I was just curious if the residual on a leased car is negotiable? I was reading another thread that was talking about how an owner was able to negotiate the residual on his car, albeit not an S2000. I assumed the residual was set in stone and couldn't be changed. I know this sucks for the S2000. Back when it was leased, the S2000 didn't depreciate as much, because it was supposed to be a limited run, but we know how that went. I had a friend that had a 2001 on a four year lease and just recently turned his in. The residual was supposed to be like 20,000+ but the value of the car is probably in the 16's, asking price at a dealer being in the 19's, meaning the dealer would have bought the car for 17 or 18,000. Wouldn't Honda Finance be better off negotiating the price to the 19's or lower, rather than taking in the car, inspecting it, getting it certified and auctioned to a dealer and only getting about $16,000 for the car in the end with the dealer making the majority of the profit? I know Honda North America doesn't make any money from any used cars sold. Who knows, I may be just thinking aloud, but any insight is appreciated.

 

Sometimes yes, but from what I've read, Honda Finance does not negotiate lease residuals.

 

Correct, Honda Finance does not budge. Some other private leasing companies or banks might be more amenable to negotiating buyouts but if you leased with AHFC, the price you agreed to when you signed the deal is the price you'll pay should you decide to buy the car.