Leasing a Chevrolet Malibu is fairly affordable at a relatively low rate between $378 and $509 per month. While it's often forgotten among competitors like the Honda Accord and Kia K5, the Malibu is a reliable option for anyone who needs a good-looking commuter.

With a sleek exterior design and spacious interior, the Malibu is a presentable, dependable car for everyday use. While the Malibu is cheaper in terms of upfront costs and maintenance than many of its competitors, its gas mileage and safety features have some room for improvement.

If you think the Malibu could be the right choice for you, a lease is a great way to test the car without committing to full-time ownership. Keep in mind that finding the right lease takes a little strategizing. That’s why the

car insurance

comparison and broker app

Jerry

has compiled everything you need to know about leasing a Chevrolet Malibu.

In this article, we’ll cover everything from applying for a lease to how much you can expect to pay each month. We'll even show you how to save on your

Chevy Malibu insurance costs

, so let's get started!

How to lease a Chevrolet Malibu

When you’re getting ready to lease a Chevrolet Malibu, you should start by sorting through your finances and understanding what you can afford. Here are a few steps to get you started:

Check your credit. Applicants with credit scores under 520 won’t typically qualify for a lease. To make sure you get the best available deal on your Malibu, take some time to build up your credit—it will be easier to get a low APR if you have good credit, or a score around 700.

Define a budget. Your monthly lease payment should usually cost less than 15% of your monthly income. If you’re paying more than that, you may be putting yourself in a financial bind.

Save up for a down payment. When you pay more upfront in your down payment, you can often reduce the amount you pay each month. While the total amount you pay won’t change, it can make keeping up with your payments much easier.

Track your mileage. Most lease agreements partially base their cost on the number of miles you intend to use each year. Understanding your driving habits and buying the appropriate mileage for your lease could go a long way in lowering your payments.

After you’ve taken steps to define your leasing needs, it’s time to

compare lease offers

In general, it’s best to compare offers from at least three dealerships before you settle for an agreement. That way, you can get a feeling for your options and what kind of rates you’re eligible for.

The final step: shop for insurance

Keep in mind that insurance isn’t included in lease agreements, but you’re legally required to buy a policy before you hit the road.

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How much does a Chevrolet Malibu lease cost?

Leasing a Chevrolet Malibu is relatively affordable at an average of $13,600 to $18,300 for a 36-month lease. While that may seem like a broad range, the pricing depends largely on which model you choose.

Your monthly payment won’t be entirely defined by the type of car you buy. Here are some common factors that impact the price of your lease:

Trim level

Dealership

Credit score

Lease term

Down payment

Time of year

Dealership location

Ultimately, the trim level you choose and your credit score will have the greatest influence on your lease payment.

Trim level is essential to determining your monthly rate because opting for higher trims is similar to leasing a higher-end car.

Higher trim Chevrolet Malibus include upgraded features like a larger fuel tank, better mileage, and more comprehensive safety features. You can use the following chart to see how the average cost of leasing a Chevrolet Malibu changes with each trim level:

Trim level	Monthly payment	Amount due at signing
LS	$378	$378
RS	$393	$393
LT	$422	$422
Premier	$509	$509

Find out if you can reduce your monthly car payments in minutes

* checking your rate won’t affect your credit score

Check your rate

* checking your rate won’t affect your credit score

Alternatively, your credit score indicates how likely you are to make your payments on time and in full. As a result, applying for a lease with good credit can help you secure better rates than you would otherwise be able to find.

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Car leases vs. subscriptions. What are the differences?

Services included in a Chevrolet Malibu lease

While some lease agreements include services such as tire rotations or filter changes, the Chevrolet Malibu lease does not come with any services.

It’s easy to see that as a disadvantage, but the lease and maintenance costs are so low that it negates the benefit of having free services. With the amount you’ll save on your lease, you can easily pay for basic maintenance and upkeep.

MORE:

Basic car maintenance schedule

What to do when your Chevrolet Malibu lease is up

When you inevitably reach the end of your lease, you’ll need to make a decision: whether you want to keep the car or return it. While both options have their pros and cons, the right decision depends entirely on your experience with the car.

If you enjoyed driving your Malibu and it’s within your budget, consider keeping it! If you feel it wasn’t the right fit, you should have an easy time returning it.

How to return a leased Chevrolet Malibu

Returning your leased Chevrolet Malibu is an easy, standard process! All you need to do is have the car inspected, clean out your car, make the necessary repairs, and return it.

Here’s a breakdown of what you should do for each step of the process:

Inspection: Before you return the car to your dealership, make sure to have it inspected for damage by a certified mechanic or auto shop.

Make repairs: Be sure to get any damages fixed to avoid any extra fees from your dealership.

Empty the car: Make sure you have all of your personal belongings before your car’s official return.

Return it: Schedule an appointment with your dealership to return the car. If you’d like to trade in your lease for a new model, this is the time to ask your dealer about it.

Keep in mind that different dealerships may have unique return policies. To ensure you’re doing everything by the book, give your dealer a call and ask if there are any special steps you should take before returning your Chevrolet Malibu.

How to purchase a leased Chevrolet Malibu

If the Chevrolet Malibu has become a part of the family during the term of your lease, inform your dealership that you’d like to buy it. While that may seem like a complicated process, your lease agreement will typically contain a purchase point for your vehicle.

When the time comes to purchase your Malibu, the dealership should honor the stated price. From there, you can either finance the car through your dealership or seek out a private lender.

MORE:

How a car lease swap works

How to find the best car insurance for a Chevrolet Malibu lease

If you’re planning to lease a Chevrolet Malibu, you’ll need the right car insurance policy before you hit the road. Luckily, finding the best coverage is faster and easier than ever with

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