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.

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.

09 Toyota Highlander Lease Rates – May 2009

logo_toyotaMy Take: The money factor on the Highlander is acceptable (barely), but the residual is not. Now, there may be some special “regional” deals going on all Toyota’s right now, so don’t let these numbers discourage you. Just contact your local dealer if you have questions regarding money factors, residuals and customer rebates (if any). If you don’t know of a dealer that can help you, just use the Yahoo Auto Quote System. Easy way to get dealers to contact you instead.

2009 Toyota Highlander

2009 Toyota Highlander 4WD Wagon Limited
24-month | 15k miles | residual 54% | .00216 base money factor
36-month | 15k miles | residual 47% | .00216 base money factor
48-month | 15k miles | residual 38% | .00275 base money factor
60-month | 15k miles | residual 29% | .00275 base money factor

December 2008 Do Not Lease List

Here you will find the lease rates for cars that I don’t recommend leasing this month. A poor combination of low residual value and high money factors usually means one thing…if you want it, don’t lease it, buy it.

2008 Acura MDX December Lease Rates

2008 Acura MDX
24-month | 15k miles | residual 53% | .00310 base money factor
36-month | 15k miles | residual 47% | .00300 base money factor
48-month | 15k miles | residual 38% | .00300 base money factor
60-month | 15k miles | residual 31% | .00310 base money factor

2008 Acura MDX Sport
24-month | 15k miles | residual 48% | .00310 base money factor
36-month | 15k miles | residual 43% | .00300 base money factor
48-month | 15k miles | residual 34% | .00300 base money factor
60-month | 15k miles | residual 28% | .00310 base money factor

2008 Acura MDX Sport w/RES
24-month | 15k miles | residual 48% | .00310 base money factor
36-month | 15k miles | residual 42% | .00300 base money factor
48-month | 15k miles | residual 34% | .00300 base money factor
60-month | 15k miles | residual 28% | .00310 base money factor

2008 Acura MDX Technology
24-month | 15k miles | residual 51% | .00310 base money factor
36-month | 15k miles | residual 45% | .00300 base money factor
48-month | 15k miles | residual 36% | .00300 base money factor
60-month | 15k miles | residual 30% | .00310 base money factor

2008 Acura MDX Technology w/RES
24-month | 15k miles | residual 50% | .00310 base money factor
36-month | 15k miles | residual 44% | .00300 base money factor
48-month | 15k miles | residual 36% | .00300 base money factor
60-month | 15k miles | residual 29% | .00310 base money factor

* .00300 x 2400 = 7.2% APR, need I say more?

2008/2009 Toyota Highlander December Lease Rates

2009 Toyota Highlander 4WD
24-month | 15k miles | residual 60% | .00285 base money factor
36-month | 15k miles | residual 53% | .00285 base money factor
48-month | 15k miles | residual 45% | .00285 base money factor
60-month | 15k miles | residual 37% | .00285 base money factor

2009 Toyota Highlander 4WD Limited
24-month | 15k miles | residual 58% | .00285 base money factor
36-month | 15k miles | residual 51% | .00285 base money factor
48-month | 15k miles | residual 42% | .00285 base money factor
60-month | 15k miles | residual 34% | .00285 base money factor

2009 Toyota Highlander 4WD Sport
24-month | 15k miles | residual 58% | .00285 base money factor
36-month | 15k miles | residual 51% | .00285 base money factor
48-month | 15k miles | residual 43% | .00285 base money factor
60-month | 15k miles | residual 35% | .00285 base money factor

2008 Toyota Highlander 4WD
24-month | 15k miles | residual 57% | .00163 base money factor
36-month | 15k miles | residual 50% | .00163 base money factor
48-month | 15k miles | residual 42% | .00285 base money factor
60-month | 15k miles | residual 34% | .00285 base money factor

2008 Toyota Highlander Sport 4WD
24-month | 15k miles | residual 55% | .00163 base money factor
36-month | 15k miles | residual 48% | .00163 base money factor
48-month | 15k miles | residual 40% | .00255 base money factor
60-month | 15k miles | residual 32% | .00255 base money factor

2008 Toyota Highlander Limited 4WD
24-month | 15k miles | residual 55% | .00163 base money factor
36-month | 15k miles | residual 48% | .00163 base money factor
48-month | 15k miles | residual 39% | .00285 base money factor
60-month | 15k miles | residual 31% | .00285 base money factor

* The 08 model’s MF isn’t too bad (3.9% APR) but the residual kills the deal for me.

2009 Porsche 911 December Lease Rates

2009 911 Carrera
24-month | 15k miles | residual 68% | .00280 base money factor
36-month | 15k miles | residual 59% | .00280 base money factor
48-month | 15k miles | residual 53% | .00280 base money factor
60-month | 15k miles | residual 46% | .00280 base money factor

2009 Porsche 911 Carrera S
24-month | 15k miles | residual 66% | .00280 base money factor
36-month | 15k miles | residual 57% | .00280 base money factor
48-month | 15k miles | residual 51% | .00280 base money factor
60-month | 15k miles | residual 44% | .00280 base money factor

2009 911 Carrera Convertible Turbo
24-month | 15k miles | residual 60% | .00280 base money factor
36-month | 15k miles | residual 51% | .00280 base money factor
48-month | 15k miles | residual 45% | .00280 base money factor
60-month | 15k miles | residual 38% | .00280 base money factor

* These numbers are actually not terrible, but the price tag of this vehicle pretty much takes this car off the average person’s wishlist.

2008/2009 Honda S2000 December Lease Rates

2009 Honda S2000 Convertible
24-month | 15k miles | residual 59% | .00310 base money factor
36-month | 15k miles | residual 52% | .00310 base money factor
48-month | 15k miles | residual 43% | .00305 base money factor
60-month | 15k miles | residual 34% | .00310 base money factor

2009 Honda S2000 Convertible CR
24-month | 15k miles | residual 58% | .00310 base money factor
36-month | 15k miles | residual 51% | .00310 base money factor
48-month | 15k miles | residual 42% | .00305 base money factor
60-month | 15k miles | residual 33% | .00310 base money factor

2009 Honda S2000 Convertible CR w/AC
24-month | 15k miles | residual 56% | .00310 base money factor
36-month | 15k miles | residual 50% | .00310 base money factor
48-month | 15k miles | residual 41% | .00305 base money factor
60-month | 15k miles | residual 34% | .00310 base money factor

2008 Honda S2000 Convertible
24-month | 15k miles | residual 54% | .00310 base money factor
36-month | 15k miles | residual 47% | .00310 base money factor
48-month | 15k miles | residual 39% | .00305 base money factor
60-month | 15k miles | residual 31% | .00310 base money factor

2008 Honda S2000 Convertible CR
24-month | 15k miles | residual 51% | .00310 base money factor
36-month | 15k miles | residual 45% | .00310 base money factor
48-month | 15k miles | residual 37% | .00305 base money factor
60-month | 15k miles | residual 29% | .00310 base money factor

2008 Honda S2000 Convertible CR w/AC
24-month | 15k miles | residual 53% | .00310 base money factor
36-month | 15k miles | residual 46% | .00310 base money factor
48-month | 15k miles | residual 38% | .00305 base money factor
60-month | 15k miles | residual 30% | .00310 base money factor

* 7.2%+ APR PLUS weak residuals = no thanks.

2009 Volvo XC90 December Lease Rates

2009 Volvo XC90 4WD 3.2L
24-month | 15k miles | residual 54% | .00525 base money factor
36-month | 15k miles | residual 46% | .00477 base money factor
48-month | 15k miles | residual 37% | .00471 base money factor

2009 Volvo XC90 4WD 3.2L
24-month | 15k miles | residual 51% | .00525 base money factor
36-month | 15k miles | residual 43% | .00477 base money factor
48-month | 15k miles | residual 35% | .00471 base money factor

2009 Volvo XC90 4WD 3.2L
24-month | 15k miles | residual 54% | .00525 base money factor
36-month | 15k miles | residual 46% | .00477 base money factor
48-month | 15k miles | residual 37% | .00471 base money factor

2009 Volvo XC90 4WD 3.2L
24-month | 15k miles | residual 53% | .00525 base money factor
36-month | 15k miles | residual 45% | .00477 base money factor
48-month | 15k miles | residual 37% | .00471 base money factor

2009 Volvo XC90 4WD 3.2L
24-month | 15k miles | residual 51% | .00525 base money factor
36-month | 15k miles | residual 43% | .00477 base money factor
48-month | 15k miles | residual 35% | .00471 base money factor

2009 Volvo XC90 4WD 3.2L
24-month | 15k miles | residual 51% | .00525 base money factor
36-month | 15k miles | residual 43% | .00477 base money factor
48-month | 15k miles | residual 35% | .00471 base money factor

* You see that big LeaseCompare.com ad at the end of this post, try them…avoid Ford Credit like the plague.

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October 2008 Lease Rate for 08 Toyota Highlander

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.

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  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

0% financing on 11 Toyota models

PRESS RELEASE:

Toyota Announces Zero-Percent Offer

TORRANCE, Calif., Oct. 2, 2008 – Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., today announced a zero-percent interest rate offer on eleven Toyota models for qualified buyers. Expiring November 3, 2008, the loan offer varies by model, with terms ranging from 36 to 60 months.

Taking aim at the credit squeeze which has sidelined many of today’s new-car buyers, the attractive offer is unprecedented for Toyota.

“Not only do we have the inventory of today’s sought after fuel-efficient models, but we have the capacity through Toyota Financial Services to finance or lease them,” said Toyota Division General Manager Bob Carter.

The Toyota models qualifying for this offer are: Matrix, Corolla, Camry, RAV4, Highlander, FJ Cruiser, 4Runner, Sequoia, Sienna, Tacoma and Tundra.

September 2008 Lease Rate for 08 Toyota Highlander & 4Runner

My Take: There is some cash rebates available for the 4Runner and the Highlander. With the 4Runner getting a $2500 rebate and the Highlander $1000. Low MF and the rebates help offset the uninspiring residual values. The 4Runner seems to be looking better than the highlander. Without options, you’re looking at mid-$300s after taxes for 36mo/15k. Add a few options and drop to 12k per year and you should be a well equipped 4Runner at around high-$300s after tax.

To post specific lease questions, you can join our RIDE Automotive 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 MSRP 24-month 36-month 24-month 36-month
08 Toyota Highlander Sport 2WD $29,895 $435 $360 $576 $455
  • MSRP $29,895 ($30,895-$1,000)
  • Invoice $26,578 ($27,578-$1,000)
  • Standard inception fees + tax not included
  • Residuals posted are for 15K miles/year.

2008 Toyota Highlander Sport 2WD
24 Month – Residual 55% of MSRP – .00081 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 48% of MSRP – .00081 Base Rate
48 Month – Residual 40% of MSRP – .00265 Base Rate
60 Month – Residual 32% of MSRP – .00265 Base Rate

At Invoice At MSRP
Make/Model MSRP 24-month 36-month 24-month 36-month
08 Toyota 4Runner Sport V6 $30,845 $378 $325 $537 $431
  • MSRP $30,845 ($33,345-$2,500)
  • Invoice $27,087 ($29,587-$2,500)
  • Standard inception fees + tax not included
  • Residuals posted are for 15K miles/year.

2008 Toyota 4Runner Sport V6
24 Month – Residual 56% of MSRP – .00060 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 49% of MSRP – .00060 Base Rate
48 Month – Residual 41% of MSRP – .00265 Base Rate
60 Month – Residual 33% of MSRP – .00265 Base Rate

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

2008 Toyota Highlander 2WD
24 Month – Residual 56% of MSRP – .00143 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 49% of MSRP – .00143 Base Rate
48 Month – Residual 41% of MSRP – .00265 Base Rate
60 Month – Residual 33% of MSRP – .00265 Base Rate

2008 Toyota Highlander Limited 2WD
24 Month – Residual 54% of MSRP – .00143 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 47% of MSRP – .00143 Base Rate
48 Month – Residual 38% of MSRP – .00265 Base Rate
60 Month – Residual 30% of MSRP – .00265 Base Rate

2008 Toyota 4Runner Sport V8
24 Month – Residual 56% of MSRP – .00060 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 49% of MSRP – .00060 Base Rate
48 Month – Residual 41% of MSRP – .00265 Base Rate
60 Month – Residual 33% of MSRP – .00265 Base Rate

Rates provided by Tarry Shebesta from Leasecompare.com

August 2008 Lease Rates for 08 Toyota Highlander

My Take: Ever wanted to know how much the Highlander Hybrid costs to lease? Lets find out! Just make sure you don’t get your hopes up. The residual is so-so and the MF is on the higher end of things here, not exactly the best combination out there. Seems to me that what you save on gas, compared to the non-hybrid models, you make up in higher payments.

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  • Highlander Limited Hybrid 4WD
  • MSRP $43,835
  • Invoice $39,028
  • Standard inception fees + tax not included
  • Residuals posted are for 15K miles/year.

2008 Toyota Highlander Limited Hybrid 4WD
24 Month – Residual 63% of MSRP – .00255 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 54% of MSRP – .00255 Base Rate

24mo Payment: $645 at invoice, $858 at MSRP
36mo Payment: $586 at invoice, $732 at MSRP

You don’t want any lease longer than 36-month since the warranty is only up to 3 yrs. The numbers look “okay”. Certainly not motivating me to run out and get one since you probably won’t get much of a discount since this IS a hybrid.

In contrast…

  • Highlander Sport 4WD
  • MSRP $38,240
  • Invoice $33,554
  • Standard inception fees + tax not included
  • Residuals posted are for 15K miles/year.

2008 Toyota Highlander Sport 4WD
24 Month – Residual 57% of MSRP – .00166 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 50% of MSRP – .00166 Base Rate

24mo Payment: $582 at invoice, $785 at MSRP
36mo Payment: $488 at invoice, $626 at MSRP

We’re looking at about $100 bucks per month more on the Hybrid over 36 months. That’s $3600 over the course of 3 yrs. On average, the Hybrid gets about 7 miles more than the non-hybrid version. Meaning, if you drive 12k miles per year, you consumer 462 gallons on a hybrid and 631 gallons on a non-hybrid. Assuming gas prices are at $5 per gallon (I know they aren’t, but this is just to anticipate any price changes for the next year or so), that’s $845 more per year on the non-hybrid. However, you are paying $1200 more per year on the hybrid, making it about $355 more per year.

Rates provided by Tarry Shebesta from Leasecompare.com