That’s the crux of it. As a general rule, don’t put money down on a lease. However, each deal is different, and each buyer has different goals. He wanted a low payment, so used the rebates to cover. He saves on some interest too.
It’s odd, but it feels more like semantics at this point. If this was a manufacture rebate, we would not even be having the conversation, and yet it means the same exact thing.
Another thing to consider on deals like this is a One-Pay, if you can spare the cash up front, it is a cheaper and safer bet.
You do know that if the car is stolen or totaled within 30 months, CARB will want their rebate money back. You need to be the registered owner for 30 months to keep that rebate. So say bye to the down payment and bye to the cvrp rebate if the car is gone before the 30 months.
Vehicle ownership provision says differently. There is specific guidelines about car with defect or other unforeseen and unavoidable circumstances. It’s logical and sensible.
Thanks. I was able to help two other friends to get similar deals. So far everyone is pretty happy. The icing on the cake is that I’ve been using free DC fast charging. So far it feels like the gas money I’m saving is paying the lease payment.