Idle Payment / Inception Payment
Total cash due at lease signing: first month + [acquisition fee](/glossary/acquisition-fee) + taxes + fees + any [cap cost reduction](/glossary/cap-cost-reduction).
The idle payment (also "drive-off" or "inception") is the total dollar amount you write a check for at lease signing — distinct from the monthly payment. It includes: first month's payment, acquisition fee ($500-$1,000), upfront sales tax (varies by state), registration and title fees, doc fee, plus any cap cost reduction you elect. Lease deals are commonly advertised as "$0 down" which means zero cap cost reduction — but you still owe the inception/idle payment, often $1,500-$3,500. Always get the exact drive-off itemized in writing; this is where dealers slip in VIN etching, nitrogen, and other junk fees hoping you focus only on the monthly number.
Motrix's AI agents know every term on this page and use them against the dealer on your behalf. $0 today, $399 only when your deal closes.
Start a deal — $0 until you sign →