How to Reduce Car Lease Payments
- 1). Negotiate a lower interest rate. When buying or leasing an automobile, getting the best interest rate is essential. Interest rates play a major role in monthly payments. And having a low credit score often results in a higher rate and higher payments. To negotiate a reduced rate, you'll need a good credit and payment history. Get a copy of your credit report before leasing a car. Can you make improvements? Attempt to add 20 points to your credit score (pay your bills on time, pay off credit cards, stop applying for new lines of credit), which can lower your interest rate and reduce your car lease payments.
- 2). Pick a longer car lease term. If you enjoy driving a new vehicle every couple of years, you're likely interested in a short lease term. However, shorter leases have higher payments. To reduce car lease payments, choose a four- or five-year lease term.
- 3). Reduce the lease price with a down payment. Monthly payments are based on the lease price, and lowering the lease price reduces car lease payments. To accomplish this, use money from your personal savings as a down payment on the lease. The average down payment for a leased vehicle is between 10 and 20 percent of the lease price.
- 4). Use a co-signer. If bad credit or no credit history prevents you from getting the best rate on a car lease, find a co-signer with an acceptable credit history. Because the co-signer agrees to make the payments if you default on the lease, the leasing company may offer a lower interest rate, which can reduce your car lease payments.