Lease is almost up...What should I get as my next car?

"MUSASHI66" (musashi66)
02/10/2016 at 12:09 • Filed to: None

My 2013 Honda Pilot lease is almost up - well, in 7 1/2 months. When I leased it, I traded a car with 5k in value, so my payment was $271 for 36 months. Payout is $20206, due on 10/1/2016. What car should I get next?

I already have a fun car - 2014 FIAT Abarth Convertible, and I’ll probably drive it and the new car (each) between 4-6k miles per year - I rarely drive more than 12k miles per year total. That makes 10k mile leases OK for me.

What I need is a utility vehicle of some sort, with AWD/4WD (I’m in Colorado). We have 2 large dogs - 100lbs and 80lbs - and they need to be able to fit behind the second row, so that I can have 4 adults and 2 dogs in the car, for those occasional hiking trips with my wife, parents and dogs.

I am partial to Japanese, especially if I am buying a keeping for a while, but if I lease 24-36 months, I can go with anything.

These are the cars I’ve considered so far:

Buy out my existing lease - around $380 for 60 months

Toyota 4Runner Trail - lease or buy around $700 for 60 months

Toyota Tacoma TRD Off road - lease or buy around $700 for 60 months

Toyota Tundra TRD Off road - lease or buy around $500-600 for 60 months (I think I can score a decent deal on these)

Honda Pilot (2016)- lease, LX model for probably $400-ish

Subaru Forester 2.5i Premium with 6sp manual- lease specials are around $165 per month, with few grand down + taxes, so I guess around $250 per month

Subaru Outback 2.5i Premium - I had two of them already, probably just under $300 per month to lease

2012 Toyota RAV4 V6 - only used car I have on my list - that V6 can surprise quite a few people, but they keep their value like crazy, mid-20's for most of them on the market.

What I really want is a Toyota 4Runner Trail Edition with KDDS, and I think I can get one for about $36000 or so. Buying it would probably make the monthly payment around $700 for 60 months - I can afford it, but I am pretty sure I don’t want to spend that much. If I do buy it, I want it to look like the TRD PRO, but retain the KDDS, so I’d need a few grand for wheels and tires and the grill. I could go for longer term 72 or 84 months, and drop the payment under $500 - these cars hold their value so well, I’d probably be able to trade it any given time for what I owe even with those unfavorable terms.

Other options are Toyota Tacoma TRD Off-Road or Tundra Off-Road, but the money situation is the same - both run $35-40k. I am thinking that truck might be a good option - put a topper on it, and dogs can stay in the back, and I can have a clean, hair free interior. Plus, I had a 2000 Tundra that my dad still drives, so I am partial to those. Only issue is the size - Tundra is freaking huge as a short bed - crew cab version. I do like the Tacoma size, but I think they are overpriced - deals might be available in October though, when the initial demand drops.

If I stay with Honda, my own Pilot works just fine, currently it has 26k miles on it, and I don’t see myself putting more than another 30k miles on it over the next 5 years. I’d have a 8 year old Pilot with under 60k miles, it should be worth $10K + at that point. I could also sell it - my payoff is 20k, I could sell it for $22-25k (maybe), and have some down payment money.

Honda would probably like to keep me as a customer, so I presume I can expect some sort of a deal if I decide to lease another Pilot from them.

On TTAC, one commenter mentioned that he leased a Chevy Traverse for $145 per month, zero down. I would be very interested in an option like that, but what I see on the market is closer to $300+ per month, even with GM conquest $1500 on the table.

I would be OK with a crew-cab pickup as well, but most are $30-40k, not sure how low they go for leases.

What else might work? Ford Edge/Explorer, Buick Enclave, GMC Acadia, Hyundai Sante Fe, Jeep Grand Cherokee.... I don’t want a VW, and I don’t think most popular CUV’s like CR-V, current gen RAV4, Ford Escape, Mazda CX-5 etc would work as the dogs are too big.

What are your thoughts? Are you aware of any amazing deals on mid-size SUV/CUVs or on crew cab pickups?

DISCUSSION (45)

Tom McParland > MUSASHI66
02/10/2016 at 12:15

I can tell you from experience that Honda dealers are not moving much on ‘16 Pilots. Not to say there are no discounts, but since they are hot sellers the dealers aren’t real motivated. Ford is heavy on the incentives with the Explorer and it is a nice crossover. I have friends that have a loaded Explorer and they love it. Also check out the 3-row Santa Fe as Hyundai dealers are usually pretty good about undercutting Honda and Toyota. As a wild-card, have a peak at the Pathfinder. I’m seeing new ones with 8 grand off the sticker, that should make the lease very competitive.

Nibby > MUSASHI66
02/10/2016 at 12:17

Foresters are pretty roomy.

Also for trucks, fullsize trucks almost always have good deals. I got a whopping $8k off MSRP on mine

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > MUSASHI66
02/10/2016 at 12:17

I like Tom’s suggestion of an Explorer. I also might throw in an idea of a Durango or maybe one of the GM Colorado/Canyon twins.

MUSASHI66 > Tom McParland
02/10/2016 at 12:27

Ugh, Pathfinder - all the room in the world, saddled with CVT and almost-minivan body...why does that have to be the best deal, whyyyyy!?

I haven’t looked at the Pilots much, and I still have 7 months before I am due for a car - we’ll see what the dealership I bought it has to offer when the time comes.

I like the new Santa Fe’s - problem is that Honda had better prices on a Pilot when I bought mine 2 years ago - I presume because of way better residual values.

Explorer - I’d get one in a heartbeat if the price is right. I’d even deposit my kidney for a Sport with the eco-boost V6. My SIL leased a Edge Sport 2 years ago, and I brokered the deal for her, I might go back to the same dealership. They are offering $9k discounts on 2015 F-150's right now, so I know they are not afraid of haggling.

Thanks Tom!

BrianGriffin thinks “reliable” is just a state of mind > MUSASHI66
02/10/2016 at 12:27

As it sounds like you’re gonna lease, it frees up many more options that buying as you’re (presumably) not concerned with long term reliability as much as you may be concerned with RV.

Explorers are good, Durangos are also pretty solid though tend to have issues around 75k miles. The Forester is awesome, of course, though I think Subaru’s lease rates tend to be higher than they really should based on the car’s RV.

We have a Chevy...Equinox? Traverse? As our work vehicle and it doesn't suck.

MUSASHI66 > Nibby
02/10/2016 at 12:28

My local Ford dealer has $9K discounts on 2015 F-150's in stock. Forester is nice and cheap and available with a 6 sp manual! If I could trade my Pilot, and get it for $165+tax, I’d probably jump on that.

Stapleface > MUSASHI66
02/10/2016 at 12:30

As a dog person, I personally wouldn't go for a pickup as I'd want the dogs in the cabin with me. So my opinions will be a bit biased because of this. Only thing I might add to your list is the Pathfinder, or perhaps the GMC Acadia. I would think the Forester might be too small for your cargo needs.

MUSASHI66 > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner
02/10/2016 at 12:31

I don’t mind the twins - I’d much rather have the Tacoma as they are so close MSRP to MSRP, but I presume I can get amazing deals on the twins, where Tacomas sells for MSRP all day. Things might change in 7 months, but not by much I presume.

Explorer would be great too, I’ll have to check prices when the time comes.

Brian, The Life of > MUSASHI66
02/10/2016 at 12:34

Not that you deserve this because you gave some solid direction but your question reminded me of this scene from one of the most underrated movies ever:

!!! UNKNOWN CONTENT TYPE !!!

MUSASHI66 > BrianGriffin thinks “reliable” is just a state of mind
02/10/2016 at 12:35

I think Equinox is too small, but Traverse (the three row one) would be great - especially if I can get if for the price that the guy from TTAC mentioned, $145 per month with 0 down. It seems too low to be true though.

I haven’t looked at a Durango in forever - I had a 2013 Grand Cherokee for a while - are new Durangos built on the same platform as a 2014and later GC, or are they still on the 2013 platform?

Subaru, in Colorado has pretty good lease offers - their RV is through the roof around here.

E92M3 > Tom McParland
02/10/2016 at 12:35

Hard to imagine. There are tons of consumer reviews complaining about the new 9 spd trans. I would not recommend a new Pilot or MDX at this point

MUSASHI66 > Stapleface
02/10/2016 at 12:36

I’ve had the dogs in the back with my old Outbacks and with my Pilot - and I can’t keep the car clean. That has been the story for the last 8 years almost. If I get a topper and some rubber matting, I think they’d be just fine in the back, and my cabin would stay clean too.

Forester might be to small, and Outbacks are only $30-40 more per month, and I know those are large enough.

Tom McParland > E92M3
02/10/2016 at 12:38

9 speed is only on the Touring and Elite IIRC, EX-L models and lower are all 6-speed auto. The volume seller is the EX and EX-L models.

MUSASHI66 > Brian, The Life of
02/10/2016 at 12:42

Ha! I think I gave a bit more direction than that :)

4wd/awd, enough room for dogs, good price :)

On the other hand, I seem to like that movie, I never watched it before, I shall rectify that soon :)

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > MUSASHI66
02/10/2016 at 12:43

Yeah sounds like a pricing situation.

The new face on the Explorer makes it a contender. The original face on the newer style Explorer made it not worth looking at. I’d say it might be the Most Improved

Then Something New > MUSASHI66
02/10/2016 at 12:45

Disco Sports are currently going for around $450 a month or less on a lease. It might give you something a little different.

Kinja'd!!!

I’m currently looking at getting my wife one since I get a discount for work.

Rico > MUSASHI66
02/10/2016 at 12:45

“Nah man leasing is the devil! If you lease you’re not only throwing money away but you are also giving money to the devil so he can do devilish things.” - Almost everyone here

MUSASHI66 > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner
02/10/2016 at 12:47

I didn’t mind the old one either. I like the last generation Edge as well (not the first gen) better that the current.

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > MUSASHI66
02/10/2016 at 12:49

Really? Fascinating.

Well they’re nice vehicles.

Brian, The Life of > MUSASHI66
02/10/2016 at 12:49

Do so. It’s awesome :)

MUSASHI66 > Then Something New
02/10/2016 at 12:53

Total, or plus $2000-4000 down? I’d be interested if they didn’t ask for anything down.

MUSASHI66 > Rico
02/10/2016 at 12:54

Yeah, I know that is the common opinion here, but surprisingly, no one so far said that :)

MUSASHI66 > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner
02/10/2016 at 12:55

It always takes me a while to warm up to new faces...

gawdzillla > MUSASHI66
02/10/2016 at 12:57

truck are nice, I don’t like to give the dog(s) any chance to mess up my leather seats / interior

I went with a silverado myself no complains so far

MUSASHI66 > gawdzillla
02/10/2016 at 13:02

How awesome of a discount did you get from MSRP?

Liam Farrell > MUSASHI66
02/10/2016 at 13:06

My mom was leasing a 2011 Honda Pilot through her business, but when the lease was up she didn’t really know what she wanted. She ended up extending it another year and we test drove a lot of cars during that period. We eventually landed on a 2015 Chevy Suburban. She got a great lease deal of around 625 a month on a car that should be around 750. We had to order it from the factory which took a while, but was all worth it in the end. It is a great car and you could even get a Tahoe. It is very quite and Chevy really stepped up their game.

JCAlan > MUSASHI66
02/10/2016 at 13:09

DOOOO IT!

Kinja'd!!!

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > MUSASHI66
02/10/2016 at 13:11

lol

that’s a hysterical way to look at it.

Then Something New > MUSASHI66
02/10/2016 at 13:15

I’m not 100% sure. I just know a lot of people aren’t quite aware of the price point of that vehicle so it often gets neglected from some people’s searches.

Bytemite > MUSASHI66
02/10/2016 at 13:32

Leasing is the devil! You are throwing your money away and you get charged a fee at the end for not continuing with another lease.

Future next gen S2000 owner > MUSASHI66
02/10/2016 at 13:38

You can get a Tacoma - if you go easy on the options - for mid to low 30's. Definitely under 35K. I just ordered mine at invoice. Deals can be had if you do a bit of leg work.

adamftw > gawdzillla
02/10/2016 at 14:13

I love my leather seats with my dog. Everything just wipes off. I usually have a towel down any but it sure beats having to deal with stained cloth and the hell that is trying to vacuum hairs out of cloth seats.

MUSASHI66 > Liam Farrell
02/10/2016 at 14:22

Too much for a lease - if I am to spend that much, I really want a 4Runner Trail.

MUSASHI66 > E92M3
02/10/2016 at 14:23

Yup, as Tom said, only high level trims have that, I would get a LX or EX.

MUSASHI66 > adamftw
02/10/2016 at 14:24

Tell me about it - I usually dislike leather, but after having cloth for years, and very furry long haired German Shepherd...I might be ready for a truck

MUSASHI66 > JCAlan
02/10/2016 at 14:25

I do like the Sierra, but Denali is just too costly, and I hate chrome. I’d have to go with one of those midnight edition trucks.

MUSASHI66 > Future next gen S2000 owner
02/10/2016 at 14:26

Crew cab, Automatic, short bed, TRD off-road is what I like. Those are about $38k. I can get a Tundra for less almost for sure with a 5.7L V8.

MUSASHI66 > Then Something New
02/10/2016 at 14:34

On their website, Disco Sport is $399 for the SE for 39 months, with 3500 down. That makes it around $500 monthly with taxes. 4Runner Trail would be my choice if I decide to spend that much.

gawdzillla > MUSASHI66
02/10/2016 at 14:36

I think it heavily depends on area.

walk away if you are offered less than 20% off
good deal is 25%

absolutely best I heard about is 35% for previous year’s stock, doubt that happens often

I think I got 28%-30 off depends on how you look at it.
I would go with this GMC dealer’s website to get a good baseline (adjust 4-5k off for chevy) as far as option goes, as they are no hassle dealer, what they listed on their site is what people paid. Some flew there and drive hundreds of mile back home.

MUSASHI66 > gawdzillla
02/10/2016 at 14:54

So they have 13k discounts - on a 51K truck. They do have a $33k truck for $24k, which is a good discount - but it is a 2 door truck. What I really want is a $38K Tundra TRD off-road, for under 30k - we’ll see if there are any like that when I am ready to buy.

E92M3 > Tom McParland
02/10/2016 at 15:24

Oh ok, I didn’t know that. Probably a good vehicle with the 6 spd then.

Dru > MUSASHI66
02/10/2016 at 17:28

If it were me, I’d go 4Runner. I’ve had three older ones at different times.

Their value retention is something strange. My dad just bought two 4th generation ones, one for himself one for my younger brother, and I’m amazed that car with 160K miles can go for 9-10 grand. On these that happens all day. He got a V8 4wd with 110K on the clock for around 14K.

MUSASHI66 > Dru
02/10/2016 at 17:47

They have incredible retention - I looked at some used Trail models, 2012 with 50k on them, and they were asking $32K. I could maybe get it for $30k, but brand new, it was maybe $39k.

I want one badly. We shall see how things go...

Tripper > MUSASHI66
02/15/2016 at 12:37

I like the 4 runner. That was going to be it for me had I decided on an SUV instead of a car last august.

Ngilbs > MUSASHI66
02/15/2016 at 20:39

I would say the honda ridgeline but it isnt out yet lol