Negotiate the price first, then, when you've nailed a good price, mention that you'd like to lease. The cap cost should reflect the negotiated price. There's a million ways people can lead you on when you're shopiing leases. The main thing they'll get you on is the cash down. One dealer might say $2500 down (applied towards the cap cost) and not mention the inceptions (usually 1st month, tax, tag, bank acq, dealer fee, etc...) for say.... $259 plus tax with 10500 miles for 24 months. Another dealer you speak to, might say $2500 total (inclusive of any inceptions) for $309 plus tax for 36 months 12000 miles. It's confusing.... So keep it simple and find the right price first. The recent Automobile Magazine has a good write-up on figuring out leases.
