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2011 Subaru Lease Rates – May 2011

The Legacy 2.5i Premium lease rates look rather good this month. Even with a measly $1000 off MSRP discount, you are still getting a pretty good deal on the lease. The V6 is more fun to drive, but if you need AWD and are on a tight budget, this might be a good compromise.


Here is a sample calculation based on TrueCar’s Southern California sale price and do not include local taxes. Please note that your dealer calculations may vary due to local fees/taxes.

2011 Legacy 2.5i Premium Sedan
MSRP – $23,020
Sale Price – $22,041
Monthly – $254 + tax
RWG Rating – 90.2

For Dealer Quotes, CLICK HERE.


NOTE: Hyundai residuals increase 1% from 15k to 12k and 2% from 15k to 10k.

2011 Outback 2.5i
36-month | 15k miles | residual 52% | .00120 base money factor

2011 Outback 2.5i Limited
36-month | 15k miles | residual 51% | .00130 base money factor

2011 Legacy 2.5i Limited CVT
36-month | 15k miles | residual 55% | .00080 base money factor

2011 Legacy 2.5i Premium Sedan
36-month | 15k miles | residual 60% | .00070 base money factor

2011 Forester 2.5X Premium
36-month | 15k miles | residual 59% | .00175 base money factor

2011 Forester 2.5 XT Premium
36-month | 15k miles | residual 59% | .00180 base money factor

2011 Forester 2.5X Limited
36-month | 15k miles | residual 59% | .00190 base money factor

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2011 Subaru Lease Rates – March 2011

The Forester XT Touring drops ever so slightly for the month of March. Unfortunately, still not enough car for the money (relative to other makes and models in this price range). I didn’t find anything on the Legacy, but it looked pretty good last month, so it might be worth inquiring about this month to see if the deal got sweeter.


Here is a sample calculation based on TrueCar’s Southern California sale price and do not include local taxes. Please note that your dealer calculations may vary due to local fees/taxes.

2011 Subaru Forester 2.5XT Touring
MSRP – $30,720
Sale Price – $28,409
Monthly – $378+ tax
RWG Rating – 83.5

For Dealer Quotes, CLICK HERE..


2011 Forester 2.5X
36-month | 15k miles | residual 57% | .00135 base money factor

2011 Forester 2.5XT Touring
36-month | 15k miles | residual 57% | .00165 base money factor

2011 Forester Limited
36-month | 15k miles | residual 59% | .00190 base money factor

2011 Outback 2.5i Limited
36-month | 15k miles | residual 51% | .00125 base money factor

2011 Impreza WRX Sedan
36-month | 15k miles | residual 58% | .00210 base money factor

2011 Impreza WRX STI Sedan
36-month | 15k miles | residual 61% | .00210 base money factor

2011 Impreza WRX STI HB
36-month | 15k miles | residual 57% | .00210 base money factor

sonatamain

Replacing the G – Round Two

I’m not quite sure how many rounds I will need in order to narrow the list down to my “top five” choices, but I can tell you that I have come much closer thanks in part to the 2010 OC Auto show and the test drives I have done so far. Here is an update of my “Wish List” along with some extra comments:

The Large SUV Group

  • Honda Pilot – This is barely making the cut right now.  Not overly impressed nor extremely disappointed.
  • Mazda CX-9 – It’s nice, it’s roomy and depending on the test drive, it could really be a contender.
  • Chevy Traverse – This car is relatively new, but it feels aged compared to Chevy’s newer offering. Even the GMC Acadia, which is practically the same SUV feels newer.
  • Toyota Highlander – Cheapness, is it’s weakness. Even a newly redesigned exterior can’t overcome the cheapness.
  • Ford Explorer – Much uglier in person, but I didn’t get to see the interior since they didn’t have a display model on the floor for people play with. Either way, I don’t think the lease will be attractive enough for it to warrant any consideration at this point. I may consider revisiting it down the road if an attractive lease pops up.

Overall, this group is starting to look really bad. I suspect the Pilot might get booted due to it’s styling and less-than-exciting interior, leaving the CX-9 as the top choice in this category.

The Compact SUV Group

  • Toyota RAV4 – Cost-cutting has really made this SUV hard to love. The hard plastics reeks of cheapness and the interior dash is uninspiring. Even if its inexpensive to lease, I don’t think I want one since Toyota’s lease program leaves much to be desired.
  • Ford Edge – This is a well-built SUV with a better-than-average interior. I haven’t seen any special leases on it, but it’s still early in the model year.
  • Infiniti EX35 – Test drove it a few weekends ago and my impression is that it’s a  solid crossover. It’s smooth over bumps, powerful, quiet and it drives like a G with higher ground clearance. There is also a lot of dealer cash on this car right now, which potentially knocks off a lot off the MSRP, making it a really good lease. Unfortunately I think it falls really short in two areas, cargo and MPG. It is still fairly practical since folding down the rear seats exposes quite a bit of cargo room, but I think of this car as a hatchback with poor MPG more than a true crossover.
  • VW Tiguan – Saw it at the show and I’ve driven it before; my folks also own one. Cargo wise its slightly better than the EX, but not by much. No Wolfsburg edition planned just for 2011 (yet) so my only choices would be the S and the SE trims.
  • Acura RDX – Test drove this as well and found it to be a serviceable crossover. I will not wow you, but it is all you should expect from Acura; Roomy and reliable with above average performance. The 4-banger turbo does not have a very noticeable lag which is impressive. Comes well-equipped, but it doesn’t have it all unless you go with the Tech. In my case, I can’t justify the cost. The exterior styling doesn’t really impress me much, but I think having an excellent lease program does.
  • Subaru Forester – I think it has a slight edge against the Outback. After looking at them side by side, I like it a little better.

If I had to guess, the Forester, Tiguan and the RDX will end up battling it in the payment department. I just don’t think Ford provides enough lease incentives to make the Edge a contender.

The Wagon Group

  • Audi A3 – I am a big fan of  TDI model, but I am willing to settle for a FrontTrak Premium. It’s driving dynamics shouldn’t be too different than my wife’s Jetta so I think it will end up coming down to a price war between the other finalists.
  • VW Jetta Sportwagen – Saw the TDI version at the show, love the Pano sunroof. Thankfully, it retains the nicer interior of the older Jettas, which is a plus. I did see the “new Jetta” and if you have seen “older” models, you will notice a difference. The interior materials haven’t been downgraded much, but the cabin certainly feels more “simplified”. The exterior styling isn’t too bad, but it feels more “vanilla” compared to the outgoing model.
  • VW Golf TDI – As nice as expected, looks like a more civilized version of the GTI and gets crazy gas mileage. Big fan, hopefully the lease rates will look good when the time comes.
  • VW GTI – I have to say, I am not a big fan of those cloth seats, but I love everything else.
  • Subaru Outback – I like it, but I have to admit that there are better cars. AWD certainly helps it’s case.

The Wagon group shows a lot more promise due to the more reasonable payments, practicality and fuel economy. My first choice would be the A3, but at this point any of these are a possibility.

The Sedan Group

  • Acura TSX – Acuras hold a special place in my heart, so this is a no brainer. I will likely opt for the Tech, but it all depends on the price.
  • Acura TL – Ditto on the TL. If a TSX with Tech were to be around the same as a TL base, I’d take the TL.
  • Hyundai Sonata – Saw the 2.0 Turbo and the Hybrid at the show, lovely inside and out. I got around to test drive the Limited model and I came away impressed. Quiet, smooth and with ample power. It’s no G37, but I didn’t expect it to be. Inexpensive, well-built and easy on the eyes. The closest thing to a win-win situation if there was one.
  • Infiniti G37 – I’ve been plagued with battery issues on my G37 this past year, with yesterday being the latest incident (I couldn’t get my car started for the 3rd time this year and I didn’t even leave any of my lights on). I think I will be skipping Infinitis this time around.
  • Nissan Maxima – Being the G37’s cousin dooms it’s chances. See above.

This is the “fall-back” category. I don’t think I would pick a sedan over the other categories due to my need for “room”. However, money talks and sedans have better lease programs than anything out there right now. The Sonata is a perennial favorite here, with the 2.0T being my top choice. My fall back would be the TSX, with the TL close behind.

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2011 Subaru Lease Rates – October 2010

logo_subbyMy Take: Residual are high on the Forester so Subaru doesn’t feel the need to provide any relief on the interest. Depending on your sale price, these cars can be very attractive leases right now. Just keep in mind that at the end of your lease, you probably don’t want to buy this car since it’s the payoff would be too high.

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2011 Forester 2.5X Premium
36-month | 15k miles | residual 63% | .00225 base money factor

2011 Outback 2.5i Premium
36-month | 15k miles | residual 56% | .00190 base money factor

2011 Outback 2.5i Limited
36-month | 15k miles | residual 54% | .00185 base money factor

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Latest Subaru Incentives from Edmunds.com

g37main

Replacing the G – Round One

I know I am jumping the gun by doing a write-up about my “next ride” considering I have another 10 months left on my lease. However, my wife has began dropping hints about what my next ride should be. “Something practical, something bigger…something that will keep your paws off my Jetta” she says.  Sadly, it looks like my G37 has become rather impractical and the wife has finally put me on notice.

I can’t say I blame her because in recent months, her car has become the designated “airport shuttle”. If that wasn’t bad enough, we have also been using her car to haul some furniture from Office Depot and weekly trips to Costco. Unfortunately, it seems that life has finally caught up with me and I can no longer ignore the other “needs” in life.

So now I am faced with a dilemma….what exactly can I get that will fulfill the following requirements…

  • seating for at least five people
  • practical cargo space
  • above average performance
  • similar or better MPG than the 18/24 I am getting now
  • costs no more than what I currently pay ($1300/$424 per month), preferably, less!

After careful consideration over the past month, I’ve come up with a general “Wish List” of potential cars/SUVs that may satisfy my needs.

The Large SUV Group

Honda Pilot
Mazda CX-9
Chevy Traverse
Toyota Highlander
Ford Explorer

The Compact SUV Group

Toyota RAV4
Ford Edge
Infiniti EX35
VW Tiguan
Acura RDX

The Wagon Group

Audi A3
VW Jetta Sportwagen
VW Golf TDI
VW GTI
Subaru Outback

The Sedan Group

Acura TSX
Acura TL
Hyundai Sonata
Infiniti G37
Nissan Maxima

For the next few months, I will take the time to do some test drives in order to narrow down the list some more. Keeping in mind the requirements listed above, I would love to hear your opinions and any recommendations you may have.

subbymain

2010/11 Subaru Lease Rates – August 2010

logo_subbyMy Take: 2010 leases on Subarus are still quite attractive. The 2011s aren’t too bad either. The residual values are strong but the money factors kind of offset that. Sadly, the only Subbie I have driven is the entry level Legacy, which is a snooze. Not a big fan at all.  I’m willing to bet the 3.6R is much better.

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2010 Subaru Forester 2.5X
36-month | 15k miles | residual 54% | .00130 base money factor

2010 Subaru Forester 2.5X Premium
36-month | 15k miles | residual 56% | .00155 base money factor

2010 Subaru Impreza 2.5i Sedan
36-month | 15k miles | residual 63% | .00140 base money factor

2011 Subaru Outback 3.5R Limited
36-month | 15k miles | residual 55% | .00190 base money factor

2010 Subaru Legacy 3.6R Limited
36-month | 15k miles | residual 53% | .00120 base money factor

2011 Subaru Legacy 3.6R Limited
36-month | 15k miles | residual 63% | .00200 base money factor

2011 Subaru Outback 2.5i
36-month | 15k miles | residual 57% | .00195 base money factor

2011 Subaru Outback 3.5R Limited
36-month | 15k miles | residual 55% | .00190 base money factor

2010 Subaru Incentives

2010 Subaru Outback, Impreza, Legacy Lease Rates – October 2009

logo_subbyUpdate: Updated some of the lease rates for the Outback and Impreza. My Take: Since I didn’t feel like splitting the different Subaru models, I’m decided to cram them all into one post. Anyway, I’m loving the residuals here. The MF is a bit weak though, but certainly not a deal-breaker. I think the price tags of these vehicles are low enough to keep the payments reasonable for most folks (That excludes the STi). As you probably noticed in my OC Auto Show pics, the STi looks pimp in the pearlescent white. Overall, my recommendation is to be aggressive with the sale price, bring it down the payments. Lease rates are usually what they are. Residual are set by the bank, so are the money factors. Sometimes you will find a dealer or two that will bump the MF to make extra money, but you can usually fix that by arguing for it OR putting a security deposit.

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2010 Subaru Outback

2010 Subaru Outback 2.5i
24-month | 15k miles | residual 62% | .00330 base money factor
36-month | 15k miles | residual 55% | .00190 base money factor
48-month | 15k miles | residual 44% | .00265 base money factor

2010 Subaru Outback 2.5i Premium
24-month | 15k miles | residual 59% | .00330 base money factor
36-month | 15k miles | residual 53% | .00190 base money factor
48-month | 15k miles | residual 44% | .00265 base money factor

2010 Subaru Outback 2.5i Limited
24-month | 15k miles | residual 59% | .00330 base money factor
36-month | 15k miles | residual 53% | .00190 base money factor
48-month | 15k miles | residual 44% | .00265 base money factor

2010 Outback 3.6R
36-month | 15k miles | residual 53% | .00190 base money factor

2010 Subaru Legacy

2010 Legacy 3.6R Limited
36-month | 15k miles | residual 53% | .00190 base money factor

2010 Subaru Impreza

2010 Subaru Impreza Outback Sport
24-month | 15k miles | residual 63% | .00330 base money factor
36-month | 15k miles | residual 57% | .00190 base money factor
48-month | 15k miles | residual 46% | .00265 base money factor

2010 WRX STi
36-month | 15k miles | residual 55% | .00190 base money factor
39-month | 15k miles | residual 53% | .00190 base money factor

09 Subaru Outback Lease Rates – July 2009

logo_subbyMy Take: I’m hearing a $2000 rebate if you finance through the captive bank, so this might be worth a look. Residual is okay, but the money factor is better than normal, so if you can negotiate a fairly low sale price with the rebate, this might end up being a $300s a month lease. Not too shabby. Definitely a recommendation if you are looking for a decently priced/sized hauler.

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2009 Subaru Outback

2009 Subaru Outback 2.5i SE
36-month | 15k miles | residual 51% | .00100 base money factor