GMC

2011 GM Lease Rates – April 2011

Published by G

Due to a lack of lease rates from GM, I decided to pool together all GM models and put them in one post. Please note that GM uses interest rates instead of money factors, so the money factors listed below are approximations of what the interest rates would be.

The money factors are really low right now, plus there are some good cash incentives available to help with the poor residual values. These vehicles seem to be very good candidates to lease and then buy out at lease-end. Still not in the 90+ RWG rating range, but it’s at least they are looking somewhat more promising.


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 Chevy Cruze Eco (24mo)
MSRP – $19,175
Sale Price – $17256 (with $1250 cash incentive)
Monthly – $242+ tax
RWG Rating – 85.5

2011 Chevy Cruze Eco (36mo)
MSRP – $19,175
Sale Price – $17256 (with $1100 cash incentive)
Monthly – $226+ tax
RWG Rating – 86.1

For Dealer Quotes, Click Here.


2011 Cadillac CTS 3.0 Performance Sedan ($4075 cash incentive)
36-month | 15k miles | residual 44% | .00061 base money factor

2011 Cadillac SRX Luxury ($650 cash incentive)
36-month | 15k miles | residual 50% | .00077 base money factor

2011 Buick Lacrosse CXS ($1900 cash incentive)
36-month | 15k miles | residual 47% | .00007 base money factor

2011 Buick Regal CXL Turbo ($2400 cash incentive)
36-month | 15k miles | residual 47% | .00007 base money factor

2011 Chevy Cruze Eco ($1250 cash incentive for 24-month, $1100 cash incentive for 36-month)
24-month | 15k miles | residual 60% | .00007 base money factor
36-month | 15k miles | residual 50% | .00042 base money factor

2011 Chevy Tahoe LT 4WD ($1400 cash incentive)
36-month | 15k miles | residual 46% | .00007 base money factor

2011 Chevy Traverse 1LT 4WD
24-month | 15k miles | residual 59% | .00007 base money factor

2011 Chevy Traverse LTZ 4WD
24-month | 15k miles | residual 58% | .00007 base money factor

2011 GMC Acadia Denali SLT2 AWD ($1000 cash incentive)
39-month | 15k miles | residual 50% | .00013 base money factor

2010 OC Auto Show

Published by G

Sorry for the delay in posting the photos. I’ve been busy this past week with work, nursing a sports related injury and spending time with family over the weekend. Anyway, the OC Auto Show was great and I got to spend a good four hours taking photos and “sampling” the goods. As far as concepts are concern, there weren’t many in this show. Then again, this show is a much small event than the LA, Detroit or NY Auto Show, so most of the cars on display were either models in production or soon to be released. Of all of the major manufacturers, only a few didn’t make the show (Mercedes-Benz and Mitsubishi); Not a huge loss if you ask me.

Here are some of my initial reactions about each manufacturer that showed up:

Acura – The TL’s “beak” really needs to go. The TSX wagon is hideous. The rest of the line-up gets a thumbs up.

Audi – Nothing new. I am personally targeting the A3 as a my possible “Next Ride”.

BMW – Nothing new. I didn’t spend much time there because it’s not different than last year with the exception of the new IS models.

Buick – The Regal looks nice and it’s cheap. A bit smaller than what I thought it would be, though.

Chevy – The Cruze was actually impressive. I think it should compete well against cars in it’s class.

Dodge/Chrysler/Jeep – JGC was probably the best looking offering they had (No surprise there). It’s a good looking SUV inside and out.

GMC – Probably the only brand that offered a “Concept”, the Granite. Interesting take on box-shaped transportation. Certainly better looking than the Cube or the xB.

Ford – I liked the Edge Sport and the Fusion. Not sore I would get the Fusion personally, but I would consider the Edge…as a matter of fact, I am.

Honda – They really did something funky to the tail lights of the Accord coupe; It flares out to the side. Really weird looking, not a fan of it.

KIA/Hyundai – Love the Sonata and the Optima. The 2.0T and the Hybrid look sharp. I’m highly considering the Sonata as my next car because of it’s combination of features and price.

Saab – Yawn.

Volvo – XC60 is freaking awesome. It’s too expensive, otherwise I would seriously consider getting one even if the quality/durability may be questionable (it is a lease after all).

Subaru – Nothing really new except a really pimped out STi. From a styling perspective, it doesn’t look any different than the one from last year.

Toyota – Cheap plastic all over the freaking place. It’s like Toyota took a page out of GMC and Ford’s “how to build a cheap car” manual. This is like Bizarro World. Seriously.

Supercars – I don’t keep up with the Maseratis, Ferraris and Lambos of the world so I didn’t know what to look for. I do know the Sesto Elemento wasn’t there. Not that ride is impressive.

Jaguar – New XJ looks pimping. It’s elegant and loaded with tech. I like how the dash and console look so clean and elegant.

Volkswagen –  VW is changing the way they package their vehicles, which will be similar to what Honda/Acura does (which shoud simplify the shopping process).  2011 Jetta gets mixed feelings from me due to the simplified,  “downgraded” interior.  My wife wasn’t a big fan of the new exterior either (compared to her Wolfsburg) and I have to agree with her. I think the Jetta lost a lot of it’s “personality” in the redesign. I think of it as a jogger wearing a suit, not exactly the sporty/playful image I’ve come to love about the Jetta.

Mazda – Nothing new on this show, but I do know Mazda has a sweet new concept called the Shinari, which looks insanely good. I’m hoping they bring it in for the LA Auto Show next month. That would be spectacular.

Lexus – The IS gets a “F” option package which mimics the ISF in style but not in performance. It’s like the M package that’s offered on the 3-series.

Cadillac – Caddy has a good number of cars in the show and the best one of them all is the CTS-V coupe. I don’t know what C&D was talking about when they said the interior was “gimmicky”. Whatever, I think its a fabulous car if you have $500-$600 bucks to burn per month (or so).

Without further delay, here are some pictures from the show! Enjoy!

Replacing the G – Round One

Published by G

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.

2011 GMC Lease Rates – September 2010

Published by G

logo_gmcMy Take: This isn’t really THAT bad if you think about it. I’ve seen much worse. This doesn’t exactly mean GM is back in the leasing business, but it’s a start.

FIND A GMC DEALER NEAR YOU

2011 GMC Acadia SLT1 AWD
36-month | 15k miles | residual 48% | .00114 base money factor
39-month | 15k miles | residual 46% | .00114 base money factor

2011 GMC Yukon Denali AWD
36-month | 15k miles | residual 47% | .00146 base money factor
39-month | 15k miles | residual 45% | .00146 base money factor

GMC Incentives from Edmunds.com

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.

GM Employee Pricing For EVERYONE!

Published by G

By now you have probably seen the commercials. This program ends Sept 2nd 30th.  It is a good time to buy a GM vehicle. They aren’t all crappy cars…REALLY! It’s like picking apples, we know apples can be good, just make sure you don’t pick one with a worm in it.  GM is serious about pushing sales right now (they must be hurting real bad this quarter) because they are having a clearance on EVERYTHING that’s a 2008 ! YUP! you can get a hefty 10k off MSRP on the Corvette, yes, even the Z06. Some 2009 models are included, like the Cobalt and the Caddy CTS, HRR and Vibe (Toyota Matrix’s American relative). Looks like they aren’t holding back this time.

Click here to see available models and how much they are being discounted.

This is probably one of those few times when I’ll be pitching an American car, so at least take the time to check it out. I don’t recommend all GMs obviously, but in that list, there are a few cars I would personally like to have in my garage. Here’s a short list…

  • Caddy CTS
  • Chevy Corvette
  • Pontiac G8 GT
  • Saturn Sky Red Line (which happens to have an additional $500 bucks back)
  • Pontiac Solstice GXP ($500 bucks back too on top of the employee discount)
  • GMC Acadia ($1500 cash back + employee pricing)
  • Chevy Malibu

There are more cars on my list, but I am tired of listing them since they are re-badged versions of these same cars.

Now the questions is, does employee pricing + cashback work with leases? That I don’t know. Maybe a dealer might be kind enough to share some of that insight?

August 2008 Lease Rates for 08 Cadillac CTS, Subaru WRX STi, GMC Acadia and Porsche Boxster

Published by G

My Take: Here are some other “bleh” leases going on this month. We have a Caddy CTS (nice car, but I fear the reliability), WRX STi (AWD rice rocket, with wings), Acadia (happens to get as much MPG as my G37. Shocking, I know) and the Porsche Boxter (or Porkster as some would call it). I don’t think there’s much of demand for these cars right now, so if you want to see some numbers, just leave a comment and I’ll punch in some numbers. Better yet, you can use the lease calculator and punch in your own numbers and comment on your discoveries! Then I’ll comment on them! YEY, that would be nice! Haahaa.

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2008 Cadillac CTS
24 Month – Residual 69% of MSRP – .00338 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 59% of MSRP – .00338 Base Rate
48 Month – Residual 50% of MSRP – .00338 Base Rate

2008 Subaru Impreza WRX STi
24 Month – Residual 66% of MSRP – .00265 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 57% of MSRP – .00240 Base Rate
48 Month – Residual 48% of MSRP – .00240 Base Rate

2008 GMC Acadia SLE 2WD
24 Month – Residual 67% of MSRP – .00344 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 60% of MSRP – .00344 Base Rate
48 Month – Residual 52% of MSRP – .00344 Base Rate

2008 GMC Acadia SLT 2WD
24 Month – Residual 67% of MSRP – .00344 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 60% of MSRP – .00344 Base Rate
48 Month – Residual 52% of MSRP – .00344 Base Rate

2008 GMC Acadia SLE 4WD
24 Month – Residual 67% of MSRP – .00344 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 60% of MSRP – .00344 Base Rate
48 Month – Residual 52% of MSRP – .00344 Base Rate

2008 GMC Acadia SLT 4WD
24 Month – Residual 67% of MSRP – .00344 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 60% of MSRP – .00344 Base Rate
48 Month – Residual 52% of MSRP – .00344 Base Rate

2008 Boxster Roadster
24 Month – Residual 59% of MSRP – .00260 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 59% of MSRP – .00260 Base Rate
48 Month – Residual 44% of MSRP – .00260 Base Rate
60 Month – Residual 37% of MSRP – .00260 Base Rate

2008 Boxster Roadster Limited Edition
24 Month – Residual 59% of MSRP – .00260 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 59% of MSRP – .00260 Base Rate
48 Month – Residual 44% of MSRP – .00260 Base Rate
60 Month – Residual 37% of MSRP – .00260 Base Rate

2008 Boxster Roadster S
24 Month – Residual 57% of MSRP – .00260 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 57% of MSRP – .00260 Base Rate
48 Month – Residual 42% of MSRP – .00260 Base Rate
60 Month – Residual 35% of MSRP – .00260 Base Rate

2008 Boxster Roadster S Limited Edition
24 Month – Residual 57% of MSRP – .00260 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 57% of MSRP – .00260 Base Rate
48 Month – Residual 42% of MSRP – .00260 Base Rate
60 Month – Residual 35% of MSRP – .00260 Base Rate

2008 Boxster Roadster S RS 60
24 Month – Residual 56% of MSRP – .00260 Base Rate
36 Month – Residual 56% of MSRP – .00260 Base Rate
48 Month – Residual 41% of MSRP – .00260 Base Rate
60 Month – Residual 34% of MSRP – .00260 Base Rate

Rates provided by Tarry Shebesta from Leasecompare.com

The GM 72-Hour Sale, Ends June 30th

Published by G

GM is current offering a 0% APR financing for 72-months (about 6 yrs) on the following 2008 models:

  • Chevrolet: Suburban, Avalanche, Equinox, Colorado, Tahoe, Silverado, TrailBlazer, Uplander, Impala, HHR
  • Buick: Lucerne, Lacrosse
  • Pontiac: Torrent, Solstice, G6, Grand Prix
  • GMC: Yukon and Yukon XL, Sierra, Envoy and Canyon
  • Cadillac: All Escalade models, SRX, STS, DTS
  • HUMMER: H2 and H3
  • Saab: 9-7X, 9-3 Convertible
  • Saturn: Sky, Aura and Vue

Unfortunately, It doesn’t apply to all models. However, it does cover an extensive list of pretty “cool” cars, such as the Saturn Sky (including the Red Line) and it’s twin, the Solstice. Unfortunately, the other models are less than desirable. At least you get free financing, which can’t be beat.

If any residents in or near Southern California end up getting a Sky/Solstice and would like to take it up a notch, check out Race Precision and their RPi Sky 24GT. One of the owners, Apex/Gabe, has his Noble M400 featured here on The Wall.

GM’s 72-hour sale ends June 30th, 2008.