Beat the Heat! Prevent Sun Damage to Your Car

As the dog days of summer are still well upon us, the intense summer heat can cause major damage to your vehicle. If you are currently leasing a vehicle, sun damage could surpass the amount normal wear and tear agreed upon in your car lease. If you intend to eventually trade in your car, sun damage prevention will help you get the highest vehicle trade-in value.

Review the following details for how to help prevent sun damage to your car:

Tires

Sunlight heats the pavement as badly as it heats up your tires. This is a terrible combination for your tread, especially if it is already worn. Check your tires monthly to make sure the tread is adequate and each tire’s air is at the proper gauge.  

Battery

Heat can deplete your car battery, accelerating its need for replacement. Try to park in the shade or under covered parking to help shield your vehicle from the heat. Also, keep jumper cables in your vehicle to prevent yourself from being stranded. Always have someone who is experienced jump the car battery for you, since this can be extremely dangerous if not done properly.

Engine

Stay on top of your oil changes because the engine needs to stay well lubricated throughout the summer in order to keep it running properly. Also, routinely check your car’s temperature gauge, if the temp is high, it could be due to inadequate coolant levels. If its coolant levels are low, there could be a worn hose or a damaged radiator.

Interior

Preserve your vehicle’s dashboard, and save your hands from a burning hot steering wheel by investing in a sunshade. Even the cheapest sunshade goes a long way in preventing interior damage.

Whether you have a leased vehicle or own your car, protecting your vehicle from damaging heat conditions is essential.

6 Common Car Leasing Setbacks

There are 6 common setbacks customers often experience when setting out to lease a vehicle. We can help you work around these obstacles and assure you that you are receiving the best deal.

1. I can’t find the vehicle I want to lease.

D&M works nationwide to give you the exact car you want, any make, any model, doing all the hard work for you.

2. I don’t understand the lease process.

D&M’s leasing agents make the lease process simple and efficient, guiding you every step of the way.  We are also haggle-free, meaning no obligation from you. If you just want a quote, we’ll give you one: no cost, no hassle. Take advantage of D&M Leasing’s best in class customer service today.

3. I don’t want to be trapped in a lease contract.

Our EZ Lease allows you to opt out of your lease without early termination fees.

4. I have poor credit.

D&M Leasing staff understands that every client’s situation is unique. We aim to meet our customers’ needs, and give you the best possible lease deal. If your credit score is very low, you may want to consider adding on a cosigner. Consult with a D&M’s leasing agents to advise on the best options for your situation.

5. I drive a lot.

The average driver accumulates 15,000 miles annually. Most car leases require you to stay under 12,000 miles per year. D&M’s EZ Lease was created to manage high mileage use. Consult a D&M Leasing agent to discuss the best way to handle your average annual mileage. 

6. I don’t trust leasing companies.

75% of D&M Auto Leasing’s business is attributed to repeat and referred business. We have a continuously growing community of satisfied customers that recommend us to their friends and family.

D&M Leasing takes the time to learn your personal needs and situation to find you the best vehicle for your lifestyle, for the best deal. Call us today.

Car Leasing Advantages and Disadvantages

Buying Advantages

Since you own the vehicle, you can trade it in or sell at any time and use the value towards your next vehicle. Buying is also ideal for commuters and frequent road-trippers that accumulate well over 15,000 miles annually. Car buying is the most cost effective in the long run since you are paying off the entire vehicle.


Buying Disadvantages
Unless you have excellent credit, you are going to have higher monthly payments. Even with great credit, you are still paying off the entire vehicle plus interest.

Cars only decrease in value. A new car loses up to 11% of its value just by driving it off the lot. A vehicle is only considered an asset to the bank if the current value is higher than the amount owned. Every year, that asset will decrease.

Owning can be expensive if you intend to keep your vehicle for more than a few years. The warranty coverage will expire, leaving the cost of upkeep completely up to you.

Leasing Advantages

One of the strongest assets of vehicle leasing is that you drive more car for less. You are able to consistently drive a new car, only paying for the depreciation, rather than the entire cost of the vehicle, therefore making your monthly payments lower than monthly loan payments.

Car leasers also prefer the lower down payment, and lower monthly payments. For qualifying leases, D&M’s EZ Lease waives the down payment as well as the first two monthly payments.

Another convenience of leasing is warranty coverage. Since you are only driving the vehicle for the first few years, it’s most likely covered by the manufacturer’s warranty the entire term. You also turn the vehicle in before maintenance becomes costly.

Leasing Disadvantages
Most car leases require you to stay under 12,000 – 15,000 miles per year. Going over your mileage can be expensive, depending on your lease. If you acquire more mileage, and want the flexibility to opt out of your lease without termination fees, check out our EZ Lease.

For most car lease companies, early termination fees can be outrageous, if termination is even an option.

Buy or Lease?

Both buying and leasing a car have its advantages. Your values and current situation are a large factor in determining which is best for you. Contact D&M Leasing for a free car lease quote, or check out our lease return inventory, if you think buying is a better option for you. Whichever you decide, D&M Auto Leasing is here for you.

The Perfect Time to Lease Your Next Vehicle

Why Lease?

Many assume that leasing is like renting, but it is actually just another way of financing for a vehicle. Rather than you buying the vehicle directly from the dealer, a car leasing company buys it for you, and then you pay for the “use” of the vehicle. At the end of the lease, if you still love the car, you can buy at trade-in.

Why Lease Now?

As July nears its end, now is the best time to lease! As a rule, the best time to lease a car is at the end of the month. July is especially ideal too because most new vehicles are released from July through October. The benefit of leasing a car when it’s brand new is that you can take advantage of its peak residual value. A high residual value means that the car will maintain the majority of its value when you are ready to return. Higher residual also means lower depreciation, meaning lower monthly payments for you.

If you are thinking about getting a new vehicle, consider leasing as an option. Read more about the benefits of leasing vs buying a car.

Call D&M Auto Leasing for a free quote today!

How to Calculate Car Lease Payments

Hunting for a great car lease deal is inconvenient and exhausting. Even if you’ve contacted multiple vehicle leasing companies, it’s difficult to identify a fair quote without knowing what goes into determining that number. That’s why D&M Leasing has simplified the process for you.

Estimate Your Lease Payment

All you need to calculate your car lease is a few simple details about the car you want and current interest rates.

You Will Need:

  1. The MSRP: What is the car listed at? The manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) is the standard dollar amount that the vehicle is worth when brand new.
  2. The Money Factor: The money factor is how your interest rate is calculated. It is used as an alternate way of expressing the annual percentage rate (APR). On average, the money factor is 0.00125.
  3. Lease term: The standard lease term is 36 months. Other car leasing companies may offer longer lease terms, but it’s not recommended since you will pay for more depreciation.
  4. Residual: The best way to find out the residual value is by either calling the dealership, or looking it up online through a vehicle valuation company such as Kelley Blue Book®. Residuals for 36-month lease terms are typically between 45 and 60 percent.

Calculate Your Lease Estimate

The average cost of a new vehicle is about $33,000, so we will use it as the MSRP to show you how lease estimates are calculated. Residual Values are usually between 45 and 60 percent. We’ll use the lowest residual value in our example. This serves as an example of a car lease quote without any negotiated costs or specials.

  • Multiply the MSRP by the Residual Value (Percentage).
    First, you need to determine the car’s worth at the end of the lease term.
    Equation:
    MSRP x Residual Value (percentage) = Residual Value (dollars)
    $33,000 x 0.45 = $14,850
  • Subtract the Residual Value (Dollars) from the MSRP.
    Since you’ve estimated residual value, next calculate the depreciation.
    The depreciation is the amount of car “use” you are paying for during your lease.
    Equation:
    MSRP – Residual Value (dollars) = Depreciation
    $33,000 – $14,850 = $18,150
  • Divide the Depreciation by the Lease Term
    Now that you have an estimate on how much your total cost of your lease will be, you can calculate your monthly payments.
    Equation:
    Depreciation ÷ Lease Term (Months) = Monthly Payment
    $18,150 ÷ 36 = $504
  • Calculate the Interest Rate
    You have your monthly car lease estimate now, but you will also have to pay monthly interest rates. Both car lease and loan payments have interest rates. The money factor is used in quantifying the interest rate.
    Equation:
    (MSRP + Residual Value) x Money Factor = Interest Rate
    ($33,000 + $14,850) x 0.00125 = $59.81
  • Add the Monthly Payment Estimate and Interest Rate
    Equation:
    Monthly Payment + Interest Rate = Total Payment
    $504 + $59.81 = $563.81

Keep in mind that the number you calculated is an estimate; local taxes and additional fees greatly affect car lease quotes. However, you now have a clear picture of a reasonable offer to compare with vehicle leasing companies. It’s also worth taking note that D&M Auto Leasing offers low, competitive interest rates, as well as real market residual values. Learn about our Leasing!

 

Is Auto Leasing Right For You?

Drive a Nicer Vehicle

Buying typically limits you to more modest vehicles, preventing you from driving the vehicle you actually want. With leasing, luxury vehicles are capable of rates competitive to economy cars. Since luxury cars hold their value, their monthly rates can even be lower than more modest models. Leasing also allows you to take advantage of new car technology, and then upgrade to the latest innovation.

Drive a New Car Every 2-3 Years

Get more out of your car for less money. By leasing, you are driving the vehicle while it’s in its prime, and returning it before its use starts to show.

You may see not owning the vehicle at the end of the lease as a drawback. However, as the price of cars increase, people are financing them for increasingly longer. They do not realize that by doing so, they rarely own them outright.

No Down Payments

The title says it all, but most car lease deals require no money down. With D&M’s EZ Lease, you could lease with no down payment, and no payments for the first 60 days.

Lower monthly payments

You are only paying for the “use” of the vehicle, rather than the total value. The average lease is about 3 years long, while the average car loan takes 6.5 years to pay off, and is steadily increasing, resulting in interest rates far past the vehicle’s initial value.

Easy trade-in

Normal wear and tear is expected, so most car lease returns are as simple as turning in the keys.

Get a free, no hassle quote and find out is auto leasing is right for you!

Lease the 2017 FIAT 124 Spider

For the first time in 30 years, the FIAT Spider Roadster is available in the states again

Old school style with new school tech is creating buzz among performance car aficionados.

Features

The 2017 FIAT Spider delivers 160 horsepower with responsive four-wheel independent suspension, which is essential for performance sport vehicles. One expert described the 2017 Spider as a controlled, smooth driving experience despite its speed capabilities. The Spider also boasts its extremely user-friendly, advanced technology.

This tech includes Bluetooth commands, allowing you to take calls and stream music hands free. Audiophiles are impressed with the convertible’s Bose sound system built into the headrests for superior sound, even when the top is down. The 2017 FIAT brings you entertainment, without sacrificing safety.

Affordable

A performance sports vehicle of this caliber must come at a price, right? Actually, the 2017 FIAT Spider is surprisingly affordable. Buyer rates start at $24,995, while car lease quotes are estimated around $289 per month for 36 months with $2,999 due at signing.

Saving $11k sounds good enough, but D&M Auto Leasing always delivers the best deal. Connect with a D&M Leasing agent for an unbeatable quote on your 2017 FIAT Spider. The real question is, which will it be: Classica, Lusso, or Abarth?

Lease a 2017 Ford F-150 Raptor

The 2017 Ford F-150 Raptor dazzled at the Detroit Auto Show in January. Its Turbo V-6 engine, new terrain management system and suspension are well worth the awe.

Turbo V-6 Engine

The 2016 Ford Raptor’s 3.5 liter V6 EcoBoost engine was well received, but the 2017’s 3.5 liter Turbo V-6 already has skeptical aficionados excited for its release. The Turbo emits 375 hp, as well as 470 lb.-ft. of torque (turning power). Simply put, the Turbo V-6 engine by far out-powers many of its competitor’s V-8 truck engines.

New terrain management system

The new 2017 Raptor’s terrain management system consists of six unique preset modes: Normal, Street, Weather, Mud and Sand, Baja and Rock Crawling. The engine, transmission, traction control and brake systems all adapt to the terrain even when its covered in rain, snow or ice. The Raptor’s off-road capabilities are ideal for high-speed desert running.

Suspension

FOX Racing Shox equips the 2017 Ford F150 Raptor for road, dirt, snow and mountain, with race-proven performance.

Other Features

The 2017 Raptor’s aluminum alloy body makes the Raptor approximately 500 pounds lighter than its previous model. The sporty exterior is complemented by its sleek interior with carbon-fiber accents, a contoured steering wheel, and touch screen multimedia system. The 2017 Ford F150 Raptor is also available in a SuperCrew model.

Excited yet? You can lease your 2017 Ford F-150 Raptor with D&M Auto Leasing Now! Check out D&M’s Ford Inventory at: www.dmautoleasing.com/vehicles/ford-lease/

Fleet Leasing Vs Buying

3 Main Points to Consider when Fleet Leasing

Many trades require frequent travel, room for cargo, or even carpool capabilities. Relying on its employee’s vehicles to suit its needs may not be a viable solution. Such businesses need corporate cars to lend to their staff. If you’re thinking about buying or leasing a fleet, read the following 3 main points to consider to make the best decision for your business.

Money

The financial factors of buying versus leasing a fleet are top priority. Purchasing corporate cars provides valuable assets for your business, while fleet leasing costs less per month, freeing up funds for other sectors.

Accounting

How your fleet is accounted for also has a major impact on your taxes. There are two categories for accounting fleet leases: operating and capital.

  • Operating leases are the most common type because it is free of liability of ownership. Operating leases obtain tax benefits for your company by deducting the entire lease payment from income statements.
  • Capital leases claim depreciation and deduct the interest from lease payments. A capital lease is treated as an asset because you are considered the owner of the fleet. This means your company is responsible for fleet maintenance. However, your contract includes the option of purchase at the end of the lease term, most likely at a bargain. This is an appealing option if you are considering leasing, then transitioning to owning you corporate cars.

To ensure the best tax benefits for your business, discuss both operating and capital with your company accountant.

Incentives & Discounts

  • If you have savvy negotiation skills, you may be able to strike a bargain with a dealer when buying. Make sure you research new cars extensively so that you know what you want, then shop around for the best offer.
  • Fleet leasing companies already have established relationships with dealers, guaranteeing you the best deal. They may even implement discounts for large fleets.

Time & Hassle

Buying

  • The extensive research and trips to multiple dealerships needed to get the best deal are very time consuming.
  • Your business manages all the paperwork and data, such as consolidating invoices and expenses, as well as managing inventory for your fleet.
  • Your business is responsible for handling accidents and replacing stolen vehicles.

Fleet Leasing

  • Fleet leasing companies manage maintenance as well as repairs and replacements with quick turnaround and cheap rates.
  • Your company only duties are to pay the monthly lease agreement and manage your employee’s gas mileage reimbursement.

Brand Appeal

It may sound vain, but your business’s appearance matters. Vehicles that are not well maintained hurt your image, while a quality, cohesive fleet of vehicles strengthens your brand’s appeal. When you purchase your fleet, this leaves you responsible for keeping the vehicles up to standard.

In Summary…

An operating fleet lease gives you the best tax benefits, while taking care of all the details, so you have the money, time and energy to spend on your business.

Amplify your company’s success with D&M’s fleet leasing today!

5 Easy Steps to Car Leasing

Step 1: Do Your Homework

Have no more than 3 cars you’re interested in leasing picked out, and test drive them first. Also make sure to familiarize yourself with leasing terminology, so that you fully understand your contract.

Step 2: Your Lease

The most common, and highly recommended lease term is 36 months. You will be protected by the warranty the entire time the vehicle is in your possession, and you will be driving it in its prime.

Step 3: Estimate Your Monthly Rent

There are several free online tools to help you determine your monthly fee.The formula factors the residual value, mileage, down payment, and trade-in value of your previous vehicle to determine your estimated monthly payment.

Step 4: Call D&M Leasing

D&M Auto Leasing will find you the best deal on any make or model, guaranteed. Our staff is dedicated to granting you superior customer service, without pressuring you to sign.

Step 5: Review and Sign

You’ve found the vehicle you want, at a low monthly rate, and a leasing agent you can trust. All you need now is a pen.

Unofficial step six: celebrate!

At D&M Leasing, we are dedicated to excellent customer service without imposing on your time. Receive exceptionally friendly local service every time you have a question about your lease. Learn more about Leasing at D&M.