amarzano

I'm looking or a large 4 door sedan due to the work / family situation. I have been holding out for the 2010 S550's and they are now out.

BUT I have the opportunity to assume the lease on a 2008 S550 w/ low miles, P2, Pano for about $1500/month for 20 months and perhaps a few payments thrown in as incentive.

A 2010 w/ the same options would come to about $1800 - $1900/month. Any suggestions? Is the 2010 that much better? Any concerns on the 2008? It has all the service and the brakes have been changed (at 12k miles - seems a bit soon..)

Thanks!

Alex

skrontz

I actually waited since 2007 before ordering a 2010 S550. The reason for that is that I always wait 2-3 years from the time the new model (in this case, W221) is introduced to make sure all the little wrinkles are ironed out and the car is truly perfected. Even though the next major refresh will come sometime in 2011-2012, I still feel pretty good about getting in right now; if the new model will look anything like the pictures posted in one of the other threads, I'm going to look elsewhere anyway ;-)

However, if the more attractive price on the 2008 is a major factor, I would say it still makes an awesome car. Make sure you factor in the extended warranty or repair costs, if you're planning to buy it out at the end of the lease. Without seeing the residual, money factor, and cost basis, it's hard to judge the attractiveness of the lease.

soldier2304

From $1500 to $1900 you rather have a 2 year old car or a brand new car that doesnt look outdated and has a fresh new look? Go figure.

frebay

1800-1900? are u planning on putting nothing down? how long is the lease term?

skrontz

It typically makes little sense to put any money down on a lease. If the car is totaled the next day, your insurance will typically cover the lease payments; any money you put down will be gone. That's actually one of the benefits of leasing, being able to just walk away if something bad happens.

amarzano

Nada down - 36 months.

amarzano

the 2008 car would be under warranty for the remainder of the lease - so no issue there.

I was planning on returning it or leasing a new car at the end.

it's tempting to get into an S for nothing down and try it out for the next 17 months or so. It would be great to get a 2010 - i could be wrong - but wasn't this just a minor face lift for 2010?

Again - thank you all for the input..

Alex

skrontz

There're actually many more subtle improvements (better NAV with real-time traffic info, better sound system w/SD card slot, otherwise updated safety systems). However, if you just plan to drive it for 2 years and then upgrade, 2008 is not a bad option at the price.

amarzano

Saw the 2008 car today. Interior was like new. Exterior was not as good. Both front and rear lower bumpers had numerous dings and dents from parking encounters. Front spoiler had a big scrap an a few dents. Another 2" dent / scratch on the rear passenger door (down to the metal). One of the tires had a gouge in the sidewall and scrapped rim. The rim didn't seem that bad - but the gouge was pretty deep near the bead.

The gentleman showing the car dismissed this as normal for the City.. (SF). I don't live in SF and really would not be interested driving such a nice car w/ all the battle scars. Most of this could be remedied by painting the front and rear lower bumpers. But I'm going to guess that is at least $1500 or so. I'm also guessing the seller would not be interested in making the repairs.

My thinking now is if I were willing to make these repairs - I would be better off to just use the money for a down payment on a new one.

Did look at a 2010 Pkg II / Pano / Keyless in Diamond Wht / Mac. Maybe I need to get a quote from the dealer and see what the payments would be like..

The search continues...

soldier2304

With those options your listing probably in the $2000-2100 range but it could be less if you manage a good deal.