AMG

July 2008 Lease Rate for 08 Mercedes Benz C-Class

Published by G

2008 Mercedes C300 Luxury
24 Month – Residual 65% of MSRP – .00250 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 56% of MSRP – .00260 Base Rate
48 Month – Residual 46% of MSRP – .00260 Base Rate
60 Month – Residual 42% of MSRP – .00330 Base Rate

2008 Mercedes C300 Luxury 4matic
24 Month – Residual 65% of MSRP – .00240 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 56% of MSRP – .00260 Base Rate
48 Month – Residual 46% of MSRP – .00260 Base Rate
60 Month – Residual 42% of MSRP – .00330 Base Rate

2008 Mercedes C300 Sport
24 Month – Residual 65% of MSRP – .00250 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 56% of MSRP – .00260 Base Rate
48 Month – Residual 46% of MSRP – .00260 Base Rate
60 Month – Residual 42% of MSRP – .00350 Base Rate

2008 Mercedes C300 Sport 4matic
24 Month – Residual 65% of MSRP – .00240 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 56% of MSRP – .00260 Base Rate
48 Month – Residual 46% of MSRP – .00260 Base Rate
60 Month – Residual 42% of MSRP – .00350 Base Rate

2008 Mercedes C350 Sport
24 Month – Residual 64% of MSRP – .00200 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 55% of MSRP – .00185 Base Rate
48 Month – Residual 46% of MSRP – .00185 Base Rate
60 Month – Residual 43% of MSRP – .00350 Base Rate

2008 Mercedes C63 AMG
24 Month – Residual 64% of MSRP – .00385 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 55% of MSRP – .00350 Base Rate
48 Month – Residual 48% of MSRP – .00350 Base Rate
60 Month – Residual 44% of MSRP – .00350 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

My Take: No changes here from June. I can’t say the rates are bad, but they aren’t exactly great. The C350 Sport seems to be the better lease for the 36mo and 48mo terms. The residual values could be better, but these are Mercedes Benz and they don’t make them like they used to.

June 2008 Lease Rates for 08 Mercedes Benz S, SL and SLK

Published by G

2008 Mercedes S550 Sedan
24 Month – Residual 57% of MSRP – .00250 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 48% of MSRP – .00250 Base Rate
48 Month – Residual 38% of MSRP – .00250 Base Rate
60 Month – Residual 33% of MSRP – .00330 Base Rate

2008 Mercedes S550 4matic Sedan
24 Month – Residual 58% of MSRP – .00250 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 49% of MSRP – .00250 Base Rate
48 Month – Residual 39% of MSRP – .00250 Base Rate
60 Month – Residual 34% of MSRP – .00330 Base Rate

2008 Mercedes S600 V12 Sedan
24 Month – Residual 49% of MSRP – .00365 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 43% of MSRP – .00330 Base Rate
48 Month – Residual 38% of MSRP – .00330 Base Rate
60 Month – Residual 33% of MSRP – .00330 Base Rate

2008 Mercedes S63 AMG Sedan
24 Month – Residual 56% of MSRP – .00365 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 47% of MSRP – .00330 Base Rate
48 Month – Residual 39% of MSRP – .00330 Base Rate
60 Month – Residual 34% of MSRP – .00330 Base Rate

2008 Mercedes S65 AMG Sedan
24 Month – Residual 48% of MSRP – .00365 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 39% of MSRP – .00330 Base Rate
48 Month – Residual 33% of MSRP – .00330 Base Rate
60 Month – Residual 27% of MSRP – .00330 Base Rate

2008 Mercedes SL550 Convertible
24 Month – Residual 58% of MSRP – .00365 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 48% of MSRP – .00330 Base Rate
48 Month – Residual 40% of MSRP – .00330 Base Rate
60 Month – Residual 35% of MSRP – .00330 Base Rate

2008 Mercedes SL600 Convertible
24 Month – Residual 52% of MSRP – .00365 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 43% of MSRP – .00330 Base Rate
48 Month – Residual 36% of MSRP – .00330 Base Rate
60 Month – Residual 32% of MSRP – .00330 Base Rate

2008 Mercedes SL55 AMG Convertible
24 Month – Residual 56% of MSRP – .00365 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 46% of MSRP – .00330 Base Rate
48 Month – Residual 39% of MSRP – .00330 Base Rate
60 Month – Residual 34% of MSRP – .00330 Base Rate

2008 Mercedes SL65 AMG Convertible
24 Month – Residual 48% of MSRP – .00365 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 40% of MSRP – .00330 Base Rate
48 Month – Residual 34% of MSRP – .00330 Base Rate
60 Month – Residual 30% of MSRP – .00330 Base Rate

2008 Mercedes SLK280 Convertible
24 Month – Residual 58% of MSRP – .00365 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 50% of MSRP – .00330 Base Rate
48 Month – Residual 44% of MSRP – .00330 Base Rate
60 Month – Residual 40% of MSRP – .00330 Base Rate

2008 Mercedes SLK350 Convertible
24 Month – Residual 60% of MSRP – .00365 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 53% of MSRP – .00330 Base Rate
48 Month – Residual 46% of MSRP – .00330 Base Rate
60 Month – Residual 42% of MSRP – .00330 Base Rate

2008 Mercedes SLK55 AMG Convertible
24 Month – Residual 58% of MSRP – .00365 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 52% of MSRP – .00330 Base Rate
48 Month – Residual 45% of MSRP – .00330 Base Rate
60 Month – Residual 41% of MSRP – .00330 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

My Take: In all honesty, I wouldn’t lease any of these cars. The residual values are low and the interest rates are way too high. At this price range, most people should  be buying these cars. Granted, I’m not sure I would recommend buying any Mercedes Benz due to their declining quality (maybe the C-Class). There is no doubt that there is a certain “status” factor when driving around in a Benz, but is it really worth spending all that cash just to look like you are worth millions?

June 2008 Lease Rates for 08 Mercedes Benz ML-Class

Published by G

2008 Mercedes ML320 CDI 4WD SUV
24 Month – Residual 66% of MSRP – .00185 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 54% of MSRP – .00215 Base Rate
48 Month – Residual 45% of MSRP – .00215 Base Rate
60 Month – Residual 41% of MSRP – .00330 Base Rate

2008 Mercedes ML350 4WD SUV
24 Month – Residual 60% of MSRP – .00185 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 52% of MSRP – .00215 Base Rate
48 Month – Residual 40% of MSRP – .00215 Base Rate
60 Month – Residual 37% of MSRP – .00330 Base Rate

2008 Mercedes ML550 4WD SUV
24 Month – Residual 58% of MSRP – .00185 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 49% of MSRP – .00215 Base Rate
48 Month – Residual 39% of MSRP – .00215 Base Rate
60 Month – Residual 34% of MSRP – .00330 Base Rate

2008 Mercedes ML63 AMG 4WD SUV
24 Month – Residual 52% of MSRP – .00250 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 43% of MSRP – .00250 Base Rate
48 Month – Residual 37% of MSRP – .00250 Base Rate
60 Month – Residual 34% of MSRP – .00330 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

My Take: My Aunt has one of these monsters. I believe it is the ML550. Why a mother of 2 college graduates living in California needs a SUV with AWD defies my logic. The rates are quite average, nothing that would make me scream “great deal”. Crappy residual values and so-so money factors usually won’t motivate many to get one of these. Add on the fact that Premium gas is getting awfully close to $5 per gallon, the MLs probably won’t be moving off the lots too quickly.

June 2008 Lease Rates for 08 Mercedes Benz E-Class

Published by G

2008 Mercedes E320 BlueTec Sedan
24 Month – Residual 65% of MSRP – .00150 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 55% of MSRP – .00225 Base Rate
48 Month – Residual 46% of MSRP – .00225 Base Rate
60 Month – Residual 42% of MSRP – .00330 Base Rate

2008 Mercedes E350 Luxury Sedan
24 Month – Residual 61% of MSRP – .00085 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 50% of MSRP – .00130 Base Rate
48 Month – Residual 41% of MSRP – .00130 Base Rate
60 Month – Residual 37% of MSRP – .00330 Base Rate

2008 Mercedes E350 Luxury 4matic Sedan
24 Month – Residual 60% of MSRP – .00030 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 50% of MSRP – .00100 Base Rate
48 Month – Residual 42% of MSRP – .00100 Base Rate
60 Month – Residual 38% of MSRP – .00330 Base Rate

2008 Mercedes E350 Sport Sedan
24 Month – Residual 61% of MSRP – .00085 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 50% of MSRP – .00130 Base Rate
48 Month – Residual 41% of MSRP – .00130 Base Rate
60 Month – Residual 37% of MSRP – .00330 Base Rate

2008 Mercedes E350 Sport 4matic Sedan
24 Month – Residual 60% of MSRP – .00030 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 50% of MSRP – .00100 Base Rate
48 Month – Residual 42% of MSRP – .00100 Base Rate
60 Month – Residual 38% of MSRP – .00330 Base Rate

2008 Mercedes E350 4matic Wagon
24 Month – Residual 56% of MSRP – .00200 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 45% of MSRP – .00215 Base Rate
48 Month – Residual 39% of MSRP – .00215 Base Rate
60 Month – Residual 36% of MSRP – .00330 Base Rate

2008 Mercedes E550 Sport Sedan
24 Month – Residual 57% of MSRP – .00150 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 47% of MSRP – .00150 Base Rate
48 Month – Residual 40% of MSRP – .00150 Base Rate
60 Month – Residual 37% of MSRP – .00330 Base Rate

2008 Mercedes E550 Sport 4matic Sedan
24 Month – Residual 53% of MSRP – .00365 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 45% of MSRP – .00330 Base Rate
48 Month – Residual 39% of MSRP – .00330 Base Rate
60 Month – Residual 35% of MSRP – .00330 Base Rate

2008 Mercedes E63 AMG Sedan
24 Month – Residual 59% of MSRP – .00100 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 50% of MSRP – .00175 Base Rate
48 Month – Residual 43% of MSRP – .00175 Base Rate
60 Month – Residual 39% of MSRP – .00330 Base Rate

2008 Mercedes E63 AMG Wagon
24 Month – Residual 56% of MSRP – .00365 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 47% of MSRP – .00330 Base Rate
48 Month – Residual 41% of MSRP – .00330 Base Rate
60 Month – Residual 37% of MSRP – .00330 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

My Take: The E-class is getting a face-lift and new upgrades for the 2009 model year. As you can see, the money factors are very attractive for the 24-month leases, specially for the E350 Sport 4matic. The residuals are not too bad, although, it really sucks when you have to pay almost 40% of the car’s value within 2 years.

June 2008 Lease Rate for 08 Mercedes Benz C-Class

Published by G

2008 Mercedes C300 Luxury
24 Month – Residual 65% of MSRP – .00250 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 56% of MSRP – .00260 Base Rate
48 Month – Residual 47% of MSRP – .00260 Base Rate
60 Month – Residual 42% of MSRP – .00330 Base Rate

2008 Mercedes C300 Luxury 4matic
24 Month – Residual 65% of MSRP – .00240 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 56% of MSRP – .00260 Base Rate
48 Month – Residual 47% of MSRP – .00260 Base Rate
60 Month – Residual 42% of MSRP – .00330 Base Rate

2008 Mercedes C300 Sport
24 Month – Residual 65% of MSRP – .00250 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 56% of MSRP – .00260 Base Rate
48 Month – Residual 47% of MSRP – .00260 Base Rate
60 Month – Residual 43% of MSRP – .00330 Base Rate

2008 Mercedes C300 Sport 4matic
24 Month – Residual 65% of MSRP – .00240 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 56% of MSRP – .00260 Base Rate
48 Month – Residual 47% of MSRP – .00260 Base Rate
60 Month – Residual 43% of MSRP – .00330 Base Rate

2008 Mercedes C350 Sport
24 Month – Residual 64% of MSRP – .00200 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 55% of MSRP – .00185 Base Rate
48 Month – Residual 48% of MSRP – .00185 Base Rate
60 Month – Residual 43% of MSRP – .00330 Base Rate

2008 Mercedes C63 AMG
24 Month – Residual 65% of MSRP – .00365 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 56% of MSRP – .00330 Base Rate
48 Month – Residual 48% of MSRP – .00330 Base Rate
60 Month – Residual 43% of MSRP – .00330 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

My Take: The rates/residuals for the C-Class have not changed from the May Rates. So if you were hoping to get into a C-Class this month, you might want to wait a bit longer. I think the best MF and Residual combination right now is the 24mo lease (add 2% residual for 12k mile leases) for the C350 Sport. Now, whether you can get one at invoice, that’s another story.

May 2008 Lease Rates for 08 Mercedes Benz C-Class

Published by G

2008 Mercedes C300 Luxury
24 Month – Residual 65% of MSRP – .00250 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 56% of MSRP – .00260 Base Rate
48 Month – Residual 47% of MSRP – .00260 Base Rate
60 Month – Residual 42% of MSRP – .00330 Base Rate

2008 Mercedes C300 Luxury 4matic
24 Month – Residual 65% of MSRP – .00240 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 56% of MSRP – .00260 Base Rate
48 Month – Residual 47% of MSRP – .00260 Base Rate
60 Month – Residual 42% of MSRP – .00330 Base Rate

2008 Mercedes C300 Sport
24 Month – Residual 65% of MSRP – .00250 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 56% of MSRP – .00260 Base Rate
48 Month – Residual 47% of MSRP – .00260 Base Rate
60 Month – Residual 43% of MSRP – .00330 Base Rate

2008 Mercedes C300 Sport 4matic
24 Month – Residual 65% of MSRP – .00240 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 56% of MSRP – .00260 Base Rate
48 Month – Residual 47% of MSRP – .00260 Base Rate
60 Month – Residual 43% of MSRP – .00330 Base Rate

2008 Mercedes C350 Sport
24 Month – Residual 64% of MSRP – .00230 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 55% of MSRP – .00260 Base Rate
48 Month – Residual 48% of MSRP – .00260 Base Rate
60 Month – Residual 43% of MSRP – .00330 Base Rate

2008 Mercedes C63 AMG
24 Month – Residual 65% of MSRP – .00365 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 56% of MSRP – .00330 Base Rate
48 Month – Residual 48% of MSRP – .00330 Base Rate
60 Month – Residual 43% of MSRP – .00330 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

My Take: If MB (Mercedes Benz) isn’t taking advantage of the newly redesigned C-Class, then I don’t know what they are doing. A whopping .00365 money factor on the C63 AMG? OUCH! .00230 and .00240 isn’t exactly that low either. I do love the aggressive/muscle car look of the new C-Class. This car definitely more refined than the previous C-Class. I can’t say I would recommend leasing this car considering how terrible the residual and MF are. It is obvious MB is milking early adopters for all they got at the moment.

Test Drive: 2007 Mercedes Benz SLK55 AMG

Published by G

While doing a trade-in appraisal of my car this past weekend, I took a spin around the block in a 2007 SLK55 AMG. This is probably the second time that I have ever driven a two-seat convertible, so I was rather excited. I had absolutely no intention of every purchasing the car, but I felt it would be fun to take it out on a spin and kill some time since my car’s appraisal was going to take about 30 minutes to complete.

It certainly was fun to cruise around in a convertible as eye-catching as the SLK55, the problem is, for a AMG, it wasn’t THAT fast. It felt somewhat sluggish and heavy at times, which was odd considering this is an AMG tuned TWO-SEAT convertible. Another thing that annoyed me was not having a “one-touch” switch to retract roof. I had to hold the stupid thing for at least 15-20 seconds for it to close. At times, it almost seemed like it got stuck.

The one thing I do like about this car is the exhaust note. It has a very deep throttling roar which makes it sound fast. Other than that, I really don’t see any reason to get one of these unless you truly love it’s SLR-wannabe looks and got lot of money to spend.