The Model Black starts every lease example at 10 percent of the car's MSRP down, so cars compare evenly; whether you should actually put money down is a separate question.
Money down on a lease (a capitalized cost reduction) lowers the amount you pay for and therefore the payment: $5,000 down on a 36-month lease removes about $139 a month plus the rent charge on that amount. It also becomes the lender's money the moment you sign.
| Option | Payment effect | Refundable | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Money down | Lower | No | Taxed at signing in Arizona and Nevada |
| Multiple security deposits | Lower (rate cut) | Yes | Up to the captive lender's cap (10 with Mercedes-Benz Financial Services) |
| One-pay lease | None monthly (all prepaid) | No | Lender lowers the rate |
| Zero down | Highest monthly | n/a | Nothing at risk in a total loss |
A default lets every new car on the site show a comparable payment. Ten percent of the car's MSRP is a common real-world figure and keeps drive-off totals realistic. It is not a recommendation: set money down to zero, or any amount, on the vehicle page and every number on that page updates. Trade equity is handled separately and only when you enter a trade or apply an appraisal.
It is not bad; it is prepaying. The downside is that it is not refundable in a total loss and it does not reduce the lease's real cost. Deposits do more for the same cash.
In Arizona the cash you put down is taxed at signing (AZ Department of Revenue ruling TPR 03-7). In Nevada the full capitalized cost reduction, including a trade allowance, is taxed. The Model Black includes it in the drive-off.
It is the site's comparison default. Change it on any vehicle page; the profile remembers your figure.
Yes. The payment is higher and the first payment, acquisition fee, doc fee, and registration are still due at signing unless rolled in.