(Posted on Jul 26, 2018 at 06:15PM by Kiera Dailey)
Dear Kiera,
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I’m thinking about getting a 2018 Nissan Sentra and have been looking into financing options. What exactly does it mean to lease a vehicle?
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Thanks!
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Allie
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In a nutshell: when you lease instead of buying a vehicle, your payments go toward a portion of the actual cost of the car. Because you’re not charged for the total price, your monthly installments are lower. If you like the brightest new toys or don’t have a large deposit at the time of purchase, then this alternative may be the best bet for you.
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Leasing may mean lower monthly costs, but it isn’t without drawbacks. Reading the fine print, therefore, is crucial. The most glaring disadvantage is that, after you finish the payments, you have no property to show for it. Although you can purchase after the term of your agreement, the price is locked in and there’s no chance for negotiations. Another thing to consider is your driving style and distance. If you’re hard on your car or you enjoy taking long trips, you can incur extra mileage and wear-and-tear fees. These add up quickly!
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All in all, leasing is a great option that allows you to get a bit more bang for your buck up front. Though it offers some advantages and freedoms over buying, it all depends on what you value in car ownership.
Need further information, Allie? Contact me and I'll walk you through the leasing process.
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