What lease term is best: 24, 36 or 48 months?

Thirty-six months is the most common because it often lines up with the bumper-to-bumper warranty and favorable residuals. Twenty-four months means a newer car more often but typically higher payments; 48 months lowers the payment but you may outlast the warranty and face more wear. Lessors' programs vary, so compare. On OffLot, the lease estimate on new-vehicle pages lets you try 24, 36 or 48 months.