how much does it cost to lease a car?

[Anonymous]

does anyone have any idea, ballpark, how much it costs to lease a no-frills car?

[Anonymous]

It will vary a lot. Too many factors too consider (credit, down payment, etc.) to give you a number.

[Anonymous]

Re" leasing: The dealers will take advantage, even if you have good credit. They can do a "soft" credit check (undetected) on your account. They will tell you you have bad credit even if you have good credit.

If you insist on leasing, there will still be the "balloon" factor at the end of the payment schedule. The car will end up costing you far more than it is worth in the end.

The leasing days are over, with good reason.

If you can't pay cash for a car (most of us can't); you need to go in armed, with your current credit report in hand. NEVER tell them (and never base your purchase on) what you want your monthly payment to be. And (sorry to say it, but it is true) NEVER go in alone. Try to make a substantial down payment, and TRY to buy used, as the vehicle will depreciate the minute you drive out of the parking lot.

We are blessed to be in the age of the internet, where you can shop around first and know what the dealers pay; even if they claim to be "no haggle" (it's amazing how many buyers fall for this).

There is a new gimmick every minute. You may not be old enough to remember "rustproofing packages". The packages did not exist, yet the dealer collected hundreds upon thousands from unsuspecting buyers.

These days, it seems the dealer often "makes an error in the paperwork". Viola! You are back in the showroom waiving your right to the $1G-$2G "incentive", that was given to you under false pretenses.

Be careful. Do your homework. Good luck.

[Anonymous]

Leasing does not cost you a lot more money when done right. It's for people that plan on only keeping the car for a few years, that will keep under the mileage limit.
Also, new cars do depreciate right after buying them but if you plan on keeping it for 5 years you will appreciate the resale value it's retained.
PP seems to be under severe car buying paranoia. You should do your homework, but it's not nearly as bad as that poster made it out to be. Plenty of reputable car dealerships out there. Go visit one.