lkevinl

My current lease expires 8/9. I'm looking at a C300 right now but I'm thinking the the 2011's are coming out and if they have the LED DRL's and you can get the lighting package separate from P2 as a standalone option, I will be disappointed.

My wife's lease ends on 10/1. She's in an SUV and would be getting into a GLK which is already at 2011 model year.

Should I take the plunge on the 2010 now or should I lease the GLK now for my wife and drive it until her current lease is up and then lease the 2011 C300 in Oct. for myself?

Suggestions?

lkevinl

I guess another question would be whether or not I could expect the same lease rates/deals now on a 2010 vs. then on a 2011. Thoughts?

NJBNZ

I'd hold out for the 2011...but that being said you definitely will not get the same lease deals on the 2011 as you will on the 2010

boylston

Leasecompare has posted the July money factor and residuals for 2011 C300.

I dealt with the same question you have and went with 2010 C300 because the price was so good. A friend got one a year ago and pays $100 per month more. I like the LED's but otherwise there's not much difference.

lkevinl

I contacted the dealer and they said that they won't be releasing any 2011 until next month at the earliest due to the current inventory on 2010's.

From what I've heard, the 2010 lease pricing on C300's has been pretty stable. Won't the residual be much better on a 2011 at the start of their delivery? Seems like I should be able to get the same type of deal from a rate standpoint. No?

boylston

Go to the leasing and financing section of this site and do the math. The 2010 June rate is what I was charged in July. The July rates are listed for the 2011's.

Yes, the residual is higher but money factor much higher.

The 2011's have been built and are in transit. Not sure when they will be released. Sticker price is up about $350. The pricing has been released.

NJBNZ

Peabody

I'd do the GLK now and wait on the 2011.

lkevinl

GEEZ... the money factor is the killer here. They're all 0.00280. Is that really accurate?

So, it seems the money factor on the GLK isn't great no matter how you slice it, 2010 or 2011. So I'd be getting into a pricey GLK lease to wait for a 2011 C300 which currently has a money factor of 0.00280 while the 2010 C300 is only at 0.00092. I could end up caught in two pricey leases. Maybe better to lock in the lower rate on the C300 now and see where rates go by October on the GLK.

boylston

Yes, I'd go with the C now and GLK later. The introduction of new X3 later this year will put pressure on Mercedes to lower GLK rates.

BlackjackM

You really can't go wrong with the current lease deals. You could get a 2010 loaded up with everything you want for less than a lightly optioned 2011. Spec P2 on the '10 and you could probably retrofit the DRLs on it later with OEM parts.

lkevinl

Good thought. I think that's the way I'll go.