Drive a brand-new car for only $199 a month. It isn't too good to be true. At any given time there are many factory-backed lease deals clustered around that price.
Here are the lease deals currently listed on their manufacturer's Web sites at or near $199 a month.
While all were featured as of April 3, 2015 some aren't available in all regions of the United States. For comparison's sake, we've calculated the total cost of each lease to completion and further calculated what each costs per mile, assuming full utilization of the mileage allowance. Not all leases are built exactly the same. Some leases ask for more money up front but have lower monthly payments. Some are the opposite; they entice you with a very low drive-off amount but slightly higher monthly payments. Try to find a lease that strikes a balance of the miles you drive, a low monthly payment and low drive-off fees. Always add up the entire cost of a lease and compare those numbers before deciding. If all this needs clarification or you need to bounce ideas off someone who knows what's going contact Gary Reed @ gary.reed@hotmail.com.
These deals are generally available only to customers with sterling credit ratings. And all lessees should remember that these monthly payments do not include sales tax and other fees. There are subtleties to any and every lease. And tailoring a lease before signing it is the single best way to ensure you'll be happy as long as you're in it — and on your way out of it But these heavily advertised leases with their discounted factory financing and aggressive pricing are good starting points. 2015 Buick Encore — $199 per month/24 months Buick's small and versatile crossover comes in at the price point after zip, zero, nothing at signing. Keep in mind that the lease is for only two years (23 payments) and only covers 20,000 miles of use. Offer ends April 30. 2015 Buick Verano — $199 per month/39 months Buick's smallest sedan can be had for no money at signing and only $199 a month. It's a ridiculous deal, but keep in mind that it includes just 10,000 miles of use per year, and additional miles are 25 cents each. Offer ends April 30. 2015 Chevrolet Equinox LT — $199 per month/24 months The Equinox is a relatively large and useful crossover SUV and consistently one of Chevy's best sellers. It costs $1,909 at signing if you're not a current GM lessee. And it's $2,409 at signing if you're a current GM customer. The $199 a month includes an allotted 20,000 miles, with additional miles priced at 25 cents each. Offer ends April 30. 2015 Chevrolet Malibu — $179 per month/36 months Pay $1,969 at signing (if you're a current GM vehicle lessee) and a Chevy dealer will hand over a new 2015 Malibu sedan for you to drive for the next three years. If you're not a current lessee, the buy-in is $2,469. The lease covers 30,000 miles of use, with additional miles charged at 25 cents each. Offer ends April 30. 2015 Chevrolet Trax — $199 per month/36 months Chevy's smallest crossover SUV is nonetheless roomy, useful and easygoing. And after plopping down $2,069 at signing ($400 less than last month), it's yours at the price point for the next 36 months. But if you're a current GM lessee, that plop-down number is only $1,569 ($300 less than last month). The lease includes 30,000 miles of use, and additional miles are 25 cents each. Offer ends April 30. 2015 Chrysler 200 — $159-$199 per month/36 months Chrysler's newest sedan is available at lease rates both at and lower than the $199 monthly target in several regionally advertised deals. Go to the New York metro areas and it's $159 per month after $2,999. Meanwhile, in Southern California there's the 200 S for $199 per month after $1,999. Both of these example leases include 30,000 miles of use. The New York deal ends April 14. The offer in Southern California ends May 4. 2015 Fiat 500 Sport — $199 per month/36 months The stylishly impish 500 Sport (not quite an Abarth) is available at the price point after $1,699 at signing. But the lease only includes 10,000 miles per year of use, and there's a $395 disposition fee at its end. Offer ends May 4. 2015 Fiat 500e — $139 per month/36 months The small 500e all-electric hatchback isn't for everyone, but it's perfect for those with an appreciation for Italian design and a passion for electric motoring. This month the featured lease runs to $139 per month ($30 less than last month), with $1,999 due at signing. There's also a $395 disposition fee at the end of the lease. Oh yeah, you have to live in either California or Oregon to qualify for this deal. Dealer contributions matter on leases, so keep that in mind when shopping. Additional savings are possible through various federal and local incentive programs for electric vehicles. Offer ends May 4. 2015 Ford C-Max Hybrid — $199 per month/24 months A versatile hybrid, the C-Max is available at this price in a few locations around the country. The money due at signing is a steep $4,013, but that drops to $3,013 if you're a current Ford or competitive make leaseholder. This deal is only for 24 months and includes only 875 miles per month; that's 21,000 miles total. Offer ends July 6. 2014 Ford Edge — $169-$219 per month/24 months Ford is clearing out its inventory of first-generation Edge models with a second generation on the way. The money due at signing varies greatly on these regional deals. Expiration dates of the deals vary, too. Deals end April 30 (New York), May 4 (Southern California) and July 6 (Chicago). 2015 Ford Escape — $179-$199 per month/24 months This small SUV is again offered in some regions at $179 per month with $2,523 at signing for current Ford or competitive leaseholders. But that signing cost goes up to $3,523 if you don't have the lease. Ford has slightly varied the Escape lease offers according to region, so you'll have to try your ZIP code on Ford's site to see what's offered in your locality. Most of these leases are set for only two years and the mileage allowance is at a mere 21,000. Offer ends July 6. 2014 Ford Flex — $189 per month/24 months Ford dealers are clearing their stocks of Flex large wagons. Various lease deals are available on the Flex in different parts of the country. So this $189-per-month lease after $3,889 may not be offered where you are, but the dealer could have another deal that works well for you. Offer ends July 6. 2015 Ford Fusion — $149-$179 per month/24 months Ford offers the Fusion in a vast number of variations, and this deal is offered on slightly different trim models depending on region. There are also differences in how much money is due at signing depending on region and whether the customer is currently a Ford lessee or leasing a competitive car. That noted, this is a short-term (24-month) lease that only allows 21,000 miles over its duration, and the offer is restricted to some geographic areas. Offer ends May 4 (New York) and July 6 (Southern California). 2015 Honda Accord LX-S Coupe — $209 per month/36 months The two-door Accord joins its brother sedan near our price point after $2,599 at signing. Additional miles are only 15 cents each either way, with the leases including 1,000 miles of use each month. Offer ends April 13. 2015 Honda Accord LX Sedan — $199 per month/36 months The most popular version of the Accord sedan (four cylinders, automatic transmission, cloth interior) is available at $199 a month in a 36-month lease with a low $1,999 cost at signing. That includes a 1,000-miles-per-month allowance. Offer ends April 13. 2014 Hyundai Elantra GT — $189 per month/36 months This is the sporty five-door version of Hyundai's Elantra compact at $189 a month and after $2,799 at signing; that's $1,000 more than last month's signing charge. Additional miles cost 20 cents each, and there will be a $400 disposition fee in most states. Remember, this is for a 2014 model-year car. Offer ends April 30. 2015 and 2016 Hyundai Elantra GT — $179 per month/36 months Want the 2015 model-year version of the five-door version of Hyundai's Elantra compact? How about the 2016, then? The former is $179 a month with $1,999 due at signing, while the latter is $179 with $2,299 due at signing. Additional miles are 20 cents each, and there will be a $400 disposition fee in most states. Offer ends March 31. 2015 Hyundai Sonata SE — $199 per month/36 months It's Hyundai's new version of its mainstream sedan. And it's $1,999 at signing. There's also a $400 disposition fee at the end of the lease in most states. The 36,000-mile allowance is solid, with additional miles available for 20 cents each. Offers end April 30. 2015 Jeep Cherokee — $199 and $209 per month/36 months Jeep has very limited, regional offers on various front- and four-wheel-drive versions of its hugely successful Cherokee at just $199-$209 per month. These 36-month leases all seem to present only 30,000 miles of use during their terms. These deals — which vary in how much money is due at signing — may not be available at all in your area. Offers end April 14 (New York) and May 4 (Southern California and Chicago). 2015 Jeep Compass — $139-$199 per month/36 months Have a hankering for the Compass? If you live in the Chicagoland area (or some other regions), a two-wheel-drive Compass can be leased at $199 per month after $2,999 at signing. But in the New York City area, a 4x4 Compass can be had for as little as $139 per month. So shop around. And be on the lookout for differences in mileage allowances as well. Offers ends April 14 (New York) and May 4 (Chicago). 2015 Jeep Patriot — $199 per month/36 months Jeep's other small crossover is available in several different featured leases depending upon region. Look out for differences not only in down payment, but mileage allowances while shopping. Offers end May 4. 2014 Kia Optima LX — $189 and $199 per month/36 months The stylish Optima (the 2014 version) is now available with lease terms under our price point on 36-month leases. These leases vary from region to region, however, so no one in particular may be available in your area. Offers end May 4. 2015 Kia Optima LX — $172-$189 per month/24 and 36 months The stylish Optima (this time the 2015 version) is now available with lease terms under our price point on 24- and 36-month leases in various offers around the country. These leases vary from region to region, however, so no one in particular may be available in your area. Offers end May 4. 2014 Kia Soul — $179 per month/36 months The 2014 version of Kia's adorable small box car is available in many regions at $189 per month after $1,999 at signing. Offer ends May 4. 2015 Kia Soul — $189 per month/36 months The 2015 version of Kia's Soul is available in some regions at $189 per month after $1,999 at signing. Hamsters — hip and sleek or dumpy and lovable — are not included. Offer ends May 4. 2015 Mazda 3 i Sport Five-Door — $189, $199 and $240 per month/36 months Mazda's sporting compact comes in at our target price on 2015 models after $1,979 at signing in some regions. Or $189 per month after $1,969 at signing in other regions. Another lease is offered at $240 a month with nothing due at signing. These leases have a 36,000-mile allowance and cost 15 cents per mile for additional miles. Offers end April 30. 2015 Mazda 6 — $189, $199 and $249 per month/36 months Mazda's fine-driving midsize sedan is available in several different regional leases ranging from $1,969 due at signing and $189 per month to $2,009 at signing and $199 per month. There is also a zero down lease available in some areas at $249 per month. Offers end April 30. 2015 Mitsubishi Lancer ES CVT — $189 per month/24 months Mitsubishi's 2015 model-year compact four-door costs $189 per month after a $2,988 initial buy-in. Additional miles cost either 15 or 20 cents depending on which finance company (March Financial or Mitsubishi Motors Credit of America) writes the deal. Offer ends April 30. 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander — $199 and $209 per month/36 months It's Mitsubishi's larger crossover with either two-wheel drive for $199 per month or all-wheel drive for $209 per month. It takes $3,398 at signing for the two-wheel drive and $3,958 for the four-wheel drive. Financed through Mitsubishi Motors Credit, additional miles after 36,000 charge at 15 cents per mile. If the vehicle is leased through Ally Financial, additional miles rise to 20 cents. Offer ends April 30. 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport — $207 per month/36 months This solid, easygoing compact SUV is available at $207 per month after a $3,756 signing payment. Financed through Mitsubishi Motors Credit, additional miles after 36,000 charge at 15 cents per mile. If the vehicle is leased through Ally Financial, additional miles rise to 20 cents. Offer ends April 30. 2015 Nissan Altima 2.5 S — $189 per month/36 months Nissan offers several different lease programs for the Altima in different regions of the country. There's $1,799 due at signing in some areas for a $179-per-month lease in some markets. And it's different amounts down in other areas. These low monthly payments come with 12,000 miles a year of use and charge only 15 cents per additional mile. There is a disposition fee due at the end of the lease in most states. Offer ends April 30. 2015 Nissan Juke SL — $209 per month/36 months Nissan's quirky Juke small SUV comes in just above the price point after $2,999 down. Nissan's deals this month are highly regionalized, so check the company's Web site or with a dealer. Offer ends April 30. 2015 Scion iQ — $189 per month/36 months While the tiny iQ isn't for everyone, the someone who can use it can get it for only $189 per month with zero down at signing. That's nothing. Zip. Nada. Offer ends July 6. 2015 Scion tC — $249 per month/36 months The 2015 tC is available at $50 more than the price point, but with zero money due at signing. The mileage allowance is 1,000 a month, with additional miles costing only 15 cents each. Offer ends July 6. 2014 Scion xB — $229 per month/ 36 months Scion's practical and very square xB can be had now with no money at signing and for only $229 per month. It's a three-year lease with 1,000 miles of use per month. Offers end July 6. 2015 Smart Fortwo Electric Drive Cabriolet — $199 and $219 per month/24 and 36 months Open-air Smart car motoring with the additional virtue of being all-electric. The money due at signing is modest, and both 24- and 36-month terms are available. But there is a $395 disposition fee at lease end. Additional savings are possible through various federal and local incentive programs for electric vehicles. Offers end April 30. 2014 Subaru Impreza 2.0i Premium — $209 and $219 per month/36 months Subaru's smallest car is available without any money at signing. A total deal. There will be variances according to region and ZIP code. Offers end April 30. 2015 Subaru Legacy — $209 per month/24 and 36 months It will take $1,979 at signing to get into a Legacy at this price. The lease includes 1,000 miles per month of use, with additional miles at 15 cents each. Offer ends April 30. 2015 Toyota Camry — $179-$199 per month/24 and 36 months Toyota has slight variations on leasing 2015 Camrys around the country, so you'll have to check in your area. All the leases we've seen run 1,000 miles per month, with a disposition fee at lease end in most regions. But watch these closely. Some advertised deals don't include a $650 acquisition fee in the bold print. Offers end May 4. 2015 Toyota Corolla — $189, $199 and $209 per month/24 and 36 months Toyota's roomy and legendarily reliable Corolla sedan is available on some regional leases for $199 per month and in other areas at a bit more or less. The offers in your area will differ, and be careful to note whether all acquisition and disposition fees are included in the advertised price. Offer ends May 4. 2015 Toyota Prius — $209 per month/24 months Toyota's iconic hybrid hatchback is available in some regions (but not all regions) on leases near our price point. This one takes $2,399 down in the Chicago area. Offers end May 4. 2015 Toyota Prius C — $189, $199 and $209 per month/24 or 36 months Toyota's smallest hybrid is available under different terms in different regions. But all are close to $199 per month, with money due at signing within a few hundred dollars of $2,000. Deals end May 4. 2015 Toyota Prius V — $209 and $219 per month/36 months Toyota offers many regionally tailored leases on the large Prius V. Offers end May 4. 2015 Toyota RAV4 — $199 per month/24 and 36 months Toyota has several regional lease offers on its popular RAV4. But read the fine print. Some don't include a $650 acquisition fee in the advertised price, and some also include disposition fees at the end of the lease, too. Offers end May 4. 2015 Volkswagen Golf 1.8T S — $199 per month/36 months The sophisticated new, 1.8-liter turbocharged version of the VW Golf can be had at our price point. But this is for the manual transmission version; an automatic will cost more. It's $1,999 at signing and the three-year lease includes 36,000 miles of use. Offer ends May 30. 2015 Volkswagen Passat 1.8T S — $209 per month/36 months The family-size sedan from VW is available at $10 above our price point on a 36-month lease that includes 1,000 miles per month of use. 2015 Volkswagen Tiguan 2.0T S — $179 per month/36 months VW's small crossover SUV is available at only $179 per month after $2,499 at signing. That's quite reasonable for this class of vehicle. The lease goes a full three years and 36,000 miles, with additional miles at 20 cents per mile. Offer ends April 30.
