Thanks to everyone that has posted on this forum. Your insights have been very helpful. I'm new to the EV world and have lots of questions. I live in the Bay Area and I have a 78 mile roundtrip commute into SF. I've test driven the BMW I3, Mercedes B Class, Leaf, Model S, and the Rav4 EV. IMO the Rav4 has the greatest amount of value for my needs and commute.
I've read quite a bit about the Lease vs. Purchase. It seems the lease is the better option for me as I am looking at the Rav4 as a stop gap between now and a Tesla Model X or III. I want to save on gas and enjoy the carpool lane. I have never leased a car before so I know I sound "green" but need some facts as the Toyota Dealers I have worked with give lots of contradicting answers.
Leasing Questions...
What have most of you paid for your lease? (I saw mentioned a no money down recommendation)
What happens if the car breaks down during the lease? Is that covered?
What happens if the car shows wear and tear (Have 3 small kids) after the 36 month lease? Charged for it?
Did you have to pay Disposition Fee of $500?
Now for the Timeline questions...
After you sign the lease what is the process?
- Did you pay DMV fees at dealership? If so how much?
- How long to get the white HOV sticker?
- How long does it take to get a charger installed? Permits?
- Anyone recommend an installer/electrician in Fairfield area? Price?
- Can you get your car serviced at a different toyota dealership? How often does car need to be serviced?
The dealers I have talked to seem completely uninformed and quiet. They don't want to give out wrong info so they don't give out any. I have chatted with Berkeley, Walnut Creek, and Hilltop. Test drove at Hilltop but then they were asking for $421 per month with 4,500 down. Were super shady when I asked about fees and said they would make me a special offer that required $5k down and $365 per month.
NEED HELP! Thanks!
I've read quite a bit about the Lease vs. Purchase. It seems the lease is the better option for me as I am looking at the Rav4 as a stop gap between now and a Tesla Model X or III. I want to save on gas and enjoy the carpool lane. I have never leased a car before so I know I sound "green" but need some facts as the Toyota Dealers I have worked with give lots of contradicting answers.
Leasing Questions...
What have most of you paid for your lease? (I saw mentioned a no money down recommendation)
What happens if the car breaks down during the lease? Is that covered?
What happens if the car shows wear and tear (Have 3 small kids) after the 36 month lease? Charged for it?
Did you have to pay Disposition Fee of $500?
Now for the Timeline questions...
After you sign the lease what is the process?
- Did you pay DMV fees at dealership? If so how much?
- How long to get the white HOV sticker?
- How long does it take to get a charger installed? Permits?
- Anyone recommend an installer/electrician in Fairfield area? Price?
- Can you get your car serviced at a different toyota dealership? How often does car need to be serviced?
The dealers I have talked to seem completely uninformed and quiet. They don't want to give out wrong info so they don't give out any. I have chatted with Berkeley, Walnut Creek, and Hilltop. Test drove at Hilltop but then they were asking for $421 per month with 4,500 down. Were super shady when I asked about fees and said they would make me a special offer that required $5k down and $365 per month.
NEED HELP! Thanks!