TIPS FOR NEGOTIATING A CAR LEASE

Introduction• Some people are probably confused by the title of this

article. Isn’t a car lease jus a car lease and that’s what it is?

• You can actually negotiate the terms? Not all places will be open to changing things up and giving you negotiating room, but there certainly are quite a few that will.

• That’s not to say you should just barge on in and start making demands like you own the place, but if you follow some tips you can get a deal closer to what you think is ideal.

Do Your Research• Before you even think of going in, do some research on

the manufacturer’s website or dealer’s website to find out if there are any deals to be had.

• Sometimes, special lease promotions will give you a deal and thy often change monthly so it’s usually best to check ahead of time.

• Newspaper ads are another place to look if you’re searching for a lease deal. After searching for some current deals, figure out which ones match your budget and then move on to the next step.

Compare Rates• You will want to check the various lease interest rates

being offered by different dealers, leasing companies and manufacturers, then when you feel you have all of the information that’s pertinent to leasing the vehicle, make an appointment with a dealership.

Compare Rates• If you have developed a rapport

with any specific dealership’s sales or service department, choose that one to visit, provided they offer leasing as part of their business model.

Compare Rates• Look for an offer that is between 2% and 4% above the

dealer’s lowest cost, which would indicate it is very competitive.

• If you are offered a lease price that is below the amounts you’ve found in your research then you’re on the right track. But you will still have the fine print of the lease to contend with after you hear a price that you like.

Conclusion• There are federal regulations that require the leasing

company to disclose certain information, so you should know about the full interest rate, up-front fees and taxes that are required.

• You should also take a closer look for things like acquisition fees, purchase-option fees and any other fees you’ve never heard of and may want to question.

Conclusion• Sometimes, the fine print of a car lease can add hundreds

of dollars to the final amount, so read it carefully or have someone in the know read it for you.

• There’s no need to pay for things you don’t want or don’t need because that won’t get you the best lease deal possible from the car dealership.