2017 MKZ orders

[drolds1]

There's really nothing that mystifying about leasing. Put some (or no) $ down, make a monthly payment for the term of the lease, and give the car back. Total up the payments and that's how much it cost you to drive the car for the period. Period!

Doesn't matter what they call the various fees, taxes, etc. What it comes down to is how much down and how much per month. 

To me leasing makes a lot of sense. I am always driving a car with the latest technology, I never spend any money on tires, brakes, or repairs, and I don't have to worry about resale value. My monthly payment is lower than if I bought the same car, and I don't have any money tied up in a depreciating asset.

My feelings exactly.  Been leasing for many years.  It might cost more than buying in the long run but I can't place a monetary value on the no-worries feeling.

 

One thing, though.  Even though you don't have to worry about reselling, resale value still comes into play. A poor residual or resale value will adversely affect the monthly lease payment.

[drolds1]

Thanks for that information.  I thought it seemed like a lot of down payment and they really don't tell you on the website what it covers.  That is the problem with leases - too many things are covered up and they get you one way or another.

Here in NY, lease contracts are quite long and detailed.There's a lot of disclosure required by law.  IDK how it is in TX but I suspect it's similar.

 

You don't have to feel unarmed, though.  Two very important things you want to know are the capitalized cost, which is the actual price of the car, and is negotiable as in buying.  Very important to know is the money factor, which is the finance rate.  They won't tell you this unless you ask.  Here's a primer on the money factor.  Watch the attached helpful video . 

 

Before you go shopping, take advantage of some services like TrueCar or Costco, if you're a member.  See if you can get access to a Ford X-Plan.

[longislander]

My feelings exactly.  Been leasing for many years.  It might cost more than buying in the long run but I can't place a monetary value on the no-worries feeling.

 

One thing, though.  Even though you don't have to worry about reselling, resale value still comes into play. A poor residual or resale value will adversely affect the monthly lease payment.

Yes but that's already factored into the lease deal. I don't have to wonder about future value - that's the leasing company's problem (or benefit).

I totally agree with you on the "no worries" feeling. I am very particular about my cars and every little door ding or curb rash on the rim is upsetting to me. I have literally lost sleep over those things when it happened on a car I've owned. On a leased car - I look at it, feel sad for a minute, then shrug my shoulders and say "oh well". Leasing is very good for my mental health!

[shortspark]

I am a member of Sams Club and they have something similar to Costco so I might try that out.  Ford X plan would not apply to me.  I looked up what it was and you have to have some connection to Ford, such as a supplier or some sorts.  But Sams might be pretty good.  Thanks for the tips.

[shortspark]

I know what you are saying longislander.  I consider myself a hobbyist detailer.  I use only the finest German products (such as P21s and Sonax) on my Mercedes.  I am a member of all the detailing forums have been for years - I am an original, charter member "AutoGeek"!  There are few things I do these days that I can say I am really proud of but the condition of my cars is one of them.  I like that feeling of accomplishment as I sit back and admire my work and more than that, I feel connected to my car in a way not felt since I was a young man running formula cars with four on the floor.  Again, I am not a pro mechanic or detailer but I enjoy working on my cars immensely.  It is also sort of therapy for me whereas some people consider even washing their car to be avoided at all cost.  After every drive I clean the windshield and remove any bug splatter.  Every week it gets washed even if it never left the garage.  Every three months is a complete detail.  And the abnormality of it is that I look forward to all of it.

 

Maybe that is why I never leased.  It just dawned on me after reading your comment.  I am a perfect subject for lease because I like luxury cars, trade or sell them soon after warranty expires and never put more than ten thousand miles a year on them.  Maybe, without me even realizing it, the thought of "my" car not really being mine would make my labor of love less meaningful.  In reality I would be working for someone else.  If I were a pro that would be different because I would be paid for it but I don't think I could view a leased car with the same dedication and "affection", for lack of a better term.  I could never (as you say) shrug my shoulders and say "oh well".  It would break my heart.  I know this is not normal and I guess I am not a well person but it is what it is.  

 

Nope, I don't think I will lease even if I save money and even if it makes sense.  The pride of ownership and my labor of love would be too far diminished and the "therapy" I enjoy would soon become a chore.  I think I have now realized the real reason why I have never leased a car.  Thanks for that!

Edited September 20, 2016 by shortspark

[newlinux]

For the first time I considered leasing with this vehicle. Nowadays I don't put a lot of mileage on my cars, and technology is changing so fast I may want to change cars sooner. But then I still decided to purchase. I have never kept a car less than 7 years. Back in the day I used to do a lot of lease unfriendly customizations (car audio and appearance modifications, some custom interior changes as well) to my cars, and although I probably won't do so many to this car (I thought the same with my current Cadillac CTS, but ended up doing a good amount anyway), I'd like to not have to think about it.  And although I think I may change cars sooner, reality is I probably won't. If I do, I may lease the next one. Much like shortspark, these customizations do make me feel pretty connected to my cars.

[Zalvern]

Think its been well said: Leasing is wiser than financing when it comes to a new car. Of course if you want to really save a buck, you NEVER buy new and learn to maintenance vehicles yourself. A lot of people don't seem to understand and listen to some so-called financial gurus who'll just say "Buy used, never new" anyways.

 

But as a motor enthusiast, I enjoy the maintenance and long mileage acheivements which is why I do plan to buy out my MKZ if it stays in my favor in 3 years. I like to keep two cars under my belt anyways (get annoyed by the limitations of one vehicle), and once I fully get rid of my Fusion, I'll get another new vehicle via leasing and keep one vehicle as paid off and owned, and another other as leased. I also prefer new because I like my cars being biological to me, as I am the first owner and will gladly take the initial cost for peace of mind.

 

My MKZ thus has gotten paint protection, clear bra, and fluids upgraded for high life and performance. Plus I do all general maintenance myself to save on shop costs. Even though I have Black Label, I still do most maintenance myself!

 

For those who don't want to deal with wrenching, getting a lease and simply following the manufacturer is the easy way to go. Used cars are just growing with today's society, and so they just depreciate even worse. It's either drive into the ground or lease to enjoy new vehicles at a constant monthly payment. Financing to sell or trade in within 5 years is bad, and not paying it off asap is even worse. Automakers want and need continued business anyways.

Edited September 20, 2016 by Zalvern

[longislander]

Shortspark, you got it exactly right! I do own two cars other than my daily driver (a '14 CTS) - a 2007 Pontiac Solstice that I bought new , and a beautiful 1955 Chrysler Windsor 2-dr. HT. My "pride of ownership" is strong with those cars, and I can baby them because they are not used for transportation. Leasing my daily driver, which I use for work every day, is "liberating" because I don't have to worry while I leave it parked somewhere out of my sight all day. To say that I don't care about it would be untrue, but to say that I care about it much less than if I owned it would be accurate.

I am looking forward to replacing that CTS with a 400-hp MKZ in a few months - leased, of course :)

Edited September 21, 2016 by longislander

[shortspark]

Yes longislander, I have two cars right now but will be selling my spare to a friend tomorrow so I'll be down to one, which is really all I need.  He usually buys my cars when it is time to change because of how I take care of them.  He gets a one way ticket from Rochester, NY and drives the car back (after a few rounds of golf of course!).  This one he is buying for his son.  He knows there is no car in that part of the country that has not been exposed to salt and grime and that is important to him.  Coming from Long Island (I assume) you know what I am talking about. 

 

So, I am down to my Mercedes SUV which has been a great car for me for four years.  But the warranty expired in June.  Since then the superb German engineering has given me a "check engine" light about three weeks ago which (luckily) only required a software update.  And yesterday the "check brake pads" light came on.  Fortunately I was in the vicinity of the Merc dealer and he took care of it right away so I only waited an hour or so.  BUT, I was out $350!  That's what the German cars do.  Once the warranty is out stuff happens and I think it is engineered that way.  In fact, as soon as my ML hit 36000 miles yesterday that brake pad light came on at the same time.  Coincidence?  I smell a rat but what are you going to do?  The car was perfect for four years but now every little thing like this will cost me big bucks - that is why I have been in the market for a new car since the warranty expired.  

 

It becomes more and more important to have dependability when you are down to one car.  I guess I am going to have to move a bit faster than I wanted.  Maybe being the end of the month and the end of the quarter I might do okay on a deal.  I've narrowed it down to a CLS, XF or MKZ (I was considering the new LaCrosse until I found out you can not disable the Eco start/stop system).  Both the Buick and MKZ are one step down in prestige but I don't care about that.  The MKZ is really my cup of tea anyway but there is nothing around like I want and it will take months to order one.  There is a CLS and XF just like I would order sitting right there on their lots in Dallas, (even though they are 130 miles away) and that may be a temptation too great to resist!  The next two weeks should be a fun time!!

[shortspark]

This is not the right forum to post this I guess but just think, Architectural Digest has just reviewed a Lincoln!  Not a good car review like Top Gear would do but to think this publication would even bother should put a star in front of Lincoln.

 

http://www.architecturaldigest.com/story/ad-test-drives-new-2017-lincoln-continental

[17MKZ30T]

I use to work with a guy that would always give me crap for buying new cars vs. used.

 

He would say what we've all heard before, "Always buy used cars and let the other guy take the hit for the initial depreciation"

 

He would say this like everyone should do this and you are stupid if you don't.

 

I finally said you know you may be right but if we didn't buy new cars where would used cars come from?

 

He never said anything to me on the subject ever again.

[brucelinc]

I wonder if that guy buys his clothes at the salvation army or his furniture at the 2nd hand store....

[newlinux]

Everybody's situation is different. I prefer new cars, and although I can save off initial depreciation by buying a used car, then I don't have a new car, which is what I want! Saving money isn't a primary objective for me, or I wouldn't be buying a 2017 Lincoln (or 2017 anything) at all. Buying the car I want is the primary objective, and getting a good deal on what I want is also a goal. There are good reasons to buy new and used. There are good reasons to buy or lease. Everybody's situation is different. No matter what you do, negotiate well and make sure you are spending your money on what you want and it is worth it to you.

[17MKZ30T]

I wonder if that guy buys his clothes at the salvation army or his furniture at the 2nd hand store....

 You are pretty close. He use to bring his garbage to work so he wouldn't have to pay for home pickup.

He bragged one day how he had bought this hounds tooth pattern leisure suit he was wearing at a yard sale for a quarter.

We told him he paid too much, LOL. 

We were traveling together one time back in the day when you would get paid a travel per diem before you left on the trip. He would want to eat at McDonalds

for every meal because if you didn't spend it all you could keep the balance.

He was thrifty to say the least.

[brucelinc]

I can respect thrifty until it becomes ridiculous.  I have been told that I tend to pinch a penny until it squeaks and then spend the squeak and save the penny.   However, different things are important to different people.  For me personally, I am a car guy.   I buy new because I am fussy and I like new cars.    (I do not buy used clothing, either!)

[JHVJXN]

I received my vin Friday. Is scheduled to be built the week of October 3!

[Drwilsc]

Shortspark, you got it exactly right! I do own two cars other than my daily driver (a '14 CTS) - a 2007 Pontiac Solstice that I bought new , and a beautiful 1955 Chrysler Windsor 2-dr. HT. My "pride of ownership" is strong with those cars, and I can baby them because they are not used for transportation. Leasing my daily driver, which I use for work every day, is "liberating" because I don't have to worry while I leave it parked somewhere out of my sight all day. To say that I don't care about it would be untrue, but to say that I care about it much less than if I owned it would be accurate.

I am looking forward to replacing that CTS with a 400-hp MKZ in a few months - leased, of course :)

[Drwilsc]

I came from a '14 ATS 3.6 to a 400hp MKZ. Haven't looked back. While the ATS handled a bit better and got slightly better mileage, the MKZ is faster and Sync 3 is much better than CUE. The seats in the Lincoln are more comfortable. You won't be disappointed.

[JHVJXN]

Making Progress!

[shortspark]

JHVJXN, that is a nice build and almost like I would configure my order.  Can I ask what kind of price you ended up paying?

[JHVJXN]

Called my insurance company today. My new MKZ is going to be 30% higher than my '14 loaded MKX to insure. Yikes. But it will be worth it!

[Myron D. Brown]

Yea...my insurance is also higher than before. I was sad to learn that features such as active park assist, a lane keeping system, and autonomous braking don't get you any additional discounts. That sucks, because all those features make you a lot less likely to hit something. I guess maybe it's because they can be disabled.

[newlinux]

Does the 2017 MKZ have the Lincoln "welcome mat?" I didn't even look into the approach lighting when I was testing the car.

[Myron D. Brown]

Does the 2017 MKZ have the Lincoln "welcome mat?" I didn't even look into the approach lighting when I was testing the car.

 

Yes, it does. But most people who haven't done their research would never know. Most people don't do test drives at night. When I bought mine, even the dealers hadn't seen it very often.

[newlinux]

Thanks. May seem silly but I'm actually looking forward to that feature.