There are a number of tips in the Cars.com article “Leasing Guidelines,” which is full of advice to help you get the best deal. We’ve included a few below, but be sure to check out the full article here.

• Whether you're buying or leasing, set up a competitive bidding environment to get the lowest price. Shop around for the best leasing terms. Competition is the only effective means the car buyer has to get dealers to lower their price.
• Make sure you negotiate the purchase price — or capitalized cost — and not just the monthly payments.
• Know the residual value used to calculate how much depreciation you'll pay, as well as the purchase price you'll pay if you decide to buy the car. In most (but not all) leases, these will be the same figure. Also know the money factor (similar to an interest rate) you're paying. For a comparable interest rate, multiply the money factor by 2,400.
• Make sure you know all the fees involved. Expect at least an initial acquisition fee and a disposition fee when turning in the car. Remember, these leasing fees are negotiable.
• When a dealer tries to sell you undercoating, window etching or a security system, just say no. It's not your car. Why buy these extras for the bank?

Before you head into a dealership’s negotiation room, make sure you fully understand what’s involved with a lease and that it’s the right choice for you. We can point you to our “Should I Buy or Lease” quiz, which will ask a few questions you should consider. Choosing to lease typically means you want a new car every few years, don’t drive more than 15,000 miles a year and want the newest technology and designs. It’s also a huge advantage if you use the car for business and your company will foot the bill. See our resources on leasing below:

Learn more

• Should You Buy or Lease (Cars.com)
• Leasing Guidelines (Cars.com)
• Leasing Benefits (Cars.com)
• Leasing Glossary (Cars.com)
• Sample Pricing Scenarios (Cars.com)
• Loan vs. Lease Calculator (Cars.com)
• Car-Buying News (KickingTires)