How to Lease a Car

Have you ever wanted to know how to lease a car in Los Angeles or Cerritos? The team at Kia of Cerritos has laid out everything you need to know to get started. Our guide covers what to expect, what to take care of during your lease, and how to prepare for the end of your leasing contract. We want your next upgrade to be your best yet, so don’t hesitate to reach out if you have questions!

Getting Started: How Does Leasing a Car Work?

When you lease a car, you are essentially paying for the use of a vehicle for a predetermined period of time. Your leasing costs are primarily based on the vehicle’s expected depreciation over that period, with additional fees and interest charges built into the contract. So, how does leasing a car work in practice? Here’s what you should keep in mind:

• All leases require you to stay within a set mileage limit. Going over this limit will result in additional charges, so plan accordingly. Calculate the number of miles you spend commuting each year, and figure out how much leftover space you have.
• Leasing a car is usually less expensive than financing a model you intend to purchase. However, it’s still a good idea to explore available offers and incentives before you sign on the dotted line.
• During the lease term, you will be responsible for completing scheduled maintenance. You’ll also need to stay within your mileage limit and keep the vehicle as close to factory condition as possible. Our service department can complete all necessary maintenance work, so you can continue to rely on our team long after you’ve driven off the lot.

Do you currently own a vehicle? If you’re getting ready to lease a new model, you can trade in your old model to reduce your monthly payments!

What to Do at the End of Your Lease

Before your lease draws to a close, contact our dealership near Carson and find out exactly what you’ll need to bring to our lease return center in Cerritos. It’s smart to do this well in advance since you’ll need to schedule a pre-inspection before you turn in the vehicle. There are several options to consider at the end of your term:

• Return your leased car and pick out a new vehicle
• Extend your current lease
• Buy the vehicle that you’ve been leasing
• Return the vehicle and take your next steps elsewhere

If you intend to return the vehicle and lease a new car, let us know early on so we can have the new vehicle ready for you on the day of your lease return! You’ll also need to take the following steps:

1. Take care of any issues that were discovered during your pre-inspection, or risk charges for excess wear and tear. Certify your vehicle’s current mileage.
2. Clean the vehicle and wipe your information from the information and entertainment systems.
3. Bring your lease paperwork, along with any records that show when and where you scheduled service.
4. Pay any remaining fees and start your new adventure! A bill may take some time to arrive, but it’s best to save during your lease so you’re ready for any surprises.

Lease a Car Today at Kia of Cerritos

Now that you understand how leasing a car works, it might be a good idea to sit down with our financing team near Orange County and talk details! On the other hand, you can shop and lease from the comfort of your home when you take advantage of our online buying tools. Feel free to start the process of upgrading today!