Car leasing is nothing different to paying for the usage of a truck, a van, or any vehicle in that matter, within a specific duration of time. Most people may think that it is similar to car rentals, but it has one major difference. You can rent a car for a week, a day or even a few hours, but for a car lease, it typically requires at least a year of usage period.
When thinking of getting a car lease, just like anything else nowadays, the first thing that you have to consider is the price. You have to negotiate for a good deal and you should have an idea of what exactly the pros and cons of such the agreement you are entering into.
Your car lease advantage is only as good as the dealer you’re talking to. As soon as you had a common say on the price of the car lease, the dealer sells your chosen car to the leasing company at your agreed price. Then the leasing company lets you have the car based on the price you’ve given. You will then shell out the total amount of the leases in staggered payments every month.
The dealer is simply an agent for the car leasing entity. This way you would save yourself from the hassle of scouting for a leasing company on your own. The dealer speaks in your behalf. For this particular kind of work, a dealer is given a reasonable commission in each of the purchaser he endorses. Just keep in mind that as soon as you inked a contract agreement, then the accord is between you and the leasing company. The dealer’s work ends there. Any concerns regarding the car you lease should go directly to the leasing company’s attention.
Big giants in the car industry, like Ford and General Motors usually have a number of car leasing businesses acting as subsidiaries. These kinds of companies usually employ the most dealers. Banks and other leasing and loaning institutions commonly hire dealers as well.
When you lease a car, on top of your monthly obligations, you still need to have pay for corresponding insurance fees, applicable taxes plus licensing fees. A leasing contract contains these information along with the stipulation that you will use the car for a specified number of year or months. There is also a pledge that you will maintain and keep the car in good running condition.
On the end of your leasing period, you are obligated to return the car to the leasing company. The usual wear and tear is forgivable, but more than that, you must pay for the damage and any additional fees when you used your car longer than the time specified in the contract. You are also given the option to buy the car you leased or use it as a trade in for a brand new car.
Just like purchasing a car, you need to shop for the vehicle you want to lease. You wouldn’t want just any other car. Getting a car lease is also an investment on your part. It is but appropriate to give it a long thought. Talk to several dealers; compare prices and the benefits of each company. Always have extensive discussion with your dealers. Asking questions is a good thing. Let the dealer explain to you the liabilities in instances of accident or loss of the car. After all your doubts are cleared then you can go ahead and lease the car you want. Choose a car that suits your lifestyle and drive it as if it is your own.
Christopher M. Luck has an extensive background in dealing exclusively with the car leasing agencies as well as companies and is now offering his free professional car leasing secrets to the public. If you are at all interested in Christopher's personal advice, tips, or secrets on leasing you can visit his automotive blog.