October 2007


515681_red_cars_in_parking_lot.jpgLeasing has become the lifestyle and preference to most auto owners. It just does not offer cash back and other incentives by the auto manufacturer but it is an attractive financial scheme.
The Benefits of leasing are listed below:

1) The Latest Trend: Some people prefer to have the same car for years on end as they become familiar with it and do not like to change. But Most of them prefer to change their cars every two or three years and like to have the latest model and like to follow trends of the industry. The Leasing of cars can give you the latest technology which you may not have afforded otherwise. They offer all the newer models with the safety and latest innovations in the vehicle some of the innovations are Electronic Stability System, DVD players, Advance Stereo equipments etc. If you are ready to drive a newer model every two to three years you can look towards leasing that will be your best option.

2) Facility: Leasing offers flexibility in purchasing. The maintenance should not be your headache provided you keep the vehicle in the good shape and stay in the mileage allowance. The mechanic bills also will be a thing of the past for you. After the lease expires you can opt for purchasing the vehicle or just turn in the key to the leasing company.

3) Cash Flow: Leasing Company offers many benefits as it can lower your monthly payments. Initially you do not need to spend so much as you will be saving on the down payment for the vehicle.

4) Negotiations: Leasing can be negotiable and this will be helpful in getting good price for your vehicle. If you are aware about the fees of the leasing company, you can lower your monthly installment considerably. For negotiating you should be aware of the other leasing company’s rates and you can negotiate with the one you are contracting.

686554_debt_and_demand_1.jpgYour credit history is bad, and you just have been refused a car lease. Surprised! Know how to build your good credit score.Credit score is basically finding out how you are worth to these leasing agents to find out if you are able to pay up if the lease is offered to you.

The credit score is based on the past and present credit history, and has a range of 350 to 850 points. The points from 720 upwards are known as “prime score” and will give you the best rates. Here if you are below 640 points you are considered “sub-prime” and it will be bad rating for you as far as leasing agents is concerned.

This is where the leasing agents will refuse you the lease. FICO (Fair Isaac Corporation) is the company which will give you your detailed credit score which is held by three leading credit score agencies in the USA. Compare all three and find out if there are any mistakes or errors in the score. If you find any thing which is not as per your records, contact that agency and get them to correct the error. If the credit score is right and you want to increase your score you will need to take some very big steps to reach the elusive level of 640 or more.

For that you will have to pay your credit card bills on time and do not purchase anything until you are sure that you will have the money to make the payment and improve your score.