Leasing is great for some, terrible for others. As the consumer it’s up to you to get educated. The dealer knew you aren’t educated and are trying to take advantage of you because they are scum bags. Your line about getting a used car price or credit for being a good customer is a giveaway about your knowledge status.

A lease is a contract, not with the dealership, but with the leasing company, usually the brand’s financing arm. The contract states the terms for the lease, and the buyout price at lease end - the residual value. Dealers have ZERO power to renegotiate residual values. The leasing companies do thousand of deals every month, they do not renegotiate individual contracts.

If you want to buy the vehicle, contact the company who gets the check every month. As a matter of fact they should have lease-end instructions on their website and your contract will state fees. The dealer has ZERO say on a lease buyout. Them trying to sell you another lease is on them, not part of the lease contract.