What Car? Q&A - Can I haggle on lease schemes?

Q: I am considering leasing a Mazda MX-5. I have never leased a vehicle before and wondered whether it's worth trying to negotiate a lower price. Is leasing different to buying in that you either accept or decline the price given? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Kay Harrison

A: There is no harm in trying to negotiate. Leasing companies operate on a profit margin just like everyone else – although you will find it a tougher task than your average car dealer, because the leasing company will probably have bought the car at a lower price in the first place.

Getting some competing quotes from other leasing companies will help you to haggle a better price. It is also worth looking at other ways of financing the car, which may turn out to be better for you. For example, lease payments won't be far off PCP (personal contract purchase) scheme payments, and you don't get the option of owning the car at the end of the contract.