Ask to have the capitalized cost in writing. If you get any hassle or evasion from the sales staff, thank them and proceed directly to a different dealership.

Negotiate the purchase price first!! Then you can talk about leasing.

Make a larger down payment: this will help keep your payments down.

Consider leasing a well-maintained used car. A one or two year-old car with low mileage might help you escape those high sticker prices.

Always read the small print.

2torial #0618: Learn2 Lease a Car (Continued) Contract according to your needs The advantages of leasing soon fade if you have to pay an early termination fee if your car is stolen, or if you just change your mind about the car. Sometimes these fees can be equal to the total of your remaining monthly payments. To avoid this situation: Get a lease that allows early termination. Ask the salesperson to calculate how much you would have to pay if you terminated after half of the term. Get this in writing. Don't get a lease for longer than you expect to drive the car. Set a reasonable mileage projection. If the lease terms claim early termination is cause for default, watch out. This means you would be responsible for the cost of the car if, for example, it was stolen or destroyed. Again, get this information in writing. Get a closed-end lease. That means your residual value is set, and not dependent on the market when you return the car. Step 4