New Leasing Offers are On the Rise

Courtesy Frank Giovinazzi
Contributing Editor, AIADA

Washington DC February 27, 2006; After a few relatively lean years in lease programs, consumers are once again being offered the opportunity to get into International nameplate vehicles with the convenience that leasing provides. While leasing isn’t for everyone, one of the reasons International vehicles make such a good choice for these programs is their high residual value. Because International nameplate vehicles maintain a higher percentage of their value when it comes to trade-in time, the payments for many high-end and aspiration vehicles can actually be more affordable than what consumers might assume.

The equation is simple -- leasing is essentialy a program where a consumer makes a monthly payment for a set time period, that is based on what the projected trade-in, or residual, value of the vehicle is going to be when the lease term ends. Even after adding in financing costs and initial payments, leasing can work out to give consumers a lower monthly payment in a nicer vehicle than they might ordinarily be able to afford with a straight purchase.

Of course, there are other factors to consider when comparing lease versus traditional purchase, such as the amount of mileage a consumer drives, as well as their particular tax situation. So while it’s a good idea to check with your tax planner or accountant if leasing is right for you, you may want to be aware of some of the great leasing programs International nameplate dealers are offering:

Honda -- How’d you like to get into the pickup that’s been voted North American Truck of the Year [several times over] for only $299.00 a month? The Honda Ridgeline is currently being offered at this rate for 3 years, or 36 months, with $2,193.00 total due at signing. You can also get into a 2006 Accord Coupe LX for $239.00 per month for 36 months with $2,083.00 total due at signing.

Audi -- This line make has been making steady, even stealthy, inroads with discerning buyers as the luxury brand for refined tastes. And you can get into a 2006 A4 -- with the peppy 2.0 T engine for only $349 per month for 36-months with $2,273 due at signing.

BMW -- The 3 series has made Car And Driver’s "10 Best" car list for 14 years running, and consumers can enjoy BMW’s stable pillar for $369 a month for only 2 years with $3,269, with the 2006 BMW 325i sedan. BMW also has a great lease deal on the X3 3.0i SUV, for $389 a month, also for 24 months, with $3,289 down.

Volkswagen -- VW may have the most eye-popping deal on the books right now -- through February 28, you can drive off the lot with no money down on either a Jetta or Passat! For the Passat, the "$0 drive off" deal applies to the 2006 Passat 2.0T Value Edition, with monthly payments of $299 for a 39-month lease. Lease payments for the 2006 Jetta Value Edition are only $249 a month for 39-months.

Suzuki -- The Grand Vitara SUV is being offered for an incredible $199 a month for a two and a half year, or 30 month lease, with $2,198 due at lease signing.

Mercedes -- Leading off with the new R-Class Grand Sports Tourer, Mercedes has lease offers on eight of their vehicles. The R350 can be had for $499 a month for 39 months with $3,994 due at signing.

Toyota -- Has lease offers on their 2006 Tundra and 4Runner, with details available only through Toyota dealerships.

Nissan -- Current lease offers are also available only through Nissan dealerships.

As with all finance offers, details may vary from region to region and there are always deadlines and finance requirements to consider. For more information, visit your nearest International nameplate dealership, either in person or online.