Prior to reaching out to a dealer, I use the Leasehackr Calculator to estimate my ideal lease – something that’s aggressive but within the realm of possibility. Then I go ahead and request a quote by email, specifying the vehicle stock number, my zip code, and desired term/mileage.
After receiving the initial quote, I respond by asking if they’ll accept the deal I’m targeting. They might agree to it, if it’s a well-researched offer, or they might counter with a higher offer, in which case you could start reaching out to more dealers using the same approach, and going for the dealer who comes closest to your target deal.
The key is coming up with an informed deal that the dealer will actually take seriously. It helps to be as nice and courteous as possible; brevity is good, too – nobody has time to read through a War and Peace email.
Here’s what I sent the last time I leased a car:
Hi _____,
Hope you are doing safe and well. I’m interested in this _______ wagon you have for sale:
https://www.cardealer.com/new/Make/Model-for-sale-288328392049sasd.htm
Is this vehicle still available? If so, could you please provide a quote? Looking to do a 36-month, 10K mi/year lease with $1,000 drive-off. Zip code is 98765.
Looking to take delivery later today or tomorrow if things all work out. Thanks in advance!
Best,
Michael
123-456-7890
Dealer responded with a lousy quote. I countered with the following:
Hi _____,
Thanks for getting back to me so quickly. I appreciate it.
I’ve gotten a quote that was a bit lower (10% off MSRP before incentives) but prefer the configuration of your car (black on black).
Could you do the following?
Selling Price: $XX,XXX pre-incentive
Incentives: $X,XXX Lease Cash + $X,XXX Loyalty Cash
Rate: .00123Should work out to a tad under $400/month with about $1,300 in drive-offs.
If that works for you, would love to swing by this afternoon or evening to take delivery! Around 5 PM works. Happy to submit credit application online in advance, etc., to expedite the process.
Best,
Michael
Dealer came back with a good quote. I stayed true to my word and set up an appointment to take delivery.
This was in a market with actual dealer competition, like CA or the Northeast. It might be harder in the PNW where the dealer sets the price and there are few other places to go.
Gently indicating your seriousness and urgency like I did helps, too. Don’t reach out until you’re truly ready to buy. You want them to know you value their time and that you’ll be a non-problematic person to work with.