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How to Lease
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| Leasing is convenient, affordable and offers benefits that purchasing a car can't, according to Buzz Doering, a national authority on auto leasing and author of The Buzz on Leasing ($12.95 in bookstores or call 800-426-1357). "The most obvious benefit is the ability to walk away from a car in two or three years," says Doering. Others reasons are: -- Changing jobs or moving. -- A growing or shrinking family. -- New technology or safety features in new car models. -- Preference for a new or different vehicle. | ||||
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By the way, are you stuck in a lease? Or maybe you're looking to buy a vehicle that is coming off a lease? Try Swapalease
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| Additionally, leasing
offers: -- 30-40% lower monthly payments than financing purchased vehicles.
-- Avoidance of investing in a depreciating asset. -- Some tax incentives
and extra insurance protection. "Leasing is not better or worse than
buying -- it's different," says Doering.
To decide on the right option, he says, first understand all the differences between leasing and buying, including intangibles such as the ability to trade for a new car in the short term. "Next, consider depreciation, or the difference between the purchase price and what the vehicle eventually sells or trades for. When buying a vehicle, this difference can't be determined until the vehicle is sold -- two to three years later." |
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LeasePower.com allows you to calculate and seek pre-approval
for your
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In leasing, however, Doering says the price the vehicle may be purchased for in two or three years can be determined in advance. The car may also be traded or returned at the end of the lease period, so depreciation is not a factor. "You pay only for the part of the car you use when you lease. When you buy, you are paying for the whole car, leaving you susceptible to the loss in value that occurs with depreciation. "A cardinal rule of leasing is to closely examine every option in the lease and to avoid only looking for the lowest lease payments. Some lower monthly payments require a larger initial outlay of money, or may not offer the lease options you require." When you lease, your monthly payment is determined by estimated depreciation over the period of usage and lease charges. In addition, other fees might apply, such as for acquisition, license and title, taxes and possibly disposition. Identify and understand how these fees are calculated before beginning to negotiate a lease. There are five major elements to consider before signing a lease: 1. Term 2. Mileage Allowed 3. Open-end or Closed-end Option 4. Fixed Option Price at Lease End 5. GAP Protection It is wise to consider GAP protection, an insurance policy that covers the difference between a settlement from an insurance company and the actual payoff on a vehicle that has been Since the Federal Truth in Leasing Act took effect January 1, 1998, all leasing must be done on a full disclosure basis, offering some protection from dishonest leasing practices. "You have the right to view all the facts at the dealership before you make a leasing decision. However, the more thoroughly educated you are about leasing, the better your chances are of negotiating the best deal," Doering says. |
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