Outsmarting Negative Equity When You Lease

So, you're thinking about leasing a car this year. Great idea - leasing can be a smart move. But before you head to the dealer ready to drive off in your new ride, it's important to understand negative equity. Yep, it's a sneaky little term that can come back to bite you when you go to turn in your leased car.We get it - who actually wants to dig into the nitty gritty details of car leasing? But just hang in there for a few minutes. This quick guide breaks down exactly what negative equity is, how to avoid it, and tips to come out ahead when your lease ends. Arm yourself with the inside scoop on negative equity and you'll be cruising around in your new wheels without any unpleasant surprises down the road.

What Is Negative Equity and How Does It Happen?

Negative equity occurs when you owe more on your vehicle than it's worth. This typically happens because vehicles depreciate quickly, often losing 10% to 25% of their value in the first year. If you have a large down payment and a short lease term, you can avoid being upside down. But say you put little or no money down and lease for 3-4 years. By the time you're ready to trade it in, you could easily owe thousands more than it's worth.

How Do You Avoid Negative Equity When Leasing?

There are a few ways to steer clear of negative equity:

• Put down a hefty down payment. The more you put down upfront, the less you'll owe and the less likely you'll end up upside down. Aim for at least 25% of the vehicle's value.
• Choose a shorter lease term. Opt for a 2- or 3-year lease instead of 4 years. The vehicle will depreciate less over the shorter period, so you're more likely to owe less than it's worth when the lease is up.
• Negotiate the best possible price. Do your homework to determine a fair price for the vehicle. The lower the agreed-upon price in your lease contract, the lower your payments will be and the less you'll owe overall. This makes it easier to stay ahead of depreciation.
• Consider a vehicle with a solid resale value. Compare the projected resale values of different models to choose one that's more likely to hold its value. Luxury vehicles and SUVs typically have better resale values than sedans. Brands known for reliability and build quality also tend to hold value well.

By putting some money down, choosing a shorter term, negotiating the best deal and opting for a vehicle with a good resale value, you can take an active role in avoiding negative equity when you lease. Stay on top of your payments and keep your vehicle in excellent condition, and you'll be in a great position when it's time to turn it in.

Strategies to Avoid Negative Equity When Leasing

Do Your Research

When it's time for a new set of wheels, spend time researching your options. Check vehicle reviews and pricing guides to determine a reasonable price range for models you're interested in before you head to the dealership. That way, you'll know if the numbers they quote you seem too good to be true.

Negotiate the Best Deal

Speaking of numbers, negotiate the best deal you can on the vehicle you want. Focus on the selling price of the car rather than monthly payments since the lower the selling price, the less likely you'll end up underwater on a lease. Don't be afraid to walk away from a deal that doesn't seem right. There are plenty of fish in the sea, so shop around at different dealerships or consider leasing from a no-haggle leasing service.

Make a Reasonable Down Payment

Putting some money down upfront, like the equivalent of a few monthly payments, can help ensure you get the best overall leasing deal and avoid negative equity. While $0 down leases may seem appealing, you often end up paying higher monthly payments and total interest charges. Making a down payment gives you instant equity in the vehicle and allows you to negotiate a lower capitalized cost.

Keep Mileage in Check

Pay close attention to the mileage limits in your lease agreement and do your best to stay within them. Excessive mileage penalties when you turn in the vehicle can lead to thousands of dollars in charges, damaging any equity you may have built. If your needs change and higher mileage becomes unavoidable, see if you can renegotiate your lease to avoid surprises at the end.

Following these tips will help ensure you get the best possible deal on your lease and avoid the negative equity trap. Do your homework, get preapproved for financing, and negotiate wisely. Drive happy knowing you leased smart!

FAQs: Answering Common Questions About Negative Equity and Leasing

How can negative equity impact my lease?

When you owe more on a vehicle than it’s worth, that’s called negative equity. If you trade in that vehicle for a lease, the negative equity gets added to your new lease payments, increasing them. The more negative equity you have, the higher your payments will be.

How can I avoid negative equity when leasing?

The best way to avoid negative equity is to not roll over payments from a previous vehicle into your lease. If possible, pay off your current vehicle loan before leasing. If that’s not feasible, put down a larger down payment, like 25-30% of the vehicle’s value. A more significant down payment means less money you need to finance, so lower payments. You should also consider leasing a less expensive vehicle. The lower the price, the less negative equity you’ll have to finance.

Will negative equity hurt my chances of getting approved for a lease?

Having negative equity won’t necessarily prevent you from getting approved for a lease, but it may impact your terms. The leasing company will consider your debt-to-income ratio, which is a factor in your monthly payments. More negative equity means higher payments, which could hurt your ratio. You may face higher interest rates, lower mileage limits, or need a co-signer to get approved. The best option is to pay off as much negative equity as possible before leasing to get approved on your own terms.

What if I can’t afford to pay off my negative equity before leasing?

Don’t despair. You still have options to get into a lease, even with negative equity. Consider these:

• Put down a larger down payment, at least 30% of the vehicle’s value. This will lower your payments and balance out the negative equity. •Lease a lower-priced vehicle. The less you finance, the less negative equity impacts you.
• Ask if the dealer will roll part of the negative equity into the lease. Some dealers will finance a portion of the negative equity at a lower interest rate. You’ll still pay more, but not as much.
• Have a co-signer. Adding a co-signer with good credit can help you qualify for a lease and possibly get better terms. But the co-signer is also responsible for payments if you default.
• Lease for a shorter term. A two-year lease means less time paying off the negative equity, so lower total costs. But payments will be higher.

Conclusion

So there you have it. Negative equity can be a real downer when you go to lease your next car. But don't let it get you down or make you feel trapped. With some smart planning and a little bit of patience, you can work your way out of an upside-down auto loan. Stick to shorter lease terms if you have to, make extra principal payments when you can, and focus on driving a reliable used car that's lost most of its value already.

If you stay focused and committed, you can minimize negative equity and lease the car you really want a few years down the road. For now, be smart with what you've got. Work the problem bit by bit. And you'll get there before you know it.