rwg-looking-ahead

Looking Ahead

I know it hasn’t been the easy for many of you trying to hunt down lease rates this month. Β I too have been impacted since I was just about to begin shopping for my Sonata replacement. The good news is that a whole lot of you have stepped up to keep things alive, which is phenomenal. This may be the best way to keep things alive in my opinion. Going forward, I will do my best to establish a place to gather and share information, doing my best to provide you with the resources to make leasing an easier endeavor.

Starting this month, you will begin to see some of the changes that I plan to implement to further improve the site. Below are some of the things that you should expect in the coming months:

  1. Website redesign to accomodate the new structure.
  2. Crowd-sourced model will be refined (Kudos to Ron for the Google Forms suggestion). In future, I will have a more “home-brewed” system in place. In the meantime, Google Forms will do the job
  3. Based on the Aug-Sept poll results, lease rates will be streamlined,Β focusing key brands such as BMW, Audi, Acura, MBZ, Lexus, Infiniti, Honda and VW, with Volvo added whenever supplied. However we will not be limited to only those (see next bullet)
  4. There will be another list of rates for “one-off” models from all other makes (I decided this once I got a chance to see the Lincoln MKZ. I am really curious as to how much this ride goes for)
  5. Registration will be required to post questions, requests, interact with me and other members.
  6. Lease calculator will get a major overhaul and will be planned for mobile devices (this will take time and money to put together so please be patient)

There seems to be some “doomsday” reaction going around regarding this site being “shutdown”. Β As you know, that isn’t the case. The truth is that my “source” decided that lease rates in exchange for referrals isn’t in their best interest anymore. No other source has stepped since offering to supply me with more numbers, so this is where we are. Β Should the community choose not to grow from what we’ve built, then we all know what happens next.

As consumers, we will ultimately determine whether sites like this stick around. I have had three brokers supply numbers in the past and they all have stopped. That model was clearly not sustainable in the long haul. Our best chance is to get the numbers independently and share them with the community. We want their cars. We choose who we do business with. We don’t want to be cheated. Is that simple.

I will continue to contribute community to the best of my abilities. I genuinely hope everyone else does the same.

Thank you all for the many years of support. Let’s keep the wheels spinning.

G

1102_benz_infiniti_vw_acura_bmw

Bank Acquisition Fees. What to Expect.

Here is a partial list of bank acquisition fees. If you have leased with a brand or bank that’s not listed here, please share with the rest of us. Fees marked with a (*) are unconfirmed.

UPDATE (12/10/2012) – Had a very interesting conversation with the Honda finance guy the other day regarding bank acquisition fees. My original understanding of bank fees was that they served as two things: 1) loan processing 2) GAP coverage (for most banks). However, there is another little known reason why the amount is so high…apparently, the bank (which is a separate entity from the manufacturer) uses portions of that fee to pay for an multi-million dollar umbrella policy for their leased vehicles in case the lessee damages property or kills someone. As you know, we live in a very “sue-friend” country and when the plaintiff can’t get money from the defendant, we all know who they sue next.

Acura – $595
Audi – $695
BMW – $725
Buick – $795
Chevrolet – $795
Ford– $595
Honda – $595
Hyundai – $595
Infiniti $595 $700
Jeep $795 (Ally)
Kia $595
Lexus – $695
Lincoln– $595
Mazda – $595 (Chase)
Mercedes-Benz – $795
Nissan – $595
Porsche – $895
Range Rover – $795
Subaru – $595
Toyota – $650
Volkswagen – $595
Volvo – $695

Special thanks to everyone who has contributed to this list!

1208_vw_passat

The Wall: MD’s 2012 Volkswagen Passat

Name: MD
Location: DC Metro Area
The Ride:

2012 Passat S with Appearance Package

What It Cost:

Msrp: $23,460
Sale Price: 19,450+$625 Bank Fee=20075
Residual: 53%, 36 months @ 12,000 miles/yr.
MF: .0001
Payment: $223
Drive off costs: $1,050
state tax: $602.25
Security Deposit: $225
First Month’s Payment $223

105 RWG RATING

My Take: Very good deal MD! low payments, big discounts. I’m happy to see VW dealers are willing to shave so much off the 2012 Passats right now. Looks like it’s clearance season. Congrats on the new car!!!

1205_vw_golf_r

The Wall: Shappy’s 2012 VW Golf R

Name: Shappy
Location: N/A
What They Got:

2012 VW Golf R

The Ride:

MRSP – $36860
Paid – $34,917 ($500 under invoice via supplier discount)
Terms – 36 months/12K miles per year
Rate – .00164 (VW standard rate, no special rates on the R)
Residual – 55%
Payment – $527.13 (including 6% sales tax)
Due at start – $1432 (no cap cost reduction, first payment, acquisition fee, tag transfer and state fees)

My Take: I think the deal is what it is, so it really comes down to how much you want the car. The Golf R just doesn’t get much of a discount anyway. If anything, your discount is actually darn good considering how new the car is. I wonder if dealers are even discounting this car much nowadays. Anyway, looks to me you got exactly what you wanted and loving every minute of it. πŸ™‚ Congratulations!!! The “unique” factor of this ride certainly does somewhat justify the monthly price tag, even if it may be view to be a bit steep for some.

1111_infiniti_g37

Monthly Round-Up: Thanksgiving 2011 Edition

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone! I wanted to extend a BIG “THANK YOU” for your continued support. It hasn’t been the smoothest of years, but I am very thankful to have a good community I can talk cars with. I hope all of you have a wonderful Thanksgiving and cherish your time with your family. As a last minute reminder, shop early and make sure to give yourself plenty of time before your existing lease expires. Happy Turkey Day Everyone!

This month’s participants include: Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen, Kia, Nissan, Acura, Hyundai, Infiniti, Honda, Lexus, Volvo, Audi and BMW.

ForΒ Dealer Quotes,Β go to: TrueCar.com. or Yahoo Autos
To check your credit, go to CreditReport.com.

Ground Rules

  • Participating vehicles will be based on the lease rates gathered on this website during the corresponding month.
  • 36-month/15k lease terms will used for all calculations unless a better term is available.
  • A $1500 drive-off fee is assumed for all cars. Since fees and taxes vary from region to region, your drive-off may vary.
  • Sale Price estimates will be based onΒ Truecar.com sales dataΒ in theΒ Southern California region, so your numbers may vary.
  • All estimates assume you qualify for the base rate. A minimum Credit Score of 700 may be required to secure Top Tier credit in most cases.
  • Sales taxes are not included since different states handle taxes differently.
  • The rating system used is based on RIDE with G’s Lease Calculator. Only cars with a 90 rating or higher will be included on this list.

SEDAN

2012 INFINITI G37 SEDAN JOURNEY (109.5) *$1000 loyalty and $1000 holiday cash
36 Month – Residual 58% of MSRP – .00074 Base Rate

2012 INFINITI G25 SEDAN X AWD (105.6) *$500 dealer cash
36 Month – Residual 59% of MSRP – .00061 Base Rate

2012 NISSAN SENTRA 2.0SR CVT (105.0)
36 Month – Residual 61% of MSRP – .00082 Base Rate

2012 NISSAN ALTIMA SEDAN S CVT (103.1)
36 Month – Residual 55% of MSRP – .00021 Base Rate

2012 HONDA ACCORD SEDAN EX-L V6 (101.3) *$500 dealer cash
36 Month – Residual 54% of MSRP – .00050 Base Rate

2011 BMW 328i Sedan (99.6) *$1000 loyalty cash
36 Month – Residual 60% of MSRP – .00180 Base Rate

2012 ACURA TL BASE (99.5) *$1250 dealer cash
36 Month – Residual 58% of MSRP – .00114 Base Rate

2012 HONDA CIVIC SEDAN EX AT (99.5)
36 Month – Residual 61% of MSRP – .00098 Base Rate

2012 Mercedes C300 4matic Sport 4dr Sedan (97.4) $2000 loyalty cash
36 Month – Residual 60% of MSRP – .00142 Base Rate

2012 Hyundai Sonata 2.0T SE (96.7) *$500 loyalty cash
36-month | 15k miles | residual 62% | .00142 base money factor

2012 Volvo S60 T-5 (96.3) *$1000 loyalty cash
36-month | 15k miles | residual 59% | .00122 base money factor

2012 NISSAN MAXIMA S (94.5)
36 Month – Residual 59% of MSRP – .00128 Base Rate

2012 VOLKSWAGEN CC SPORT AT (94.1) *$1250 lease cash
36 Month – Residual 51% of MSRP – .00028 Base Rate

2012 Mercedes C250 Sport 4dr Sedan (93.7) *$2000 loyalty cash
36 Month – Residual 61% of MSRP – .00154 Base Rate

2012 INFINITI M37 SEDAN X AWD (93.6) $1000 loyalty cash
36 Month – Residual 52% of MSRP – .00029 Base Rate

2012 Kia Optima EX (91.2) *$1000 customer cash
36-month | 15k miles | residual 57% | .00130 base money factor

2012 LEXUS IS250 AT SDN (91.1)
36 Month – Residual 60% of MSRP – .00150 Base Rate

CONVERTIBLE

2012 INFINITI G37 CONVERTIBLE SPORT 6MT (90.5)
36 Month – Residual 59% of MSRP – .00153 Base Rate

COUPE

2012 INFINITI G37 COUPE JOURNEY (102.1) *$1000 loyalty cash
36 Month – Residual 59% of MSRP – .00100 Base Rate

2012 HONDA ACCORD COUPE EX-L V6 (95.8) *$500 dealer cash
36 Month – Residual 52% of MSRP – .00050 Base Rate

2012 HONDA CIVIC COUPE EX AT (95.2)
36 Month – Residual 59% of MSRP – .00098 Base Rate

2012 Mercedes C250 2dr Coupe (94.6) *$2000 loyalty cash
36 Month – Residual 66% of MSRP – .00225 Base Rate

2012 BMW 328xi Coupe (90.2) *$1000 loyalty cash ($1000 lease/apr cash available)
36 Month – Residual 62% of MSRP – .00185 Base Rate

2012 NISSAN ALTIMA COUPE S CVT (93.8)
36 Month – Residual 55% of MSRP – .00090 Base Rate

HATCHBACK/WAGON/SUV/CROSSOVER/VANS

2011 HONDA CR-V 4WD EX AT (106.3) *$500 dealer cash
36 Month – Residual 59% of MSRP – .00077 Base Rate

2012 ACURA ZDX BASE (106.2) *$2000 dealer cash
36 Month – Residual 55% of MSRP – .00054 Base Rate

2012 HONDA PILOT 4WD EX-L (93.1)
36 Month – Residual 55% of MSRP – .00056 Base Rate

2012 HONDA ODYSSEY EX AT (91.3)
36 Month – Residual 61% of MSRP – .00155 Base Rate

2011 NISSAN ROGUE AWD S (92.8)
36 Month – Residual 57% of MSRP – .00123 Base Rate

ALTERNATIVE FUEL/HYBRID

2012 NISSAN LEAF 5DR HATCHBACK SV (92.4) *$7500 lease incentive
36 Month – Residual 44% of MSRP – .00174 Base Rate

2011 HONDA CR-Z EX NAV AT (91.1)
36 Month – Residual 62% of MSRP – .00185 Base Rate

Bright Spots

VW. The only model to make it into the lease was the CC Sport, thanks in part to the generous $1250 lease cash that’s available. The rest of the models make better purchases than leases due to special financing. Eos also gets the $1000 lease cash, but the lease is only so-so, rated at 85.5 on my calculator.

Mercedes-Benz. Being an existing MB customer is really paying off this Holiday season. The $2000 loyalty cash is huge! Another model to keep your eyes on is the GLK350 4matic. The RWG is not high (87.5), but this SUV has never leased in with a RWG higher than 90 to begin with, so 87.5 is not too shabby. Remember that MBs payments are usually a bit more budget friendly on the 48-month terms. However, wear-n-tear issues should be considering before going that route.

Volvo. The C30 and C70 cut it pretty darn close (both hitting a RWG of 89). This is made possible by a generous $1000 loyalty cash that’s available to existing Volvo customers. Overall, I’m very satisfied with Volvo’s leases on their cars. Their SUVs, on the other hand, need a little work.

BMW. BMWFS seems to be throwing a lot of loyalty cash at their customers. On select 1-series models for example, they also have this $500 lease/apr bonus cash which I think could be applied to lower the MF plus $1000 in loyalty cash.

Weak Spots

Audi. They have not offer any worthwhile leases lately. No shock there, it’s been a while since Audi made it into the Round-Up.

In Summary

It’s Loyalty month here in the auto leasing world. Many manufacturers are rewarding loyal customers with loads of cash.Β Folks looking to get into something under $400 should consider the Sonata, Optima, Maxima or any non-luxury car. Honda almost seems to be giving away their cars right now so it isn’t hard to find a good deal there.

The Leaf is also great if you don’t ever want to visit a gas station again.

In the end, if I had to put my money where my mouth is, I would be rolling in a loaded 2012 Infiniti G37 sedan. Hands down, the best lease I’ve seen all month long.

1111_jaguar_xc16

2011 Los Angeles Auto Show

Last year, the Lotus Esprit blew me away. This year, my vote for “Car of the Show” at the 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show has to be the Jaguar XC16. I’ve examined the car from all angles and I cannot find one in which this car looks awkward. If I could mix and match cars, I would take the GT-R in XC16 clothing. That would be my ideal dream car.

Moving on…This year’s Auto Show did not have as many concepts as last year. It felt a little bit more “toned down”, possibly due to the economy. Despite this, it wasn’t a bad show. I didn’t get to spend as much time as I wanted to, but that was fine because much of what was at the LA show was also at the OC show. There were just a little more “high end” cars, but that’s about it.

Here is a quick run down of what was at the show and a few highlights

Acura – Nothing new. Their lineup was quite stale at the OC Show and it remained that way two months later at the LA Show.

Audi – A6/S6 and the A7/S7 were the new rides this year.

Audi S7 Audi S6

BMW – They showed off the iSeries which you probably have seen in most enthusiast websites/magazines. I also took some pictures of the concept a few years back. From what I understand, the i8 is supposed to make it to production with few changes (I am certain the glass doors are gone).

BMW i8 BMW i3

Buick – The Verano is ugly. Enuff said.

Buick Verano Buick Verano

Cadillac – Showed up the Ciel, which was featured at Pebble Beach and the Converj, which was at a previous auto show some years back. I believe the Converj will be either an electric or hybrid car and will have performance that matches it’s aggressive looks. Possible the next CTS-V? Perhaps.

Cadillac Converj Cadillac Converj Cadillac Converj Cadillac Ciel Cadillac Ciel

Chevrolet – I think you’ve seen enough Cruzes, Camaros, Coverttes and Volts to last you a while. NEXT!

Chrysler – As I was saying on the OC Show post. The 300 is one American sedan I would consider driving. Beats speaker system is truly insane for one that comes factory installed. I felt so gansta sitting in the backseat as the speakers were blaring Dr Dre tunes.

Chrysler 300 Chrysler 300

Dodge – Super Bee Charger in the House! The car looks mean! The HEMI looks meaner. Overall, I’m very happy to see Chrysler cars improving in such as short time. Now, I would like to see Chrysler pull a Volvo and start introducing some sweet leases for us.

Dodge Charger Super Bee Dodge Charger Super Bee Dodge Charger Super Bee

Ford – The Escape was really the only “new” car to be introduced. It didn’t exactly wow me, but I can see it stealing some of the CR-Vs dominance (you will see what I mean when you see pics of the production-ready CR-V).

Ford Escape Ford Escape

Honda – What a let down! The production-ready CR-V looks gutless! And if it drives anything like the old model, it’s performance will be gutless too! Check out the interior! Can we say weak sauce? Can’t wait to see what Consumer Reports does to the CR-V on their next review.

Honda CR-V Honda CR-V Honda CR-V

Hyundai – The Azera really wow’ed me. After talking to the product adviser and sitting in the car for a good 5-10 minutes, I came away impressed. The leather is soft and supple. The interior is well put together. The center stack follows the same overall layout found in most new Hyundais, but has a noticeably more “upscale” feel. The estimated MSRP is going to be in the low $30,000s, with most experts estimating it to be around $32,000. Everything, including Nav, comes standard. The only possible option (from what I am hearing) is the panoramic moonroof and maybe the window shaders, although those could be standard too. If you thought the Buick LaCrosse was the Lexus ES killer, think again.

Hyundai Azera Hyundai Azera Hyundai Azera Hyundai Azera

Infiniti – The JX35 was introduced as a 7-passenger SUV. Not impressed. It looks like a weak attempt at cloning the Toyota Highlander which can be had for thousands less (if you don’t care about having quality interior materials). I’d be surprised if they sell more JX’s than EX’s. I would have liked to see a concept version of the new G-Coupe based off the Essence. That would have been fun to see.

Infiniti JX35 Infiniti JX35 Infiniti JX35

Jaguar – XC16 all the way. This car is a beaut! If they would have given it a better sounding name instead of the typical “Letters + Numbers”, I’d name my kid after it. “Come here XC16!” just doesn’t have nice ring to it.

Jaguar XC16 Jaguar XC16 Jaguar XC16 Jaguar XC16 Jaguar XC16

Jeep – New Compass and Patriot look like baby GCs, except the proportions are all wrong. I know Jeeps are meant to be rugged, but they could have done a little more to the interior. In contrast, you can see the GC looks nice inside and out. Even the storage area looks high end with fancy chrome touches.

Jeep Compass Jeep Grand Cherokee Jeep Grand Cherokee Jeep Grand Cherokee Jeep Patriot

Kia – GT concept looks cool, but not as sexy as the XC16. It does show a lot of promise and possibly a glimpse of things to come. Michelle Wie gets a custom Kia Soul! I highly doubt she would be caught dead in one. Them Rappin’/Dancin’ Hamsters, on the other hand, are a hoot. They give the Soul some street cred. Definitely cooler than rolling in a cardboard box, toaster or dryer.

Michelle Wie Kia Soul Kia GT Kia GT Kia GT Kia GT Kia GT

Land Rover – Not much to say here. Doubt any of these rides will ever make it into production, but they are fun to look at. Β They almost feel like they will transform into a robot at any moment.

Land Rover Concept Land Rover Concept

Lexus – More LF-A. *Yawn*

Lincoln – *Crickets*

Mazda – The CX5 actually look pretty good. You can totally see the styling cues of the Shinari concept on the front fascia. I really hope this crossover does well and gives the CR-V and Escape a run for their money.

Mazda CX5 Mazda CX5 Mazda CX5 Mazda CX5

Mercedes-Benz – I’ve pretty much seen all of the “new” models on the street or in previous Auto Shows with the exception of the C63 Black Edition. This thing rocks. It’s like Europe’s answer to the mean-looking American car!

Mercedez-Benz C63 Black Edition Mercedez-Benz C63 Black Edition Mercedez-Benz C63 Black Edition

MINI – See OC Auto Show…

Mitsubishi – I didn’t bother stopping by…actually, I don’t recall seeing them at the show. Maybe I stopped caring…

Nissan – Last year they had the Ellure. This year they had…NOTHING!

Porsche – Showed off their Panamera Hybrid and the usual 911s, Cayennes, Boxters and Caymans.

Porsche Panamera Porsche Panamera Hybrid

Scion – FR-S was in the house this year and it looks great! For those that have not been following the FR-S, expect about 200hp and a $24k price tag once it’s released. I don’t expect the production model to look too different unless Toyota decides to cheapen the experience some more. If the price is reasonable, this could very well be sitting in my driveway on day.

Scion FR-S Scion FR-S Scion FR-S

Subaru – Just like the FR-S, the BRZ should be priced and spec’ed at around the same range. There is talk of a STi trim, but I haven’t seen any details on that just yet. Originally, I thought the BRZ was the clear winner in the “looks” department, but after seeing them both in person, I have to go with the Scion.

Subaru BRZ Subaru BRZ Subaru BRZ

Volvo – Same cars as last year. Same cars as this year’s OC show. Nothing new to report.

VW – A Beetle R was on display and it still looks girly. Hood vents and quad-exhaust pipes do tone down the estrogen somewhat though. For the record, I don’t have a problem with the Beetle looking girly. It’s just that VW is trying so hard to market the Beetle as being more “unisex” and I just don’t think its happening. Maybe if they dropped a huge supercharger hood scoop? Nah….

Volkswagen Beetle R Volkswagen Beetle R Volkswagen Beetle R

Others – Here you will find some pics I took of the more “unusual” cars.

XD XD XD Morgan Aero Morgan Aero Morgan Aero Lotus Evora Lotus Evora

1110_accord_crosstour

Monthly Round-Up: October 2011

This month’s participants include: Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen, Nissan, Acura, Hyundai, Infiniti, Honda, Lexus, Volvo, Audi and BMW.

ForΒ Dealer Quotes,Β go to: Yahoo Autos or TrueCar.com..
To check your credit, go to CreditReport.com.

Ground Rules

  • Participating vehicles will be based on the lease rates gathered on this website during the corresponding month.
  • 36-month/15k lease terms will used for all calculations unless a better term is available.
  • A $1500 drive-off fee is assumed for all cars. Since fees and taxes vary from region to region, your drive-off may vary.
  • Sale Price estimates will be based onΒ Truecar.com sales dataΒ in theΒ Southern California region, so your numbers may vary.
  • All estimates assume you qualify for the base rate. A minimum Credit Score of 700 may be required to secure Top Tier credit in most cases.
  • Sales taxes are not included since different states handle taxes differently.
  • The rating system used is based on RIDE with G’s Lease Calculator. Only cars with a 90 rating or higher will be included on this list.

SEDAN

2012 NISSAN ALTIMA SEDAN S CVT (107.1)
36 Month – Residual 58% of MSRP – .00047 Base Rate

2011 INFINITI G37 SEDAN JOURNEY (107.1)
36 Month – Residual 59% of MSRP – .00064 Base Rate

2012 HONDA ACCORD SEDAN EX AT (105.9)
36 Month – Residual 58% of MSRP – .00050 Base Rate

2012 NISSAN MAXIMA S (103.8) *The SV also leases very well
36 Month – Residual 60% of MSRP – .00184 Base Rate

2011 INFINITI G25 SEDAN JOURNEY (102.2)
36 Month – Residual 60% of MSRP – .00065 Base Rate

2012 NISSAN SENTRA SR CVT (100.5)
36 Month – Residual 63% of MSRP – .00115 Base Rate

2012 Acura TL Base (98.1)
36 month | 15k miles | residual 60% | .00166 base money factor

2012 Mercedes-Benz C300 4matic 4dr Sedan (98.1) *$1500 Loyalty cash applied
36 Month – Residual 62% of MSRP – .00182 Base Rate

2012 HyundaiΒ  Genesis Sedan V6 (97.2) *$1500 Conquest/Loyalty cash applied
36-month | 15k miles | residual 58% | .00147 base money factor

2012 Volvo S60 T-5 (95.1) *$1000 Loyalty cash
36-month | 15k miles | residual 59% | .00134 base money factor

2012 Hyundai Sonata Turbo SE (92.1) *$500 Loyalty cash applied
36-month | 15k miles | residual 59% | .00120 base money factor

2012 INFINITI M37 SEDAN X AWD (91.6)
36 Month – Residual 60% of MSRP – .00153 Base Rate

CONVERTIBLE

2011 INFINITI G37 CONVERTIBLE BASE (93.8)
36 Month – Residual 59% of MSRP – .00160 Base Rate

2012 Volvo C70 T-5 (90.1) *$1000 Loyalty cash applied
36 Month – Residual 55% of MSRP – .00082 Base Rate

COUPE

2011 INFINITI G37 COUPE JOURNEY (107.9)
36 month | 15k miles | residual 62% | .00128 base money factor

2012 HONDA ACCORD COUPE LX-S AT (101.8)
36 Month – Residual 56% of MSRP – .00050 Base Rate

2012 NISSAN ALTIMA SEDAN S CVT (101.0)
36 Month – Residual 58% of MSRP – .00141 Base Rate

2011 INFINITI G37 COUPE IPL AT (96.2)
36 month | 15k miles | residual 59% | .00128 base money factor

2012 Mercedes-Benz C250 2dr Coupe (91.8) *$1500 Loyalty cash applied.
36 Month – Residual 66% of MSRP – .00225 Base Rate

HATCHBACK/WAGON/SUV/CROSSOVER

2012 HONDA ACCORD CROSSTOUR 4WD EX-L (110.2)
36 Month – Residual 57% of MSRP – .00068 Base Rate

2011 HONDA CR-V 4WD LX AT (99.3)
36 Month – Residual 60% of MSRP – .00095 Base Rate

2011 INFINITI EX35 AWD JOURNEY (98.4)
36 Month – Residual 54% of MSRP – .00127 Base Rate

2011 INFINITI FX35 AWD (96.7)
36 Month – Residual 55% of MSRP – .00130 Base Rate

2012 HONDA PILOT 4WD LX (95.8)
36 Month – Residual 58% of MSRP – .00061 Base Rate

2011 NISSAN MURANO AWD S (93.7)
36 Month – Residual 49% of MSRP – .00005 Base Rate

2011 NISSAN ROGUE AWD S (92.7)
36 Month – Residual 55% of MSRP – .00094 Base Rate

2012 Hyundai Santa Fe GLS V6 AWD (90.5)
36-month | 15k miles | residual 56% | .00115 base money factor

Bright Spots

Audi does have a lot of loyalty cash available, making the lease decent. They aren’t rated over 90, but they are in the high 80s if you manage to get aboout 10-11% off MSRP with the loyalty cash. Worth a shot if you are shopping for one.

BMW and Acura also has a few cars with high 80 ratings (TSX, 1 and 3 series) If you are willing to pay a bit extra for your lease, they might be worth a look.

The Nissan Leaf has terrible lease rates, but the rebate ($7500) is so huge that it makes the car a decent lease. Obviously, there are limitations to this car and it may not be for everyone. However, if your commute is short (and limited), this car may be for you. Leasing it at 10,000 per year (it’s got limited range anyway) should help keep the payments low.

Weak Spots

VW leases stink. Not only does VW make it tough for people wanting to trade-in their VW (before lease end), they also don’t discount much off their cars. The only glimmer of hope lies on the Volkswagen CC Sport, but this car barely cracks a 87.1 RWG, and that’s with lease cash.

Lexus is also a disappointment. Leases are not very attractive on 2012 models. 2011 are getting a lot of incentives right now so if you plan to lease a Lexus, try to find a 2011 model.

In Summary

Once again, the Round-Up is being dominated by Nissan/Infiniti and Honda/Acura. Despite very good competition, I have to give Honda the edge since the CrossTour is an excellent lease right now. It’s not a pretty car, but you can’t deny how good the lease is.

On a side note, I have this ongoing theory that the reason why the CrossTour gets so much lease support is because it’s a tough sell without it. Your thoughts?

1109_vw_touareg_tdi

2011-12 Volkswagen Lease Rates – September 2011

Of all 2012 VW lease rates this month. Only the Passat shows a lot of promise ($1000 lease cash available and a good MF/RV). The CC isn’t half bad either because of the $1250 lease cash that’s available, but it’s RV and MF aren’t as good. Some good deals to be head, however, I should warn you…More and more people are reporting that VW will charge “market value” on payoffs if you try to trade-in the car before lease end. With that in mind, you better be willing to keep the car for the entire term of your lease or you will end up paying a pretty penny trying to get off your lease.


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.

2012 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT 2.5L S W/ APPEARANCE AT
MSRP – $23460
Sale Price – $21530 ($1000 lease cash applied)
Monthly – $250+ tax
RWG Rating – 92.4

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2012 VOLKSWAGEN CC SPORT AT
36 Month – Residual 52% of MSRP – .00038 Base Rate

2012 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT 2.5L S W/ APPEARANCE AT
36 Month – Residual 55% of MSRP – .00030 Base Rate

2012 VOLKSWAGEN EOS KOMFORT AT
36 Month – Residual 52% of MSRP – .00025 Base Rate

2012 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF 2DR HATCHBACK AT
36 Month – Residual 53% of MSRP – .00070 Base Rate

2012 VOLKSWAGEN GTI 2DR HATCHBACK AT
36 Month – Residual 56% of MSRP – .00094 Base Rate

2012 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA SEDAN S AT
36 Month – Residual 56% of MSRP – .00063 Base Rate

2012 VOLKSWAGEN GLI SEDAN AT
36 Month – Residual 54% of MSRP – .00047 Base Rate

2012 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA WAGON S AT
36 Month – Residual 52% of MSRP – .00085 Base Rate

2012 VOLKSWAGEN TOUAREG VR6 SPORT
36 Month – Residual 47% of MSRP – .00067 Base Rate

2012 VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN S 4MOTION
36 Month – Residual 58% of MSRP – .00148 Base Rate

2011 VOLKSWAGEN ROUTAN S
36 Month – Residual 42% of MSRP – .00135 Base Rate