To put into perspective, I leased a brand new 2010 for $1320 including tax, no money down, 36 months, $79k cap cost, $46k residual. I leased to write it off.

Remove your $5k down payment and it's probably not that bad of a deal for 24 months. I hear you can lease them for cheaper than when I did it in Jan 2010 too.

 

Wow - seems like a pretty good deal. Was that in Ohio? What is your tax? Or better yet, what is the lease payment before taxes?

Man - I might just go 2010 then...

 

Bought in Mi, I live in Oh. Sales tax is 6.75%. You can buy them new now for $76k, instead of the $79k I paid.

 

How much do you guys think a brand new left over 09 is worth at this point? I'm thinking that no matter what the mileage, you drive that off the lot and it drops into the mid to maybe high 60s. Guess there's a premium for a car that has under 50 miles on it, but there has to be more leverage given that 2011s are coming soon. Man I'm going crazy trying to make sure I get a good deal, but starting to think that all this worry about 2-5k is worth it.

 

2011's have a few 'upgrades' as well...

Might be worth waiting for (USB connections, softer ride, etc...).

 

You should never lease prior year new cars - residuals are too low. And never put down money on a lease - defeats the purpose of the write off. If you don't need to write off, buy a perfect condition one owner 2009.

 

This is good perspective. Thanks! So either lease the 10/11 or buy the 09 straight up. Question is, looking at autotrader, got a good feel for used, but what about a brand new 09? Would 71k be a good deal for that car since I see used ones still listed for that?