MAC159

Yes exactly, I'm considering that but maybe keeping it. Going back to leases, everyone compares Audi to BMW leases and yes Audi payments are higher and the residuals are lower because you're putting more into the car. Remember it comes down to equity at the end and whatever you decide to do after, buy out, lease again etc. it's worth it considering condition and mileage said earlier. I dnt mind paying a bit more, I love Audi, BMW IMHO was always the runner up. Who came out with all wheel drive first? Besides BMWs X drive is a corrective all wheel drive system where Audi is a preventative method. If you love it that much you will pay for it. Anyways, I'm in a 2012 lease due in Feb and I only have 14k miles, Id be a fool not to buy out or lease with Audi again bc I have equity. Run the numbers car is prob worth a bit of 40k now (premium plus fully loaded) and my residual is 32k and change.

cyclezib

leasing has a major advantage. At the end of the lease, you can pay to have the car CPO'd. If you buy it outright, Audi won't CPO the car. Yes, you can buy a warranty from Fidelity, but the cost is more and you have the hassle of dealing with a third party each time something needs to get fixed.

mannelito

Yup, they have around 8% - 9% discount on the residual (source Audi FS)

MaxSport730

So it looks like I may be getting one afternoon. Still waiting to arrange a pick up time but got myself a very good deal. I'll be sure to give you all the details and post pix when I lock it down.

Quick question: There's a lot of talk about buying the car out at 2.5 years if the miles aren't too high. I'm getting a 10k lease, if at 2.5 years I'm up to 28-29k, is that considered alright or projected it will have me over the 30k? Or does it have to be much lower? Thanks guys.

Phanthom S8

Max,

I have read through many of the replies to your issue. Here is what has happened to me on a 2010 S4 upon lease end. Yes, AOA lease numbers are much higher than BMW as AOA wants to keep you as a customer forever. Residuals are set low but on lease end, my S4 was worth $9,000.00 over trade value. That being said, dealer was willing to give me this amount in the deal over and above the normal quoted lease price. This way, my new S4 was close to $200.00 less than my original 2010 S4. However, if you chose to return the car without buying or leasing another from AOA, sorry, you are out of luck. And yes, you cannot sell the car to a 3rd party as the lease contract gives AOA right of first refusal. At this point they have you by the nuts!

BMW on the other hand just wants to push cars out the door with higher residuals and they take the hit if any upon your return.

The choice is, which car would you rather have and which mfger would you rather get in bed with. Given your chooice, I recommend without any reservation going with the S4. It is a far better car than the 328 and you could make some coin at the end of lease or get a better deal on a new car in 3 years.

go with the S4.