Do you love the Toyota lineup of cars, trucks, and SUVs but get overwhelmed by the thought of owning a vehicle? If you dread the idea of making large monthly payments on an auto loan, shudder at the thought of taking on the responsibility of every repair and maintenance need, and get stressed by the mere thought of the entire buying and trade-in process, then leasing might be a better option for you. Toyota’s lease deals are some of the best in the industry as drivers reap the benefits of driving one of the best-selling brands in America without the stress of ownership. What’s not to love?
The Basics of Leasing
Leasing is like renting a vehicle rather than assuming ownership, the latter of which occurs when you finance a vehicle using an auto loan with a lender or when you pay for the vehicle in full. When you sign a lease, you agree to a set of terms that includes the initial down payment, monthly payments, the duration of the lease, associated fees, the annual mileage limit and overage penalties, and the lease or money factor. These terms are set by the leasing company to ensure the property is returned in its original condition and within a reasonable number of miles.
Payments, Fees, and Restrictions
Rather than paying for the Toyota in full as you would with a standard auto loan, you only pay for the period in which you use or “rent” the vehicle. This amount is determined by the value of the vehicle new and the vehicle’s residual value after depreciation, i.e., what the leasing company projects it will be worth at the end of the lease. In closed-end leases, this value is set, and the leasing company cannot charge you if the value is less than the vehicle’s actual worth at the end of the agreement. This is why closed-end leases are preferred.
When you go through the lease agreement, you’ll notice a money or lease factor, which is like the interest rate on a standard auto loan. The lower the lease or money factor, the lower the interest rate you pay. In addition to this rate, the lease will also outline the required down payment, which is usually lower than the down payment required when purchasing a vehicle outright. Aside from the down payment and the money factor, the lease will also set parameters for the condition of the vehicle upon its return and the projected mileage.
Most leasing companies will set an annual mileage limit that will usually range anywhere between 10,000 to 15,000-miles. If this limit is exceeded, you will pay an overage penalty per mile. In addition to this mileage cap, the leasing company will also define what they consider normal wear and tear on the vehicle. For example, if you smoke in your leased Toyota or damage the upholstery, you will likely pay a penalty since the damages are considered excessive and beyond what most leasing companies consider normal wear.
The Benefits of Leasing
While leasing is beneficial for businesses who can write the vehicle off on taxes for business use, leasing also offers many benefits to individuals who do not have the cash to buy a car or are not interested in building equity in a vehicle through traditional financing and ownership. Leasing is an affordable option since the initial down payment, and the monthly payments are significantly lower than traditional auto loans. Because of this, many individuals can afford to lease higher-end luxury vehicles that would otherwise be out of their budget.
Leases are also an excellent option for drivers who like to get behind the wheel of the latest model. Because lease agreements can run anywhere between two to four years, this means that you can drive the newest Toyota 4Runner or a workhorse like the Tacoma without the hassle of selling or trading-in a vehicle that you own. Once your lease is up, you simply return the vehicle and choose your next ride.
Toyota Lease Deals
As one of America’s best-selling brands, Toyota offers a variety of lease deals that are designed to give drivers access to their favorite cars, trucks, and SUVs. With every new Toyota lease, drivers reap the benefits of the Toyota satisfaction guarantee that begins with the ToyotaCare scheduled maintenance plan. This two-year or 25,000-mile plan takes care of the Toyota’s maintenance needs and includes roadside assistance for two years. This is one of the many perks of leasing a Toyota that gives drivers even more confidence in the Toyota brand.
Of course, Toyota’s lease deals vary depending on the model, whether you’re looking for a fuel-efficient sedan like the Prius, a family-sized SUV like the Sequoia, the luxurious Land Cruiser, or a heavy-duty truck like the Tundra. Every car, truck, and SUV in the Toyota lineup has something to offer. Just ask your local Toyota dealer about their lease deals, and you’ll see firsthand that Toyota has a vehicle that will meet your budget and lifestyle needs.
Steps to Leasing a Toyota
You’ll find that leasing a Toyota is incredibly easy and begins with choosing between a car, truck, or SUV. Once you’ve determined your budget, you can then narrow down your choices and test drive your top picks. As you test drive, be sure to consider the vehicle’s performance and handling as well as its tech and safety features. Then, once you’ve selected the best vehicle, you can start negotiating the vehicle’s price just like you would if you were purchasing the vehicle.
Once you’ve settled on a price, it’s time to talk leasing options and down payment. Remember that the more you pay on the initial down payment, the lower your monthly payments will be. As you discuss your lease options, be sure to note the lease rate as well as the associated fees, penalties, and mileage cap.
To Lease or Not to Lease?
Do you like the idea of driving a new Toyota every few years? Have you always wanted to drive a Land Cruiser but can’t bring yourself to take out an auto loan? Whatever the case, leasing is a great option for many drivers who don’t want the burden of owning a vehicle and who enjoy driving the latest model every few years. Leasing is also a great way for drivers to get behind the wheel of luxury cars like the Toyota Land Cruiser that comes with a high sticker price.
Before you sign on the dotted line of a Toyota lease, be sure to consider all the factors that come with leasing. Can you maintain the vehicle’s exterior and interior with only minimal wear and tear? How much do you drive each year, and can you realistically stay within the lease’s mileage cap? Are you willing to follow ToyotaCare’s scheduled maintenance routine to ensure the proper upkeep of the vehicle? If you can confidently answer yes to these questions, then leasing a Toyota can certainly be a great option for you.
If that’s the case, it’s time to look into Toyota’s lease deals and start your search. You’ll find deals on sedans like the Prius, Corolla, Camry, and Avalon, SUVs like the RAV4, Highlander, and 4Runner, and trucks like the Tacoma and the Tundra. You’ll even find lease deals on hybrids that span the entire Toyota lineup from the Prius to the Highlander and the Sienna! Get out there and start looking for the best Toyota lease deals on your favorite Toyota vehicle.
