Automotive Forums

My 1998 Mazda 626 has broken 200k and we've decided that retirement is now mandatory. We're pretty sure we'll be leasing my next car, so we'd like to know what cars qualify under the following criteria:

1) No down.
2) Around $200 or less monthly payment.
3) 36 months or less.

So far the only vehicles we've seen that qualify are the various Ford cars (Ford Fusion/Mercury Milan/Lincoln MKZ). We like the latter two and are looking at Mazda as well.

Any other suggestions? I'm especially interested to know if any higher end cars like Acura or Jag qualify as well.

Thanks in advance!  

Hyundai has a $1000 down 200 a month deal going on the Sonata IIRC  

Franky, I'm shocked that you can get $200 per month payments on a roughly $20K car.

If you're cross-shoping fords and Mazdas, please note that the Ford Fusion/Mercury Milan/Lincoln MKZ are all mechanically the same as the Mazda6

In my opinion, the fords have derivative, uninspired interiors while offering poorly tuned suspensions compared to the mechanically-same Mazda6.

But if MSRP is the deciding factor in lease-price, consider the Koreans.

The Hyundai Sonata and Kia Optima are the same car beneath the sheat metal.  they also perform and handle similarly, unlike the mechanically similar Fords and Mazdas.  

Here are the differences:

The Hyundai comes standard with a 2.4 liter 162 HP 4 Cylinder engine.  But it has an optional 3.3 liter 234 HP V6.  

The Kia optima comes with the same standard 4 cylinder engine, but the V6 option is a 2.7 liter 185 HP engine.  

Ultimately, you must decide which of these cars (the fords included) appeal to you.  But consider the fact that Hyundai and Kia have established an excellent reputation for reliability, and have placed higher in various car magazine comparison tests against the Fusion.  

I have no idea what the Lease prices are for any of these cars.  But they all have similar MSRPs.  

Thus, why not consider the new Toyota Camry?  It comes loaded with many features that are optional on the aformentioned cars, is stylish, and luxurious on the inside.  It's also cheap in base trim, at just around $20k.  If you can get a good lease price, I'd recommend the Camry simply because it's the very newest of them all.  As a result, it comes standard with features like knee airbags and traction control.  

I hope this helps, but if you have further questions, I'd be glad to help, no matter how technical or simlistic.  

BTW, have you considered that your old 626 is barely bigger than the latest "compact" sedans?  If you don't need increased size, try looking at the Mazda3, Nissan Sentra, and Honda Civic.  All of those are recent designs that offer roughly the same interior space as "midsize" sedans of 5-10 years ago. They're inexpensive too, and in cases such as the Mazda3, you get a VERY sporty car with an equally high-class interior for well below 20K  

thanks, y'all.

speedracer1407, I've rented the Mazda3 and it is a sweet car. I'll check out the lease deals and let you know how it goes.  

Excellent.  Personally, the Mazda3 is a favorie in the $20K and under class.  I've driven them numerous times, and am consistently amazed at how sweetly they handle compared to anything even close to their price.  They've got nice interiors too.  A bit dark, but made well and styled properly.  The nice thing is that the base models feel every bit as rich as the loaded ones.  The base engine is barely 10HP weaker than the 2.3, and unless you are an avid automotive nut, you'd barely notice the difference in performance or handling between the $17K base and the 20K+ "touring" models.  

Grrr. Checked out a dealership on Sunday. Salesperson referred me to the "value" package. Uh, my tweens (teens and twenties) are nearly two decades behind me and I'm carrying Lincoln literature.

Anyway, they didn't have any of the Touring models for either the Mazda3 or Mazda6. I'll do a follow-up in the next few days or over the weekend.  

hold on ok why not stay american for one.  OH STOP YOUR LEASING YOU DONT PLAN ON KEEPING THE THING.  A small payment usually means LESS CAR or MONEY DOWN.  If you like room and nice fun ride try a Pontiac G6.  

2007 Honda Accord LX Automatic

Power Windows, Locks, CD, Air, Cruise, Side Curtains, ABS, Automatic, Keyless Entry, 4 wheel Disc Brakes.

0 money down $199/mo plus Tax.


www.metrohondari.com or call 401-952-3585.

Puts a Mazda 3 to shame.

-Anthony Jr.  

Anthony, people come here for advice, not a sales pitch.  You work for Metro Honda in Rhode Island ( http://www.metrohondari.com/index.cfm?action=staff ), and have splattered your sales pitch all over this forum.  How do you even know if anyone posting here lives in Rhode Island?  Dont' waste your time.  

My family has 3 Sonatas and I have an Optima. We love them all. Their's are 4 cylinder and mine is the 2.7 V6. All are nice cars, reliable (the oldest is a 2001 and my 2004 has 72K) and get good mileage. I am of the opinion that the Hyundai/Kias are the best overall deals on the road today.