[SmokeEater]

So I've been thinking of leasing a car. I was looking at the Infiniti G37S. 6mt etc. Then I started thinking BMW. I really like the 3 series, I wouldn't mind getting an M3, but that's way out of my league right now. I will hopefully be graduating college next year, and I am looking to lease a 335I.

I see BMW offers free mantience for 4/50,000 so that's not to bad. considering if i lease the car. that would be the least thing id have to pay for. I see the payment for the coupe is a little over 400, which is my budget. the G37 is 389 a month, for like 39 months.

I am just confused on what I want to do right now. the maintence would cost a fortune on a e46 m3. I heard of alot of issues with them, so that kinda scares me away from them.

But then again I could always try for a 3-series ZHP. not sure.

[BMW1983]

I'd advise that you consider purchasing a CPO model in the low 30's or high 20's @ 0.9% --- will seem like a new car with a good warranty --- may have a payment 2/3's of a lease and in 4 years you'd own it....

[SmokeEater]

Here's the thing, I don't really want to keep the car, I wanna eventually jump into a M3, in a few year's down the road, or an X5M.

[Fugly M3]

I would start searching dealers for 2010 demo models- cars that were driven by a BMW NA employee or a dealer manager or the like- they are usually 10-15k off sticker, have about 5000 miles and can be leased. the residual and money factor are the same as the new cars, but with a $.30 per mile over 500 miles reduction in residual value- these usually work out to $100 or more less than the same car would be if totally new and they usually are about 6-9 months old so on the typical 3 year lease you're totally covered by the new car warranty.

[SmokeEater]

Thanks, they maybe kinda hard. especially finding exactly what I want.

[bavarianboar]

I m in a similar situation. Don't want to keep the car for long as the new F30 comes in less than 2 years.

10-15K off the sticker price seems a LOT. This would change the equation when it comes to monthly payments.

I took a test drive on one of the cars which had a tag of $369/month and kind of liked it, as I can live with it if I am simply leasing it. Now, it makes me think this monthly payment is calculated for a new car and the tag is supplied. I believe this is a demo car or an employee drives it. MY 2010.

How should I go about talking to the dealer about this reduction in tag price. And not sure if I understand how the residual will be calculated for this already driven vehicle. Some insight regarding residual and allowable mileage would be greatly helpful.

Thanks a bunch

PS: Apologies SmokeEater for hijacking your thread.

[Fugly M3]

I would check around to see if any dealers have 2010 demos that they are actively advertising, especially as april and the spring sales drive wind down. if so, you can use their discounts as leverage with that dealer. otherwise you can just walk in and offer a lot less by saying- look it's a 2010, the 2011s are out now and it's a demo. I'll give you $XXXXX (a price thats 10 or 12k off- that's up to you) then work with them on that price to do the lease based on the 2010 lease numbers- leasecompare.com

[kgb1637]

Def check out either demos or left overs to get a huge chunk of change off. $400 a month for a 335i is going to be pretty base model which if thats what you can afford then get it but once you add an option or two watch that payment balloon or look to put a lot down at signing which is usually not a smart move financially.

[bkM3]

not all leases are created equal. that payment you saw for abit over 400 could be with 3k down and does not include tax. you should look at all leases the same. with a similar msrp, 0 down and taxes rolled into the payment with wtvr amount of miles u need a year (i do 12k). i do it this way so u can get a better idea of the kind of deal i am getting.

[bavarianboar]

does not look like dealers are interested yet to talk about leasing loaners/demo vehicles. Come summer and an extension of spring to summer credit, things may change. thanks for all the info though.

Is there a sticky somewhere, or a link which explains comprehensively all the things involved in a LEASE? I am a noob when it comes to leasing, and am still trying to gather and understand all the numbers and charges involved.

Thanks once again

[nycport]

The 2010 3 series, with M Sport, Sport, Man. Trans., etc., cars have gone very quickly due to the agressive loyalty program BMW added in April. The Client Advisors are getting thier program cars now and have scooped up most of the good ones.