Leasing a car is less complicated than buying one. But to get the best deal on the car you want, you still need to go through a series of steps:

• Step 1. Choose a type— What kind of car do you want or need? A convertible? A sedan? An SUV?

• Step 2. Pick your models— Make a list of car types in your price range. You can reduce non-lease costs by including models with favorable gas mileage, high dependability, top safety features and low insurance premiums (ask your auto insurance agent for a list of vehicles).

• Step 3. Take a spin— Once you’ve narrowed your list to a few models, take each car for a spin. Pay particular attention to comfort, visibility, braking, steering, internal noise and shock-absorption. Don’t mention you intend to lease (more on this in Step 6).

• Step 4. Ask about safety— During your test drive, ask the salesperson if the vehicle comes with antilock brake systems (ABS), electronic stability control (ESC) and head-protecting side air bags. All are valuable safety features.

• Step 5. Compare lease deals. When you return home, calculate the lease deals offered in ads by plugging the advertised charges into this calculator.

• Step 6. Talk price first— Once you’re ready to return to a dealership to strike a deal, don’t tell the dealer you plan to lease until after you’ve negotiated the purchase price. Most people who lease are unaware that their monthly payments will be based on the final price agreed upon

• Step 7. Negotiate up— Negotiate the final price of the vehicle up from the rock-bottom cost to the dealership. You can find out what new cars cost a dealer for $14 per vehicle at Consumer Reports. Your monthly payments will be based on the price you and the salesperson settle on between the dealer’s low price and the manufacturer's suggested retail price.

• Step 8. Beware of gab. Your salesperson may try to distract you from negotiating the total price by getting you to close a deal by focusing on the relatively low amount you’ll have to pay each month.

• Step 9. Paying the Lease. The larger your initial down payment, the lower your monthly tab will be. As with any bill, if you fail to make your lease payments on time, you face penalties. Turning in your leased car early, before the loan term ends will typically result in a penalty—unless you are trading in the car for another leased or purchased car.