Negotiating a Lease

Reviewing your lease contract

Don't think that because you agreed verbally on something during your negotiation that it is necessarily reflected in the contract.  The dealer can easily make changes either deliberately or by mistake. 

You should review the entire lease contract in detail so that you can confirm that the major elements of the contract are all as stated.  Here's a quick list of items that you should focus on in your contract:

1. Is the cap cost what you agreed to?
   
2. Is the car the same year as the one you expected?
   
3. Is the interest rate current with what you researched?  If not, why not?  Can you negotiate?
   
4. What is the term listed?  Is this what you agreed to?
   
5. What happens if you transfer the lease?
6. How many miles are you allowed?  Can you handle this?  What is the penalty for going over?
   
7. What is the policy on wear and tear?  Make sure to have them define excessive wear and tear.
   
8. Are there extra charges that you don't understand?  What are they?  Are they necessary? (i.e. monthly car washes)
   
9. What is the residual set at?  Is this accurate?
   
10. What are the turn-in policies?