Toyota

Special Auto Deals for Costco Members!

Published by G

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

Published by G

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.

November 2008 Lease Rates for 09 Subaru Forrester, Toyota Corolla and Nissan Altima

Published by G

My Take: Here are three decent leases for the month for those who are budget conscious. The Forrester is looking pretty good with a starting lease of $301 and up (at invoice). One drawback is that Subaru has a VERY healthy options list which means it will quickly add up. Just make sure you get what you need and don’t get carried away. The dealer could contribute $700 towards your lease (since they are doing it as part of a special lease program). The Corolla is dirty cheap in my opinion since it’s really a “budget” car. Much cheaper to lease than a Mazda3 I think, but much less exciting to drive too. The Altima is the beefier of the group so it has a steeper price tag. Even so, there’s $750 in rebates available which should drive down the costs a bit. Again, all these estimates are based on stock models, so the more options you add, the pricier it gets. The residual and money factors look pretty good for 36-month leases so they are worth a look before the end of the month.

Got questions? Post it on the RIDE Auto Forum! Sign up HERE. If you like the site and would like to receive my latest posts, you may want to consider subscribing to our newsletter on a reader or have it delivered to your email.

  At Invoice At MSRP
Make/Model Invoice MSRP 24-month 36-month 24-month 36-month
09 Subaru Forester 2.5X Premium $21,836 $23,160 N/A $301 N/A $340
2009 Corolla $15,658 $16,870 N/A $200 N/A $236
09 Nissan Altima 3.5 SL Sedan $27,916 $30,075 N/A $354 N/A $418

  • 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 Subaru Forester 2.5X Premium
36 Month – Residual 57% of MSRP – .00175 Base Rate

2009 Corolla
36 Month – Residual 59% of MSRP – .00163 Base Rate

2009 Nissan Altima 3.5 SL Sedan
36 Month – Residual 60% of MSRP – .00174 Base Rate

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

October 2008 Lease Rate for 09 Toyota RAV4

Published by G

My Take: The money factor on the RAV4 is pretty weak this month. Sure, the residual is high, but why on earth would you want to pay 6.36% APR on a car nowadays? Think about it, the Fed Rate is 1.5%!!!! Anyway, just so food for thought in case you where looking to lease a 2009 RAV4.

Got questions? Post it on the RIDE Auto Forum! Sign up HERE. If you like the site and would like to receive my latest posts, you may want to consider subscribing to our newsletter on a reader or have it delivered to your email.

QUICK LINKS:

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

2009 Toyota RAV4 Sport AWD
24 Month – Residual 69% of MSRP – .00265 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 62% of MSRP – .00265 Base Rate
48 Month – Residual 54% of MSRP – .00265 Base Rate
60 Month – Residual 46% of MSRP – .00265 Base Rate

Rates provided by Tarry Shebesta from Leasecompare.com

October 2008 Lease Rate for 08/09 Toyota 4Runner

Published by G

My Take: Alright, the 08 4Runner is looking like a decent lease this month due to the $2500 customer cash that’s available on it. The bad news is that you can’t combine it with the special financing that’s available. By special I mean 0% for up to 48 months and 0.9% for up to 60. That’s pretty special if you ask me. Folks, Toyota is offering some seriously CRAZY financing right now so its a good time o BUY your car as well (if you aren’t too worried about resale value of course). If you are, then lease away!!! It’s not a bad time since MF is low and there’s $2500 cash to offset the low residual value. Keep in mind that the numbers I’m working with below will include the $2500 discount into my calculations.

Got questions? Post it on the RIDE Auto Forum! Sign up HERE. If you like the site and would like to receive my latest posts, you may want to consider subscribing to our newsletter on a reader or have it delivered to your email.

  At Invoice At MSRP
Make/Model Invoice MSRP 24-month 36-month 24-month 36-month
08 Toyota 4Runner SR5 V6 AWD $29,950 $33,450 $431 $360 $580 $460

  • 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.
  • Cars ranked from lowest payment to highest payment.
  • Yellow boxes denotes “lowest” lease payments for each car.

2008 Toyota 4Runner SR5 V6 AWD
24 Month – Residual 54% of MSRP – .00060 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 47% of MSRP – .00060 Base Rate
48 Month – Residual 39% of MSRP – .00265 Base Rate
60 Month – Residual 31% of MSRP – .00265 Base Rate

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

2009 Toyota 4Runner Sport V6 AWD
24 Month – Residual 56% of MSRP – .00265 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 49% of MSRP – .00265 Base Rate
48 Month – Residual 42% of MSRP – .00265 Base Rate
60 Month – Residual 34% of MSRP – .00265 Base Rate

2009 Toyota 4Runner Limited V6 AWD
24 Month – Residual 56% of MSRP – .00265 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 49% of MSRP – .00265 Base Rate
48 Month – Residual 41% of MSRP – .00265 Base Rate
60 Month – Residual 32% of MSRP – .00265 Base Rate

2009 Toyota 4Runner SR5 V6 AWD
24 Month – Residual 56% of MSRP – .00265 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 49% of MSRP – .00265 Base Rate
48 Month – Residual 42% of MSRP – .00265 Base Rate
60 Month – Residual 34% of MSRP – .00265 Base Rate

2008 Toyota 4Runner Sport V6
24 Month – Residual 54% of MSRP – .00060 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 47% of MSRP – .00060 Base Rate
48 Month – Residual 39% of MSRP – .00265 Base Rate
60 Month – Residual 31% of MSRP – .00265 Base Rate

2008 Toyota 4Runner Limited V6 AWD
24 Month – Residual 53% of MSRP – .00060 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 46% of MSRP – .00060 Base Rate
48 Month – Residual 38% of MSRP – .00265 Base Rate
60 Month – Residual 29% of MSRP – .00265 Base Rate

Rates provided by Tarry Shebesta from Leasecompare.com

October 2008 Lease Rate for 09 VW Jetta, Acura RDX and Toyota Prius

Published by G

My Take: Couple of things…the Prius lesses well because of the high residual value, but the money factor is pretty high in my opinion. Lower than Honda’s standard lease rate, but high nonetheless, so watch out for that. The RDX looks like it needs further money factor reduction to make it more attractive. It isn’t horrible, but I the lower residual value doesn’t help keep the costs down. Lastly, the Jetta TDI (for those who live in states that have them) seems like an excellent lease with a .00148 mf and fairly high residual values. Remember to lease it for no more than 36 months because VW’s Warranty is only 3 years.

Got questions? Post it on the RIDE Auto Forum! Sign up HERE. If you like the site and would like to receive my latest posts, you may want to consider subscribing to our newsletter on a reader or have it delivered to your email.

QUICK LINKS:

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

2009 Volkswagen Jetta TDI Wagon
24 Month – Residual 64% of MSRP – .00148 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 57% of MSRP – .00148 Base Rate
48 Month – Residual 50% of MSRP – .00188 Base Rate

2009 Acura RDX Wagon
24 Month – Residual 59% of MSRP – .00128 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 50% of MSRP – .00128 Base Rate
48 Month – Residual 42% of MSRP – .00290 Base Rate
60 Month – Residual 33% of MSRP – .00290 Base Rate

2009 Acura RDX Wagon Tech
24 Month – Residual 58% of MSRP – .00128 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 49% of MSRP – .00128 Base Rate
48 Month – Residual 41% of MSRP – .00290 Base Rate
60 Month – Residual 32% of MSRP – .00290 Base Rate

2009 Toyota Prius 5dr HB
24 Month – Residual 71% of MSRP – .00265 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 64% of MSRP – .00265 Base Rate
48 Month – Residual 55% of MSRP – .00265 Base Rate
60 Month – Residual 45% of MSRP – .00265 Base Rate

Rates provided by Tarry Shebesta from Leasecompare.com

October 2008 Lease Rate for 09 Lexus RX350 and Toyota Camry

Published by G

My Take: Sorry folks, I haven’t had the time to make up payment estimates (life of getting in the way), so I will be posting the rest of the lease rates I have. I can say that the rates look pretty good here for the RX350 and the Camry. Residuals are fairly high and money factors are pretty low. This makes for a nice leasing combination. Stay tuned for more lease rates I’ve found. Will be posting them shortly.

Got questions? Post it on the RIDE Auto Forum! Sign up HERE. If you like the site and would like to receive my latest posts, you may want to consider subscribing to our newsletter on a reader or have it delivered to your email.

QUICK LINKS:

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

2009 Lexus RX350 2WD
24 Month – Residual 61% of MSRP – .00135 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 54% of MSRP – .00135 Base Rate
48 Month – Residual 43% of MSRP – .00135 Base Rate
60 Month – Residual 35% of MSRP – .00255 Base Rate

2009 Lexus RX350 2WD w/RSE
24 Month – Residual 59% of MSRP – .00135 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 52% of MSRP – .00135 Base Rate
48 Month – Residual 41% of MSRP – .00135 Base Rate
60 Month – Residual 33% of MSRP – .00255 Base Rate

2009 Lexus RX350 AWD
24 Month – Residual 61% of MSRP – .00135 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 54% of MSRP – .00135 Base Rate
48 Month – Residual 44% of MSRP – .00135 Base Rate
60 Month – Residual 36% of MSRP – .00255 Base Rate

2009 Lexus RX350 w/ RSE AWD
24 Month – Residual 59% of MSRP – .00135 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 52% of MSRP – .00135 Base Rate
48 Month – Residual 42% of MSRP – .00135 Base Rate
60 Month – Residual 34% of MSRP – .00255 Base Rate

2009 Toyota Camry 4dr Sedan SE
24 Month – Residual 66% of MSRP – .00150 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 59% of MSRP – .00150 Base Rate
48 Month – Residual 49% of MSRP – .00265 Base Rate
60 Month – Residual 41% of MSRP – .00265 Base Rate

Rates provided by Tarry Shebesta from Leasecompare.com

October 2008 Lease Rate for 08 Toyota Highlander

Published by G

My Take: A $1000 rebate is still available for the Toyota Highlander this month. The good news is that, the MF dropped a bit, but the residual also dropped. In the end the payments should be pretty close to last months. Be sure to secure a low sale price and tack on the $1000 rebate on top of that. Sales are slow right now, dealerships are like ghostowns. If you have excellect credit, this is the time to get into a new car. NOTE: I applied a $1000 rebate to the invoice and MSRP when calculating payments. You should at the most pay $1000 under MSRP. Personally, I think you should be paying $1000 under invoice.

To post specific lease questions, you can join our RIDE Auto Forum. Please consider subscribing to the site to get daily updates and please share the website with your friends and family, I would greatly appreciate that. Thank You!

  At Invoice At MSRP
Make/Model Invoice MSRP 24-month 36-month 24-month 36-month
08 Toyota Highlander Limited 2WD $30,026 $33,645 $513 $420 $667 $524

  • 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.
  • Cars ranked from lowest payment to highest payment.
  • Yellow boxes denotes “lowest” lease payments for each car.

2008 Toyota Highlander Limited 2WD
24 Month – Residual 53% of MSRP – .00099 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 46% of MSRP – .00099 Base Rate
48 Month – Residual 37% of MSRP – .00265 Base Rate
60 Month – Residual 29% of MSRP – .00265 Base Rate

Got questions? Post it on the RIDE Auto Forum! Sign up HERE. If you like the site and would like to receive my latest posts, you may want to consider subscribing to our newsletter on a reader or have it delivered to your email.

QUICK LINKS:

LEASE CALCULATOR (requires MS Excel)

THE LIST, monthly list of car rankings on monthly payments

Rates provided by Tarry Shebesta from Leasecompare.com