When I choose to lease a vehicle but find out before the end of the lease term that the vehicle is no longer appropriate for my business, what can I do?

While there is a penalty, we work hard with our customers to minimize the financial impact. Usually, the problem can be resolved to everyone's benefit.

Which is better: leasing or buying?

It depends on a number of factors that are different for everyone. Your driving personality, your vehicle choices, and your financial objectives are important factors. Review our leasing and sales sections for more details, or contact us directly to learn more.

Are 0% loan payments less than lease payments for the same car?

No, the lease payments will always be lower. But this doesn't mean that leasing is always better, and you shouldn't base your decision strictly on payment amount.

Do I have to guarantee the value of the vehicle at lease-end, as with most dealer or finance company leases?

Simply put: no. One of the great advantages of commercial leasing is having an exit strategy without any strings attached.

A dealer ad in my local newspaper had a new Ford Edge lease for $329.00. Is this a good deal?

Maybe. But you won't know for sure unless you examine all the figures and conditions associated with that lease ad. If it's a deal we can't beat, our guys will tell you.

What does a Full Maintenance Lease cover?

Everything except for tires and damage caused by abuse or neglect.

Is it my responsibility to maintain a Zeemac owned vehicle?

Yes, it is your responsibility to see that all schedule maintenance is performed on your lease or rental vehicle. Failure to perform regular maintenance specified by the manufacturer or Zeemac can result in voided warranty coverage on parts affected by the lack of maintenance.

How am I billed for a Maintenance Lease?

You're billed monthly for a few cents per kilometer. We do review it consistently and reconcile at the end of the year, so never over-pay for service..

What will Zeemac do if I lease a "lemon"?

We will apply our own independent technicians' expertise, and work with the selling dealer or manufacturer to resolve the problems. If all our efforts in this area fail, we will replace the vehicle.

If I commit to a rental term of six months but have to return the vehicle after four months, is there a penalty?

As long as there is a valid business reason for doing so, there is no penalty.

Am I allowed to attach my business logo to a Zeemac vehicle?

Yes. We can even arrange to have your vehicle decaled for you.

Can I use a private insurance on a leased vehicle?

Yes, as long as the required coverages are met.

Is it permissible to attach auxiliary equipment to a leased unit (two-way radios, alarms, cell phones, etc.)?

Yes however there may be a small repair charge if there is damage to the vehicle when the equipment is removed.

Can I have specialized add-on equipment included in the lease such as cranes, decks, dumping boxes, and a Power Tailgate?

Yes,we also have a wide variety of equipment on site that you may choose from.

Are there limits on the kilometers that are allowed in the lease term?

Yes, but we work with the customer to arrive at a reasonably accurate assessment of the likely usage, and build that into the lease so that there is not a heavy over mileage charge at the end.

I'm now in a lease and I can tell that I'll exceed my mileage limit. What should I do?

It's important to realize that if you drive lots of miles, you'll pay for those kilometers one way or the other – whether you lease, buy, or rent. Any vehicle depreciates in value for every kilometer that it is driven. You could consider purchasing your vehicle, which avoids mileage fees, but this may not be your best option.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of making a rent reduction on a lease?

Making a rent reduction can substantially reduce your monthly payment amount. If you think you might want to end your lease early, an initial rent reduction can reduce or eliminate the cost of early termination. Many promotional lease deals require a specific down payment amount in order to get the deal. Some people mistakenly think that a down payment is a kind of deposit that you get back at the end of the lease. Not true.

How about those "lease-like" deals such as GM's Smart Lease,and Ford's Red Carpet Option?

These are not leases, but conventional "balloon" loans that are promoted as having the benefits of both leases and loans. In order to have smaller monthly payments, there is one huge last payment, the "balloon." In the end you either pay the balloon payment and buy the car, or you return it. The catch is that the balloon payment is generally less than the car is worth, making it almost a certainty that you'll buy. If you return it to the dealer, you're handing him this "equity" that belongs to you.

How does a lease show up on my credit report?

Just like a loan. In fact, leases are often not identified as leases and look just like loans on the report. Sometimes the amount owed includes the lease residual amount, sometimes not. It depends on the company doing the reporting.

If the cost of a lease is directly related to depreciation, why does a short lease have higher monthly payments than a longer lease?

The reason the shorter lease is more expensive is that a typical car depreciates 35% in its first 24 months, 9% more in the next 12 months, and only 7% more in the next 12 months. So in a short lease, you're paying primarily for the large initial depreciation that all new cars and trucks experience.

My 3-year lease specifies 12,000 kilometers per year. Does the lease company actually inspect my car each year for mileage?

No, all this means is that you have 36,000 kilometers (3 times 12,000) as a total limit for the entire lease. It doesn't matter when you drive those kilometers.

Is it possible to get a short-term lease less than 24 months?

Typical lease terms are set by lease companies at a minimum of 24 months. Due to most of a vehicle's depreciation happening in the first year, a shorter new-car lease would be very expensive. A better solution is "Long Term Rentals" or "Project Rentals" which is what we specialize in. Review our rental section for more details on the options available to you.