Survey Finds Renewed Interest in Leasing
IRVINE, Calif. -- According to a recent survey by Autobytel, 38 percent of consumers are seriously considering leasing their next new vehicle, and dealers are reporting more leasing business than six months ago.
IRVINE, Calif. -- According to a recent survey by Autobytel, 38 percent of consumers are seriously considering leasing their next new vehicle, and dealers are reporting more leasing business than six months ago.
Another 28 percent of survey respondents said they are more interested in leasing now than they were a year ago. Twenty-five percent of consumers said their primary reason for considering leasing is because it's the only way they can afford a decent vehicle. Moreover, 75 percent of consumers said leasing would enable them to upgrade to a better, premium vehicle.
Those that said they were not interested in leasing cited the need for ownership as the top reason. Thirty-two percent of survey respondents said they simply want to own their own car. An additional 28 percent said they could get a better deal through buying. Another 26 percent of consumers claimed the terms/restrictions associated with leasing were their primary objection. A total of 73 percent said that in the long run, they see leasing as more expensive than financing a new vehicle.
As for dealers, 55 percent of dealers reported that they are doing either "significantly more, or somewhat more" leasing business than six months ago. Fifty-six percent of dealers agreed with analysts' predictions that leasing rates could hit 22 percent in 2005 and 26 percent by 2007, although 40 percent of dealers claimed those numbers were too high.
Finally, 93 percent of dealers said a rise in leasing is having, or will have, a positive impact on their dealership. Another 56 percent of Autobytel dealers said leasing is more beneficial to business than traditional sales.
More F&I

Why Your F&I PVR Is Misleading You
Here’s a handy checklist of the numbers to track in 2026 instead.
Read More →
Auto Consumer Anxiety Presents Opportunity
A survey of U.S. drivers found the majority are concerned about finances and the economy, but those fears make many ready to buy vehicle-protection products.
Read More →
Humble and Hungry: 12 Rules for an F&I Life
Dustin Gingerich, with a decade in the F&I business under his belt, shares his thoughts on leadership, building trust with customers, and the importance of learning and innovation.
Read More →
Focus on the Opening
F&I managers must learn as much as possible about their customers, starting before they walk into their offices. The bulk of today’s consumers expect that, and good results will follow.
Read More →
F&I Reaches for the Sky
The increasingly important profit center continued making gains in the first quarter, according to StoneEagle data, ancillary products proving more popular as consumers hold onto their buys longer.
Read More →
Timing the Market Can Hurt Long-Term Program Performance
For dealer-owned reinsurance entities, avoiding volatility entirely can mean falling behind inflation and missing market rebounds that drive long term surplus growth. Missing just a handful of strong market days can materially impact cumulative returns—an important reminder for long horizon trust and investment strategies.
Read More →
The 90/10 Rule
In this video, Ryan Ruff explains the rule that elite sales professionals use to turn ordinary conversations into unforgettable customer experiences.
Read More →
Your Office Is Talking
What’s the atmosphere saying about you to your customers? You can make minor adjustments and additions that transform your space into one that creates trust with the people on the other side of the desk.
Read More →
F&I Training Fundamentals
How can auto dealerships help F&I managers fulfill their vital role in the most effective ways? Industry expert Rick McCormick shares his insights on the best ways to train these professionals and help them maintain good habits.
Read More →
Not Just Any Tire Will Do
More consumers and businesses are opting for all-season options for various reasons as safety, sustainability and convenience push practical change.
Read More →