Hi Everyone!
I am looking to lease a car in NJ - no more than $300 a month - with leather seats & a V6 or just a smooth ride. We have a VW GTI and as much as I love it, I am tired of feeling like I am on a roller coaster with potholes:). I am flexible on the car, though I would love an SUV - I have never leased a car before so I am a bit clueless on how to. Lastly, is there a time of year or time of month that there are “better deals” or negotiation tactics? Please help - thank you!
Hi Jo,
Welcome!
I suggest thoughtfully reading the vast resource of posts here to gain a better understanding on how to negotiate a lease. In short, you want to find the greatest discount off MSRP (before any incentives or rebates), and then later apply all of the incentives. Read the following article several times until you have a good handle on calculating a lease: https://leasehackr.com/blog/2016/4/17/how-to-calculate-lease-payments-by-hand
Finally, good luck on hunting down the deal you’re after!
Thank you, Wimbledon! Silly question, but how do I know the discount off the MSRP? Only the dealer would tell me, correct? LOL…just double checking. Thank you!
cx-5 2016.5 grand touring
You can check TrueCar for what people are getting. However, do NOT initiate contact using Truecar. Just get the numbers. You can also ask here once you narrow down your choices.
For a sedan, an Infiniti Q50 3.0i would be close to $300/mo with $0 down. At your budget, there is a lot of options if you are flexible on the brand.
I just got a loaded Jeep Renegade for $290/month sign and drive (MSRP $30900). Nav, power roof, 4x4. It’s a fun little get-about. The residual value is terrible (45%), but they are throwing the lease cash around. $4500 incentives where I live (NC), and you can work 7% off MSRP for starters.
I also second the Mazda suggestion. Or the Rav4 always leases well.
Find a vehicle you are interested in, find its residual value and MF on Edmunds, and come to this calculator to plug in the numbers. Then work down the sales price to see where you need to be to get your payment where you want it.
The best time of the year and negotiation tactic are when you are so flexible that you get the car that has the best lease to msrp value such as volvo s60, jaguar xe etc
Etc includes Genesis, right? 
Where are you getting this deal?
Acura ILX or tax bells and whistles
I am now considering a Hyundai Sonata - after reading all these posts, I am now on the hunt for a lower monthly payment. A dealership in NJ is offering the below - but I think I can do better - looking for feedback:
MSRP: 23,010
Savings off: 5,497
Estimate: 18,012
The salesperson quoted $199 plus tax for 36 months, with $2000 down, “if the credit score is 720 of higher”
Am I wrong to think they are crazy?
Seems high but I don’t know how dealers out there work.
Although different markets, here in CA you can lease a similiar MSRP Corolla, Camry, Civic, Accord for that price (and lower) with 0 down
thanks - i did think it was pretty high - but in NJ - cars are rather costly!
I’m interested in where this deal is at too.
Found it: Stillman Volvo in West Chester PA.
Thanks. I wonder if they do out of state leases.
You can get that deal for the top trim level
I leased a base sonata from hyundai in North Jersey. 176 a month with taxes. Msg me if you want to find out dealer information and salesman name. Hyundai has good incentives this month to buy with 6750 off plus you could get another 1 k off with uber but that is a sport 2.0 or regular limited. I think. Lease is 3250 plus 1 k uber or total 4250 off lease plus say 6-7% MSRP discount
Care to post the equipment sheet?
