I'm about to lease a new Ford truck, and I am wondering if its better to get a left-over 2004 or a new 2005. I know that with leases you pay the difference between the selling price and the residual value at the close of the lease. And that the selling price on the 2004 truck will be lower since the incentives will be greater on the 2004s.

But won't the residual on the 2005 truck be higher since it will be 1 year newer at the close of the lease.

 

Assuming the selling price is the same between the 2 years (say, $100 over invoice on either), then you'd be MUCH better off getting the '05, just for the reasons you state. The problem is, the dealer will be doing their darndest to get you to take the '04, so they're going to try to make you THINK you're getting a better deal on the '04. If you're leasing, go for the newest model year you can get, all other things being equal.

 

Thanks Jeff,

I looking at getting either an Excursion or an Expedition as a new vehicle to tow a 8000+ trailer. Without regards to leasing issues, there doesn't seem to be any advantage to buying the '05 Excursion (no changes), but there is a definite advantage to getting an '05 Expedition (the new 300hp egine).

I kind of suspected that the better residual on the '05 might make up for the better factory incentives on the left-over '04. And your comments regarding the lease advantage of the '05 just reinforces my desire to get an '05 Expedition.

 

Sorry wrong post

 

Jeff,

Thanks for the help, I only wish I could buy from your dealership, but the cross-country return trip would be a bit much.

Do you know if Ford will be adding incentives to the new 2005 Expeditions or Excursions?

Craig in Carlsbad, CA