age old question

f00d4tehg0dz · 01-19-2012, 10:35 AM

To lease or not to lease.

Here are my thoughts.....

Leasing:
I love new technology and gadgets. So I'm ALWAYS wanting the latest and greatest. And I LOVE the nav system and all the little things in the 2012 370z. I also have a tendency to get bored with things every few years.

With leasing, I can swap out the 2012 370z for a newer one in 3-4 years, which will have NEW Stuff in it (I hope). Also will have significant lower monthly payments, and be able to build up my credit line faster... but will have much Higher Insurance rates.

However I won't be able to customize the car, except from what I've read change the body kit, but put the Stock back on when my lease runs out. I also will be hit with a mileage cap. Right now I average around 17k a year. So that will have to be reduced.

Finance:
I will have higher payments, but! lower insurance as well as full customization and practically get to do what ever I want. However in 4 years I may want a newer model or something different. And the resell value is lower, so I may have a tougher time selling the car. I can change parts in the car whenever I feel like it...

Right now i'm leaning towards Leasing. But I would love to hear some good points from you guys... I ALSO heard I can't lease a manual touring...

is that true?!

nmjaxx9 · 01-19-2012, 12:19 PM

Sounds like for your situation a lease would be the ideal option.

However, the conditions you listed (Mileage limit, unable to fully customize) are a few good reasons why leasing isnt always the best idea. That also includes scratches, dents, swirls, any imperfections on the car that has to be fixed and returned to close to showroom condition before you return the car, or you pay the amount that it fixes to cost. Also, if I remember correctly its 10 cents for every mile you go over your mileage limit. So you have to constantly keep your eye on the odometer. For me, leasing just takes away the freedom and enjoyment you should have with a car, you get too worried and concerned about the condition of the vehicle, how much you are driving it rather than actually enjoying it.

With that being said, if you do purchase and decide to modify the car, and decide you want something new, you can always return it to stock and do a trade in towards a newer Z, or whatever car you decide to get later on.

I would not worry that financing would hinder you from getting the latest car, remember new cars will always come out, so it becomes an endless game of cat and mouse. I say pick up a car you want, buy it, and don't look back. Afterwards, do what you want with it, and when the time comes, if you want, trade it in. Its better than having to deal with the restrictions of leasing imo.

01-19-2012, 10:35 AM	#1 (permalink)
f00d4tehg0dz Base Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: N/A Posts: 98 Drives: '12 370z Gun Rep Power: 14	age old question To lease or not to lease. Here are my thoughts..... Leasing: I love new technology and gadgets. So I'm ALWAYS wanting the latest and greatest. And I LOVE the nav system and all the little things in the 2012 370z. I also have a tendency to get bored with things every few years. With leasing, I can swap out the 2012 370z for a newer one in 3-4 years, which will have NEW Stuff in it (I hope). Also will have significant lower monthly payments, and be able to build up my credit line faster... but will have much Higher Insurance rates. However I won't be able to customize the car, except from what I've read change the body kit, but put the Stock back on when my lease runs out. I also will be hit with a mileage cap. Right now I average around 17k a year. So that will have to be reduced. Finance: I will have higher payments, but! lower insurance as well as full customization and practically get to do what ever I want. However in 4 years I may want a newer model or something different. And the resell value is lower, so I may have a tougher time selling the car. I can change parts in the car whenever I feel like it... Right now i'm leaning towards Leasing. But I would love to hear some good points from you guys... I ALSO heard I can't lease a manual touring... is that true?!

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01-19-2012, 12:19 PM	#2 (permalink)
nmjaxx9 A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Middletown, Ct Posts: 5,853 Drives: 2011 Nissan 370z Rep Power: 26	Sounds like for your situation a lease would be the ideal option. However, the conditions you listed (Mileage limit, unable to fully customize) are a few good reasons why leasing isnt always the best idea. That also includes scratches, dents, swirls, any imperfections on the car that has to be fixed and returned to close to showroom condition before you return the car, or you pay the amount that it fixes to cost. Also, if I remember correctly its 10 cents for every mile you go over your mileage limit. So you have to constantly keep your eye on the odometer. For me, leasing just takes away the freedom and enjoyment you should have with a car, you get too worried and concerned about the condition of the vehicle, how much you are driving it rather than actually enjoying it. With that being said, if you do purchase and decide to modify the car, and decide you want something new, you can always return it to stock and do a trade in towards a newer Z, or whatever car you decide to get later on. I would not worry that financing would hinder you from getting the latest car, remember new cars will always come out, so it becomes an endless game of cat and mouse. I say pick up a car you want, buy it, and don't look back. Afterwards, do what you want with it, and when the time comes, if you want, trade it in. Its better than having to deal with the restrictions of leasing imo.