Hey everyone, first post here but I've been lurker for a little while. Seeking some advice from current WK2 owners (particularly Summit owners) but first, a little background: I had a 5.9 limited (miss this car so much) for a few months back in the early 2000's and unfortunately my brother totaled it while I was away in college so that was that. Currently driving a 3rd gen Escalade...nothing wrong with it, but her age is starting to show and the technology (or lack thereof) is rather antiquated and getting a bit long in the tooth.
That said, I'm potentially in the market for a new car in the coming months and, after much back and forth contemplation between various models (new and used), keep coming back to the GC Summit. The feature set is the epitome of fully loaded and relative to comparable models both in and outside of it's segment, it is exceptional value for the money IMO. For reference, I have also considered new/used Lexus GX, Range Rover, MB ML-class, etc.
I have narrowed it down to two choices: lease a '15 Summit (w/HEMI) with the hopes that since the 16's are right around the corner I can get a stupid good deal (and hoping there isn't too much change on the 16's to make me want that), or buying a pre-owned '14 to avoid taking the upfront depreciation hit. I'm leaning towards the lease option simply because it gives me something brand new and under warranty, and because I tend to have the desire to switch cars every few years. Ideally would like 36 mos, 12-15k miles/yr for $600 or less (my current payment +/-)...I wouldn't mind putting money down up front but would prefer not to on a lease. Not really sure if this is realistic and I can't really deep dive the numbers just yet since my wife and I are closing on a house soon (can't pull credit until afterwards). And yes, I have considered an Overland/High Altitude but the Summit just seems to be packed to the gills without having to add options and offers certain things not available on the Overland/HA (correct me if I'm wrong): the HK stereo, the suede/alcantara headliner, adaptive headlights, illuminated door sills, etc. I can certainly live without most (except the HK stereo) but they'd be nice to have.
Thoughts/opinions on what type of deal I could get on a lease or what I should look for if buying pre-owned? I've never negotiated a lease before but am fairly familiar with the concepts of MSRP, cap cost, residual, money factor, etc. I've also read that there are not many lease/incentives for Summits and more for Overland/HA. Is this true? There are at least 10 dealerships (many of which I'd assume are "high volume") within a 25 mile radius of where I live...not sure if this is a good or a bad thing but at least it gives me the ability to shop around. Sorry for the long post but hoping to get some great insight from all the WK2 owners here (bonus points if you're in DC metro, also)...thanks, in advance!
That said, I'm potentially in the market for a new car in the coming months and, after much back and forth contemplation between various models (new and used), keep coming back to the GC Summit. The feature set is the epitome of fully loaded and relative to comparable models both in and outside of it's segment, it is exceptional value for the money IMO. For reference, I have also considered new/used Lexus GX, Range Rover, MB ML-class, etc.
I have narrowed it down to two choices: lease a '15 Summit (w/HEMI) with the hopes that since the 16's are right around the corner I can get a stupid good deal (and hoping there isn't too much change on the 16's to make me want that), or buying a pre-owned '14 to avoid taking the upfront depreciation hit. I'm leaning towards the lease option simply because it gives me something brand new and under warranty, and because I tend to have the desire to switch cars every few years. Ideally would like 36 mos, 12-15k miles/yr for $600 or less (my current payment +/-)...I wouldn't mind putting money down up front but would prefer not to on a lease. Not really sure if this is realistic and I can't really deep dive the numbers just yet since my wife and I are closing on a house soon (can't pull credit until afterwards). And yes, I have considered an Overland/High Altitude but the Summit just seems to be packed to the gills without having to add options and offers certain things not available on the Overland/HA (correct me if I'm wrong): the HK stereo, the suede/alcantara headliner, adaptive headlights, illuminated door sills, etc. I can certainly live without most (except the HK stereo) but they'd be nice to have.
Thoughts/opinions on what type of deal I could get on a lease or what I should look for if buying pre-owned? I've never negotiated a lease before but am fairly familiar with the concepts of MSRP, cap cost, residual, money factor, etc. I've also read that there are not many lease/incentives for Summits and more for Overland/HA. Is this true? There are at least 10 dealerships (many of which I'd assume are "high volume") within a 25 mile radius of where I live...not sure if this is a good or a bad thing but at least it gives me the ability to shop around. Sorry for the long post but hoping to get some great insight from all the WK2 owners here (bonus points if you're in DC metro, also)...thanks, in advance!