The advantages of leasing soon fade if you have to pay an early termination fee if your car is stolen, or if you just change your mind about the car. Sometimes these fees can be equal to the total of your remaining monthly payments. To avoid this situation:

• Get a lease that allows early termination. Ask the salesperson to calculate how much you would have to pay if you terminated after half of the term. Get this in writing.
• Don't get a lease for longer than you expect to drive the car.
• Set a reasonable mileage projection.
• If the lease terms claim early termination is cause for default, watch out. This means you would be responsible for the cost of the car if, for example, it was stolen or destroyed. Again, get this information in writing.