Leasing an Auto - Issues and Considerations

You are a good candidate for a lease if all of the following apply:

  1. You trade cars every 1 to 3 years.
  2. Drive a predictable number of miles annually.
  3. Take good care of your cars.

Lease Advantages:

  1. Low down payment and monthly payments.
  2. Small repair bills.
  3. Often drive a nicer/newer car.

Lease Disadvantages:

  1. Pay more over time.
  2. If you continue to lease, payments will be endless.
  3. Mileage overage charges.
  4. Lease return fees.
  5. Leases motivate people to trade cars more frequently.

Other Considerations: 

  1. Should I buy the vehicle at lease end? 
  2. Should I turn in my car "as is" or make repairs first?