Has anyone leased a new Challenger? Has anyone tried to lease? If yes - what is the deal? It would be very telling to see what residual percentage Dodge has assigned to this new car.

 

You will probably see leases on the SE models. Maybe some R/Ts.

SRTs will be purchased and held for future appreciation value.

 

They would have to make a tool to pry the hands from the steering wheel in order to end the lease.

 

Im actually considering it. Let me tell why and if anyone can shoot it down or has a better option.
I know that you can lease Charger SRT8's so I built one online at approx the same cost as a SRT8 Challenger. Then I plugged in my total downpayment of 11K on a 39 month lease. I did the same thing using standard financing at my credit with a rate around 5.5 for 72 months. I didnt save all the numbers but it was about $85 or more a month cheaper to lease. Then at the end of the lease convert it to a standard car loan for say 36 months.
I stumbled accross this when I had to buy out my lease on my 05 Dakota. I cant explain it but it seems cheaper, or maybe just putting more money and intrest on the back end. When I financed the balance on my Dakota I did put a couple grand down on it and the payment is cheaper.
Regardless its a way to get a lower inital monthly payment I think.
Considering Im keeping this for the long term I can get over dragging out the payoff for an extra year or two.
We will see.

 

Leases are an option for many that write their cars off (or a portion of it) on business.

Leases are generally not for those who are looking at long term ownership or high mileage.

If the residuals are unknown or estimated very low at lease end, you can expect a large lease payment or a potential baloon at end.

If the lease payments are expensive, you may consider a long term loan that you can always pay off early if you have enough cash flow which equates to you buying it and not just renting it (which is generally what a lease is)

Chryslers have not been cars to maintain good residuals (my experience is that Lexus, Infinity & BMW generally are better than most)

 

Chrysler Financial does NOT offer a lease program on the 2008 Challenger SRT8.

 

Since they do it for the Charger SRT8 I would think at some point they will for the Challenger. Maybe not in time for it to be an option for me but who knows??