1999-2009 [Subscribe to Daily Digest] |
Coming off lease – buy-out or new car? If anyone has the patience to read this we’d really appreciate your advice. Here is our situation: Coming off a 3 year lease of 2001 9.5 SE V-6 wagon; a little over one month away from lease end. Buy out figure is: $20,075. Car is in good condition. The Edmunds on-line used car appraiser listed the private party sale of the car at $18,453; dealer retail at $20,436 and dealer certified used vehicle at $21,516.
We have heard that Saab does not negotiate on buy-outs, although we have read isolated accounts of knocking off $1,300 in last 48 hours before the lease ended, and one person said Saab was willing to extend the 4-year warranty to 7 years. (Saab Financial has told us they will do nothing for us at all.)
It seems to us that the SE/Arc model has not changed much in three years, altho some things we like have been eliminated: V-6 engine and standard Onstar installation (optional installation is $700). In favor of buying: Little change in model. Already eaten 3 years depreciation. Car is a known quantity. Some things we like no longer offered. Avoid turn in penalties of $1,383 (At 36,000 mileage -- 6,000 over mileage @ .20 = $1,200; and Saab Financial inspection assessed excess wear and tear at $183.) We don’t know whether our repair history is a pro or con in terms of buying the car at lease-end: minor roof leak at the outset; rear brakes at 25,000 miles; catalytic converter at 32,000; oil leak at 32,000; split axle boot at 32,000; the biggie is that the transmission was replaced at 30,000.
While we were considering all this, the dealer called and offered us: no last month payment of $443, and a sale price for the 2004 Arc wagon (including auto. transmission & premium package) of $32,650. Specific questions: Does Saab negotiate lease buy-outs at all (reduce price, extend warranty)? Why did Saab eliminate SE V-6? Will we feel the lack of V-6 with the 2004 Arc (power, acceleration)? Are we correct in thinking there have been no major improvements to the 9-5 SE/Arc wagon in 3 years (since 2001 model)? Is transmission replacement a pro or con for buying out lease? Once Saab has done the end of lease inspection – assuming nothing else has happened to the car, can they assess higher excess wear and tear figure? Thanks for answers to any questions.
posted by 24.193.47...
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