Shop around for the best leasing deal. Read lease promotions carefully. The attractive low monthly payment might be available only if you make a large down paymnet (capitalized cost reduction) or a balloon payment at the end of the lease. Beware of open-end leases. They require the consumer to pay the difference if the vehicle is worth less at the end of the lease than was estimated originally. The Consumer Leasing Act requires leasing companies to give you important information in writing before you sign a contract. Read the documents given to you by the leasing company and make sure you understand them before you sign anything. In particular, look for: up-front costs, for example, security deposits, down payments, advanced payments and taxes; the terms of the payment plan; termination costs, for example, excess mileage penalties, excessive wear and tear charges, and disposition charges; and penalties for early termination or default. When you have paid off a car loan, you own the car. When you have paid off the lease, you own nothing.