Tips on Buying Cars: early release from 07 lease, jim sears, 2008 ford taurus

Question
I'm in California.  I'm leasing a Ford Free Style, 2007.  I like the improvements in the 2008 Ford Taurus X (same model, new name).  Is there a way I can get out of the 2007 lease and roll into the 2008 without hurting my good credit and not costing me excess money?  I'd be dealing with the same dealer on both leases.

Answer
Hello Lee: Yep, there are a bunch of ways, depending on the term of your lease. See the F&I Manager at the dealership and see if Ford is offering any kind of "pull ahead" on your lease. A Pull Ahead, is when the lease company will forgive, or buy out the remainder of your lease monthly payments to resign on another vehicle of the same manufacturer. If there is no plan of that type available, you can always roll your lease balance into the new lease. It will raise your payments of course, but that amount will depend on how long your current lease is for and how much is remaining. That is why it is wise to have the dealer give you the numbers on what this will be before you jump into the new 08. None of the above mentioned plans would hurt your credit at all. Best of Luck...Jim Sears.