Leasing a Car

figure out what you want and get prices from a few places

When I was shopping, all the popular places were within $20-30 a month of each other. I picked the place I did because I’m hoping they can protect me when it comes time to stand trial on the “excessive wear and tear” the adjuster will put me thur when the lease is up (I have anouther year to go, and this was my 1st lease, so I can’t tell you if I chose wisely)

But given my experience between buying new and leasing, so far leasing was a better choice. Things I don’t like about my current van are only going to be my headache for another year. When I was in a bought van, it was mine for 10+years, shortcomings and all, plus it was old.

Let me tell you, there is something to be said for a new car / van. If you can afford it, go for it. (and enjoy it!)

The “bundle” I saved ammounted to about $100 / month over 10 years, Which is nothing to blink at, but over the lenght of the years, it did not save as much as you would think.

Again, if its a choice between buying / leasing new or getting something used, that’s a whole other ballgame.

But buying new costs a bundle, and given the choice, I think (hope?) I made the right choice by leasing.

Plus, most leases are only 3 years, so if it turns out to be a bad move, you can always buy then (but so far, I have yet to meet the person that goes from lease to buy)

don’t forget that as a car ages the maintenance costs go up, so its hard to say that buying is ALWAYS cheaper. on a leased car, they usually cover all mechanical problems

In general leasing is about the most expensive way to obtain a car. You are much better off buying a 3-4 year old car and paying cash for it.

dunno: BP Totty, and no one, denied that leasing is almost always much more expensive. He just said it made him happier (apparently so he could get a new car frequently) to lease, even though it cost him a bundle. ZachKessin is very correct.

dunno

I suggested you shop around, the moderator actually recommended a company, and bp totty said it’s only around 20.00 difference between once co and another. what are you looking for? a leasing company that steals car, and leases it far cheaper than every one else? or will give it to you for free?

Try Comfort Auto. Great Service & prices.

1. Long term ownership is only as good as the maintenance and treatment of the first owner. This brings me to point two.

This is an argument for deciding between new or used, not between buying or leasing — which can be new or used in either scenario.

2. Why buy someone elses headache. More often then not owners fail to do the basic standard maintenance till the car is worn down.

Same response as point 1. And in fact most car owners DO take proper maintenance care of their owned vehicles. (Unlike lease holders.)

3. Leasing a car may actually make economic sense because the monthly payment is usually cheaper then financing a comparable vehicle.

Perhaps, but if you finance you own the car, you can then sell it – or better yet continue using it without ANY fixed monthly costs after the financing is paid off. At the end of a lease you do not own the car and must return it.

4. There is usually a “deal” of some sort for the type of vehicle most people look for.

This is true for both buying and leasing.

5. Chances are most people who cant afford to lease probably don’t have the cash to pay for a reliable and well maintained used car.

It cost much less over the long run to buy used, so if someone is economically disadvantaged they would be better buying.

6. Wear care cost can usually be avoided/or lowered, if the owner doing basic repairs before turning the car in.

With outright ownership you avoid this issue completely. You have nothing to turn in.

7. I would look around the neighborhood and see who people lease from and call around/ ask those neighbors what their experience was. A good leasing company isn’t about “best price” it is also about responsiveness, understanding what your needs are, and answering your questions. Price, is just one factor but it doesn’t tell you much about your future experience.Also, advertisements cost money, whom do you think that money is coming from?

Good point. Used cars are advertised much much less heavily, therefore allowing them to be sold without the owner needing to recuperate advertising costs.