Pros/cons to leasing a 1st gen model

Ask the Hackrs Buy/Finance
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First a little background. My kiddo just got their license so, after researching a number of different ways to go, and getting quotes from my insurance company, I’m really leaning towards leasing a new car for myself and letting them drive my current 2017 Outback (just hit over 100k miles, bought in Nov 2016). Age, mileage, safety features & insurance cost seems to make this the best choice.

Now I’ve really enjoyed the Outback. Love the wagon feel and interior space. Was originally planning to stick with my Outback until the next model comes out with the 2026 line, then wait until year 2. So the 2027 line in Fall 2026. This is where the idea came in to lease. I could try something else out for a few years until then. Though I’ll admit that from everything I’ve learned on this site, leasing has many more pros than I thought (so glad for this site!)

Ok, so I started researching vehicles. Would love a bit of a comfort upgrade honestly. But with costs these days, I’m a bit hesitate. But I did make a short list to test drive soon: Audi A6 allroad, Volvo v90 cross country, Lexus RX250, Acura RDX. The prices are, as expected, a bit painful (for me at least). But then I ran across this new 2025 model coming out, the Toyota Crown Signia. Now I know, Toyota isn’t in the same class as the others, but from what I’m reading, while it’s not at the Lexus level, it’s an upgrade in comfort from the Outback with the wagon feel I like. I’m really leaning towards this one if the test drive goes well.

So all of that to get to my question. As this is a new model, and I need a vehicle ASAP, will a lease make financial sense at all? From what I’m reading, leases are pretty terrible when a 1st gen model comes out. Should I go see about getting a quote now or wait? (it’s not out yet)

Alternatively, I know buying a 1st gen model has a lot of cons but thoughts on this model seem to be that it’s only “sort of new” since there’s already a sedan version and the majority of that build will be retained in the wagon. Another note is that it’s being manufactured at the factory in Japan. Not sure what that will mean for availability?

Will end with the fact that I’m a terrible negotiator, I’ll admit it. I just hate it. So I at least want to make sure I won’t be taken advantage of. I have no problem walking away from an offer that’s garbage, no matter how much I want something. Just not sure how applicable all of the advice I’m reading is with this situation.

So what would you do if you had to get a car ASAP and were thinking about the Toyota Crown Signia coming out soon?

Thanks!

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Two points:

  1. All the vehicles you’re looking at are terrible lease candidates.
  2. You should use a broker.

With that out of the way, a very prominent Toyota broker in the marketplace (@Jrouleau426) is already showing inbound Crown Signias with a $4-5k discount. Not sure if that offsets the crazy high, non-subvented money factor but you may want to reach out to him.

The Outback and Crown Signia have different missions, so I wouldn’t assume that everything you like about the Outback will apply to the Signia.

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Depends on the numbers. Without any numbers this discussion is moot.

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Thanks! Again, new to the idea of leasing. Not sure why they’re terrible lease candidates but will do my research as I’m still trying to learn. Will look into the broker as well. Appreciate the reply!

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Ok, thanks. Wasn’t sure if it was worth it or even possible to get numbers at this point, which was one of my other questions. :slight_smile:

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Current Crown @Jrouleau426 had in mid $500 range all in, you are not going to get that out of all the other brands listed.

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Yea, I know. That’s part of why it’s appealing to me lol :slight_smile: Oh! And where did you see that post? Been looking at his and can’t seem to find mention of the Signia anywhere. Tried searching and been looking at the images in his posts as well.

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Totally different vehicle than what’s being discussed though

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There was a individual trying to transfer out of a Crown. Few posts discuss current market on the regular Crown lease. Maybe this can be helpful to you. First year anything will not lease well, unless its an EV.

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Endorsed

One good reason to lease. If you opt for another outback now, just buy it. If something else leases well and you want to drive that, go for it.

A lot on that spectrum, the Outback isn’t especially luxurious. A Volvo XC60 might lease well, a V60 less likely, a V90 unlikely. Try an XC60.

You might find the Venza or RAv4 along with any of the comparable Lexus models. CRV, Prologue, MDX.

If you want to stick to a wagon, the short list of Audi A(S/RS) 4/6 , MB E450, V60/90, and just announced M5 wagon. Headline: none of them lease well, sometimes you can squeak a decent deal on a V60 or A4 Allroad

Check the Marketplace to see what is leasing well, Read Leasing 101 to understand what makes a lease good or bad.

Take your son with you test driving replacements and find something that gives you feelings, at least for 2-3 years.

Good luck shopping!

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The OP is referring to the Crown Signia, not the Crown.

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Hense why I wrote current Crown in my original post. LH guidelines do not allow suggesting alernatives anymore?

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Suggesting a car with a trunk when the OP has listed interest in 5 cars with a hatch and not clarifying that you are making an out-of-left-field suggestion are probably not going to be that helpful.

YMMV.

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All of this is moot until OP test drives the car and decides they like it enough to pursue financing it if the lease numbers aren’t good.

Toyota barely supports their leases, so finding a good lease on one shouldn’t be high on your expectations.

Unfortunately that applies to almost every wagon in the US. Niche and cult followed vehicles don’t get any marketing support

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Thanks so much! Could I ask why you say to just buy the Outbook if I go that way now?

And yea, really would like to stick with a wagon. I have a medical issue with my joints so getting in and out of vehicles can be literally painful. Most SUVs are too high, sedans too low. The Outback has been the perfect height for me (just right as goldilocks would say! lol)

I’ve read the Leasing 101 on this and am reading as many external articles I can as well. Still get a little lost in the terminology or shorthand some use and end up in a rabbit hole chasing those meanings down. Feeling the pressure on trying to get this all figured out soon.

Oh and hey, side note, I’ve really appreciated all of the knowledge you’ve shared across posts on this site. I see you hop in over and over with such solid info and advice. It’s been very helpful, so just wanted to say a quick thank you!

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Thanks. Didn’t realize how niche/cult these wagons were considered to be. I’m far from a car connoisseur. Sounds like leasing may not make sense for what I’m looking for. When you say “barely supports their leases”, what does that mean exactly? As in they don’t offer leases that make financial sense? Are there ever good lease deals on an Outback? I feel like these are everywhere these days so guess them being niche wasn’t on my radar :-/

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Thanks. I did get a bit lost with their posts about the sedan. I do want a wagon. No interest in the sedan version at all.

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