OPTS GUY,
1. All I can say no one including in your company operates a business as an ONPO (obviously not for profit) company.
2. My experience is that Toyota in the forklift world and auto world is not known to be a low priced seller.

3. I'm certain they are a reputable company to deal with and their agreemetns meet all tests. But how things are structered in the contracts are what you need to fully understand with whoever you do business with. Remember all the Many Mae & Freddy Mac stuff we are dealling with? And all the laws getting passed that the elected officals representing the people don't fully read or read at all.

4. With that being stated, somewhere along the line profit will be realized. My suggestion to you is get the details of the lease contract and the maintenance agreement and a good magnifying glass (for the small print) review it carefully underline anything you have questions about or some vague language and get answers (in writing from whoever you are dealing with). Have a second person take at look at it - sometimes your wife is also a good person to review things (women are better at details than a lot of men)
For example, is there a clause in the maintenance portion that states that the dealer reserves the right to renegotiate the maintenance rate after 2 or 3 years in the contract? Is the lease a 3+2 lease meaing teh monthly payments look like a 60 month lease and you have the option to opt out after 3 years, but if you don't confirm your option to opt on or before a specific day you become locked in for 2 more years?

5. Generally, the leasing company &/or the dealer are responsible for the residual value. Your obligation is to make certain that the equipment is turned in with normal wear and tear, complete & all abuse items are fixed. Always at the end of any lease, have a condition report prepared at your site and signed by an authorized representative of your company and from the dealer before the unit is picked up. Keep a copy for your records.

6. Finally, I totally agree with Normandy's comments. I once had a fleet manager responsible for over 7000 pieces of rolling equipment (most were forklifts) and he stated that dealing with a supplier that he knew and trusted was worth anywhere from 15 to 20% more than the new "kid on the block " with a better $$ and it helped him budget operational expenses easier and more accurately- i.e. no surprises.

That's all I can say.