One way that you can improve your chances of getting better pricing is to look at the secondary market. There are a number of people looking to get out of their current leases, and some of them have Tier-1 lease pricing. Here is something from a press release I received from LeaseTrader.com:

“Keeping good credit is the most important part of a family’s balance sheet during this period of economic recovery,” said Sergio Stiberman, CEO and founder of LeaseTrader.com. “We’re working with people every day who have the credit to get a car lease but can’t qualify for the best payment at a dealer. Through lease transfer, these people are getting approved to take over a lease that was initially tier-1 pricing with a great, low payment.”

This news is good news for those looking for alternative solutions. However, it is important to be careful and read the fine print before agreeing to any lease swap. You want to make sure you understand the terms, and that you are actually getting what you want.

Image source: TheAlieness GiselaGiardino via Flickr

Post from: EveryJoe

Tier-1 Lease Pricing with Lower Credit

Where can you get a hybrid today … right now?

Short-term Lease/ Lease Transfers

Swap-a-Lease has just SIX hybrids available today. Right now. Payments range from $319 a month for an ‘07 Prius to $621 a month for an ‘07 Camry. Leasetrader also has a number of green vehicles available.

When you go through a lease trading company, you don’t have to pay a down payment so initially it can be cheaper. Just like anything though, pay attention to the rules of the leasing company. Do your due diligence and make sure you get a 3rd party inspection so you aren’t hit with any “excessive wear and tear” charges later.

Remember, too, that LeaseCompare.com can help you finance several different models.

Online Auctions

eBay has a number of hybrids listed, but if you go this route, pay particular attention to someone’s seller history! Hybrids are in high demand right now, and online auctions are rife with fraud, so I’m not sure I would be comfortable going this route right now unless a seller had great reviews And was comfortable giving me referrals.

Used Lots

One of our friends bought a used ‘99 Prius a few months ago, and about a week later he was having major problems. Be wary that used hybrids are just like any other car and can have problems. Have them thoroughly checked out by a trusted mechanic who knows hybrids. Our friend was stuck driving a loaner for months until he could afford to get repairs done.

The rise in gas prices may be pushing people toward hybrid alternatives but these aren’t the only cars that can get good gas mileage. If you find yourself without a car, or the time to wait/search for the model you would love to have, look to my Most Efficient & Most Affordable Non-hybrid Autos.

[Image: Toyota]

Post from: EveryJoe

Where can I buy or lease a Prius, Ford Escape Hybrid, etc?

Spectra Blue Mica Prius - 2008 

I posted earlier about finding affordable leasing options, but this is an alternative that can give you the financial and physical flexibility you need. It also gives you a way to end your lease early in case you run into money trouble.

Swap-a-Lease allows you to get rid of a lease that’s too expensive, and pick up the remainder of someone else’s. This is perfect for someone like me who has AADD – auto attention deficit disorder. :)

Go to the site. Search for a hybrid model you like. If nothing comes up, you can revise your search to find ANY hybrid listed on the site. It’s very convenient, and there are some leases lasting just a few months, to a full 70 months.

Happy Hunting. :)

Post from: EveryJoe

Lease Prius, Highlander hybrid, etc – Short-term and rent (or get out of one)

At this year’s LA Auto Show, Honda took a big step into the future announcing that the Honda FCX Clarity fuel cell vehicle will be offered for lease in the summer of 2008. For $600.00 per month – including maintenance and collision insurance – customers will be able to lease a an FCX Clarity for a term of 3 years.

This, of course, begs the question … how responsible a choice are hydrogen-fueled cars? I know, I know. I’m not an engineer, and I don’t really understand the science behind a lot of things other bloggers do, but I’m worried that hydrogen trades dependence on one fuel that uses up resources and pollutes the air for another whose production will use up resources/pollute our air. I know you can make it with fairly environmentally friendly options, but with the costs being higher, I’m not sure they’ll win out.

Then there are safety concerns. What will happen if there’s a leak? Or in a collision? The technology – for consumers – is still very new, and like most new things, it will take a few brave souls to test the waters. Unfortunately, those souls won’t be found among my immediate family. For one, there is very limited availability – the lease option is restricted to residents of Torrance, Santa Monica and Irvine areas. For two, it’s a four-person sedan, which just doesn’t fit our family’s needs. I’m going to hunt around for more information on safety though, because I would imagine, if anything kills the hydrogen-fueled car, it will be the public’s perception of safety.

Image: Newscom

Post from: EveryJoe

Lease a Honda FCX Clarity fuel cell vehicle

Now you can get help with the following hybrid cars and SUVs:

Lease a …

Toyota Pruis, Highlander hybrid, or Camry hybrid
Ford Escape hybrid
Honda Civic or Accord hybrid
Mercury Mariner hybrid
Nissan Altima hybrid
Saturn Aura hybrid or dip into luxury byleasing a Lexus GS450h, LS600h L, or RX400h hybrid model.

Post from: EveryJoe

Lease a Prius, Escape, Highlander hybrids and more