Scott Wong
Second Unit
- Joined
- Oct 30, 1999
- Messages
- 421
- Real Name
- Scott Wong
I did a search on this but just didn't come up with an anything that applied to my scenario.
I'm currently leasing a 2001 Lexus IS300 that is fully loaded with all the toys. It's flawless. I'm under my mileage allowance (12,000 miles annually) and my lease is up next March so I'm preparing.
It's an excellent car and a blast to drive. I've had my fun with it but I'm not planning on buying the car out right at the end of the lease. Due to many unforseen circumstances (change of employment, divorce, etc, etc.) I simply want to get rid of the car and get into something that should offer me a lower monthly payment (which won't be easy after spending so much time in my IS300).
I'm in a 39 month lease. I put down $3,000 and my monthly payment is $450.25 The residual value on this car per my lease shows as $22,393.04 which seems awfully high to me. I have this unsettling feeling as though I got taken for a ride by a salesman who was supposedly giving me a really good deal on this vehicle. On top of that, after contacting Lexus Financial Services today, the buy out on this car is $25,xxx.xx... and according to Kelley Blue Book, this same car in my area (with comparable mileage) can be had for around $20,800 - $21,000. That scares me. I realize the residual amount is negotiable but my first question is, I'm wondering if the residual value is even relevant to me if I plan on turning in the car at the end of the lease term?
Lastly, is it just a matter of me driving the vehicle back to the dealership I bought it from and walking away with nothing? I'm assuming I get back my security deposit (contingent upon normal wear and tear of the vehicle)??
I'm convinced leasing simply isn't for me. I feel so unsatisfied. I mean, I know I've been driving around a nice car for the last couple of years. But I've been paying a hefty car payment each month on time and the only thing I'm going to have to show for it is my lousy security deposit. I suppose this is sort of like the difference between renting an apartment and buying a home and having equity. :frowning:
Scott.
I'm currently leasing a 2001 Lexus IS300 that is fully loaded with all the toys. It's flawless. I'm under my mileage allowance (12,000 miles annually) and my lease is up next March so I'm preparing.
It's an excellent car and a blast to drive. I've had my fun with it but I'm not planning on buying the car out right at the end of the lease. Due to many unforseen circumstances (change of employment, divorce, etc, etc.) I simply want to get rid of the car and get into something that should offer me a lower monthly payment (which won't be easy after spending so much time in my IS300).
I'm in a 39 month lease. I put down $3,000 and my monthly payment is $450.25 The residual value on this car per my lease shows as $22,393.04 which seems awfully high to me. I have this unsettling feeling as though I got taken for a ride by a salesman who was supposedly giving me a really good deal on this vehicle. On top of that, after contacting Lexus Financial Services today, the buy out on this car is $25,xxx.xx... and according to Kelley Blue Book, this same car in my area (with comparable mileage) can be had for around $20,800 - $21,000. That scares me. I realize the residual amount is negotiable but my first question is, I'm wondering if the residual value is even relevant to me if I plan on turning in the car at the end of the lease term?
Lastly, is it just a matter of me driving the vehicle back to the dealership I bought it from and walking away with nothing? I'm assuming I get back my security deposit (contingent upon normal wear and tear of the vehicle)??
I'm convinced leasing simply isn't for me. I feel so unsatisfied. I mean, I know I've been driving around a nice car for the last couple of years. But I've been paying a hefty car payment each month on time and the only thing I'm going to have to show for it is my lousy security deposit. I suppose this is sort of like the difference between renting an apartment and buying a home and having equity. :frowning:
Scott.