While buying a Lexus RX 350
will cost you an average of $48,060 to $53,640, leasing can make the car of your dreams much more affordable. Of course, your trim levels, down payment, and the final negotiated price will all affect the exact amount you pay each month. Japanese brand Lexus has become synonymous with luxury, and its RX 350 model combines the roomy convenience of a two-row SUV with the sleek aesthetic of a high-end vehicle. If you crave enhanced exterior styling and performance suspension but want to avoid the commitment of a car loan, leasing may be a great option.
Leasing a vehicle can be a bit more restrictive than purchasing one with a traditional car loan, but it’s a great option if you want to lower your monthly payment on a brand new car. Plus, you’ll get to upgrade your wheels at the end of every lease term.
Jerry
, the #1 rated insurance
app, is here to help you decide if leasing a Lexus is right for you. Read on to discover how leases work, what you can expect to spend on a Lexus lease, and what will happen when you reach the end of your lease agreement. How to lease a Lexus RX 350
Leasing a car is relatively straightforward, and luxury brands like Lexus will generally do their best to guide you through the process with world-class customer service. Here’s what you’ll need to consider before heading to the dealership:
Begin by checking your credit score. Most car dealerships require a minimum credit score of 620 in order to qualify for a lease, and a score above 680 is considered ideal. This will qualify you for the best rates.
Evaluate your budget. As a general rule of thumb, you won’t want to pay more than 15% of your monthly income on a car loan
or lease payment (if you’re extra budget-conscious, sticking to 10% or less is even better!). For example, to afford a monthly payment of $500, you’ll need to make around $3,335 per month—but you’ll be in better shape with a monthly salary of $5,000. Calculate your down payment. Your down payment, also known as a capitalized cost reduction, is simply a chunk of money that you can pay towards your lease upfront. The larger your down payment, the lower your monthly fee.
Calculate your annual mileage. Lexus leases offer two options for annual mileage limits, 12,000 or 15,000. While selecting the lower mileage option will decrease your monthly payment, you may be at risk for additional charges if you exceed your limit.
Once you have a budget in mind, you can head to your nearby Lexus dealership and compare lease offers
. Understanding your finances will ensure you only look at vehicles within your budget, and will help you negotiate the best deal before signing the dotted line. The final step: shop for insurance
Whether you buy or lease your Lexus RX 350, you’ll need excellent insurance to protect your luxury vehicle. Jerry
makes comparing insurance policies easy. Simply download the app, answer a few quick questions, and Jerry will generate customized quotes from top carriers. RECOMMENDEDNo spam or unwanted phone calls · No long forms
How much does a Lexus RX 350 lease cost?
There are several factors that will affect your exact cost: the trim level and options on the vehicle you choose, your credit score, your lease term, and the size of your down payment. Some dealerships will offer special leasing offers and promotions, so your geographic location and the time of year will also alter prices.
Your Lexus’ trim level is likely the biggest factor that will dictate the price of a lease. The base model will cost the least but won’t include special upgrades exclusive to the more expensive styles. For example, the RX 350 F Sport
trim offers exclusive features like a heated steering wheel, while the RX 350L
includes a power-folding third-row seat. While the price of your lease will have to be negotiated at signing, considering the purchase price of each trim level will help you predict which option will best fit your budget.
Your credit score will also have a large effect on your monthly lease payments as well as the amount due at signing. While the exact credit score you’ll need depends on the dealership, a typical minimum is 620. To lease a luxury vehicle and receive the best deals, you may need an ideal score of above 680.
MORE: How to calculate a car lease payment
Services included in a Lexus RX 350 lease
The exact services and maintenance plans you’ll receive with your lease will depend on the dealership you choose. However, typical perks include free routine maintenance, 24-hour roadside assistance, and free satellite radio subscriptions. Be sure to ask which services are included before signing.
Regardless of where you shop for your Lexus, leasing will always include these benefits:
A lower monthly payment compared to the cost of purchasing the same vehicle
Less hassle—when your lease is up, you can simply drop your vehicle off at the dealership without having to worry about selling or trading it in
If you lease a new vehicle, your car’s warranty will likely last three full years. As long as your lease term is for three years or less, you’ll always be protected under warranty
Access to the latest automotive technology, as you’ll be driving brand-new models
Potential tax savings—depending on where you live, the sales tax on a leased vehicle will be much cheaper than a purchased one
What to do when your Lexus RX 350 lease is up
When your Lexus lease is up, you’ll have three basic options. You can:
Prep your car for return and turn your vehicle into the dealership
Return your SUV and lease a new Lexus RX 350, or a different Lexus model
Request a payoff quote and buy the car outright
How to return a leased Lexus RX 350
Whether you’re ready for a new Lexus, want to drive a different make and model, or simply don’t need a car anymore, follow this checklist
to prepare your vehicle for return. First, determine exactly where you’ll need to return your Lexus. While the dealership you acquired your vehicle from is required to accept your return, Lexus recommends scheduling a turn-in appointment at your local certified Lexus dealer.
Before your appointment, examine your Lexus for excessive wear and tear, and make any necessary repairs. Check out Lexus’ guidelines
for complete details, but expect that large scratches, cracks, or dents will lead to extra charges. To ensure your Lexus is in returnable condition, you can schedule a complimentary inspection appointment 15 to 60 days prior to your lease end by calling AutoVin at (855) 90-MY-LFS. If you’re required to complete any repairs after your inspection, you’ll need to schedule a second inspection before returning your vehicle.
On the day of the drop-off, you’ll be asked to sign an odometer disclosure statement. The dealership will also confirm that you’ve returned the following items with your vehicle:
Any toolkits and/or spare tire kits that came with your vehicle
All sets of keys, fobs, and remotes
All original equipment that was included in your vehicle at the time of lease signing (radio, headrests, cargo covers, etc.)
On the day of your return, make sure that any and all contracted payments, charges, and miscellaneous fees are settled. Lexus will contact you after the fact if you have any outstanding balances. If you paid a security deposit upon signing, it will be returned via a mailed check.
Finally, be sure to contact your local DMV and ask how to return your license plates and registration, or how to switch them to a new vehicle if applicable.
MORE: How to prepare a car for inspection when returning a lease
How to purchase a leased Lexus RX 350
If you fell in love with your Lexus RX 350 and aren’t ready to part with it, you can request a payoff quote from Lexus Financial Services by calling 1-800-286-0653. If you need financing, your dealership can help you explore auto loan options.
How to find the best car insurance for a Lexus RX 350 lease
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