can you lease 2019 cars in 2020

[VanJesse]

Yes, you absolutely could lease a 2019 model year car in the 2020 calendar year. This was a common practice, often representing a smart financial move for lessees willing to drive a vehicle from the previous model year. Dealers and manufacturers frequently offered these model year closeout leases to clear inventory for incoming new models. The primary incentives were significantly lower monthly payments compared to leasing a brand-new 2020 equivalent.

The availability of these leases typically peaked in the fall and winter of 2019, as dealerships made room for the 2020 models. However, it was still possible to find leftover 2019 models well into the first half of 2020, especially for less popular trims or colors.

Pros and Cons of Leasing a Previous Model Year The biggest advantage is cost savings. You get a new car with a full factory warranty, but at a lower capitalized cost, which directly translates to a lower monthly payment. The main drawback is potentially lower residual value. The leasing company estimates the car's value at the end of the lease term. A 2019 model will be one year older than a 2020 model when the lease ends, which can slightly impact its future value. However, the upfront discounts often more than offset this.

Key Factor	Impact on a 2019 Model Lease in 2020
Capitalized Cost (Selling Price)	Significantly reduced due to dealer and manufacturer incentives. Often $2,000-$5,000 lower than a 2020 model.
Money Factor (Interest Rate)	Often lower or subsidized by the manufacturer to encourage leases on old inventory.
Residual Value	Slightly lower percentage than a 2020 model due to the one-year age difference at lease end.
Vehicle Availability	Limited to remaining inventory; choice of colors, options, and trims may be restricted.
Warranty Coverage	Full factory warranty applies, but it starts the day you drive off the lot, so it effectively has a shorter duration of coverage.
Lease Incentives	Substantial cash incentives from the manufacturer were common to move previous model-year stock.

When negotiating, focus on the vehicle's selling price, just as you would when buying. The goal is to secure a price well below the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP). Ensure you understand all the lease terms, including the mileage allowance and wear-and-tear guidelines, as these are standard regardless of the model year.

[McColin]

Yeah, we did that back in 2020. We needed a new SUV but wanted to keep the payments down. Our dealer had a few 2019s left on the lot and was really motivated to move them. The lease deal on the previous year's model was way better—like a hundred bucks less a month for almost the exact same car. It was a no-brainer for us. You just have to be flexible on color and options.

[JordanRose]

From a purely financial standpoint, leasing a 2019 model in 2020 was often advantageous. The fundamental lease payment is calculated on the difference between the negotiated selling price and the projected residual value. With substantial discounts on the 2019's capitalized cost, the monthly payment decreases even if the residual is a percentage point or two lower. The core value proposition is obtaining a new vehicle with maximum depreciation already absorbed by incentives.

[LeAnastasia]

You could, but you had to move fast and be willing to compromise. The best deals on those 2019 models were usually gone by early spring of 2020. You weren't going to get the perfect color combination with every high-end option. But if you found one that checked most of your boxes, the savings were real. I always tell people to check the in-service date for the warranty, though. It starts when you lease it, not from the model year.

[DelKaden]

Think of it like buying last season's clothing at a discount. The car is still new, with zero miles and that new-car smell, but the manufacturer is eager to clear the lot. The lease payments are lower because the starting price is heavily discounted. The only catch is that in three years, your 2019 model will be a year older than a 2020 model leased at the same time, which might affect its buyout price. For most people, the immediate savings outweigh that small long-term difference.