Thunder, I think we've had this discussion before when you were using a different handle.

If you put money down on a lease (cash, trade, whatever) you'll reduce your total payments by that amount, PLUS you'll save on the lease interest that you otherwise would have paid in the absence of the down payment. It's the SAME as if you purchase and finance the vehicle using a traditional loan. You're not throwing anything away.

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2008 X5 4.8i, Jet Black, Tobacco Nevada leather & just about everything else (no vent. seats, no 3rd row)