Despite aggressive low-interest financing, cash-back offers and other



purchasing incentives offered by leading auto-makers to buyers, leasing

numbers keep increasing steadily over the years. Leasing is not only an

attractive financial proposition to most auto-consumers, but also a

lifestyle and preference choice.

Benefit Number 1: Keeping up with the latest trends

Leasing is sometimes more of a personal and lifestyle choice than a

financial one. Many people are not comfortable with the idea of owning a

vehicle over a long period of time. They'd rather keep up with the latest

trends of the industry and drive the latest models every two to three

years.

Leasing a car gives you the convenience of having the latest technology

and safety innovation, such as an electronic stability system, DVD

entertainment systems and advanced stereo equipment. If you are willing to

forego ownership for the latest set of wheels, than leasing is your best

option.

Benefit Number 2: Purchasing Flexibility

Leasing also offers purchasing flexibility: it allows you to defer the

purchasing decision while using the car. You don't have to haggle with your

mechanic over repair expenses, deal with hefty maintenance bills or worry

about a depreciating asset. Provided you can keep the vehicle in good

condition and stay within the contracted mileage allowance, you're

effectively getting a test drive for the length of your lease.

At the end of your lease, you can purchase the vehicle or simply turn in

the keys and walk away. No questions asked.

Benefit Number 3: Cash Flow

Leasing offers many short-term benefits. It reduces your initial cash

outlay as you do not have to pay the large down payment required for car

ownership. You only pay for the depreciation on the car - only the part you

will use during your lease, not the entire vehicle. This results in lower

monthly payments and frees even more cash. This cash can be put to use more

intelligently elsewhere than the questionable investment of owning a

depreciating asset. If you are self-employed or use your car for your job,

then you can write off your leasing payment as a business expense.

Benefit Number 4: Negotiating Leverage

Although it may seem a little unorthodox in this industry, almost

everything about leasing is negotiable. If you know all the fees involved,

you can lower your monthly payments, negotiate the purchase price of the

vehicle at the end of the lease and contract additional miles on top of

your mileage limit. You can also do some shopping around and compare deals

from different auto-insurers to get the cheapest GAP insurance for your

lease.