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Need advice on a new car to lease

SeductivePig

Senior member
So for those of you who are not aware, made a thread a while back in off topic about my existing car. It was declared a total loss and now I'm out $3k to clear that loan.

So at this point, I'm looking to get another car, preferably lease, for my commute.

Reasons for leasing - I don't want to own the car past 3 years, because then I won't need a car. I also don't want to deal with a high monthly payment, and I don't want to deal with maintenance on a used car. I won't need more than 10k miles and most of my driving is highway driving.

This is what I'm looking for:

Reliable Sedan
Good highway gas mileage
Comfortable heated leather seats
Automatic transmission, V6 engine, good around corners
Stylish

No luxury brands like BMW/Mercedes/Audi, and no cookie cutter brands like Honda/Toyota/Nissan, and no American brands like Chevy/Ford

I'm basically looking for something that's respectable to drive in my late twenties, and doesn't have any negative connotations to it. I'm an Indian dude and I don't want to be stereotyped as driving a boring Toyota/Honda or trying to show off by driving a luxury brand.

Something along the lines of Chrysler 300, Hyundai Genesis, etc - not so common, and subtle luxury.

I'm looking to keep the payment at $300-400 with tax.

Am I looking for something that doesn't exist?
 
Other posters will probably be able to give you better advising on this, but Mazda 6? VW Passat? Those are the only midsize sedans left after all the brands you vetoed.

I'm used to older enthusiast cars which can be bought fully depreciated and when time to sell, sell within a few days of being posted on a used car site, for the same or more money. Me, I would never touch a lease. It might make sense for somebody in your position though who is looking to buy relatively new and who would otherwise be financing. Not sure where I'm going with this post, lol.

Your restrictions narrow things down to just a few cars.

EDIT: Forgot about Lincoln, Lexus, Buick -- don't mind me.
 
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Do you consider Buick or Lincoln to be Chevy/Ford? Is Lexus considered Toyota?

A Buick Lacrosse, Lincoln MKZ, or Lexus ES350 are all good choices.
 
Kia Optima?

In general you should be able to get a lease rate that is around 1% the cost of the car so a loaded Optima SX (with the turbo direct injection motor) should be around $300 a month. A little more for the Limited.

Viper GTS
 
Mazda 6 if you can make do with an I4. It's the best looking mid-size sedan in the segment. The 2016 interior refresh was top notch. You should easily be able to get a Grand Touring in the lower $300s. I got my Touring with Tech and Moonroof/Bose package for $282 a month. And remember always insist on Sign and Drive for a lease. Never give the dealer any money out front.
 
Given your requirements...

Acura TLX
Will have to compromise *SOMETHING* and go with the I4 though..

It's not a poseur luxury like BMW. More sporty than a basic Honda. Comfortable. Reliable. Generally considered a young professional car. Chrysler 300's are for old people and thugs. I find it silly that you poo poo Honda/Toyota/Ford yet Kia/Hyundai are ok.

But whatever. Look at an Acura.

http://www.acura.com/TLXLanding.aspx?model=TLX
 
Who cares what people think about what you drive? Just buy what fits your needs, be it a Honda Civic/Accord or Toyota Corolla/Camry. That is really the stupidest thing I have read.
 
Who cares what people think about what you drive? Just buy what fits your needs, be it a Honda Civic/Accord or Toyota Corolla/Camry. That is really the stupidest thing I have read.

Hey, I was taking a walk down Keene here a few hours ago and saw someone blast buy in a Pink Smart Car.

Whatever floats your boat I guess.

Not sure were the OP was being stupid.
 
Who cares what people think about what you drive? Just buy what fits your needs, be it a Honda Civic/Accord or Toyota Corolla/Camry. That is really the stupidest thing I have read.

Kind of what I was thinking. Chevrolet is practically giving away 2016 Malibus on lease right now.
 
Who cares what people think about what you drive? Just buy what fits your needs, be it a Honda Civic/Accord or Toyota Corolla/Camry. That is really the stupidest thing I have read.

I take it you've never had a career in the business world.
 
I take it you've never had a career in the business world.
I'm in it right now. I drive a brand new car, and a winter beater. As long as you're not driving a piece of rusted junk, and it carries people safely and comfortably to the destination. People have different priorities, and some just don't look at what others drive.
 
If you're a single guy under 30, would you consider a genesis coupe? the 3.8 is a beast of a car. the 3.8 models range from ultra sport with only high performance parts (19in wheels, good tranny options[ZF], limited slip diff, stiff suspension) to luxury (leather seats, auto climate, rear view camera, bluetooth streaming, etc.)

i have a 2012 3.8 track w/ 30k miles on it going strong so far with just oil changes and upgraded brakes.
 
So for those of you who are not aware, made a thread a while back in off topic about my existing car. It was declared a total loss and now I'm out $3k to clear that loan.

So at this point, I'm looking to get another car, preferably lease, for my commute.

Reasons for leasing - I don't want to own the car past 3 years, because then I won't need a car. I also don't want to deal with a high monthly payment, and I don't want to deal with maintenance on a used car. I won't need more than 10k miles and most of my driving is highway driving.

This is what I'm looking for:

Reliable Sedan
Good highway gas mileage
Comfortable heated leather seats
Automatic transmission, V6 engine, good around corners
Stylish

No luxury brands like BMW/Mercedes/Audi, and no cookie cutter brands like Honda/Toyota/Nissan, and no American brands like Chevy/Ford

I'm basically looking for something that's respectable to drive in my late twenties, and doesn't have any negative connotations to it. I'm an Indian dude and I don't want to be stereotyped as driving a boring Toyota/Honda or trying to show off by driving a luxury brand.

Something along the lines of Chrysler 300, Hyundai Genesis, etc - not so common, and subtle luxury.

I'm looking to keep the payment at $300-400 with tax.

Am I looking for something that doesn't exist?

With ridiculous conditions like this you won't be driving anything. What does cookie cutter even mean to you? And why are only the Japanese cars considered "cookie cutter"?

It's been a while since I've seen an automotive racist, but here we are I guess. Good luck
 
With ridiculous conditions like this you won't be driving anything. What does cookie cutter even mean to you? And why are only the Japanese cars considered "cookie cutter"?

It's been a while since I've seen an automotive racist, but here we are I guess. Good luck

Well, he is not totally incorrect. If someone sees an Indian dude with a Toyota or Honda, they probably will think "typical cheapskate Indian" and likewise with the luxury cars, "they got loads of money rolling in". Is it perhaps silly? Yes. But are other people judgmental idiots(especially those who hypocritically pat themselves for being "non-judgemental" when excusing the immoral folk of the world)? Yes they are. Even I am deliberately willing to hate on the Japanese and once I have a decent income, never purchase one ever again because of shit ergonomics.
 
Well, he is not totally incorrect. If someone sees an Indian dude with a Toyota or Honda, they probably will think "typical cheapskate Indian" and likewise with the luxury cars, "they got loads of money rolling in". Is it perhaps silly? Yes. But are other people judgmental idiots(especially those who hypocritically pat themselves for being "non-judgemental" when excusing the immoral folk of the world)? Yes they are. Even I am deliberately willing to hate on the Japanese and once I have a decent income, never purchase one ever again because of shit ergonomics.

Does it matter what other people think? What a headache if you go through this world worrying what other people think you drive.
 
Does it matter what other people think? What a headache if you go through this world worrying what other people think you drive.

I don't. The OP does. Me, I'd probably buy a minivan, van, or RV even as a single person because I hate being suppressed and dependent on others.
 
its not a v6, but a 320i with sport pack is a pretty respectable, cheap lease especially at the end of the year right now. bmw has great lease rates and if you get a 2016 model they still have 4 years of free maintenance. probably in the $280 a month range.
 
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