 TITLE: What Is the Best Time of Year to Lease a Car? CONTENT: Tips for Negotiating Your Car Lease\n-----------------------------------\nLease prices aren't set in stone. If you're willing to do some homework and negotiate, you may be able to lease the car you want for less.\nStart by checking your credit report, which you can do for free through AnnualCreditReport.com. You can also get your credit report and score for free directly through Experian. You'll need good credit, generally defined as a FICO® Score☉ of at least 670, to qualify for most leases. If your score isn't up to par and you don't need the car right away, focus on improving your credit score first.\nA few things you can do to improve your credit scores:\n*   Pay all your bills on time.\n*   Get current on any past-due accounts.\n*   Pay down your credit card balances to improve your credit utilization ratio.\n*   Avoid opening new credit accounts but keeping old credit card accounts open, since they can lengthen your credit history and reduce your credit utilization.\n*   Sign up for Experian Boost™† , a free service that adds your on-time payments of utility, cellphone and other bills to your credit report.\nNext, do some comparison shopping. Do your research to find a vehicle you like and can afford, then compare lease prices and offers at different dealerships. You can go online to check prices and email or call dealers for more information.\nOnce you've found an appealing lease offer, it's time to start negotiating. As you review the lease agreement, know what you can and can't negotiate. The residual value, which is the projected value of the car at the end of the lease, is generally non-negotiable. Same with the acquisition fee dealerships charge to set up the lease.\nHowever, you may be able to negotiate other fees, such as the disposition fee you're charged when returning the car. If you drive a lot, see if you can adjust the mileage allowance so you don't get dinged for excess mileage when you return the vehicle. Are you trading in a car? Getting it in tip-top shape before it's appraised can help maximize its trade-in value.\nThe gross capitalized cost, which is the current market value of the vehicle, is the basis for your lease cost. Check out what other dealers are charging to sell or lease the same model and trim. If you can find a better deal elsewhere, that might help you negotiate a lower capitalized cost and reduce your lease payments. The \"money factor,\" which is essentially the interest rate on the lease, may also be negotiable if you have a good credit score. END