Automobile Lease or purchase?

**audiokat** · 07-24-2006, 05:25 PM

I just bought a new truck last year and I have just scheduled my state exams to obtain my license. I am faced with the impending decision of whether to try and make my customers sit in the back seat of a 4 door pick-up or get a new car. To be clear it's nice truck. 2006 Nissan Frontier. Its a 4 door and the average height person can sit without problem. The issue is the above average height person. The other issue is the above average income client and the perception of riding around in a pick-up all day looking at 1/2 million homes.

So I am left with a decision. If I do get a new vehicle whether to lease or purchase. With the impending miles what are most of you doing?

So I essentially have two questions.

1. What do most of you think about the first issue? I.E. clients in a truck.

2. What are you most you deciding to do when purchasing a vehicle you know you will be applying large amounts of miles to.

Thanks,

Steve Mabee

**kensmith** · 07-24-2006, 10:11 PM

1 - With few exceptions it wouldn't be a good idea.

2 - It was smarter for me to purchase, BUT you should talk to your tax person about this to see what would make the most sense for you. It is different person by person.

**Realestateguy** · 07-24-2006, 10:20 PM

that's true agree

**audiokat** · 07-25-2006, 08:54 AM

Originally Posted by kensmith

1 - With few exceptions it wouldn't be a good idea.

2 - It was smarter for me to purchase, BUT you should talk to your tax person about this to see what would make the most sense for you. It is different person by person.

For 1 - could you explain. Are you saying the truck would be a good idea? Thanks for the all the opinions folks.

Steve Mabee

**kensmith** · 07-25-2006, 01:40 PM

No I said "With few exceptions it wouldn't be a good idea."

The few exceptions might be in areas that you sell a lot of raw land and trucks are common place as you need them to drive the land. There are also some parts of the country that most peopl ehave pickups so it wouldn't be as big of a deal, but still not smart IMO.

I have both a car and a Durango, while I love to drive both the Durango isn't used for work very often as many clients would have a hard time getting in and out of it. So basicly the car sits there and is only used for work.

**audiokat** · 07-25-2006, 05:18 PM

I understand, I work in a hybrid suburban/urban area. So the need for a pick-up would have nothing to do with real estate. It is simply that I just bought and am worried about having to trade a brand new vehicle in so early in the loan.

Any other thoughts anyone?

Steve Mabee

**Richard@AAP** · 07-26-2006, 03:32 PM

I think you need a 2004 Crew Cab Lariat F150

It just so happens I have one that I could sell you

As far as the vehicle, as long as the truck is NICE then you don't have to worry. My opinion anyway, I would NOT go for a mini truck, not sure if the one you mentioned is or not but definately get a luxury full size one if you do, just so happens mine fits the bill perfectly and I have it on sale TODAY!! lol Anyway, make sure the truck has leather and some nice interior if you get one. Good luck!

-Richard

**audiokat** · 07-26-2006, 04:45 PM

Originally Posted by Richard@AAP

I think you need a 2004 Crew Cab Lariat F150

It just so happens I have one that I could sell you

As far as the vehicle, as long as the truck is NICE then you don't have to worry. My opinion anyway, I would NOT go for a mini truck, not sure if the one you mentioned is or not but definately get a luxury full size one if you do, just so happens mine fits the bill perfectly and I have it on sale TODAY!! lol Anyway, make sure the truck has leather and some nice interior if you get one. Good luck!

-Richard

Thanks for the help Richard. I been asking this question of everyone I know. The truck is a mid sized but has quite a bit of space inside. The rear leg room specs out with just as much as most mid sized cars. The only issue is that the rear seat doesn't lean back at all. I can't imagine having to put some elderly woman back there for 5 hours. But then again can't imagine having to trade my beautidul brand new vehicle in.

I guess another thing your answer brings to mind is luxury. I'm not a luxury vehicle guy. It just seems like a waste of money. But my goal of course is to as quickly as possible move into higher price brackets. Nashville has loads of million dollar plus resedentials and I can't help but wonder if I would need something with a little more flair than a standard vehicle. Of course I'm not talking about some compact. My ideal mid size would be maybe a new Nissan Altima or similar.

What's everyone think?

Steve Mabee
Primal Gear

**Richard@AAP** · 07-26-2006, 04:54 PM

Whether or not your a luxury vehicle kind of guy your going to need something nice. If you pulled up in a cloth seated mid-sized truck or even car and wanted to take me around to show me 500k+ houses I would probably never use you again. As stupid as it sounds, that's all you have to show for your success in the business. Your client has no other real way to determine if you know your stuff or not without asking you a million questions. Allot of people (not all) see you pull up in something NICE they won't question your success. Like I said before, it's all about how you carry yourself and what type of image you project in this business. Some clients it won't care what your driving but there will be a lot that do. Don't get me wrong, if you pull up in a moderately nice vehicle that's not too classy but not a POS then they more than likely won't even notice the vehicle or pay it any attention. Anyway, that's my .02

-Richard