Need advice on a new car to lease

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SeductivePig

Senior member
Dec 18, 2007
681
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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?
 
tcG

tcG

Golden Member
Jul 31, 2006
1,202
18
81
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.
 
Last edited:
Dr. Detroit

Dr. Detroit

Diamond Member
Sep 25, 2004
8,523
925
126
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.
 
S

soulcougher73

Lifer
Nov 29, 2006
15,880
4,435
136
I always thought the Volvo S60 was a nice looking car. No idea what a lease on one would run though. Dont see too many on the road.
 
V

Viper GTS

Lifer
Oct 13, 1999
38,107
433
136
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
 
B

Bryf50

Golden Member
Nov 11, 2006
1,429
51
91
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.
 
Imported

Imported

Lifer
Sep 2, 2000
14,679
23
81
Would say a Mazda 6 as well if you can deal with the engine since you ruled out Fords.
 
vi edit

vi edit

Elite Member
Super Moderator
Oct 28, 1999
62,484
8,345
126
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
 
tsupersonic

tsupersonic

Senior member
Nov 11, 2013
867
21
91
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.
 
MongGrel

MongGrel

Lifer
Dec 3, 2013
38,466
3,067
121
tsupersonic said:
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.
Click to expand...

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.
 
S

smitbret

Diamond Member
Jul 27, 2006
3,382
17
81
tsupersonic said:
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.
Click to expand...

Kind of what I was thinking. Chevrolet is practically giving away 2016 Malibus on lease right now.
 
tcG

tcG

Golden Member
Jul 31, 2006
1,202
18
81
tsupersonic said:
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.
Click to expand...

I take it you've never had a career in the business world.
 
tsupersonic

tsupersonic

Senior member
Nov 11, 2013
867
21
91
tcG said:
I take it you've never had a career in the business world.
Click to expand...
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.
 
L

LOUISSSSS

Diamond Member
Dec 5, 2005
8,771
58
91
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.
 
Z

Zivic

Diamond Member
Nov 25, 2002
3,505
38
91
gorcorps

gorcorps

aka Brandon
Jul 18, 2004
30,741
456
126
crazypraveen said:
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?
Click to expand...

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
 
Torn Mind

Torn Mind

Lifer
Nov 25, 2012
12,078
2,772
136
gorcorps said:
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
Click to expand...

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.
 
E

eng2d2

Golden Member
Nov 7, 2013
1,007
38
91
Torn Mind said:
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.
Click to expand...

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

Torn Mind

Lifer
Nov 25, 2012
12,078
2,772
136
eng2d2 said:
Does it matter what other people think? What a headache if you go through this world worrying what other people think you drive.
Click to expand...

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.
 
H

hans007

Lifer
Feb 1, 2000
20,212
18
81
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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