From what I've learned if its a Chrysler lease there will be no negotiating. The buy back/residual is fixed. If you don't make the last balloon payment they take the car back and sell it at auction. Even its at a loss they have business advantages at selling it for a loss (tax write-offs etc.). I've had 9 Chryslers and Jeeps since 1993 and they've never wanted to hear about me offering anything less than the agreed buy back. Now if its with an independent leasing company it may be a whole different story. Can't speak for areas outside NY but here in NY with a Chrysler sale (they weren't leasing cars in 2005) you've already paid all your sales tax in with the monthly payment. If you turn in your car and go back to buy it the next day you'll pay your sales tax again!