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Car dealers do lease used cars, but it's not as common as leasing new vehicles. Many dealerships have a separate used car leasing program.
Used car leasing is often used to get rid of older inventory and make room for new models. This approach can be beneficial for both the dealer and the lessee.
Dealers may lease used cars to customers who want a lower monthly payment or to test drive a vehicle before purchasing. Some dealers also lease used cars to customers who need a vehicle for a short period.
Leasing a used car can be a good option for those who want a reliable vehicle without committing to a long-term loan.
Leasing Basics
Leasing a used car is a viable option, but not all dealerships offer it. You may need to call or email around to find those who do.
The process of leasing a used car works similarly to leasing a new one. The dealer or lender determines the vehicle's residual value and bases the monthly payments on the difference between the sales price and residual value.
Leasing a used car can result in $40-$125 monthly payments lower than financing the exact vehicle. At the end of the lease, you can buy out the car at the residual value.
You can also lease a used car by taking over a preexisting lease from another person. Services like Swapalease, LeaseTrader, or LeaseQuit can help you locate leases other drivers wish to get out of.
Here are some key differences between leasing and financing a used car:
Some dealerships only offer leases on certified pre-owned (CPO) vehicles, which have been refurbished and come with an extended warranty. Leases on used cars often require third-party financing options because dealership financing typically only applies to new vehicles.
Know Your Options
Leasing a used car can be a great option, but it's not always available at every dealership. Some dealerships don't offer used car leasing at all, so you may need to do some research and calling around to find one that does.
You may be able to lease a used vehicle up to 10 years old, but it depends on the dealership's inventory and policies. For example, Honda offers a used car leasing program, but not all dealerships follow suit.
To find a dealership that leases used cars, you can try searching online or checking with local dealerships directly. Be prepared to ask questions and do some legwork to find the right fit for you.
Here are some key things to keep in mind when shopping for a used car lease:
- Know how many miles you drive per year to choose the right mileage terms
- Research the dealership's inventory and policies on used car leasing
- Compare prices and options to find the best deal
- Consider certified pre-owned vehicles for added warranty and protection
By doing your research and knowing your options, you can make an informed decision and find a used car lease that fits your needs and budget.
Leasing Costs
Leasing a used car can be a great way to get behind the wheel of a newer vehicle model, but it's essential to understand the leasing costs involved.
Your budget should include more than the monthly payment you can afford, as you must factor in taxes, car insurance, and maintenance. Ask the dealer about all the costs and the final total, too.
Most leases come with a mileage limit of 12,000 miles per year, and exceeding this limit may result in a fee of up to 25 cents per mile. If you're unsure about your average annual mileage allowance, be sure to ask the dealer.
Here's a breakdown of the costs you should consider:
5. Know all your costs
Leasing costs can be complex, but understanding what you're getting into is key. Leases for used cars typically last two to three years.
Your budget should include more than just the monthly payment you can afford. You must factor in taxes, car insurance, and maintenance. These costs can add up quickly, so it's essential to consider them when deciding on a lease.
Ask the dealer about all the costs and the final total. You should also ask about the monthly and down payments and any other fees required. This will prevent you from surprises like additional fees when it's time to sign the lease agreement.
Most leases come with a mileage limit of 12,000 miles per year. If you exceed this limit, you may have to pay a fee of up to 25 cents per mile. This can be a significant cost, so it's crucial to understand your average annual mileage allowance and the cost of exceeding the limit.
Here's a breakdown of the costs you should consider:
- Taxes
- Car insurance
- Maintenance
- Monthly payment
- Down payment
- Mileage fees (if applicable)
Remember, leasing is temporary unless you want to do a buyback at the end. Don't sign on to an extended warranty unless you really need one.
Wear and Tear
Leasing a CPO car will likely mean dealing with some degree of wear and tear. This can be a drawback, especially if you're used to driving a brand new car.
The vehicle's age will determine the level of wear and tear, with older models showing more signs of wear.
You might also notice that the car lacks the latest technology, which can be a disappointment if you're accustomed to having the latest features.
The absence of advanced safety features is another potential concern, especially if you prioritize your safety on the road.
Maintenance Costs
Maintenance costs can sneak up on you if you don't read the fine print on your used car lease warranty.
Not every warranty covers maintenance costs, so be sure to check your contract carefully.
If you don't keep up with the manufacturer's recommended service plan, you could end up owing your leasing company money.
You might have to pay out of pocket for routine repairs like brake pads and new tires.
Leasing Availability
Not every dealer offers used car leases, so you may need to look around to find a dealership that offers this option and has a wide selection of possible lease vehicles.
Some dealerships don't offer the option of used car leasing at all, so patience is required to find those who do.
Leasing a used car can be a great way to get behind the wheel of a newer used vehicle model, but it's not available at all dealerships.
Used car leases are commonly found at franchise dealerships selling certified pre-owned (CPO) vehicles, which are typically under 4 years old and have under 48,000 miles.
You may not find a broad selection, but leasing a used vehicle up to 10 years old is possible, making it worth the search for the right dealership.
Here are some facts to keep in mind when searching for a dealership that offers used car leases:
- Not all dealerships offer used car leases.
- Used car leases are commonly found at franchise dealerships selling certified pre-owned (CPO) vehicles.
- Leasing a used vehicle up to 10 years old is possible.
Leasing vs Purchasing
Leasing a used car can be more complicated than leasing a new car, but it's not impossible. One way to lease a used car is to take over a preexisting lease from another person.
You can use services like Swapalease, LeaseTrader, or LeaseQuit to locate leases other drivers wish to get out of by selling their lease to a new driver. Many dealerships only offer leases on certified pre-owned (CPO) vehicles.
Leases on used cars often require third-party financing options, because dealership financing typically only applies to new vehicles. Leasing a used car lowers the capitalized cost because it's valued lower than a new vehicle and raises the residual cost because the car has already lost much of its value in the first year or two.
Purchasing a used car, on the other hand, involves paying for it with cash or taking out a traditional car loan. You can find a credit union, bank, or other lending institution that will provide the money for the vehicle upfront and set up a repayment plan.
Once you've made the final payment on the loan, you own the car outright. The loan process is straightforward, but factors like your credit score and credit history can affect your lending terms, including the interest rate.
Where to Lease
If you're looking to lease a used car, you'll want to know where to find dealerships that offer this option. Not all dealerships offer used car leasing, so be prepared to do some research and call or email around to find those that do.
You may need to be patient when searching for a dealership that leases used cars, as not all of them offer this option. Some dealerships don't even offer used car leasing at all, so it's essential to ask around.
You can start by searching online for dealerships in your area that offer used car leasing. You can also check with local car dealerships directly to see if they lease used vehicles. Keep in mind that it's a good idea to understand how many miles you drive each year before leasing, as you'll want to agree to mileage terms that make sense for your needs.
Here are some tips to help you find a dealership that leases used cars:
- Search online for dealerships in your area that offer used car leasing.
- Call or email local car dealerships directly to ask if they lease used vehicles.
- Be prepared to do some research and ask around to find a dealership that offers used car leasing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does it make sense to lease a used car?
Leasing a used car is generally not recommended, as it's typically more cost-effective to buy a used car outright. If you're considering leasing, it's usually best to look into newer models.
What is the oldest vehicle you can lease?
Typically, the oldest vehicle you can lease is 4 model years old. However, it must also have fewer than 48,000 miles on it to qualify for leasing
Why don't they lease used cars?
Used car leasing is less common because it's difficult to predict a vehicle's future value, making it a riskier financial proposition for dealerships.
Sources
- https://www.kbb.com/car-advice/can-you-lease-a-used-car/
- https://www.caranddriver.com/auto-loans/a41866962/can-you-lease-used-car/
- https://www.burnshonda.com/lease-used-car-marlton-nj.htm
- https://www.thirdcoastautos.com/blog/leasing-used-cars-in-austin-tx/
- https://www.njstateauto.com/blog/can-you-lease-a-used-car/
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