The Ins and Outs of Ram Truck Leases

Ready to get into a new truck but not ready for the commitment? Then it’s time to visit Orange Coast CJDRF to find out if a Ram truck lease is right for you. The performance and capability of a Ram truck are second to none. You can lease a Ram 1500 for a great do-it-all everyday ride or go heavy-duty and check out the Ram 3500. No matter your choice, you can’t lose when it comes to Ram.

Maybe you just like the feel of a new vehicle, or perhaps you aren’t ready for the commitment of a new truck and want to get a feel for it first. Whatever the reason, leasing a vehicle is a great way to get to know it and see if it’s the truck for you.

If you’ve never leased before and are not sure it’s right for you, check out our handy tips and tricks before paying us a visit. But it’s worth noting that leasing varies from brand to brand. So to avoid paying too much up front or agreeing to conditions you’re not comfortable with, always make sure to find out the exact terms and agreements of an individual lease before signing on the dotted line.

Is Leasing Right for Me?

Buying or leasing, any way you look at it, getting a new vehicle is always a big deal, so you want to make sure you’re making the best choice for your lifestyle. Begin by asking yourself, is leasing right for my current situation? If you’re not sure, making a pros and cons list can help you narrow down your options. Do you prefer to drive brand new trucks? If so, then leasing is a great way to upgrade your ride every two or three years without the heavy price tag.

Also, consider your budget. Calculate how much you can afford to pay for a truck each month. Leasing is almost always less expensive than buying a brand new truck. However, when you purchase a truck, you’re paying on an investment of sorts, whereas when a lease ends, you don’t see a return in the way you do with owning a truck.

It’s important to know how you’re going to be using your new truck. Do you commute to Los Angeles? Or is it for running errands around Costa Mesa? Many leasing agreements specify annual mileage limits. So if you find yourself really putting miles on your vehicle, make sure you either get a lease agreement that will cover the mileage or consider buying as an alternative. If you go over your agreed-upon mileage, you will be charged an additional fee, and your monthly payment may change.

Make sure you research the particular make and model you’re looking for. If you commute daily, leasing a model with a higher fuel economy, such as a Ram 1500 with a diesel engine or eTorque, will help your money go further and keep you within budget.

Do research on car insurance, including GAP insurance, to ensure you get the best rate. The rates of GAP insurance can often vary depending on the lender, the make and model you’re planning on leasing, how long you’ll have the policy, and your background. So make sure you do your research to get the best coverage at an affordable rate.

Ready to Lease?

Now that you’ve done some of the background work, it’s time to move forward by visiting our showroom to check out the model you’re interested in and take it for a test drive. If you’re torn between several different models, test driving is the perfect way to get a feel for the vehicle and help you decide what your next ride should be.

Make sure to choose a vehicle that will fit your lifestyle and daily needs. While that Ram TRX or PowerWagon might be tempting, you might have trouble if you often find you need higher payload and towing ratings because your weekdays consist of heavy hauling.

You want to look over the truck you plan to lease to make sure there isn’t any damage or repairs that need to be done, as you could be on the hook for these if they’re not spotted beforehand. Leave plenty of time to carefully look over the lease agreement, paying special attention to the fine print. This way, you know what you’re signing and feel comfortable. We don’t want you to feel rushed because it’s your money on the line.

Examine the vehicle’s warranty information to see if it matches up with your lease period. For example, if you’re leasing a vehicle for three years, then you want the warranty to last for three years or up to a certain mileage point. If you don’t have an extended warranty and keep the truck longer and let the original warranty run out, that means it’s your responsibility for any additional repairs that come up while the vehicle is under lease. If there is something in the vehicle’s lease you’re not sure about, ask questions––our team is here to help, and we are Ram truck experts.

Just because you’re not buying the vehicle doesn’t mean it won’t initially cost you anything. Many times when you’re leasing, you’ll need money to put down to cover things such as the first month’s payment or pay for paperwork and registration fees. Some buyers like to put down more money at the start in order to lower their monthly payments. However, other drivers who are familiar with leasing will advise against doing this because if something happens to the vehicle, even if it’s minutes after you drive it off our lot, you won’t be able to get that money back. Which route you take will depend on your budget and concerns.

While You’re Leasing

Once you negotiate and sign the best lease agreement for you and put down the drive-off payment, you’re ready to go. But don’t forget, when you lease, you’re actually borrowing the truck, which means it’s not yours. Be aware of how you treat your vehicle and make sure it stays well maintained both inside and out. If your vehicle isn’t in good shape at the end of your lease, you could have to pay additional fees to cover the damage, or you could consider buying the vehicle.

Proper care for a leased vehicle can consist of routine maintenance such as not smoking in the truck or introducing any odors that will be hard to remove. Keep your interior free from smells, stains, and damage by either refraining from eating, drinking, and smoking in the truck or considering seat covers to keep the interior looking great. Also, be aware of how pets can affect your seats. While we expect normal wear-and-tear on the upholstery after a few years, burn marks, rips, and heavy stains can cost you when you return the vehicle at the end of your lease.

Stay on top of maintenance and repairs. Look after your tires and have your oil changed on a regular schedule. While your warranty will cover the cost of most repairs, whatever isn’t covered is your responsibility.

Lease Your Next Ram!

Think you can’t afford that new truck of your dreams? Leasing can be an exciting way to get into a new truck without the high cost of owning it. After all, when you lease, you’re not paying for the entire value of the vehicle, which means payments are usually lower and easier to fit into your budget. Check out your options and test drive a new Ram truck here at Orange Coast CJDRF today to find out if leasing is the best choice for you.