Lease New Vehicle or 2015 Macan S/Turbo or 2017 Cadillac XT5 Platinum with Driver Assist

[FRUNKenstein]

The title explains it. I have permission from The Bride of Frunkenstein to swap out the 2014 GMC Acadia Denali. We have 2 three-row SUVs (2015 Dodge Durango Citadel). We like them both, but like the Dodge a little better. With only one kiddo left at home, we don’t really need the 3rd row and it would fit better in the garage. I’m in no hurry.

One option is the using the older son’s VW Group of America leasing plan to get a brand new vehicle for an 8 month lease at 1.3% of retail price per month. You drive it on VW’s tags and insurance, so other than gas, there are no additional costs. Lots of Audis on the program. An eTron is going to be about $1,000 per month. An SQ5 is about $800. A GTI is about $475. Pick it up and drop it off at the local dealership.

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Then, there’s a 2015 Macan S or Turbo. 2015 was the first year for the Macan, and it came in S and Turbo, no base model (which I don’t want anyway). Based on what I see on the Manheim dealer auction website, I can get an S model in very nice condition with around 60k miles for about $26k. There’s a really nice, well-optioned, seal gray over black model coming up at the Anaheim auction this week that would work perfectly. The white exterior with red interior is very sharp, also. Turbo models are about $5k more, but not nearly as many to choose from.

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The 3rd option is a 2017 Cadillac XT5 Platinum with Driver Assist package. The XT5 model was new for 2017, replacing the SRX. It was significantly upgraded with 3.2 inches of legroom added to the 2nd row seats, which allow for sliding fore and aft as well as reclining seat backs. The Platinum is the top of the line, with the Driver Assist being about the only option (adds adaptive cruise and self-parking) Incredible array of luxury features. Basically the same price point - $26k will get you one with about 50k miles.

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[gnat]

My experience with the Macan says that the Base model should not be ignored like in the Cayenne. The original Base (don't know about the facelift or new model) used the same VR6 as the Cayenne and was the only NA motor option. With the PDK and lighter chassis it's no slouch. Obviously the S, GTS, and Turbro models will be so much more though.

As far as a 2015 Macan, I don't know much about them in regards to reliability, but past experience says to be wary of any first generation Porsche...

For the other options, my experience with Caddies since the 80s is that while they look more upscale, they still feel like a Chevy. Audis are like kids, they are fun as long as they are someone else's responsibility So if you only have to keep it for 8 months and they cover the big costs, I'd have to consider have a fun one to play with for awhile.

[FRUNKenstein]

My experience with the Macan says that the Base model should not be ignored like in the Cayenne. The original Base (don't know about the facelift or new model) used the same VR6 as the Cayenne and was the only NA motor option. With the PDK and lighter chassis it's no slouch. Obviously the S, GTS, and Turbro models will be so much more though.

As far as a 2015 Macan, I don't know much about them in regards to reliability, but past experience says to be wary of any first generation Porsche...

For the other options, my experience with Caddies since the 80s is that while they look more upscale, they still feel like a Chevy. Audis are like kids, they are fun as long as they are someone else's responsibility So if you only have to keep it for 8 months and they cover the big costs, I'd have to consider have a fun one to play with for awhile.

I see on the Macan forum on Rennlist (dammit) that what you say about the base model is true - they have very good performance. That being said, I want some options that are probably not going to be found on the base model (full leather). And given you have to spend more to get one since it will be newer than 2015, I will just stick with the 2015 S and Turbo.

One positive for the Macan is that they have already depreciated for 6 years. I could probably drive the Macan a couple of years and still get $23k out of it. I think the depreciation on the Caddy will be much worse - probably about $10k over the same time period.

A big draw for the lease option is that there are literally no other costs. You turn the car back at 8 months or 6,000 miles, whichever comes first. So, not even an oil change. And no risk. We just had to replace the transmission in the Durango. Not a huge deal - $2,200 all in for a used one with 55k miles. But with the lease program, I will never have to worry about maintenance.

Another draw for the lease is the chance to taste test something I would never buy, either because of the cost or the model. For example, I would never buy a new eTron, but I’d pay $8,000 to drive one for 8 months. Or $6,400 for the SQ5. And I would probably not buy a GTI at this point in my life. But I could enjoy one for 8 months, knowing that I will be giving it back soon.

[5chn3ll]

I have to admit, I am itching to try an American LuxoBarge at some point. The resales are so cheap...and I am now 50 and "plush" doesn't necessarily sound like a bad thing for commuting.

After FAR too much exposure to both you and Hoovie, I'm inclined to go with the Cadillac. Which, incidentally, is RUNNING AWAY in the poll right now.

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[FRUNKenstein]

I have to admit, I am itching to try an American LuxoBarge at some point. The resales are so cheap...and I am now 50 and "plush" doesn't necessarily sound like a bad thing for commuting.

After FAR too much exposure to both you and Hoovie, I'm inclined to go with the Cadillac. Which, incidentally, is RUNNING AWAY in the poll right now.

The Cadillac XT5 is a damn fine automobile.

[theprf]

The Cadillac XT5 is a damn fine automobile.

Only downside is the depreciation. Cadillac seems to be the absolute winner of the depreciation sweepstakes. I have read their Supercruise is da bomb of almost-self-driving vehicles.

[5chn3ll]

Also, every time I look at the poll it registers "driver asshat" instead of "driver assist" for a split-second - and that pleases me greatly.

[5chn3ll]

*looks for a subtle way to remind the preacher that the choir loft is full of 996 owners...*

The Cadillac XT5 is a damn fine automobile.

Only downside is the depreciation. Cadillac seems to be the absolute winner of the depreciation sweepstakes.

[theprf]

You may be right - my blue '03 6TT depreciated about $100,000 for the original owner. It cost him $0.33 in depreciation for every mile he drove the car.

Fixed the math because I'm an idiot. Somehow I did manage a degree in electrical engineering....

[gnat]

*looks for a subtle way to remind the preacher that the choir loft is full of 996 owners...*

Only downside is the depreciation. Cadillac seems to be the absolute winner of the depreciation sweepstakes.

Except the majority of the choir took advantage of said depreciation. Few here can talk about writing that $103k check for what is now a $25k car (If I put $15-20k of work into it...).

Chances of Frunk still having that Caddy in 20 years and being able to honestly claim every dollar of depreciation was worth it, I think, is pretty low however.



Also. What sane business accepts a $103k personal check from a 25yr old with a green mohawk???