Leasing Tips

Video highlights of this article

• Decide how much you can afford to spend on your lease payment. Decide on the right length of a lease for you (Edmunds.com recommends leasing for three years).



• Check to see what special leasing deals are available on the car you want to lease.



• Print out the Edmunds.com TMV price on the car you want to lease (adjusted for options, color and region).



• Use the leasing calculator to determine the monthly lease payment.



• Contact the Internet department and tell them the car you are looking for. Simultaneously solicit quotes from multiple dealers for the best monthly payment (make sure the quotes are for the same length lease and the same mileage).



• If you are trading in your old car, check its value on Edmunds.com True Market Value and print out this information.



• Call the Internet manager to negotiate the best lease for the car you want to buy.



• Once you've reached a good price, ask the salesperson to fax you a worksheet showing all the prices, taxes and fees.



• Bring your worksheet with you to the dealership so you can compare these numbers to the figures on the contract you will be signing. Make sure the contract includes gap insurance.



• Inspect the car for dents, dings and scratches before taking final delivery.



• As you drive your leased car, make sure you perform all the scheduled maintenance and do not exceed the mileage limit.