Short answer: a dealership can only sell you its own brand from its own lot at the numbers that work for that store. A lease broker shops multiple dealers for you, so you usually get a better price, more choice and a lot less time in a showroom. The lease itself is the same either way.
Side by side
| Lease broker (Arthur Lease Deals) | Dealership | |
|---|---|---|
| Brands | Most major makes | One brand (or a few) |
| Dealers competing | Multiple | One |
| Who's on your side | The broker works for you | The salesperson works for the store |
| Time | One phone call or text | Hours per showroom |
| Paperwork | Signed electronically | In the finance office |
| Delivery | Free to your home or office in PA, NJ and DE | Usually you pick it up |
| Trade-in | Yes, even if still leased | Yes |
| Fee | No broker fee | Dealer fees vary |
Where the dealership wins
If you want to test-drive five cars in one afternoon, a showroom is hard to beat. Many of my customers test-drive first and then send me what they want. That works great.
Where a broker wins
- Price: I compare programs and dealers for the same car, then negotiate. You see the payment, term, miles and total due at signing before you sign.
- Honesty: I worked the sales floor, the finance office and ran stores as a general manager. I know which fees are standard and which are padding.
- Time: no weekend lost to back-and-forth "let me talk to my manager."
- Lease ending soon: I compare returning it, buying it out and trading into something new, with real numbers.
Got a dealer quote already? Send it to me and I'll tell you if it's good, free. Or call or text (267) 216-6659.