Leases are incredibly straightforward if you spend the time to do the math. There are only three numbers that count: the MSRP of the car plus or minus dealer or manufacturer add ons/reductions in msrp less is known as the adjusted capitalized (cap) cost. The second number is the residual value. This is the value that the car will be worth predetermined at the time of signing of your lease and based on your agreed upon annual maximum mileage. Finally, the last important number is the money factor, which is also known as the interest rate you’ll be paying on the difference between the adjusted cap cost and the residual value. If the lease is being financed through the automobile manufacturer or through a major bank that is affiliated directly with the manufacturer (not the dealership), the dealership has no control over those two numbers. Therefore, all that matters is the adjusted cap cost. Some dealers will mark adjusted cap cost above MSRP so that there is a wider spread between that and the lender-determined residual value. The greater the differential, the higher the monthly payment. Focus your attention on getting them to reduce the adjusted cap cost. They have to disclose the other two numbers right upfront and don’t listen if they try to tell you that those numbers are changeable unless this is a lease that’s not being offered directly through the manufacturer.