissan Murano
Saturn VUE
Subaru Tribeca
Toyota FJ Cruiser, Highlander
Volvo XC90

Small SUVs
Ford Escape
Honda CR-V, Element
Mazda Tribute
Mercury Mariner
Mitsubishi Outlander
Nissan Rogue
Subaru Forester
Toyota RAV4
Volkswagen Tiguan

Large pickups
Ford F-150
Honda Ridgeline
Toyota Tundra

Small pickup
Toyota Tacoma

Shamefully, my G37 didn’t make the cut, but it made it into the “ALSO RANS” list:

ALSO-RANS
These 26 vehicles earn good ratings in front and side crash tests. They have ESC, standard or optional. They would be 2009 Top Safety Pick winners if their seat/head restraints also earn good ratings:

Chevrolet Malibu
Chrysler Sebring, Sebring convertible, Town & Country
Dodge Avenger, Grand Caravan
Infiniti G35, M35
Kia Amanti
Lexus ES, GS,IS
Mazda CX-7, CX-9
Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder, Endeavor
Nissan Altima, Pathfinder, Quest, Xterra
Saturn AURA
Smart Fortwo
Toyota 4Runner, Camry, Prius, Sienna

Something sad to note here, no Chrysler cars made it to the top of the list. I’m starting to feel like Chrysler is one automaker that probably doesn’t need the bailout since they build such “average” cars.

UPDATED Audi Lease Rates for Nov-Dec 2008

My Take: Audi Financial updated the lease rates yesterday. At first glance, you’ll noticed the money factor was slashed for the A3. The A4 stays relatively unchanged. There a lot of money factor reductions for some of the other cars on their line up. Take the time to look things over to see if there’s something worth leasing here. I personally would look into the A3 2.0T Quattro or the A4 Premium on a 36 month/12k term. The S5 would be awesome if the money factor wasn’t so high. The TT also has a decent residual / money factor combination.

QUICK LINKS:

LEASE CALCULATOR (requires MS Excel)
THE LIST, monthly list of car rankings on monthly payments

2009 Audi A3 2.0T Hatchback
24 Month – Residual 58% of MSRP – .00011 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 51% of MSRP – .00011 Base Rate
48 Month – Residual 44% of MSRP – .00323 Base Rate

2009 Audi A3 2.0T Premium Hatchback
24 Month – Residual 56% of MSRP – .00011 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 49% of MSRP – .00011 Base Rate
48 Month – Residual 42% of MSRP – .00323 Base Rate

2009 Audi A3 2.0T quattro Hatchback
24 Month – Residual 59% of MSRP – .00063 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 52% of MSRP – .00063 Base Rate
48 Month – Residual 45% of MSRP – .00323 Base Rate

2009 Audi A3 2.0T quattro Premium Hatchback
24 Month – Residual 57% of MSRP – .00063 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 50% of MSRP – .00063 Base Rate
48 Month – Residual 43% of MSRP – .00323 Base Rate

2009 Audi A3 2.0T S-Line Hatchback
24 Month – Residual 56% of MSRP – .00063 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 49% of MSRP – .00063 Base Rate
48 Month – Residual 42% of MSRP – .00323 Base Rate

2009 Audi A3 2.0T S-Line quattro Hatchback
24 Month – Residual 56% of MSRP – .00063 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 49% of MSRP – .00063 Base Rate
48 Month – Residual 40% of MSRP – .00344 Base Rate

2009 Audi A3 3.2 S-Line quattro Hatchback
24 Month – Residual 55% of MSRP – .00119 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 48% of MSRP – .00119 Base Rate
48 Month – Residual 41% of MSRP – .00323 Base Rate

2009 Audi A4 2.0T Premium quattro Sedan
24 Month – Residual 62% of MSRP – .00169 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 55% of MSRP – .00169 Base Rate
48 Month – Residual 48% of MSRP – .00328 Base Rate

2009 Audi A4 2.0T Premium Plus quattro Sedan
24 Month – Residual 60% of MSRP – .00169 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 53% of MSRP – .00169 Base Rate
48 Month – Residual 46% of MSRP – .00328 Base Rate

2009 Audi A4 2.0T Prestige quattro Sedan
24 Month – Residual 57% of MSRP – .00169 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 50% of MSRP – .00169 Base Rate
48 Month – Residual 43% of MSRP – .00328 Base Rate

2009 Audi A4 3.2T Premium Plus quattro Sedan
24 Month – Residual 60% of MSRP – .00199 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 53% of MSRP – .00199 Base Rate
48 Month – Residual 46% of MSRP – .00328 Base Rate

2009 Audi A4 3.2T Prestige quattro Sedan
24 Month – Residual 57% of MSRP – .00199 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 50% of MSRP – .00199 Base Rate
48 Month – Residual 43% of MSRP – .00328 Base Rate

2009 Audi A4 2.0T Premium quattro Avant
24 Month – Residual 61% of MSRP – .00202 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 54% of MSRP – .00202 Base Rate
48 Month – Residual 47% of MSRP – .00328 Base Rate

2009 Audi A4 2.0T Premium Plus quattro Avant
24 Month – Residual 59% of MSRP – .00202 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 52% of MSRP – .00202 Base Rate
48 Month – Residual 45% of MSRP – .00328 Base Rate

2009 Audi A4 2.0T Prestige quattro Avant
24 Month – Residual 56% of MSRP – .00202 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 49% of MSRP – .00202 Base Rate
48 Month – Residual 42% of MSRP – .00328 Base Rate

2009 Audi A4 2.0T Cabriolet
24 Month – Residual 58% of MSRP – .00047 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 51% of MSRP – .00047 Base Rate
48 Month – Residual 44% of MSRP – .00328 Base Rate

2009 Audi A4 2.0T quattro Cabriolet
24 Month – Residual 58% of MSRP – .00039 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 51% of MSRP – .00039 Base Rate
48 Month – Residual 44% of MSRP – .00328 Base Rate

2009 Audi A4 3.2L quattro Cabriolet
24 Month – Residual 57% of MSRP – .00125 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 50% of MSRP – .00125 Base Rate
48 Month – Residual 43% of MSRP – .00328 Base Rate

2009 Audi S4 Cabriolet
24 Month – Residual 59% of MSRP – .00308 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 52% of MSRP – .00308 Base Rate
48 Month – Residual 45% of MSRP – .00328 Base Rate

2009 Audi A5 6-Speed Coupe
24 Month – Residual 58% of MSRP – .00308 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 51% of MSRP – .00308 Base Rate
48 Month – Residual 44% of MSRP – .00328 Base Rate

2009 Audi A5 Tiptronic Coupe
24 Month – Residual 58% of MSRP – .00308 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 51% of MSRP – .00308 Base Rate
48 Month – Residual 44% of MSRP – .00328 Base Rate

2009 Audi S5 6-Speed Coupe
24 Month – Residual 64% of MSRP – .00308 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 57% of MSRP – .00308 Base Rate
48 Month – Residual 50% of MSRP – .00328 Base Rate

2009 Audi S5 Tiptronic Coupe
24 Month – Residual 64% of MSRP – .00308 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 57% of MSRP – .00308 Base Rate
48 Month – Residual 50% of MSRP – .00328 Base Rate

2009 Audi A8 quattro
24 Month – Residual 46% of MSRP – .00078 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 39% of MSRP – .00078 Base Rate
48 Month – Residual 30% of MSRP – .00325 Base Rate

2009 Audi A8 L quattro
24 Month – Residual 46% of MSRP – .00067 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 39% of MSRP – .00067 Base Rate
48 Month – Residual 32% of MSRP – .00325 Base Rate

2009 Audi A8 L W12 quattro
24 Month – Residual 39% of MSRP – .00495 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 32% of MSRP – .00495 Base Rate
48 Month – Residual 25% of MSRP – .00515 Base Rate

2009 Audi S8 Sedan
24 Month – Residual 50% of MSRP – .00305 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 43% of MSRP – .00305 Base Rate
48 Month – Residual 36% of MSRP – .00325 Base Rate

2009 Audi R8 6-speed
24 Month – Residual 54% of MSRP – .00354 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 47% of MSRP – .00354 Base Rate
48 Month – Residual 40% of MSRP – .00374 Base Rate
** This is a special 10K mi/year **

2009 Audi R8 R tronic
24 Month – Residual 52% of MSRP – .00354 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 45% of MSRP – .00354 Base Rate
48 Month – Residual 38% of MSRP – .00374 Base Rate
** This is a special 10K mi/year **

2009 Audi Q7 3.6 Base
24 Month – Residual 55% of MSRP – .00066 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 47% of MSRP – .00066 Base Rate
48 Month – Residual 38% of MSRP – .00342 Base Rate

2009 Audi Q7 3.6 Premium
24 Month – Residual 57% of MSRP – .00066 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 49% of MSRP – .00066 Base Rate
48 Month – Residual 39% of MSRP – .00342 Base Rate

2009 Audi Q7 3.6 Premium Plus
24 Month – Residual 56% of MSRP – .00066 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 48% of MSRP – .00066 Base Rate
48 Month – Residual 38% of MSRP – .00342 Base Rate

2009 Audi Q7 3.6 Prestige
24 Month – Residual 54% of MSRP – .00066 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 46% of MSRP – .00066 Base Rate
48 Month – Residual 36% of MSRP – .00342 Base Rate

2009 Audi Q7 4.2 Prestige
24 Month – Residual 53% of MSRP – .00076 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 45% of MSRP – .00076 Base Rate
48 Month – Residual 35% of MSRP – .00342 Base Rate

2009 Audi TT 2.0T Premium Coupe
24 Month – Residual 63% of MSRP – .00154 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 55% of MSRP – .00154 Base Rate
48 Month – Residual 44% of MSRP – .00331 Base Rate

2009 Audi TT 2.0T Premium Plus Coupe
24 Month – Residual 60% of MSRP – .00140 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 52% of MSRP – .00140 Base Rate
48 Month – Residual 41% of MSRP – .00331 Base Rate

2009 Audi TT 2.0T Prestige Coupe
24 Month – Residual 59% of MSRP – .00140 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 51% of MSRP – .00140 Base Rate
48 Month – Residual 41% of MSRP – .00331 Base Rate

2009 Audi TT 2.0T quattro Premium Coupe
24 Month – Residual 63% of MSRP – .00154 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 55% of MSRP – .00154 Base Rate
48 Month – Residual 44% of MSRP – .00331 Base Rate

2009 Audi TT 2.0T quattro Premium Plus Coupe
24 Month – Residual 61% of MSRP – .00154 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 53% of MSRP – .00154 Base Rate
48 Month – Residual 42% of MSRP – .00331 Base Rate

2009 Audi TT 2.0T quattro Prestige Coupe
24 Month – Residual 60% of MSRP – .00154 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 52% of MSRP – .00154 Base Rate
48 Month – Residual 41% of MSRP – .00331 Base Rate

2009 Audi TT 3.2L quattro Premium Plus Coupe
24 Month – Residual 61% of MSRP – .00181 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 53% of MSRP – .00181 Base Rate
48 Month – Residual 43% of MSRP – .00331 Base Rate

2009 Audi TT 3.2L quattro Prestige Coupe
24 Month – Residual 60% of MSRP – .00181 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 52% of MSRP – .00181 Base Rate
48 Month – Residual 42% of MSRP – .00331 Base Rate

2009 Audi TT 2.0T Premium Cabriolet
24 Month – Residual 61% of MSRP – .00108 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 53% of MSRP – .00108 Base Rate
48 Month – Residual 42% of MSRP – .00331 Base Rate

2009 Audi TT 2.0T Premium Plus Cabriolet
24 Month – Residual 59% of MSRP – .00108 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 51% of MSRP – .00108 Base Rate
48 Month – Residual 41% of MSRP – .00331 Base Rate

2009 Audi TT 2.0T Prestige Cabriolet
24 Month – Residual 59% of MSRP – .00108 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 51% of MSRP – .00108 Base Rate
48 Month – Residual 40% of MSRP – .00331 Base Rate

2009 Audi TT 2.0T quattro Premium Cabriolet
24 Month – Residual 62% of MSRP – .00123 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 54% of MSRP – .00123 Base Rate
48 Month – Residual 43% of MSRP – .00331 Base Rate

2009 Audi TT 2.0T quattro Premium Plus Cabriolet
24 Month – Residual 60% of MSRP – .00123 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 52% of MSRP – .00123 Base Rate
48 Month – Residual 41% of MSRP – .00331 Base Rate

2009 Audi TT 2.0T quattro Prestige Cabriolet
24 Month – Residual 59% of MSRP – .00123 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 51% of MSRP – .00123 Base Rate
48 Month – Residual 41% of MSRP – .00331 Base Rate

2009 Audi TT 3.2L quattro Premium Plus Cabriolet
24 Month – Residual 60% of MSRP – .00148 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 52% of MSRP – .00148 Base Rate
48 Month – Residual 42% of MSRP – .00331 Base Rate

2009 Audi TT 3.2L quattro Prestige Cabriolet
24 Month – Residual 59% of MSRP – .00148 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 51% of MSRP – .00148 Base Rate
48 Month – Residual 41% of MSRP – .00331 Base Rate

Rates provided by Leasecompare.com

November 2008 Lease Rates for 09 Acura RDX

My Take: If you have never leased before, Acura is probably one of the best brands to lease from. They offer no security deposit, GAP coverage, no disposition fees and up to $1500 in damage waiver. They are relatively easy and inexpensive to maintain, while offering
great value for your money.
The RDX isn’t a bad lease this month, I would probably hold out for better discounts so you can get a sale price of below invoice. That would make the RDX a better lease this month. Special financing is also available at 0.9% for up to 36 months and 2.9% for up to 60 months.

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  At Invoice At MSRP
Make/Model Invoice MSRP 24-month 36-month 24-month 36-month
09 Acura RDX $31,723 $34,455 N/A $465 N/A $543

  • 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.
  • Yellow boxes denotes “lowest” lease payments for each car.

2009 Acura RDX
36 Month – Residual 48% of MSRP – .0009 Base Rate

QUICK LINKS:
LEASE CALCULATOR (requires MS Excel)
THE LIST, monthly list of car rankings on monthly payments

2009 Acura RDX w/Tech
36 Month – Residual 47% of MSRP – .0009 Base Rate