leasing a new car in the states... Any advice, pitfalls, scams?

[jwb]

Moving to the states and looking to lease a car since it seems loads cheaper than leasing in Australia plus my wife has a very good credit score which makes it cheaper I'm told.

Any advice? Are there hidden costs etc?

[Princess L]

Moving to the states and looking to lease a car since it seems loads cheaper than leasing in Australia plus my wife has a very good credit score which makes it cheaper I'm told.

Any advice? Are there hidden costs etc?

Mileage - anything over the leased amount will kill you.  A lot of leases are only 10K/miles/year which is very easy to do.  I guess it depends on your driving habits, but you're not going to know that since you're moving to a new area.  Buying a good used car might be a better option.

[Hereford]

I've always had bad luck with leasing. 10-12K in miles is nothing here. Maybe that's a lot if you lived in the city, but most leases charge $1/mile over the contract limit.

Plus, you make the payments, then don't get the car in the end. Pay the extra $100 a month and get the machine afterwards.

[magicuser]

buy used toyota avalon about 8k and sick car esp with leather

[Heavy_Hitter]

Insurance is also higher on a lease, you have to get the Max comp and collision which as a new driver can end up costing you $50 more a month. Also do you know if you are going to be working close to home or not? A far drive will easily end up costing you over 3K at the end of your lease. Plus how is your credit, you usually need to have a great credit rating to even be considered for leasing.

[Butterbean]

My advice is don't lease a car.

Unless you normally trade in your car for a new one every 3 years.
Unless you take immaculate care of your cars.
Unless you drive many less miles than the dealership allows.
Unless you want to make a down payment, then monthly payments, and never own the vehicle.
Unless you want the dealership to offer you to buy their car that you never owned for a (probably) inflated price for the value at the end of your lease.
Unless you want to worry about being penalized for driving too many miles and/or not keeping the car in pristine condition.

[jwb]

Numbers wise it is looking like a lease is the way to go for us considering our circumstances.

1. Wife insists on a very new vehicle with 5 star crash rating for the baby since we are moving to Maui which from being there has terrible drivers (both local and tourists) and a pathetic paramedic service.

2. Credit score is very high.

3. We work from home. No daily commute.

4. Car will be garaged.

5. Lack of good used cars. People want good money for junk that is full of rust after 3 years.

[The Showstoppa]

Numbers wise it is looking like a lease is the way to go for us considering our circumstances.

1. Wife insists on a very new vehicle with 5 star crash rating for the baby since we are moving to Maui which from being there has terrible drivers (both local and tourists) and a pathetic paramedic service.

2. Credit score is very high.

3. We work from home. No daily commute.

4. Car will be garaged.

5. Lack of good used cars. People want good money for junk that is full of rust after 3 years.

Working from home with no commute and how small Maui is, compared to lets say you lived in an area with a 30 mile commute, makes a big difference.  My advice would be to compare shop.  Be sure they KNOW you are going to lease a vehicle, but it all depends on who gives you the best deal.  And please don't let the wife go in and pick out whatever the highest rated crash vehicle is and "only" want that one.  If the sales person finds out, you have no power in the bargaining.  Good luck !!!  wish I was moving to Maui !!