Author: G

August 2008 Lease Rate for 09 Nissan Maxima

Published by G

My Take: First impression is that the MF is a bit high, but the residuals seem to be reasonably high on the S trim so it may be a worthwhile lease. Let’s take a look…

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  • Maxima S (no options available)
  • MSRP $30,485
  • Invoice $27,909
  • Standard inception fees + tax not included
  • Residuals posted are for 15K miles/year.

2009 Nissan Maxima S
24 Month – Residual 70% of MSRP – .00250 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 59% of MSRP – .00250 Base Rate

24mo Payment: $397 at invoice, $510 at MSRP
36mo Payment: $390 at invoice, $468 at MSRP

The 09 Maxima is newly redesigned, which means you may not get much of a discount off MSRP. The S trim is a base model, so no options are available. You will have to go up to the SV model to get the extra options. The payments on the S trip aren’t looking great if you ask me, low $400s after tax, assuming invoice. TMV suggests the car is going at MSRP and I’m inclined to believe it, for the moment.

  • Maxima SV + Premium
  • MSRP $36,135
  • Invoice $32,989
  • Standard inception fees + tax not included
  • Residuals posted are for 15K miles/year.

2009 Nissan Maxima SV
24 Month – Residual 66% of MSRP – .00250 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 56% of MSRP – .00250 Base Rate

24mo Payment: $523 at invoice, $662 at MSRP
36mo Payment: $487 at invoice, $582 at MSRP

No matter how I look at it, there isn’t a deal to be had here. Problem is, you may have to pay close to MSRP for the car. If you are considering a Maxima, I would recommend looking at other alternatives such as the G35/G37 or the 3-series. If you compare the payments, you’ll see that the G35 is actually cheaper than the Maxima SV. At MSRP, I think I’d rather be cruising in a 335i than a Maxima for 36 months.  I still think the Maxima is Nissan’s red-headed stepchild.

Rates provided by Tarry Shebesta from Leasecompare.com

August 2008 Lease Rate for 08 Audi A6/S6

Published by G

My Take: There’s some low MF’s available on the A6 right now (excludes Avant). The residual is pretty weak, however. How a car can lose 55% of its value in 3 years baffles me, oh well. That’s Audi for you. There is 0.9% financing for up to 60 months, $2500 cash back and $500 loyalty cash. What’s even cooler is that you can combine them.

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  • A6 + Premium + Tech + Metallic Paint ($750)
  • MSRP $47,525 ($50,525 – $3000)
  • Invoice $44,044 ($47,044 – $3000)
  • Standard inception fees + tax not included
  • Residuals posted are for 15K miles/year.

2008 Audi A6 Sedan
24 Month – Residual 57% of MSRP – .00043 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 45% of MSRP – .00043 Base Rate

24mo Payment: $666 at invoice, $813 at MSRP
36mo Payment: $620 at invoice, $719 at MSRP

The payments look pretty solid beacuse MB’s E350 and BMW’s 5-Series seem to be going for more. I wouldn’t be surprised if dealers discount deeper to move those A6’s since the 2009 model is supposed to be newly redesigned. That is hypothetical though. If any of you get an offer like that, please comment on it (Basically more than $3k off invoice).

2008 Audi A6 quattro Sedan
24 Month – Residual 53% of MSRP – .00042 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 45% of MSRP – .00042 Base Rate

2008 Audi A6 Avant quattro
24 Month – Residual 48% of MSRP – .00297 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 40% of MSRP – .00297 Base Rate

2008 Audi A6 quattro 4.2L Sedan
24 Month – Residual 49% of MSRP – .00297 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 41% of MSRP – .00297 Base Rate

2008 Audi S6 Sedan
24 Month – Residual 57% of MSRP – .00297 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 49% of MSRP – .00297 Base Rate

Rates provided by Tarry Shebesta from Leasecompare.com

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

Published by G

My Take: 2008 C-Class should be off your “cars to lease” list, probably for the remainder of the year. If you want a C-class, look into the 2009 models. The price tag may be a big more for them, but the residual is higher and the money factor is lower than the 2008 models. The majority of people seem to like the Sport trim better than the Luxury, so I will be taking a look at the C300 Sport 4matic, which happens to have the better residual/mf combo.

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  • C300 Sport 4matic + Premium 2 + Panoramic Moonroof + Metallic Paint
  • MSRP $41,025
  • Invoice $38,214
  • Standard inception fees + tax not included
  • Residuals posted are for 15K miles/year.

2009 Mercedes C300 Sport 4matic
24 Month – Residual 67% of MSRP – .00235 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 56% of MSRP – .00255 Base Rate
48 Month – Residual 47% of MSRP – .00255 Base Rate

24mo Payment: $601 at invoice, $725 at MSRP
36mo Payment: $579 at invoice, $665 at MSRP
48mo Payment: $541 at invoice, $606 at MSRP

Ugh! $720 for a metallic paint job. The C300 is a nice car, but I think MB is really making you pay for that three-pointed star on the grill. I’d be more willing to pay this kind of pricetag for the C350, not the C300. I would recommend looking elsewhere for comparable models. The IS250, TSX, A4 2.0T Q & 328i are looking MUCH better this month.

2009 Mercedes C300 Luxury
24 Month – Residual 67% of MSRP – .00245 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 56% of MSRP – .00265 Base Rate
48 Month – Residual 46% of MSRP – .00265 Base Rate

2009 Mercedes C300 Luxury 4matic
24 Month – Residual 67% of MSRP – .00235 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 56% of MSRP – .00255 Base Rate
48 Month – Residual 46% of MSRP – .00255 Base Rate

2009 Mercedes C300 Sport
24 Month – Residual 67% of MSRP – .00245 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 56% of MSRP – .00265 Base Rate
48 Month – Residual 47% of MSRP – .00265 Base Rate

2009 Mercedes C350 Sport
24 Month – Residual 63% of MSRP – .00385 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 53% of MSRP – .00350 Base Rate
48 Month – Residual 47% of MSRP – .00350 Base Rate

2009 Mercedes C63 AMG
24 Month – Residual 65% of MSRP – .00385 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 54% of MSRP – .00350 Base Rate
48 Month – Residual 48% of MSRP – .00350 Base Rate

2008 Mercedes C300 Luxury
24 Month – Residual 63% of MSRP – .00385 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 53% of MSRP – .00350 Base Rate
48 Month – Residual 45% of MSRP – .00350 Base Rate

2008 Mercedes C300 Luxury 4matic
24 Month – Residual 63% of MSRP – .00385 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 53% of MSRP – .00350 Base Rate
48 Month – Residual 45% of MSRP – .00350 Base Rate

2008 Mercedes C300 Sport
24 Month – Residual 63% of MSRP – .00385 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 53% of MSRP – .00350 Base Rate
48 Month – Residual 45% of MSRP – .00350 Base Rate

2008 Mercedes C300 Sport 4matic
24 Month – Residual 63% of MSRP – .00385 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 53% of MSRP – .00350 Base Rate
48 Month – Residual 45% of MSRP – .00350 Base Rate

2008 Mercedes C350 Sport
24 Month – Residual 63% of MSRP – .00385 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 53% of MSRP – .00350 Base Rate
48 Month – Residual 47% of MSRP – .00350 Base Rate

2008 Mercedes C63 AMG
24 Month – Residual 64% of MSRP – .00385 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 53% of MSRP – .00350 Base Rate
48 Month – Residual 47% of MSRP – .00350 Base Rate

Rates provided by Tarry Shebesta from Leasecompare.com

August 2008 Lease Rate for 08 VW GTI/Rabbit

Published by G

My Take: 0% financing for up to 60 months on the GTI is STILL available (expires 9/2/08). Pretty much makes leasing less of a “deal”. However, if you wanted to, the MF are low enough to make payments acceptable. Lets take a look at a well equipped GTI. Also, for those on a budget, you can get it’s “fluffier” sibling, the VW Rabbit.

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  • GTI + Autobahn + 18″ ‘Hufeisen’ Alloy Wheels
  • MSRP $28,435
  • Invoice $26,564
  • Standard inception fees + tax not included
  • Residuals posted are for 15K miles/year.

2008 Volkswagen GTI 2dr Hatchback
24 Month – Residual 60% of MSRP – .00066 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 51% of MSRP – .00066 Base Rate
48 Month – Residual 43% of MSRP – .00119 Base Rate

24mo Payment: $425 at invoice, $504 at MSRP
36mo Payment: $362 at invoice, $415 at MSRP
48mo Payment: $345 at invoice, $386 at MSRP

What I’ve noticed about Audi/VW is that they lease “cheaper” at 36 and 48 months. The Payments are very reasonable here for the 36mo term. At 12k miles per year, you can enjoy savings of about $15 per month, on a 36mo lease. The question now is, for around the same payments, would you rather drive a GTI or a Cooper S?

2008 Volkswagen Rabbit 2dr Hatchback
24 Month – Residual 64% of MSRP – .00138 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 55% of MSRP – .00138 Base Rate
48 Month – Residual 48% of MSRP – .00177 Base Rate

Rates provided by Tarry Shebesta from Leasecompare.com

August 2008 Lease Rate for 08/09 Audi A5/S5

Published by G

My Take: I’m having a hard time pinpointing a good deal here. The residuals are very low and the mf is extremely high making this car a very tough lease right now. This IS arguably the most elegant and sporty coupes out there at the moment, which explain the lack of support.

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  • Audi A5 6-Speed Coupe + Premium + S-Line Sport Pkg
  • MSRP $45,925
  • Invoice $42,772
  • Standard inception fees + tax not included
  • Residuals posted are for 15K miles/year.

2009 Audi A5 6-Speed Coupe
24 Month – Residual 63% of MSRP – .00279 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 53% of MSRP – .00279 Base Rate

24mo Payment: $777 at invoice, $917 at MSRP
36mo Payment: $699 at invoice, $795 at MSRP

You are not likely to get invoice price here, which makes this car that much harder to lease at a reasonable price. Forget the 2008 model though, that one will lease worse because of the lower residual value and identical money factor. My recommendation is to buy if you are itching to be one of the few who drive the A5/S5. With that said, there is no special financing available, so you should try paying in full…sucks doesn’t it?

2009 Audi A5 Tiptronic Coupe
24 Month – Residual 63% of MSRP – .00279 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 53% of MSRP – .00279 Base Rate

2009 Audi S5 6-Speed Coupe
24 Month – Residual 63% of MSRP – .00279 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 53% of MSRP – .00279 Base Rate

2009 Audi S5 Tiptronic Coupe
24 Month – Residual 63% of MSRP – .00279 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 53% of MSRP – .00279 Base Rate

2008 Audi A5 6-Speed Coupe
24 Month – Residual 59% of MSRP – .00279 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 51% of MSRP – .00279 Base Rate

2008 Audi A5 Tiptronic Coupe
24 Month – Residual 59% of MSRP – .00279 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 51% of MSRP – .00279 Base Rate

2008 Audi S5 6-Speed Coupe
24 Month – Residual 62% of MSRP – .00279 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 54% of MSRP – .00279 Base Rate

2008 Audi S5 Tiptronic Coupe
24 Month – Residual 62% of MSRP – .00279 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 54% of MSRP – .00279 Base Rate

Rates provided by Tarry Shebesta from Leasecompare.com

August 2008 Lease Rate 08 MINI Cooper

Published by G

My Take: You won’t find any discounts here unfortunately. You want a MINI? Order one. You want a deal? You probably won’t find one anywhere. Dealers are known to jack up the MF to make extra cash, so be aware of that. Seems like a common BMW practice so I am not surprised. These babies seem to be very popular these days because of their fuel efficient and go-kart manners.

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  • MINI Cooper S + Lounge Leather + Convenience + Premium + Metallic Paint
  • MSRP $27,350
  • Invoice $24,762
  • Standard inception fees + tax not included
  • Residuals posted are for 15K miles/year.

2008 Mini Cooper Coupe S
24 Month – Residual 72% of MSRP – .00219 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 62% of MSRP – .00219 Base Rate
48 Month – Residual 51% of MSRP – .00219 Base Rate

24mo Payment: $309 at invoice, $422 at MSRP
36mo Payment: $308 at invoice, $386 at MSRP
48mo Payment: $310 at invoice, $370 at MSRP

As if you could actually get the car for invoice…oh well, it is still nice to see the range nonetheless. If I had to get a MINI right now, this is the one I would get. There’s a $500 charge for metallic paint, so you can save some cash if you go with just a glossy paint job. Man, makes me want to get one just looking at the payments. Surely, not the cheapest thing around, but it’s a MINI! It saves gas and you’ll have fun doing so.

2008 Mini Cooper Coupe
24 Month – Residual 76% of MSRP – .00219 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 65% of MSRP – .00219 Base Rate
48 Month – Residual 53% of MSRP – .00219 Base Rate

2008 Mini Cooper Coupe Clubman
24 Month – Residual 74% of MSRP – .00219 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 63% of MSRP – .00219 Base Rate
48 Month – Residual 52% of MSRP – .00219 Base Rate

2008 Mini Cooper Coupe Clubman S
24 Month – Residual 71% of MSRP – .00219 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 61% of MSRP – .00219 Base Rate
48 Month – Residual 50% of MSRP – .00219 Base Rate

2008 Mini Cooper Convertible
24 Month – Residual 66% of MSRP – .00219 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 57% of MSRP – .00219 Base Rate
48 Month – Residual 47% of MSRP – .00219 Base Rate

2008 Mini Cooper Convertible S
24 Month – Residual 67% of MSRP – .00219 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 57% of MSRP – .00219 Base Rate
48 Month – Residual 47% of MSRP – .00219 Base Rate

Rates provided by Tarry Shebesta from Leasecompare.

August 2008 Lease Rate for 08/09 Audi A4/S4/RS4

Published by G

My Take: Current Audi owners/lesses have $2500 cash available for lease or purchase from AFS. There is also 0.9%-2.9% for up to 60 months, with the lower percentages going to 2-3 year financing. The cash certainly helps if you qualify for it. If you don’t, expect payments to go up $60-70 per month.

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  • A4 2.0T SE quattro + S-Line + Convenience Pkg + Premium Sound
  • MSRP $36300 ($38,800-$2500)
  • Invoice $33638 ($36,138-$2500)
  • Standard inception fees + tax not included
  • Residuals posted are for 15K miles/year.

2008 Audi A4 2.0T SE quattro Tiptronic Sedan
24 Month – Residual 58% of MSRP – .00142 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 50% of MSRP – .00142 Base Rate

24mo Payment: $543 at invoice, $658 at MSRP
36mo Payment: $470 at invoice, $548 at MSRP

Fairly competitive if you ask me (Even though, not exactly ideal). Payments are hovering around the same as the 328i. Which would I rather have? If I lived in snowy weather, the A4 would be the better choice because it’s Quattro system is superb. Even on summer tires, I’ve driven through heavy rain like it was on dry asphalt, that’s how good it is. Aside from the A4 2.0T SE trims, the rest of the A4 lineup doesn’t seem to have great leases at the moment (I’m not even going to get into the S and RS models).

2009 Audi A4 2.0T Cabriolet
24 Month – Residual 62% of MSRP – .00279 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 54% of MSRP – .00279 Base Rate

2009 Audi A4 2.0T quattro Cabriolet
24 Month – Residual 62% of MSRP – .00279 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 54% of MSRP – .00279 Base Rate

2009 Audi A4 3.2L quattro Cabriolet
24 Month – Residual 60% of MSRP – .00279 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 52% of MSRP – .00279 Base Rate

2008 Audi A4 2.0T SE quattro 6-Speed Sedan
24 Month – Residual 58% of MSRP – .00142 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 50% of MSRP – .00142 Base Rate

2008 Audi A4 2.0T SE 6-Speed Sedan
24 Month – Residual 56% of MSRP – .00131 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 48% of MSRP – .00131 Base Rate

2008 Audi A4 2.0T SE multitronic Sedan
24 Month – Residual 56% of MSRP – .00131 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 48% of MSRP – .00131 Base Rate

2008 Audi A4 2.0T 6-Speed Sedan
24 Month – Residual 53% of MSRP – .00279 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 45% of MSRP – .00279 Base Rate

2008 Audi A4 2.0T Multitronic Sedan
24 Month – Residual 53% of MSRP – .00279 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 45% of MSRP – .00279 Base Rate

2008 Audi A4 2.0T quattro 6-Speed Sedan
24 Month – Residual 55% of MSRP – .00279 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 47% of MSRP – .00279 Base Rate

2008 Audi A4 2.0T quattro Tiptronic Sedan
24 Month – Residual 55% of MSRP – .00279 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 47% of MSRP – .00279 Base Rate

2008 Audi A4 2.0T SE quattro 6-Speed Avant
24 Month – Residual 53% of MSRP – .00279 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 45% of MSRP – .00279 Base Rate

2008 Audi A4 2.0T SE quattro Tiptronic Avant
24 Month – Residual 53% of MSRP – .00279 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 45% of MSRP – .00279 Base Rate

2008 Audi A4 2.0T quattro 6-Speed Avant
24 Month – Residual 50% of MSRP – .00279 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 42% of MSRP – .00279 Base Rate

2008 Audi A4 2.0T quattro Tiptronic Avant
24 Month – Residual 50% of MSRP – .00279 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 42% of MSRP – .00279 Base Rate

2008 Audi A4 2.0T Cabriolet
24 Month – Residual 55% of MSRP – .00279 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 47% of MSRP – .00279 Base Rate

2008 Audi A4 2.0T quattro Cabriolet
24 Month – Residual 56% of MSRP – .00279 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 48% of MSRP – .00279 Base Rate

2008 Audi A4 3.2L Multitronic Sedan
24 Month – Residual 48% of MSRP – .00153 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 40% of MSRP – .00153 Base Rate

2008 Audi A4 3.2L quattro 6-Speed Sedan
24 Month – Residual 51% of MSRP – .00163 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 43% of MSRP – .00163 Base Rate

2008 Audi A4 3.2L quattro Tiptronic Sedan
24 Month – Residual 51% of MSRP – .00163 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 43% of MSRP – .00163 Base Rate

2008 Audi A4 3.2L quattro 6-Speed Avant
24 Month – Residual 51% of MSRP – .00279 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 43% of MSRP – .00279 Base Rate

2008 Audi A4 3.2L quattro Tiptronic Avant
24 Month – Residual 51% of MSRP – .00279 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 43% of MSRP – .00279 Base Rate

2008 Audi A4 3.2L quattro Cabriolet
24 Month – Residual 54% of MSRP – .00279 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 46% of MSRP – .00279 Base Rate

2008 Audi S4 6-Speed Sedan
24 Month – Residual 54% of MSRP – .00279 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 46% of MSRP – .00279 Base Rate
48 Month – Residual 39% of MSRP – .00299 Base Rate

2008 Audi S4 Tiptronic Sedan
24 Month – Residual 54% of MSRP – .00279 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 46% of MSRP – .00279 Base Rate
48 Month – Residual 39% of MSRP – .00299 Base Rate

2008 Audi S4 6-Speed Avant
24 Month – Residual 54% of MSRP – .00279 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 46% of MSRP – .00279 Base Rate
48 Month – Residual 39% of MSRP – .00299 Base Rate

2008 Audi S4 Tiptronic Avant
24 Month – Residual 54% of MSRP – .00279 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 46% of MSRP – .00279 Base Rate
48 Month – Residual 39% of MSRP – .00299 Base Rate

2008 Audi S4 6-Speed Cabriolet
24 Month – Residual 54% of MSRP – .00279 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 46% of MSRP – .00279 Base Rate
48 Month – Residual 40% of MSRP – .00299 Base Rate

2008 Audi S4 Tiptronic Cabriolet
24 Month – Residual 54% of MSRP – .00279 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 46% of MSRP – .00279 Base Rate
48 Month – Residual 40% of MSRP – .00299 Base Rate

2008 Audi RS4 Sedan
24 Month – Residual 51% of MSRP – .00279 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 43% of MSRP – .00279 Base Rate
48 Month – Residual 38% of MSRP – .00299 Base Rate

2008 Audi RS4 Cabriolet
24 Month – Residual 47% of MSRP – .00279 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 39% of MSRP – .00279 Base Rate
48 Month – Residual 34% of MSRP – .00299 Base Rate

Rates provided by Tarry Shebesta from Leasecompare.

German automaker BMW recalling 200,000 vehicles

Published by G

WASHINGTON (AP) — BMW AG said Wednesday it was recalling 200,000 vehicles over concerns that the front passenger air bag may not deploy in a crash.

The German automaker said the recall involves the 2006 3 Series, the 2004-2006 5 Series, and the 2004-2006 X3 compact sport utility vehicles in the United States.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said in a posting on its Web site that small cracks could develop in a seat detection mat and deactivate the front passenger air bags.

NHTSA said the air bag warning lamp and the passenger air bag “on-off” light would remain on. The head protection system, however, would not be affected, the government said.

[FULL ARTICLE]