... is it more important to settle on a total selling price or the monthly payments on a lease? I'd like to get my monthly payments down as low as possible, and I'm thinking that even if I get a steal on the sales price, the dealer might still find some way of inflating the lease payments.

Thoughts?

 

Always Price......it all comes done to how much you are going to pay ...lease or buy.

 

You can always get your monthly payments down by making a bigger down payment. So get your price down, and watch out for interest rates.

 

Price first, then discuss leasing/purchase. Don't mention your trade in, just get their bottom price on the vehicle. IMO I wouldn't put a penny down on a lease, every grand out of your pocket saves you $25 a month in payment.
The dealer can modify a payment that you can afford..length of lease etc. Opt for a 36-39 month, 12k a year type deal. Any longer and you might as well just buy it.