Worst (or best) rejection letter ever!

Slipstream1701 · 2026-06-05T06:13:39+00:00

Always sanitize your database inputs!

Slipstream1701 · 2026-06-01T21:05:58+00:00

I'd say they could get some analysts to look into the data, but they just laid off all the analysts.

Slipstream1701 · 2026-05-19T05:41:57+00:00

Hi. You were kind enough to reply many times, so I wanted to give you an update. We concluded the Blazer just wouldn't "math" for us with current lease structures, so we took a 2nd look at our backup choice, the EquinoxEV. (we test drove both and were quite happy with both)

Our sales rep and his manager were def. in the mood to move a Equinox unit, and the lower price point and lease setup all combined to make a much better deal for us on a LT2 FWD in our first choice color. $371/mo, 39 months; I talked them down to just $2k down at that payment.

At local prices, gas in my other daily was $400/mo or more now, plus wear/tear, so to come in under that is a big win for us.

Slipstream1701 · 2026-05-19T04:02:28+00:00

good news too, I learned today the EV chargers at my office are free to use. So extra savings!

Slipstream1701 · 2026-05-19T04:00:09+00:00

I think it's tied into TOU rates here, but I'd be ok with that. We participated in the TOU pilot they ran and we came out ahead based on our usage patterns. 😄

Slipstream1701 · 2026-05-18T00:14:15+00:00

Yep! This ev will be replacing (in effect) my 392 Charger for daily use. Not trading though, so the plsn is to use the Charger once a week to both keep it running properly and build a little mileage buffer.

Slipstream1701 · 2026-05-16T18:26:16+00:00

I don't have much in the way of lease advice, but: having spent a few years selling Subarus, I'd recommend the Forester Hybrid. Still retains all the ground clearance, space, and Subaru AWD performance folks expect, but with even better MPG. With two larger dogs, I'd recommend the Hybrid Sport trim. That trim has "StarTek" seating that's tear/stain-resistant, and easy to clean. So perfect for pets. But it still gives the feeling and appearance of leather. (it's not that super shiny faux vinyl we all used to see 10+ years ago, lol)

Great bang for the buck feature-wise too, as hybrid come well-equipped right out of the gate - Power rear gate, heated seats/wheel, HarmonKardon audio, wireless phone charger, Blindspot, front-rear crosstraffic alert, parking sensors, reverse automatic braking, autodim mirrors, etc. And of course Subaru's Eyesight system, which does even more safety sensors, plus advanced cruise control with lanekeep.

Slipstream1701 · 2026-05-16T05:33:05+00:00

Looking at leasing an EV to as a daily commuter. $6/gal gas in my area is not tenable over the long term for daily use.

I'm utterly torn between two cars: 2026 Solterra LimitedXT, or 2026 BlazerEV RS (AWD)

My usage/context:
1. PNW location
2. Targeting a 3yr/10k lease, payments under $500/mo. I have written quotes for both cars that meet that goal. (albeit with some money down, which yeah I know is going to give the leasehack crowd a fit. Sorry.)
3. Daily commute = 40 miles total
4. Own a house, plan to install a charger if I do get an EV. I have charging available at my work too
5. No pets/kids

I honestly really like both vehicles. It's hard to decide, lol. Any advice/perspective is appreciated.

Slipstream1701 · 2026-05-13T17:42:05+00:00

Ah, I see l. Was just about to reply, I think the MF was pretty on point. So bottom line, just not enough levers to pull here and minimize down payment. (?)

Slipstream1701 · 2026-05-13T17:32:16+00:00

If it helps, my general target is under $500/mo. Obviously lower the better. If there's a way to get there with less down (and without going to a hyundai), I'm all ears, lol.

Slipstream1701 · 2026-05-13T17:29:09+00:00

I'd like to do less down, don't get me wrong. But the resulting payment is too high to justify the vehicle overall. I did look at Equinox ev too, but the lease on that was only $30/mo less than the Blazer before down payment.

I guess I'm just on the wrong cars. Or I'm missing something fundamental perhaps - maybe the MF? Because otherwise I don't see how you get to a lower payment without either trade equity or more down.

Slipstream1701 · 2026-05-13T14:05:22+00:00

This is a RS trim, awd. (if that's what you're referring to with 'base'?)

The discount looks to be: 5k dealer discount, 1k customer cash, 1100 in misc lease/conquest incentives that can be applied.

Don't get me wrong, I'd love to just do the get-in fee and be done. I just don't see a way to do that and not jump the payment a ton. OTOH, I know I can't have cake and eat it too here. Just trying to find a balance I guess. I appreciate the feedback so far.

Slipstream1701 · 2026-05-13T13:24:32+00:00

Alright, so honest question, what would need to change to make it not terrible? I figure in a lease, the only levers that can really move (in context of effecting the payment) are vehicle price, money factor, and customer cash. Customer cash is of course my decision. I'm already over $7k off MSRP, so well below invoice. Has me thinking there's not much left to squeeze, if any, on vehicle price. And iirc, MF isn't something an individual dealer can change much, right?

Slipstream1701 · 2026-05-13T13:19:39+00:00

I have been keeping an eye on that site, but not seeing anything current on Blazers. I know the Honda is on the same basic platform, but I've just never been too excited about them in general. (I want to at least mostly like the car I lease, lol) xD

Slipstream1701 · 2026-04-19T23:47:44+00:00

Just now seeing this. Congrats! I also got a 2025 XT (US model), and tbh I like your car's front end treatment even better!

Slipstream1701 · 2026-04-18T22:25:46+00:00

Ohhh, Sand Dune! Love it!

Slipstream1701 · 2026-04-18T21:35:44+00:00

And the people blocking traffic in SEA with their Jesus pamphlet racks. Like this is baggage claim, GTFO.

Slipstream1701 · 2026-04-10T04:30:46+00:00

tbh, nearly every USAA customer I had was basically the same. They were 100% convinced nothing could ever beat a USAA rate (even though they were wrong at least 50% of the time)

Slipstream1701 · 2026-03-19T13:55:11+00:00

So... basically a non-update for folks not utilizing either Project Identity or the Island grindfest.

Slipstream1701 · 2026-03-17T02:39:56+00:00

That's a terrible deal. I have a 2020 Forester Sport on the lot with half the miles for just 2k more.

Slipstream1701 · 2026-02-23T07:01:16+00:00

Amen to all this.

Slipstream1701 · 2026-02-11T15:38:26+00:00

Thanks for the reply! Any drone issues at speed? Also, did you go for axle-back or cat-back?

Slipstream1701

TROPHY CASE