A lease is almost always a bad idea in my opinion. Usually you have to stay under a ridiculously low amount of mileage also.

Ehh I have leased since I was 16. I am 35 now. I got to change cars every 3 years. I get real tired of them fast. I have yet to drive a car, and by the 36 month regretted not buying. I write off my lease when I do my taxes. Not 100% write off, but a portion of it.

I got the 09 the first QTR the car came out, so I got raped. I thought the new deal they offered was very fair. I guess I was wrong according to everyone here. That is why I asked your opinion. I wasn't asking lease or buy. I was asking if what they offered was a good deal.

At any rate the lease is coming to an end. I will try to sell the car on my own, as I only have 26,500 after 34 months.

Don't understand how you're gonna sell a leased car on your own :confused:

I wonder what the total would be if you added up all your lease payments over 19 years + whatever down payments you made at the beginning. For even small leases (300/mo with no money at signing) that works out to $68400.

well he is the pro at leasing... he's been leasing since age 16. there must be many things we dont understand.

Just to clarify, I'm not trying to be combative here, just suggesting that you'd be better off buying a new car, even if you're gonna sell it again in 3 years. You still get a new car every couple years, just not raped by the lease deals.

You can get a 7yr loan (to keep monthly payments low), and sell it before its fully paid off. You just need to make sure your not upside down on your loan after 36 months.

To figure that out is easy. Just compare the expected resale value of your car after 3 yrs, to the amount you will have paid on your loan in 3 yrs. This is fairly easy to estimate using Autotrader to value current 3 year-old cars. In other words...

I buy at $40k, and I expect to sell at $28k in 3 yrs. If my monthly payments are at least $333, then I will break even.

This is simplified cause it doesn't include tax and finance charges, and assumes that current used car depreciation rates will be the same.

Just curious, why a FRS? Is it fun / cheaper payments?

If i where you, this is what id do.

Buy a s2000. You can find a 06-09 for around 18-22k, with low miles. Pretty much hassle free car (ive owned 3), more HP than a FRS, lighter, more proven, HUGE aftermarket support. GREAT resale. Better interior (minimalistic / nice materials) the FRS looks cheap as hell)... and its a super ridged drop top, sexy exhaust note, and the most amazing 6speed you have ever driven.

Sounds crazy i know man, but just go test drive one.
id buy another s2k in a heartbeat.

I completely agree...... I would take the Honda S2000 over the Scion FRS any day of the week & twice on Sun. You could also get a used RSX Type-S that is exactly the same hp as the FRS, but funnier to drive do to the high RPM's as well. I would take a Z over the Scion FRS as well. I would probably almost take any coupe over the FRS.

Glad someone agree's :)

Really though OP, you would do well to check it out. on a 18k s2000 your payments would be around $350 a month and with cheaper insurance (not being new / probably wouldn't have to get GAP). Not to mention its got double a-arm suspension, and its easy as hell to work on.

Also from looking at the suspension etc. on the FRS, getting larger wheels will be a PITA (if you plan to mod)... on the s2k, for around 2k, you can grab some nice wide rims (RPF1's), coilovers and great exhaust. You would be in love in promise :)


I'm honestly considering getting another now because it gets harder and harder to find a clean one.

+1......... :tiphat: