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The End of Leasing? And do you care?

95 messages,  Last post on Sep 03, 2008 at 4:58 PM

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What is this discussion about? Chrysler, Automotive News, Coupe, Hatchback, Truck


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#11 of 95
Is it worth it? by bvdj84
Jul 26, 2008 (9:29 am)
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Well, perhaps in their market they can get by without the leasing option, but for some company's, leasing makes up a huge percentage of there overall market. I am not sure all companys, will jump for this option as they would lose many customers. Perhaps Chrysler can get by with not leasing, given there choice though, I do believe that they will lose many. I know many people who lease, and trade in, trade out, and this would put a damper on ways to get cars moving out, as some cannot afford that 5 series BMW, but when coupled with lease deal, then its more within reach. Putting finance only on a car will only limit its market, some models can get by with this, but doing this for every model. This would definitely bring down the average price of what consumers can actually afford on a car, while leaving other cars in the dust, and to a upper end market.
 
This day in age, with the economy, I am not sure why one would make this change at this time, as everyone is just trying to get by, and the company itself would limit its consumers, If you have noticed, every advertisement for a car on TV is based on a lease, and they are getting pretty attractive. They have to do this, because, I am sure they are seeing a slow down in sales, depending on how economic their model line up is.
 
Leasing:
The problem is, many people are not careful with their leased cars, and go into it not thinking realistically on how they use the car, how many miles traveled. Then at the end, your hit, and wonder why. Leasing is not for everyone, but I am certain many are signing a lease, just because its a lower price, payment and seems more attractive, but tossing aside the consequences that are to be had at the end of the lease because they were never really fit for the lease from the start. Yes, the rules are pretty strict, stay within miles, keep it looking good, care. But, if you can do all of that successfully and realistically, then it might make for a good option. It is just many don't think about that, or the payment and what your getting totally blurs the reality of it, and that you may not fit well with that kind of rules. Its not worth doing it, if you cannot do this.
 
If other companys opt out of leasing, this will certainly affect me.
#12 of 95
Won't miss it... by lemko
Jul 26, 2008 (10:00 am)
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...as I never leased a car in the first place and most likely never will. Funny thing is, without the ability to lease C-Classes and 3-Series, you'll get to see who really has it together and who the poseurs really are:
 
"Dude, I thought you were getting a 328i?"
 
"Sorry, couldn't afford it as an entry-level apprentice file clerk. I had to settle for a used Hyundai Elantra."
#13 of 95
Re: Leasing and the value consumer [saabgirl] by ponytrekker
Jul 26, 2008 (10:13 am)
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Replying to: saabgirl (Jul 26, 2008 9:01 am)

For me, leasing works. A fixed cost and I can write off the majority of it for business.
 
A lease only works if you get a tax benefit. Also, never ever put anything down.
 
If all companies stopped leasing, then I would do what everyone else does: buy a cheaper car.
#14 of 95
Re: Leasing and the value consumer [ponytrekker] by boomchek
Jul 26, 2008 (10:35 am)
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Replying to: ponytrekker (Jul 26, 2008 10:13 am)

I like leasing because I get a tax write off too. And because I'm bored with my cars, and don't get attached to them, I like to change them all the time. I mean, I work in the business, so if leasing does go away, yes, I will miss it from a business and personal point of view.
 
As for high end models, a BMW 7 series let's say, I bet many of them (maybe as much as 50%) are leased.
 
Who would want to lay out $120k+ for a vehicle they'll replace in 2 years, that will lose $50k+ in that time frame.
 
It's easier to invest that money, and get a decent return on it, instead of tie it up in a depreciating asset.
 
SO I think you'll still see hihg end vehicles being leased, but the lowe end stuff, say Kia Rios, Focuses, trucks, etc....they're mostly going to be financed.
#15 of 95
I could see it by boaz47
Jul 26, 2008 (11:24 am)
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if we are talking a company vehicle. You can write most of the cost off on taxes. But it still is a lot like renting. You pay a monthly payment for a year of two and at the end you move out and you have nothing to show for your investment.
 
But I suppose if you look at it as paying for your company transportation it would work for some.
 
I simply don't care if they lease or not.
#16 of 95
Never Made Sense to Me by oldfarmer50
Jul 26, 2008 (11:30 am)
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I never saw the benefit in leasing. Also, the terms and conditions were so confusing I could never tell if I was getting hosed. I like to keep my car a long time so it never attracted me.
 
I used to think that buying a leased car was a good idea. After all the guy who leases has to take care of the car, right? WRONG! I learned that when a car is returned from lease they make no effort to determine if it had been maintained at all. This means you could end up buying a car that never had an oil change in 36,000 miles. I'd rather buy a rental, at least they have routine maintaince
 
If leasing goes away all together it might make it harder to find a used car as fewer would be coming back on the market as soon.
#17 of 95
Re: Never Made Sense to Me [oldfarmer50] by bvdj84
Jul 26, 2008 (11:45 am)
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Replying to: oldfarmer50 (Jul 26, 2008 11:30 am)

Well, it is up to each individual company, and why would they want to pull the plug in this day in age, when that is what makes up a huge portion of its market and they would lose so much business. Company's would have to re-evaluate their cars pricing, and that would effect them, along with the consumer. You think many would be able to afford a bottom end Accord? Nope, let alone a fully loaded Accord or Camry, or that new Malibu. Its tough enough that some cars that I test drove this past spring, are still there sitting on the lot, and it now officially has a tag on it saying its been to its first oil change. I almost got that car, when the "lease" was good. Now its not good at all, and that car is $29k. So could you imagine if that car was a finance only model? It might be sitting there a long time, or they may lower the price, but they will take a hit, and that won't happen too long before that will change, either way people have to make a profit. Literally that $29k car was going to be lease for $340 a month, with $0 down!! unheard of! That lease offer is gone!
I didn't like the car enough though.
 
That doesn't make sense. Its like the company is digging their own grave. Throwing away a big part of their market.
 
It makes sense to lease for me, but getting rid of that option will certainly kill the market substantially.
#18 of 95
Re: Leasing and the value consumer [ponytrekker] by Mr_Shiftright HOST
Jul 26, 2008 (11:56 am)
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Replying to: ponytrekker (Jul 26, 2008 10:13 am)

I'd bet that the vast majority of leasors are not doing a tax write-off, and I'd also bet that a percentage who used to do tax write off now aren't making the same money to justify it (you have have enough income to "write-off", in other words). And some maybe don't have a job anymore.
 
So really Chrysler might be ditching a failing market segment, not a prosperous one.
 
Of course, I agree, they don't have much choice these days when it comes to trimming the fat...and once the company's fat is all trimmed, if they are still losing money, they'll have to start trimming the muscle.
 
Some leasors might also end up like my brother--he doesn't even MEET his mileage and he doesn't write anything off. He's retired.
#19 of 95
Leasing by wesleyg
Jul 26, 2008 (1:04 pm)
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I replied several months ago to a question regarding leasing to I believe Oldfarmer in which some posters roasted me (tore me a new A**) for my leasing efforts. I have leased approx. 38 new cars since 1966. I never recommend to any of friends that they lease since every situation is unique.
 
But just to briefly sum up my situation, I lease for 48 months, sell it outright after 18 or 19 months, keep it clean and low mileage, no money down, try to lease a popular car that I LIKE, always shoot for a manufacturers incentive program on the car etc. I never shop for payments as I can afford to buy but much to my wife's ire, I cannot keep any car past 18 months or 18K.
 
For most of my efforts, after selling the car and figuring my "cost to drive" and often getting slightly more than the buyout price, not having to pay the 7.5% sales tax on each car that runs through my hands, it at least eases the pain. I know that for most people, my system wouldn't be appropriate at all, and please, I am NOT recommending this system.
 
So if leasing becomes too restrictive, a guy like me is gonna be unhappy.
#20 of 95
Re: Never Made Sense to Me [oldfarmer50] by 1stpik
Jul 26, 2008 (5:54 pm)
Reply

Replying to: oldfarmer50 (Jul 26, 2008 11:30 am)

"...I could never tell if I was getting hosed."
 
The suspicion that you're getting hosed means that you ARE getting hosed.

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