[benzo]

Hello everyone,
does anyone know how to beging the leasing process for the new cla 45 or cla 250?

 

[Sue Esponte]

Yes, call your dealer.

Leasing is not unlike purchasing. First you negotiate a sales price (the 'capitalized cost'). Dealers then apply a 'residual' percentage (a fancy way of saying what its worth after a period of time and mileage) which is likely not yet established for the CLA, whatever the 'money factor' is applied by the financing company to the sale's price (essentially, this is just a fancy way of saying 'interest' -- it is the same concept as what is applied on a loan), and then reduced by any money you're putting down ('cap cost reduction').

This is a bit of a simplification of the process but the most important take away is that leasing is really no different than purchasing. Call your dealer.

Many people think lease prices are set in stone. They're not. Technically, if you bring in your own finance company (pick a bank), you may also be able to improve your position through a better money factor. Don't be fooled by dealers who only provide you with the lease rate. In negotiating or understanding any auto lease you need to know the capitalized cost, residual value and money factor that the dealer is applying to the deal. If dealers are using the same financing company (e.g., Mercedes Finance), the residual and money factor are going to be the same. What really matters is the sales price/capitalized cost. That's the only way to know if you're really getting a better deal. All of this said, I wouldn't expect much in terms of reductions to cap costs on a new car that isn't even on the market yet...unless you're coming in on a group buy or you've found a dealer who is willing to deal.

Best of luck!

-Eric

 

[scott]

I need to ask the gurus out there.....is it possible to build/pre-order a car, C45 in my case, for the purpose of leasing? Some may find this strange, but I'd like to build my own even if I'll only be driving it for a relatively short time.

 

[Sue Esponte]

Yes, of course. As I stated above, leasing and purchasing are no different from an ordering perspective. From the dealer's perspective it is a sale. Unless you buy a car with cash, whether leasing or financing the bank owns it. In one case they lease it back to you and in the other they own it and finance it to you. Either way, the bank retains the title. Order what you want. You don't need to commit to financing/purchase or a lease at the time of order. You make that decision when you're ready to pick it up!

-Eric

 

[Sue Esponte]

...and picking it up is what it's all about.

 

[scott]

...and picking it up is what it's all about.

many thanks

 

[outsider]

I need to ask the gurus out there.....is it possible to build/pre-order a car, C45 in my case, for the purpose of leasing? Some may find this strange, but I'd like to build my own even if I'll only be driving it for a relatively short time.

Three years lease is hardly a short time...
You always want exactly what you desire in a car especially when you have the opportunity to specifically order one.
The trouble in this case is getting your hands on one.
Dealers frequently play games and the sales staff frequently tells half truth particularly in cars with demand.
Make sure you secure a slot, place the order and think about lease or buy when the car gets here.

 

[scott]

I'm in a better postition than a lot of people. The current lease on my C300 doesn't end until 06/14. That leaves enough time for all the packages and options to become available. Not to mention, I can read all the reviews of you fine owners and weigh the pros and cons.

This is not to say I wouldn't prematurely end my lease a few months early on my current car. Like everyone else, I have been chomping at the bit since the NY debut. If I lose a few hundred bucks from the pre-paid captitalized cost reduction, so be it.

 

[luckydip3]

I put down $1000 to reserve a limited edition CLA July 4th weekend. I was told the vehicle has completed production, is at the port in Germany and should arrive by mid-August and leasing terms should be revealed by the beginning of August. I am wondering what the terms might be here in the United States. I am picking up the car from New York, but I live in MD. One of my concerns is mileage options on the lease. I will be most probably be needing more than 15,000 miles; honestly a little over 20K. I was also told in the Northeast US, it would be wise to get the wheel warranty for the sport tires. My cousin who has a CLS advised met that it could run an additional $2,000. Anybody have any advice on these concerns I have?

 

[outsider]

I put down $1000 to reserve a limited edition CLA July 4th weekend. I was told the vehicle has completed production, is at the port in Germany and should arrive by mid-August and leasing terms should be revealed by the beginning of August. I am wondering what the terms might be here in the United States. I am picking up the car from New York, but I live in MD. One of my concerns is mileage options on the lease. I will be most probably be needing more than 15,000 miles; honestly a little over 20K. I was also told in the Northeast US, it would be wise to get the wheel warranty for the sport tires. My cousin who has a CLS advised met that it could run an additional $2,000. Anybody have any advice on these concerns I have?

1. Edition I at $41,000, no discount three years lease at 15000 miles per year will run you around $585 a year + Tax ( $635-$640 a month ) with no money down and drive off of around $1600-1700. Not sure if you can lease for 20k miles a year. If you could, I am guessing add another $100 a month.
2. Tire warranty - absolutely not. A set of four decent new 235/40-18 runs $500 + mounting and balancing. For $2000 you are just getting road hazard insurance. You can get the same for $10 a tire when you purchase them from your tire store after consulting with tire prices on Tire Rack. Most big chains will match Tire Rack prices.