Posted: Jul 21 2004 at 6:54am | IP Logged

I am getting ready to get into a new Titan.  I put about 12,000 miles a year on my vehicle.  I don't know much about leasing, and was wondering if someone could advise me as to which would be better for me.

Also, the Truck I am looking at has a sticker of $32,000.00.  How much room is there for a Nissan dealer to move off that price?

Posted: Jul 21 2004 at 8:55am | IP Logged

BiXLL,

I just bought a CC/LE/4x4 that was stickered for $35810.  I walked away with $30,500 and first year of oil changes (3). 

I would suggest buying.  With the APR that they are offering or the $1000 cash back, your lease price won't be much better.  I think the resale will hold on these trucks b/c you won't be able to deal this much once there are more on the roads.  IMO the more they sell, the more the demand will rise.  I went out to buy a CC Tundra and after driving the two, no question I made the right choice.  Others will do the same once they realize there "is" a choice in the full size import truck market.  Until now, there hasn't been.

The holdback on these trucks is about 3% of MSRP, so they stand to make $1000 if you buy at invoice (minus current $1000 rebate, depending on your route).  So either $500 or $1500 off invoice would be a good number. 

btw - leasing is a good option for more expensive cars or vehicles w/ poor resale (IMO).  That way they are sort of fixed price.  The other thing to consider is how long will you keep the vehicle and how well do you maintain a vehicle?  Lease turn ins have to be clean and well maintained.  If you buy the car (post lease), you are essientially doing a balloon note.

Good luck

Posted: Jul 27 2004 at 12:00am | IP Logged

If you are buying the truck for a business purchase - you can use a 179 deduction.  This special deduction is not available for a leased vehicle.  That would make a major difference on your business taxes.  If this is a pleasure vehicle - I would have to ask you - Why rent when you can own? 

With the low interest rates that Nissan has - you will own the beast in 4 or 5 years. 

NEVER NEVER NEVER LEASE!!!!

Posted: Aug 14 2004 at 6:16pm | IP Logged

Why rent when you can own?  I'll tell you why....keeps you away from the liability of having to deal with depreciation above and beyond what has been forecast.  The flipside of that is if the truck is worth more than what the leasing company forecast, then you can buy it for a predetermined price and resell it for more and keep the difference.  If the buyout and the value are the same, then you've about broken even, and you can buy it or walk away.  You can win in every situation. 

Really what should be considered here is how often you switch cars....if you want something new every 3 years or so, then you should lease, you'll end up spending less money long term, and you won't have to deal with trade in value or selling your previous car if you choose not to.

titantough wrote: If this is a pleasure vehicle - I would have to ask you - Why rent when you can own?  NEVER NEVER NEVER LEASE!!!!