Need advice re lease/buy and E350
09-01-2002, 03:22 AM
#1
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Thread Starter
Need advice re lease/buy and E350
Here is my question. I've got an E320 coming soon (I hope!). I would probably want to get the E350 but it won't be out for a while. I'm hearing from as early as end of this year (I doubt but who knows) to 2004 or even 2005 model year.
If that is a car I'd like to change over to, should that effect whether I buy or lease now? I'm seeing VERY high residuals of 67% at 3 years which gets you lower lease payments but a high buy out price. I'm thinking that if the E350 is out by then, the 320's will have a lot less appeal and the true residual will be lower and that would make leasing seem to make more sense. If you end up giving the car back and they overestimate the residual percentage, you've come out ahead - you only ended up paying for 33% depreciation. If you buy, and the car depreciates 40% you are stuck. Of course, if you like the car, keep it and maintain it well, this all gets thrown out the window.
If that is a car I'd like to change over to, should that effect whether I buy or lease now? I'm seeing VERY high residuals of 67% at 3 years which gets you lower lease payments but a high buy out price. I'm thinking that if the E350 is out by then, the 320's will have a lot less appeal and the true residual will be lower and that would make leasing seem to make more sense. If you end up giving the car back and they overestimate the residual percentage, you've come out ahead - you only ended up paying for 33% depreciation. If you buy, and the car depreciates 40% you are stuck. Of course, if you like the car, keep it and maintain it well, this all gets thrown out the window.
09-01-2002, 07:47 AM
#2
What is all this 350 talk? Who is the one that started all of this? It seems like someone posted a message about 350's replacing the 320's on the mbworld forums, from which Autospies copied it with "Sources say" crap, from which it got quoted in the forums as "Autospies says the new 350's will be out."
09-01-2002, 09:34 AM
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Nissan Sentra
Either buy a 500 and not worry about it, or don't buy one at all. Cars are upgraded pretty much every year. They are usually subtle changes but occasionally they bump engine displacement or change the engine configuration to generate more HP or Torque. It is always something of a gamble. Sounds like you are undecided. Wait it out or make up your mind that the 320 will meet your needs. If they do in fact offer a 350 it will not be a mid year upgrade on a launch year car. I would be surprised if they offered it next year. MAYBE 2005. Even if they do it will not affect the value of the 320 that much.
09-03-2002, 10:27 AM
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E320, Lexus RX 300, Nissan Xterra
Re: Need advice re lease/buy and E350
Originally posted by Barney
Here is my question. I've got an E320 coming soon (I hope!). I would probably want to get the E350 but it won't be out for a while. I'm hearing from as early as end of this year (I doubt but who knows) to 2004 or even 2005 model year.
If that is a car I'd like to change over to, should that effect whether I buy or lease now? I'm seeing VERY high residuals of 67% at 3 years which gets you lower lease payments but a high buy out price. I'm thinking that if the E350 is out by then, the 320's will have a lot less appeal and the true residual will be lower and that would make leasing seem to make more sense. If you end up giving the car back and they overestimate the residual percentage, you've come out ahead - you only ended up paying for 33% depreciation. If you buy, and the car depreciates 40% you are stuck. Of course, if you like the car, keep it and maintain it well, this all gets thrown out the window.
Here is my question. I've got an E320 coming soon (I hope!). I would probably want to get the E350 but it won't be out for a while. I'm hearing from as early as end of this year (I doubt but who knows) to 2004 or even 2005 model year.
If that is a car I'd like to change over to, should that effect whether I buy or lease now? I'm seeing VERY high residuals of 67% at 3 years which gets you lower lease payments but a high buy out price. I'm thinking that if the E350 is out by then, the 320's will have a lot less appeal and the true residual will be lower and that would make leasing seem to make more sense. If you end up giving the car back and they overestimate the residual percentage, you've come out ahead - you only ended up paying for 33% depreciation. If you buy, and the car depreciates 40% you are stuck. Of course, if you like the car, keep it and maintain it well, this all gets thrown out the window.
Maybe you should just get the E500 now. That will solve the dilema. I will not be surprised if another rumour is started after the "E350" comes out that an "E400" will be coming out soon to replace the "E350". In this case what will happen? So, if I were you, I will just get the E500 and avoid all the rumour headaches and dilemas.
