Tips on Buying Cars: Nissan Lease, nissan altima, north chili

Question
QUESTION: Good afternoon! Thanks in advance for your help.  We are planning to lease either a Nissan Altima or a Nissan Rogue and would love some advice on whether or not we have been offered a good deal or if we should try to negotiate or look elsewhere.  MSRP on the Altima is 22,665.  We were told that the selling price would be 20,600 and with 500 out of pocket- our payments would be 259 month.  For the Rogue, we were quoted 23,040 as the MSRP and 21,200 as the selling price with 500 down, the payments would be $339.  We are located in NYS if that makes any difference.  Both quotes are for 36 month leaase with 12K miles per year.  Thanks!

ANSWER: I checked the Rogue pricing, and if $23040 is the actual MANUFACTURER'S retail price, then the offer seems almost too good to be true, as it's about $200-300 BELOW invoice. The Rogue is a hot new vehicle, no rebates, so I wouldn't expect such a great deal.  Now, is $23040 the price on the factory sticker, or is that with dealer add-ons?  You know, rustproofing, paint sealant, additional mark-up, pinstriping, etc...?  If the dealer hasn't marked up the sticker, then it sounds like you're getting a great deal.  The easy way to check this is to look at other local dealers' newspaper ads- are they offering anything comparable?  Dealers put their best price in the paper- why would they advertise a price that another dealer could easily beat?

By the way, I live in Rochester- where do you live, and what dealer are you working with?

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks for your help.  I believe that is the price on the sticker.. we went this weekend to get an idea of pricing.  We are in the process of getting ready to turn in a Honda lease that ends in a couple of weeks. We got that quote from Dorschel. We live out in North Chili...

Answer
We're neighbors!  I live in Churchville, on 33A.  I now steer clear of North Chili, as I'm trying to overcome a serious "Jitters" addiction... :-)

Honestly, there's not much difference among the local Nissan dealers: service, expertise, customer satisfaction is all about the same.  Price and convenient location would be my main reasons for choosing among them, along with any perks one might offer (free service loaner and/or shuttle, extended service hours, free oil changes, etc...).

Let me know how you make out, or just stop by my house and show off your new vehicle!

Jeff Clark