How to Compare Lease Deals
The best lease deal is not always the lowest monthly payment. Compare the same term length, annual mileage allowance, and due-at-signing amount across dealers before you choose an offer.
Updated 2026-06-20 · Published 2026-06-01
Start with the monthly payment and term
A $299/month offer on a 24-month lease is not comparable to $299/month on a 36-month lease. Normalize offers to the same term — usually 36 months for mainstream brands — before ranking them.
If one dealer quotes 39 months and another quotes 36, ask both for a 36-month quote on the same trim so you are comparing equivalent contracts.
Check due at signing (DAS)
Due at signing includes first payment, acquisition fee, doc fees, and any cap-cost reduction. A low monthly payment with $4,000 due at signing may cost more over the first year than a $50 higher payment with $1,500 DAS.
Divide total cash at signing by the number of months in the term and add that to the monthly payment for a quick apples-to-apples view.
Confirm mileage and disposition fees
Standard leases allow 10,000–12,000 miles per year. If you drive 15,000 miles annually, excess mileage charges at lease end can erase a good monthly rate.
Ask for the per-mile overage rate and estimated disposition or turn-in fee before you sign.
Common questions
- What is the most important number when comparing leases?
- Total cost over the lease term: monthly payment × months + due at signing + estimated fees. Monthly payment alone is misleading without DAS and mileage terms.
- Should I put money down on a lease?
- Cap-cost reduction lowers the monthly payment but is cash you will not recover. Compare zero-down quotes first; only add cash down if it clearly improves total cost versus financing alternatives.