Nissan

Smart Car…Is it really?

Published by G

If you haven’t heard, Daimler-Chrysler has officially brought the new Smart ForTwo model to the USA.  It seems like a good idea.  With fuel prices skyrocketing with no end in sight, why not bring a super compact, efficient automobile to America.  They’ve been selling the Smart Car in Europe for about a decade now and it’s been reasonably successful.

I thought it was a pretty good idea as well.  What’s there not to love?  You get German engineering, great fuel economy, and it’s got to be one of the easiest cars to park.  However, once I looked at the spec sheets and comparable “normal” cars, I had my doubts.

Smart or Not?
Base Price Powerplant Performance Fuel Type Seats EPA
Smart ForTwo $11,590 1.0L, 71HP, 3 cyl, 5 sp auto 0-60, 14.1 secs Premium 2 33/41
Nissan Versa 1.8S $12,990 1.8L, 122HP, 4 cyl, 6 sp manual 0-60, 9.5 secs Regular 5 26/31
Toyota Yaris $11,550 1.5L, 106HP, 4 cyl, 5 sp manual 0-60, 9.48 secs Regular 5 29/36
Honda Fit $13,950 1.5L, 109HP, 4 cyl, 5 sp manual 0-60, 9.0 secs Regular 5 27/34
Scion xD $14,550 1.8L, 128HP, 4 cyl, 5 sp manual 0-60, 8.4 secs Regular 5 27/33
Ford Focus $14,395 2.0L, 140HP, 4 cyl, 5 sp manual 0-60, 8.3 secs Regular 5 24/35

The problem I have with the Smart car is that I expected more.  I’m not saying that the mileage isn’t great.  An EPA rated 33/41 for a non-hybrid is pretty awesome, but when you take into consideration that it only seats two and requires premium fuel, you start to furrow your brow a little.  Maybe it’ll make up in sheer price?  The price is pretty low at a base MSRP of just $11,590, but then your eyes look down the list and you see that the Toyota Yaris is around the same price, has more power, better performance, seats five, drinks regular fuel, and still manages to get 29/36!

September 2008 Lease Rate for 08/09 Nissan Rogue

Published by G

My Take: Residual values are quite high for the 24 month leases this month. Unfortunately, the MF is a bit on the “high” side. There isn’t much of a MSRP/Invoice price window (about $1000, should be a bit more on a higher end model with options) so if you want big discounts, you will have to dip below invoice to get it. The 09 model leases for a bit more than the 08 model, so I would recommend getting the 08 at this point.

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  • 2009 Nissan Rogue S AWD
  • MSRP $22,200
  • Invoice $21,199
  • Standard inception fees + tax not included
  • Residuals posted are for 15K miles/year.

2009 Nissan Rogue S AWD
24 Month – Residual 74% of MSRP – .00275 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 62% of MSRP – .00275 Base Rate
48 Month – Residual 50% of MSRP – .00290 Base Rate
60 Month – Residual 42% of MSRP – .00290 Base Rate

24mo Payment: $302 at invoice, $347 at MSRP
36mo Payment: $303 at invoice, $327 at MSRP

  • 2008 Nissan Rogue S 4WD
  • MSRP $21,530
  • Invoice $20,562
  • Standard inception fees + tax not included
  • Residuals posted are for 15K miles/year.

2008 Nissan Rogue S 4WD
24 Month – Residual 72% of MSRP – .00225 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 61% of MSRP – .00225 Base Rate
48 Month – Residual 46% of MSRP – .00290 Base Rate
60 Month – Residual 39% of MSRP – .00290 Base Rate

24mo Payment: $292 at invoice, $334 at MSRP
36mo Payment: $282 at invoice, $311 at MSRP

Calculate your own lease payments with my LEASE CALCULATOR (requires MS Excel)

Check out THE LIST to see how this car ranks among other models

2009 Nissan Rogue S 2WD
24 Month – Residual 71% of MSRP – .00275 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 59% of MSRP – .00275 Base Rate
48 Month – Residual 48% of MSRP – .00290 Base Rate
60 Month – Residual 40% of MSRP – .00290 Base Rate

2009 Nissan Rogue SL 2WD
24 Month – Residual 68% of MSRP – .00275 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 57% of MSRP – .00275 Base Rate
48 Month – Residual 46% of MSRP – .00290 Base Rate
60 Month – Residual 38% of MSRP – .00290 Base Rate

2009 Nissan Rogue SL AWD
24 Month – Residual 70% of MSRP – .00275 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 58% of MSRP – .00275 Base Rate
48 Month – Residual 47% of MSRP – .00290 Base Rate
60 Month – Residual 40% of MSRP – .00290 Base Rate

2008 Nissan Rogue S 2WD
24 Month – Residual 70% of MSRP – .00225 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 59% of MSRP – .00225 Base Rate
48 Month – Residual 45% of MSRP – .00290 Base Rate
60 Month – Residual 37% of MSRP – .00290 Base Rate

2008 Nissan Rogue SL 2WD
24 Month – Residual 67% of MSRP – .00225 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 57% of MSRP – .00225 Base Rate
48 Month – Residual 43% of MSRP – .00290 Base Rate
60 Month – Residual 36% of MSRP – .00290 Base Rate

2008 Nissan Rogue SL 4WD
24 Month – Residual 68% of MSRP – .00225 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 58% of MSRP – .00225 Base Rate
48 Month – Residual 44% of MSRP – .00290 Base Rate
60 Month – Residual 37% of MSRP – .00290 Base Rate

Rates provided by Tarry Shebesta from Leasecompare.com

September 2008 Lease Rate for 08/09 Nissan Altima

Published by G

My Take: A couple of things to note about the Nissan Altima S Coupe. The 09’s residual is 1% lower and the MF is HIGHER than the 08. Yes folks, the 08’s coupes are leasing better than the 09’s. I wouldn’t take the plunge on the 09 models just yet. It seems Nissan is trying to push some of their 08 inventory before year end, so be sure to look into those if you are shopping for an Altima.

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  • Altima SL Sedan V6
  • MSRP $29,365
  • Invoice $27,260
  • Standard inception fees + tax not included
  • Residuals posted are for 15K miles/year.

2008 Nissan Altima SL Sedan V6
24 Month – Residual 66% of MSRP – .00066 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 57% of MSRP – .00066 Base Rate
48 Month – Residual 43% of MSRP – .00290 Base Rate
60 Month – Residual 36% of MSRP – .00290 Base Rate

24mo Payment: $359 at invoice, $448 at MSRP
36mo Payment: $321 at invoice, $381 at MSRP

  • Altima SE Coupe V6
  • MSRP $26,545
  • Invoice $24,651
  • Standard inception fees + tax not included
  • Residuals posted are for 15K miles/year.

2008 Nissan Altima SE Coupe V6
24 Month – Residual 62% of MSRP – .00221 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 53% of MSRP – .00221 Base Rate
48 Month – Residual 40% of MSRP – .00290 Base Rate
60 Month – Residual 34% of MSRP – .00290 Base Rate

24mo Payment: $432 at invoice, $515 at MSRP
36mo Payment: $379 at invoice, $436 at MSRP

Check out THE LIST to see how this car ranks among other models

2009 Nissan Altima S Coupe
24 Month – Residual 64% of MSRP – .00268 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 55% of MSRP – .00268 Base Rate
48 Month – Residual 45% of MSRP – .00290 Base Rate
60 Month – Residual 38% of MSRP – .00290 Base Rate

2009 Nissan Altima SE Coupe V6
24 Month – Residual 61% of MSRP – .00268 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 52% of MSRP – .00268 Base Rate
48 Month – Residual 42% of MSRP – .00290 Base Rate
60 Month – Residual 35% of MSRP – .00290 Base Rate

2009 Nissan Altima S Sedan
24 Month – Residual 71% of MSRP – .00245 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 60% of MSRP – .00245 Base Rate
48 Month – Residual 46% of MSRP – .00290 Base Rate
60 Month – Residual 38% of MSRP – .00290 Base Rate

2009 Nissan Altima SE Sedan V6
24 Month – Residual 70% of MSRP – .00245 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 60% of MSRP – .00245 Base Rate
48 Month – Residual 46% of MSRP – .00290 Base Rate
60 Month – Residual 39% of MSRP – .00290 Base Rate

2009 Nissan Altima SL Sedan V6
24 Month – Residual 71% of MSRP – .00245 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 60% of MSRP – .00245 Base Rate
48 Month – Residual 46% of MSRP – .00290 Base Rate
60 Month – Residual 39% of MSRP – .00290 Base Rate

2008 Nissan Altima S Coupe
24 Month – Residual 65% of MSRP – .00221 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 56% of MSRP – .00221 Base Rate
48 Month – Residual 42% of MSRP – .00290 Base Rate
60 Month – Residual 36% of MSRP – .00290 Base Rate

2008 Nissan Altima S Sedan
24 Month – Residual 65% of MSRP – .00066 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 56% of MSRP – .00066 Base Rate
48 Month – Residual 42% of MSRP – .00290 Base Rate
60 Month – Residual 36% of MSRP – .00290 Base Rate

2008 Nissan Altima SE Sedan V6
24 Month – Residual 65% of MSRP – .00066 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 56% of MSRP – .00066 Base Rate
48 Month – Residual 42% of MSRP – .00290 Base Rate
60 Month – Residual 35% of MSRP – .00290 Base Rate

Rates provided by Tarry Shebesta from Leasecompare.com

Ford, GM August sales drop

Published by G

From the AP

DETROIT – Ford Motor Co. said Wednesday its U.S. sales fell 26.5 percent in August, as the struggling automaker’s results — even worse than July’s dismal figures — showed that the U.S. auto sales slump may not have bottomed out.

Toyota’s sales dropped 9.4 percent from August of last year, a further indication that the woes in the U.S. auto market are continuing, but Nissan — the only major automaker to show a sales gain in July — reported another improvement, with a 13.6 percent increase in August sales.

Meanwhile, General Motors Corp. reported a 20.3 percent drop in sales from a year ago but a 31 percent improvement over its July totals, mainly thanks to offering all buyers employee pricing on many models.

Ford sold 155,172 light vehicles last month, down 3.6 percent from 160,990 in July, which was the industry’s worst month for U.S. sales in 16 years.

The Dearborn-based automaker said its Ford, Lincoln and Mercury car sales dropped nearly 9 percent, while truck sales were off more than 32 percent last month.

The company also doesn’t expect a sales rebound in the second half of the year. It said Wednesday that it plans to cut 50,000 more vehicles from its production plan in the second half of the year, reducing its output to 890,000 in the last six months of 2008.

FULL ARTICLE

Funny how Nissan is the only automaker to post a rise in sales. I must be because of the attractive leases and low APR financing (Like the  EX). Overall, this article clearly shows that most americans are shifting over to more fuel efficient cars than ever before. I just hope most people doing so aren’t panicking and taking a major loss on their SUVs.

Battle of the Sedans: Camry, Accord or Altima

Published by G

Instead of recommending which car is built better, I’ve decided to take a different approach and tell you which car leases better. For this particular “special competition”, I’ll be comparing the Accord, Camry & Altima. You probably don’t need my thoughts about which car is the better car, after all, there are tons of websites doing that already. I just want to tell you which one will save you some greens. Let’s roll!

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  • Camry XLE V6
  • MSRP $30,014 ($30,514-$500)
  • Invoice N/A
  • Standard inception fees + tax not included
  • Residuals posted are for 12K miles/year.

2009 Toyota Camry XLE V6
36 Month – Residual 62% of MSRP – .00099 Base Rate

36mo Payment: $337 at TMV, $357 at MSRP

Without an invoice price, it is rather difficult to get a nice range on the Camry. Edmund’s TMV does suggest the sale price to be about $29,317 after the $500 rate. This means you only about $697 off MSRP in most areas.

  • Altima Sedan 3.5 SE + Premium + Moonroof
  • MSRP $29,685
  • Invoice $27,367
  • Standard inception fees + tax not included
  • Residuals posted are for 12K miles/year.

2008 Nissan Altima Sedan 3.5 SE
36 Month – Residual 56% of MSRP – .00087 Base Rate

36mo Payment: $337 at invoice, $397 at TMV, $403 at MSRP

TMV suggests the sale price to be at around $29,476. Not much of a discount off MSRP here according to Edmunds. I’m not 100% sold on that fact however. Keep in mind that the Altima is a 2008 model, so I think discounts could be had.

  • Accord EX-L V6
  • MSRP $28,730
  • Invoice $26,086
  • Standard inception fees + tax not included
  • Residuals posted are for 12K miles/year.

2008 Honda Accord EX-L V6
36 Month – Residual 58% of MSRP – .00129 Base Rate

36mo Payment: $317 at invoice, $341 at TMV, $393 at MSRP

For the Accord, we are looking at a sale price of $26,927 according to Edmund’s TMV. Cheapest of the bunch thus far. But how does it lease with a higher MF and middle of the pack residual? About the same.

My Take: Clearly, the Camry stands tall compared to the other two. At TMV price, it blows away the Altima and is relatively competitive with the Accord, at $4 less per month. The Camry comes in with the highest residual and the 2nd lowest MF (by a hair), making it the more attractive lease despite the fact that it’s the most expensive car of the bunch. The only instance in which I would pick the Accord or the Altima over the Camry is if both could be had at invoice or below invoice price and the Camry couldn’t. In the spirit of the Olympics, here’s how the winners break down.

Gold Medal: Toyota Camry XLE V6
Silver Medal: Honda Accord EX-L V6
Bronze Medal: Nissan Altima 3.5 SE

Lease rates for remaining Accord and Altima Coupe models:

2008 Nissan Altima S w/CVT Manual Coupe
24 Month – Residual 66% of MSRP – .00209 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 57% of MSRP – .00209 Base Rate

2008 Honda Accord LX-S I4 Automatic Coupe
24 Month – Residual 65% of MSRP – .00186 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 55% of MSRP – .00186 Base Rate

2008 Honda Accord LX-S I4 Manual Coupe
24 Month – Residual 65% of MSRP – .00186 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 55% of MSRP – .00186 Base Rate

2008 Honda Accord EX I4 Manual Coupe
24 Month – Residual 66% of MSRP – .00186 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 55% of MSRP – .00186 Base Rate

2008 Honda Accord EX I4 Automatic Coupe
24 Month – Residual 66% of MSRP – .00186 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 55% of MSRP – .00186 Base Rate

2008 Honda Accord EX-L I4 w/Navigation Manual Coupe
24 Month – Residual 61% of MSRP – .00186 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 52% of MSRP – .00186 Base Rate

2008 Honda Accord EX-L I4 Automatic Coupe
24 Month – Residual 63% of MSRP – .00186 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 54% of MSRP – .00186 Base Rate

2008 Honda Accord EX-L V6 Coupe Automatic
24 Month – Residual 63% of MSRP – .00186 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 53% of MSRP – .00186 Base Rate

2008 Honda Accord EX-L w/Navigation Coupe Automatic
24 Month – Residual 61% of MSRP – .00186 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 51% of MSRP – .00186 Base Rate

Rates provided by Tarry Shebesta from Leasecompare.com

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 Nissan 350Z

Published by G

My Take: Edmunds TMV suggests around invoice pricing for the 2008 350Z, so lets take a look at the Touring model since it seems to have a higher residual.

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  • 350Z Coupe Touring (manual) + All Options
  • MSRP $39,200
  • Invoice $35,677
  • Standard inception fees + tax no included

2008 Nissan 350Z Coupe Touring (manual)
24mo/12k – Residual 66% of MSRP – .00165 Base Rate
36mo/12k – Residual 56% of MSRP – .00165 Base Rate
24mo/15k – Residual 65% of MSRP – .00165 Base Rate
36mo/15k – Residual 55% of MSRP – .00165 Base Rate

24mo Payment: $510 at invoice, $663 at MSRP
36mo Payment: $476 at invoice, $580 at MSRP

Not too shabby for a fully loaded Touring model. If we were to take out the Navi and the 18″ Chromies, thus dropping the price to $35,720 MSRP / $32,914 invoice, we’ll be looking at the sweet spot of $446 a month for 36mo/12k. Dropping to 10k miles a year will save you another $9 a month, which is pocket change if you ask me, so go with the 12k. If you need the extra backseat, the G37 will probably work out better and a bit cheaper too.

2008 Nissan 350Z Coupe GT
24mo/12k – Residual 63% of MSRP – .00165 Base Rate
36mo/12k – Residual 54% of MSRP – .00165 Base Rate
24mo/15k – Residual 62% of MSRP – .00165 Base Rate
36mo/15k – Residual 53% of MSRP – .00165 Base Rate

July 2008 Lease Rate for 08 Nissan Rogue

Published by G

My Take: The residual value looks a bit inflated (good thing), while the MF looks rather “standard” (higher than I’d personally prefer). Assuming the following:

  • Rogue S AWD, fully loaded. (seems to be the better rates).
  • 36mo/12k term
  • MSRP $22195, $21695 after $500 rebate.
  • Invoice $21073, $20573 after $500 rebate.

Monthly payments should be around: $286 (plus tax) at invoice – rebate, $320 (plus tax) at MSRP – rebate, plus inception fees (1st month + fees).

2008 Nissan Rogue S 2WD
24 Month – Residual 71% of MSRP – .00250 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 59% of MSRP – .00250 Base Rate

2008 Nissan Rogue SL 2WD
24 Month – Residual 68% of MSRP – .00250 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 57% of MSRP – .00250 Base Rate

2008 Nissan Rogue S 4WD
24 Month – Residual 73% of MSRP – .00250 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 61% of MSRP – .00250 Base Rate

2008 Nissan Rogue SL 4WD
24 Month – Residual 69% of MSRP – .00250 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 58% of MSRP – .00250 Base Rate

* Residuals posted are for 15K miles/year. Add 2% to Residual for 12k mi/yr and 3% for 10k mi/yr on all terms
** Rates provided by Tarry Shebesta from Leasecompare.com