Does Chrysler really know how to sell the Pacifica?

I mean this seriously, but somewhat humorously. I live in Ontario,
Canada

Example:

After considerable research and test drives, I've narrowed my choice
down to either the Honda Pilot or the Pacifica. Obviously two vastly
different vehicles, but we'd be happy with either of them.

In all cases, I'm asking for a 48 month lease quote on $5000 down +
fees & 20k km per year.

On an MSRP $41k to $43k (depends which model of PIlot I choose), I can
expect to pay between $475 & $500 per month after tax.

On a Pacifica priced at around $45k, I get quotes of $675 or so.
Having said that, I know that Chrysler is using much higher lease
money rates. I have to question why?

Very interesting, because in general, and specific to the Pilot,
Honda has a decent track record of quality, so you wouldn't expect
them to be willing to deal. On the other hand, the Chrysler is a new
vehicle, with no track record, and you'd expect that they'd be trying
to sell it agressively - I haven't seen many on the road.

What gives? Why the huge difference?

Ant.

 

I agree. The lease rates from Chrysler Financial Canada are ridiculously
high (more than 7% for 48mos). I ended up purchasing my Pacifica in Toronto
last month to take advantage of the 3.9% financing (although i think all the
2003 vehicles qualify for the 0% 60mos rate). I think there are a lot of
factors for the poor sales - DC trying to break into the luxury market,
financing rates, mostly loaded vehicles at the dealerships, etc.

Sometimes I think I'm the only Pacifica on the road in Toronto!

 

When you lease a car you are paying for the deprecation over a fixed number
of years plus a profit percentage. That would mean they want either a lot
more profit or the car is expected to deprecate more that the Honda.

 

Yup, my impression would be that they are trying to milk these sales
from a profit perspective, or they expect depreciation to be high
(which is interesting for a vehicle aimed at the quasi-luxury
segment).

I was also seriously considering the GMC Envoy, until the wife
declared it to be too big for her (as the primary user). The lease
rates between GM and Honda aren't all that far apart.

I've leased many vehicles before, and rarely encounter one
dealer/manufacturer that is so far out of line with respect to leasing
rates for vehicles within the same price range (which the Pacifica
obviously is).

Ant.

 

Dealer confirmed today that the lowest lease rate they can go to is
7.8%!

 

Actually, there's no Financial Institution involved (at least not at
my end). This is leased directly through Chrysler Financial.

I don't think that it would be practical to purchase in the U.S.
The exchange on our dollar is pretty significant.

Having seen a few ads for Pacificas in one of the larger National
newspapers, I think this is probably a situation where the local
dealership and their Chrysler contacts just don't have their acts
together.

I already get discounts, as I do have a 2000 Caravan leased through
Chrysler.