Wouldn't it make sense to rate the lease deals on 2012 Model Cars before the 2011 year is over? Since late summer, many new, 2012 model cars have already been released with special leasing and financing incentives. While researching the monthly car lease ratings for the past couple of months, I've noticed that the lease offers on both 2011 and 2012 model cars are often listed side-by-side, with the 2012 usually being the more expensive deal of the two. In cases when where the 2012 model year offers nothing new, it really doesn't make a whole lot of sense to pay more for the newer model. For that reason, I thought it would be worthwhile to rate the lease offers on 2012 Model cars which offer either a similar or better payment than the 2011 models or offer something substantially new in design, functions and features.
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It's been a while since I've published a segment on 0 APR Car Deals. In some cases, these no-interest car loans make more sense than a lease; especially those with the 60 month and 72 month terms. But, there is one thing to keep in mind with 0 APR Car Deals:  The car makers and dealers offering them are still making money on the car. So, how do they do it? They make their money on the sales price of the car. Consider this example of a no-interest loan at full MSRP vs a low-interest loan for a car sold at a traditional, low interest rate. Read the rest of this entry

 
 
It surprised me to see the 2011 Toyota RAV4 at the top of the car lease deals list once again. The RAV4 which provides a great combination of horsepower, fuel economy and handling has had quite a successful run over the last few years and it shows in the way these low, lease rates continue. Perhaps, the earthquake in Japan effected these good lease deals for a while, but things seem to be back on track. You can lease a RAV4 for $199.00 a month if you're willing to make a $1965 down payment. Without the down payment, you can expect your monthly car lease payment to be around $253.00 per month.  Not bad. Running a very close second to the RAV4 is the Honda Crosstour V6 EX which leases for $330.00 a month with No Down Payment and only 35 payments required over a 36 month term. You've gotta love these 35-payment, no money down lease specials from Honda!.. Rounding out the top-5 - and all with Lease Value Ratios under 1.10% are the, Honda Accord LX Sedan,  Infiniti G25 Journey and the Nissan Altima Sedan. All of these cars have been strong car lease contenders for many months; especially Honda, Infiniti and the Nissan Altima.  What is disappointing this month is the rather poor, car lease offers on the Toyota Camrey and Corolla; two cars which normally are near the top of the monthly car lease deals.  It's been a while since Subaru has been near the top.  See the Car Lease Ratings from 1-32...
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If cash is king than why are some people willing to give it away for a depreciating asset like a new or near-new car? Then, they accuse those of us who lease cars of not being frugal enough with our money? What's up with that? It is precisely because cash is king that it makes no sense to deplete your bank account.  Life is temporary  and nothing we have can be owned forever. Would any of us pay cash up front for a life insurance policy while not knowing how long it will be needed? Life is full of uncertainties and so it makes sense to pay as we go. I really get annoyed when the so-called, financial experts like Suze Orman advise people against taking on reasonable and affordable monthly loan payments for useful luxuries in life like cars. Yes, there is a such thing as taking on car payments one cannot afford, but is that any less responsible than putting a big chunk of cash down on a used car which is bound to present repair bills?

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