Quote:
Originally Posted by dP3NGU1N
Even if you switch cars often it's far more economical to buy and resell rather than lease. Like someone mentioned earlier, you're out something like $20k over 3 years or so. You think your car is going to depreciate that much over that period of time? I'm thinking it'll drop more in line of $10k or so.
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This is true. You should sign up for a 6 year finance. It will make you monthly payments low, probably lower than your lease quotes. Then make your payments each month and put a little extra into the principle. That way you have super low interest payments each month and are able to pay off the loan balance much quicker. I did this on my 370. It was about $32K out the door on the loan. I had it paid off in 4 years. 3 years in I owed about $10k on a car worth about $25K.
Same on my wife's Cadillac SRX. Loan was for $27K after $10K trade in. Payment is about $500 a month. 12 months after the loan has started and the total balance is about $15K. I should have this one paid off in another 2 years, 2 years ahead of the 5 year finance arrangement.
As of right now I owe about $15K in car debt, but if I chose to sell both cars I would come out about $30K in profit.
And go to a place like Capital One online and get pre approved for a loan. You'll know exactly what your interest rate will be and thus your payments so you only have to discuss final sale amount at the dealer since you get a blank check from Capital One to give them. Makes it much easier to talk them down. Plus, once they see that they will often offer to finance you at an even lower rate. I walked in to the Nissan dealer pre-approved at 4.5% through capital one, and before closing their finance department asked to try and get one lower. They got me a loan at 4%. They still made some money but I also saved some more.
I would also suggest looking for a slightly used car. My wife's Cadillac retails for $53K. I found one, with all the options we wanted, with only 4K miles listed for $39K. That's $14K off for a car that is barely broken in. You may have to wait a month or two longer, but it's worth it.
And get whatever car you want. No one else will be driving it. Their opinions don't affect your life. It's yours, live it.