Website Related Changes
If you are a “long-timer”, you will probably notice some changes to the website. Unfortunately, I didn’t have much of a choice due to a little “blunder” I did last week so I hope you like it because it’s here to stay. About a week ago, I bravely decided to “upgrade” WordPress (the software that runs this blog) to their latest 3.0.1 version. Probably the dumbest thing to do when you don’t have a test site to toy around with and yes, I should have known better. Anyway, long story short, the old layout caused some problems, some stuff disappeared and I was left with little choice but to upgrade the look and feel of the site. I personally like it a little bit better because it’s easier to work with, but that’s just me.
Blog and Forum Users Unite!
In the coming weeks, I will be playing around with ways to unify the forum with the blog accounts, making the transition between the two more seamless and less of a drag. During the implementation, access to the website could be affected, but I hope to make the transition smoother so you won’t notice.
Lease Rates and Such
Starting next month, I would love to get some help from folks who talk to dealers and can get their hands on some lease rates. I will of course, continue to do what I do, but I would love to have some folks share their research as well. This will be beneficial to the community and provide added info for those seeking assistance with their lease.
If you are a dealer or have dealer connections, please see if you can share lease rates with me. I’d be more than happy to provide advertising and referrals to dealers who are willing to share. You can email me for more information.
What’s Up 328
BMW lowered the MF of the 328 sedans so much this month that the 328i and 328ix have become really hot right now. It is a fine car, but I’d much rather have a G37. Then again, that could easily change if gas prices start shooting up to the $4 range. Still, I wouldn’t really sleep on this if you’ve been in the market for one because they are looking mighty attractive right now. We have had quite a few people inquiring or leasing the 328 this month (just look at the BMW Lease Rates post), it’s crazy!
Lease Calculator
I’m sure some of you have already noticed that I’ve taken down the EXCEL file and replaced it with a link to a shared file on Google Docs. Please use caution when editing the file and try not to modify the formula. I am in the process of creating version 3.0 of the calculator, which will be simplified and will sport a new “rating” system to help you with your leasing decisions. I hope to have that in place by the beginning of September.
Upcoming
I’m quite eager to see the new Honda CR-Z (pictured) that its set to debut for the coming model year. It looks like a fun, sporty, compact and gas-sipping ride with lots modding potential. I would love to pick one up as my daily driver, but I don’t think my life has any room for another coupe (more on that later).
On a totally separate note, I will be heading off to Vegas next month to play a hoops tournament. You will probably see a Tweet on that when it happens which means that I won’t be available for questions until I get back.
My Take: As I was saying earlier on the Honda post, this month’s numbers should be the same as last months. As we near the end of the 2010 model year now, you will start having difficulty finding the car you want because production has already ended. You may be forced to take on a 2011 model, which will more than likely be more expensive to lease in it’s first few months of introduction. I recommend shopping a few months before the end of your lease or finding a way to weather the “mark-up” months when new models first arrive in showrooms.
My Take: Wow, yet another lease rate that hasn’t changed in August! This is awesome. The Maxima was a great deal last month and it looks like it will continue being a good deal this month. Rebates should still be in full-effect, so take advantage of them!!
Update: Like many manufacturers, Honda numbers don’t seem to have changed from July. I am also suspecting that their Acura cousins’ rates are probably the same as last month as well. That’s good news for me because it saves me a lot of work. Haahaa. That’s also good news for you since the numbers aren’t half back. Availability of the 2010 models might be a bit scarce, but if you get lucky, I think you can swing a good deal. Last month, the Accord made Top Ten on the Round-Up so expect more of the same this month.
My Take: I’ve had a tough time confirming some of the Lexus numbers so I will go out on a limb here and assume they are the same as last month. The first three listed here are confirmed and it looks like LFS didn’t change the August numbers from July, so I think it’s safe to say that you can plug in July’s numbers and run with it. As usual, drop me a line if you need help calculating payments.
My Take: Looks like the July numbers have carried over into August, so don’t expect to pay anymore than you did last month. The loyalty and conquest cash is still there to be had until 9/30/2010. It’s looking like the G37 Sport (manual transmission) models are going to top this month’s 
My Take: Looks like the numbers from July carried over to August. This is good news because last month, the Sonata was one of the Top Ten leases on my Monthly Round-Up. Which means that this month, it should be on the list too. On a personal note, I would personally hold out a bit longer until the Turbo 4 and Hybrid trims roll out. However, if you can live with a naturally aspirated 4 cylinder, this isn’t a bad car to get into if your budget is small.
My Take: Looks like MB decided to drop their money factors on some of the 2011 Cs this month. That’s great news for those who stuck it out until this month. I think the rates could use some more dropping before taking the plunge though. I know you always run the runs of losing residual value, but I think the MF could use some dropping. MBZ is also known to throw cash rebates at their cars during holiday seasons, so I think we might see something sweet this coming Winter. Of course, this is all speculation, so don’t flame me if I am wrong. But do praise me if I am right!!