Apr 3, 2009

Top Leasing Companies Named

When it comes to transferring a lease, U.S. Bank and Mercedes-Benz Financial offer the best vehicle leasing experience in the nation, according to the results of the just-released LeaseTrader customer poll. In the poll, consumers rated their car lease company on a number of different criteria, including fees associated with transfer, customer service levels and transfer program availability at the completion of their transfer.

Customers first rated the lease companies based on their required transfer fees, which range anywhere from $50 to $600, depending on the company. Then, they ranked their experience in dealing with the leasing company and the level of friendliness and helpfulness offered by the customer service department. Finally, users placed a rating on the overall transfer program offered by the company, including any restrictions placed on the process.

U.S. Bank repeated at the top of the list for the second straight year while Mercedes-Benz Financial made the biggest improvement since last year to capture a share of first place, according to customers. Nissan/Infiniti was the lowest-rated lease company in the poll regarding lease transfers: Customers felt they received poor customer service and that the Infiniti/Nissan transfer policies were extremely unfriendly and counterproductive toward drivers’ auto needs.

“Now that drivers know they can escape a car lease and transfer to another individual, they want even more information on which lease companies offer transfer programs that are customer-friendly,” said Sergio Stiberman, president and CEO of LeaseTrader. “This new ratings system is a great way for the customer to share a larger voice so that lease companies know where they stand with their policies and programs.”