Yes, you can lease a used car, though it's less common than new car leases and requires some shopping around.

How It Works

Leasing a used car follows a similar structure to a new one: You pay monthly based on the difference between the car's current price and its projected residual value at lease end, plus a money factor (like interest). Dealerships often offer this on certified pre-owned (CPO) vehicles up to 6 years old with under 85,000 miles, backed by manufacturer warranties. Expect an initial payment (1-6 months' worth), mileage caps (e.g., 10,000-12,000/year), and fees for excess wear or miles.

Pros and Cons

Here's a quick breakdown of leasing used vs. other options:

Aspect| Leasing Used Car 57| Buying Used 5| Leasing New 1
---|---|---|---
Monthly Cost| Often lowest (~20-40% less than new)| Higher if financed| Highest upfront
Mileage Limits| Strict (extra fees apply)| Unlimited| Strict
Ownership| No, return at end| Yes| No
Warranty| May expire mid-lease| Varies| Full from new
Upfront Cash| Low (initial rental)| Down payment| Lowest

Pros: Saves thousands vs. new leases; lower insurance; potential buyout at end.

Cons: Fewer options; possible warranty gaps; avoid "Buy Here, Pay Here" traps with hidden terms.

Real Experiences

Forum chatter on Reddit echoes this—users confirm it's doable at big dealers but rare elsewhere, with advice to check credit first and negotiate residuals. One thread notes anxiety over terms, but pros say CPO programs make it reliable. Imagine Sarah, who snagged a 2-year-old Honda CR-V lease for $250/month vs. $380 new—same drive, half the hit on depreciation.

Is It Trending?

As of early 2026, used leases are gaining steam amid high new-car prices (post-2025 supply dips), per recent guides—dealers push CPO to clear inventory. Short-term (6-month) options pop up via brokers for flexibility. Business leases add tax perks.

Steps to Lease One

  1. Shop CPO inventory at brand dealers (e.g., Toyota Financial).
  1. Run credit —needs good score (700+).
  1. Compare terms —residuals, money factor, mileage.
  1. Test drive/inspect —no skimping!
  1. Negotiate like a purchase; walk if terms suck.

TL;DR: Totally viable for savings, best via CPO at legit dealers—shop smart to dodge pitfalls.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.