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.

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!

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!

Spot A Great Auto Lease Deals

While leasing may seem complicated and overwhelming, identifying a great lease deal is actually quite simple. These few key points make up everything you need to know to spot a great auto lease deal:

Look for a High Residual Value

The residual value is the largest determinant in getting a great auto lease deal. The residual estimates the vehicle’s worth by the end of the lease term. Most vehicles are predicted to be worth of their value by the end of the lease, meaning that you are paying for that 50% use. Vehicles with high residuals are forecasted to hold more than 50% of their value at the lease completion. Luxury vehicles can have a residual as high as 64%, meaning you could pay as low as 36% of its use.

Keep in mind that the residual value is a formula. For example, the average price of a new car is $33,000. If the residual is set at 50%, you will pay $16,500 over a typical lease term, which is 3 years. Your monthly payments will be roughly $458. If the residual value is set at 60%, then you will pay $13,200 over 3 years. Your monthly payments will be around $366. When you lease a car with a high residual, you are paying for less than half of its use.

D&M Auto Leasing provides real market residuals…

Seek Competitive Interest Rates

Interest rates also have a significant impact on your monthly payments. Unlike residuals, the interest rate is a little more negotiable. To score the best interest rate, call a few third party leasing companies. Most likely, the rep will give you the vehicle’s “money factor”, which is the interest rate translated into a small decimal number. Multiply the money factor by 2400, to figure the interest rate.

D&M Leasing offers competitive interest rates…

Negotiate for Low Fees

Additional to a security deposit, it has become common practice for leases to include acquisition and disposition fees. You will have the most luck negotiating these fees, however, because they vary depending on the car leasing company. An acquisition fee is the charge issued to cover the expenses for arranging a lease. Disposition fee is the charge administered to cover the cost of preparing the car for sale.

A D&M EZ Lease offers no down payment as well as no payments for 60 days…

Pursue Leasing Companies With High Customer Retention

Customer retention means a company has loyal consumers due to positive car leasing experiences.

D&M Auto Leasing attributes 70% of its business to repeat and referred clients…

You are now fully equipped to recognize the best car leasing deals. Contact D&M Leasing today for a great car lease deal and top-notch customer service!

9 Steps to Leasing a Car

You’ve made the decision to lease instead of buy, but you may be unclear of the next step. To avoid a terrible leasing experience, D&M Auto Leasing has created a simple, yet comprehensive guide to leasing a car. 

Read our 9 Steps to Leasing a Car:

1. Evaluate Your Wants and Needs

Assess your average mileage, ride capacity, gas mileage, safety features, and other important factors.

2. Select Specific Models

Based on your wants and needs, create a list of vehicle models that fit the description.

3. Test Drive

Time to take them for a spin! Focus on each vehicle’s drivability, blind spots, braking, steering, any noises related to the car, and shock-absorption.

4. Ask About Safety Features

Ask if the vehicle comes with anti-lock brake systems, electronic stability control or head-protecting side air bags, as these are the most commonly used features.

5. Talk Price First

Negotiate the purchase price before mentioning the intention of leasing. You want the lowest agreed-upon price first.

6. Debate The Vehicle’s Value

The determined value directly affects the monthly payments. Aim for an offer closer to the dealer’s wholesale price than the manufacturer’s suggested retail price.

7. Calculate Your Monthly Payments

Take the total cost of the vehicle, subtract its residual rate in dollars, and finally divide that number by your lease term in months.

8. Contact Car Leasing Companies

Make a few calls and shop around for the best deal.

9. Review the Lease

Make sure you completely understand the contract, debate any additional fees that you may be able to waive, and finally, sign.

What to Ask When Leasing a Car

Do you currently have any lease specials?

Most auto leasing companies will run deals in which you pay more upfront to decrease your monthly bill amounts. However, you may end up paying more for the vehicle over the lease term regardless of lower monthly payments.

D&M Auto Leasing doesn’t need specials. D&M Leasing is dedicated to getting client’s the best possible rate everyday. EZ Leasing always offers the lowest rates, and with a qualified EZ Lease, you could skip the down payment altogether!

What is the residual value?

The residual value is how much the vehicle is worth at the end of the lease. This matters because it is a main determinant regarding your monthly payments. The average residual rate for auto lease companies is 45% – 60%.D&M leasing offers low, competitive interest rates along with real market residuals, which allow more flexibility.

What is the interest rate?

D&M’s EZ Leasing program offers low, competitive interest rates. On average, vehicle leasing interest rates are around 3%, but can increase significantly if your credit score is below 680.The D&M auto leasing staff always aims to get you the lowest possible interest rates regardless of your credit score!

What are the mileage limitations?

While 12,000 is the industry standard for a third party car lease, D&M Leasing specializes in high mileage leases.

The lower mileage costs of a D&M EZ Lease make high mileage manageable. Use our convenient Live Chat to find the right lease for your mileage needs.

Are there any drive-off fees?


A drive-off fee is a cap-reduction payment that is used to reduce monthly fees, but is not refunded at the end of the lease. D&M Leasing is known for their first-rate customer service and transparency with their clients. The D&M Leasing staff cares about matching you with the right lease!