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No, you probably can't lease a 2024 Nissan Ariya for $99

You may have seen a story doing the rounds that claims you can lease a 2024 Nissan Ariya for as little as $99 per month. As Cars Direct reported, Nissan doesn’t fob you off with the cheapest trim either, you’ll be getting the mid-level Engage trim.

While it all seems too good to be true, the deal actually does exist. At the time of writing, Nissan dealerships are offering the electric vehicle on a 24-month lease, for $99 a month, with $3,509 due at signing. But there is a pretty significant catch.

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Nissan

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You’re probably not getting a new EV for $99 a month


Only a small number of people can actually claim this offer, as it’s only available in Nissan dealerships near Denver, Colorado.

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The main difference maker is a $5,000 auto credit Colorado is offering. The vehicle has to be registered in Colorado for the bonus to apply, so you can’t beat the system by skipping across a state or two, leasing the car, then bringing it back with you.

Other bonuses may apply as well, including a $1,000 loyalty credit for existing Nissan and Infiniti owners. If you don’t currently drive one of these vehicles, however, you can expect to pay in the triple digits monthly.

Related: Honda Pilot vs Nissan Pathfinder: 2024 Comparison

No, money down

The $3,509 due at signing isn’t too excessive, but the deal worsens in other areas. Outside Denver, down payments over $5,000 aren’t uncommon in other states. In upstate New York, some dealerships require a staggering $6,219 at signing — and that’s just the minimum.

That $99 per month can quickly climb to over $200 as well. While the Denver deal is a borderline steal, in other parts of the country, Nissan’s electric SUV could be seen as a less attractive offer.

Related: 2024 Lucid Air available from $550/mo with lease deal — A detailed breakdown

Credit counts for a lot when leasing a vehicle

A lease works a bit like a loan — the issuer wants to ensure you’re financially reliable. While making a $99 monthly payment might not seem daunting (it’s roughly the cost of a mid-level restaurant bill for two), the offer you see is always the best-case scenario.

If you have a less-than-perfect credit score, low income, or significant financial obligations, that $99 a month deal might not be available. If you fall into the middle zone — where you’re not rejected but don’t qualify for the best terms — expect higher fees as the lease issuer adjusts for any perceived risks.

Related: Nissan Ariya Nismo brings more power, more style

They always get you with the fees and taxes

Even if you live in Colorado, have perfect credit, and are finally ready to trade in that creaky old imported R32 Skyline for a sleek new electric vehicle, you’ll end up paying more than you initially expected.This comes in the form of fees and taxes. At the very least, taxes will be 2.9% of each payment, which isn’t a huge amount but will push the monthly total above $100. Fees vary but will likely add a significant chunk to the final price.

What if you qualify?

If you live in Colorado, have good credit, and drive a Nissan or Infiniti, you have a solid chance of getting this deal. However, the clock is ticking — everything must be signed by November 4. After two years, you’ll have the option to purchase the vehicle for an additional $22,003, plus a purchase option fee of up to $300. Considering you’ll have only put down $3,509, and the $99 payments total just $2,376, you could potentially snag a $41,515 vehicle for just under $28,000. That’s a pretty solid deal.

Related: 2025 Honda CR-V e:FCEV lease pricing announced