How to Lease a Car

Leasing requires a smaller down payment - usually much smaller - than buying a car. Therefore, you can get a nicer car if you lease, but may have to pay more over time.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately challenging

1. Shop for and settle on a car.
2. Discuss lease terms with the sales representative.
3. Ask for a complete explanation of your liability in case of an accident or total loss of the vehicle.
4. Check the depreciation on that model of car.
5. Compare your costs, including the depreciation, to your costs if you were to simply buy the car and make payments.
6. If you still decide to lease, review and sign the lease agreement and write a check.
7. Get insurance.

Tips & Warnings

• Your credit will be reviewed more closely and requirements will be higher for a lease than for a purchase.
• Total loss of the car usually works out worse for you than it does for the car dealership.