Smart Used Car Leasing
You're dreaming of driving a high end car, but can't manage the high price. Did you know that you have the option of leasing a used car? A used vehicle lease can be a great option for drivers who need an affordable alternative to driving a big ticket truck or luxury sedan.
Thorough research is the key to finding the best deal when leasing a used vehicle. The place to start is price research.
Price research should be focused on initial market value and the estimated residual value, the vehicle's key figures. These figures can be harder to predict with used cars, as there are no factory-set sticker prices and residual percentages are determined by subjective current retail value. For this reason, it's important to find several value estimates, and find a median price. Visit local dealers for this information, or try online tools such as Cars.com and Edmunds.com.
Another way to pin down a good estimate is to compare the used car lease with a lease on a new car of the same make and model. This will give you an overall picture of the differences between new and used car leases. Just like leasing a new car, a used car lease is more attractive when residual values depreciate the least. You will have a better chance of finding a bargain with a high-end, luxury vehicle that holds its value.
Next, you should verify the accumulated mileage and assess the overall condition of the vehicle. The maximum mileage on the used vehicle you choose should not have exceeded 12,000 miles a year. For example, if the car is three years old with 50,000 miles on the odometer, it's probably not your best choice for a used vehicle lease.
After you've verified the mileage, look for signs excessive use. Check for worn seat fabric, damaged interior elements, worn pedal pads and a dirty engine. These can all indicate poor maintenance or a potential odometer roll-back. The car may well be marketed as "certified", but it's still in your best interest to have it thoroughly inspected by a trusted and qualified mechanic.
Gap coverage is a type of insurance offered on a new car lease that protects the driver against vehicle loss, damage or theft. This type of coverage is not usually offered on a used car lease. Automobile insurance policies will typically only cover what your car is worth at the time of loss, rather than what's owed on the lease. The difference can run into thousands of dollars.
For your own peace of mind, arrange your own gap coverage before entering into a used car lease. You can make these arrangements directly with the dealer, or through an automobile insurance company.
If you've always wanted to drive a high-end car, but can't manage the high payments, consider a used car lease. It can be just what you need to get you cruising in high style.
Author Michael Trusthold is an author for a variety of well-known car and truck web sites, on buy used car cheap and cross country road trip themes.
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