It’s your responsibility to make sure your auto lease deal is fair. Understanding how leasing works gives you more leverage when you’re negotiating a rate. We’re going to show you how to calculate a fair monthly rate for leasing the car of your choice. Once you’ve done it, choose a dealer and talk to a salesperson (who will be impressed, if you’ve done this right). Make an offer and find out if he or she will accept it. If he doesn’t, you may choose to compromise.

Here are updated Chevrolet lease deals that are valid until July 2, 2012.

Wanting to drive a new car? Check out the latest offers from your favorite Chevrolet dealers to find the right car for the right price.

Chevrolet Cruze

Still one of the best compact cars that money can buy, the Chevrolet Cruze remains a favorite because it is spacious, comfortable, and fuel efficient.

Chevy Cruze lease deals starts at $159 per month for 24 months with $1,900 due at signing.

Low APR financing starts at 2.9% per month for up to 60 months.

Chevrolet Impala

The all-new 2013 Chevrolet Impala is ready to go head-to-head with what the industry has to offer when it comes to a comfortable, reliable, and plush family sedan. However, the 2012 Chevrolet Impala still offers good value for money.

2012 Chevrolet Impala low APR offers starts at 0.0% APR for up to 72 months with $3,500 consumer cash.

Chevrolet Malibu

Stylish looks and a refined interior makes the Chevrolet Malibu a top choice in the midsize sedan category. But it also helps that the Malibu is spacious and affordable as well.

Chevy Malibu lease deals starts at $179 per month for 24 months with around $1,600 due at signing.

Buy the Chevy Malibu at 0.0% APR financing for up to 60 months with up to $3,000 bonus consumer cash

Chevrolet Traverse

Buyers who demand more passenger space should look into the new Chevrolet Traverse. The Traverse offers spacious accommodations with the modern looks of an SUV.

Chevy Traverse lease deals starts at $249 per month for 24 months with $1,200 due at signing.

Buy the Chevy Traverse at 0.0% APR for up to 60 months with up to $2,000 bonus consumer cash.

Chevrolet Equinox

With its bold and athletic stance, the Chevrolet Equinox is a dynamic alternative to other compact SUV’s. It is incredibly refined and an absolute hoot to drive.

Chevy Equinox lease deals starts at $229 per month for 24 months with around $1,800 due at signing.

Buy the Chevy Equinox at 0.0% APR for up to 60 months.

Chevrolet lease deals and incentive offers will vary by region or state. Get in touch with your local Chevrolet dealer to know more.

One of the secrets to cheap car leasing is to have a credit score of at least 640. If your FICO score hovers below 640, then here are 3 sure-fire ways to improve your FICO score:

1. Depending on the severity of your credit score, you should give it some time before you lease or buy a car. Of course, this will also depend on your needs. If you need a new car fast, then there is no problem with paying a little extra for the interest rate, but why not save yourself some money in the first place?

Think long term: 6 to 8 months is enough to fix your credit score. Those with a poor or bad FICO score should wait at least a year. There is no magic trick that will instantly improve your credit rating, but if you plan ahead and give yourself some time to somehow fix your credit rating, then you earn a chance to pay less on your car loan or car lease.

2. After planning ahead, it is now time to bring out your calculator or smart phone and do some number crunching. How much are you earning in a month? How much are your monthly and utility expenses? How much do you spend using your credit card? How many bills are past due? Are you buying stuff that you don’t need? Ask yourself these questions so you can determine how much you can actually spend, without pinching on food and other important items.

After doing all this, determine how much debt you owe and make a commitment to pay past due debt ASAP. A single past-due entry on your credit score will severely affect your credit rating. If you have a lot of debt, pay them in small monthly increments until everything is settled. Your mantra should be: pay debt before making any purchases.

3. Do not close out your credit cards–but you should only use the ones with the lowest interest rates. Check your monthly account balances and see which credit card is providing you with the lowest monthly charges. If you close out your credit cards, then your credit history will be affected as well, and this will not create a favorable impression among lenders and car leasing companies.

You will need discipline to improve your credit score. But when done right, you will soon find yourself driving home the car that you have always wanted–without breaking an arm and a leg.