re: Leasing a vehicle

The money factor isn't really negotiable either. It's set by the lessor which is usually the finance organization of the manufacturer (e.g. BMW Financial). What can happen is that the sales/finance person at the dealer can up the money factor for their own profit. What you need to do is check the car forums and find out what the actual money factor is for the lease for the car you want. This can change every month along with the residual.

Also, never put money down on a lease (i.e. reduce capital costs). If the car got totaled the next day, you'd lose that. Just save the money and use it for monthly payments or invest it.