Is it worth waiting to improve my credit before leasing?

If your score is between 650 and 720, even a 30-40 point improvement can move you into a better credit tier with the leasing company. That could save you $30-60/month over a 36-month lease, which adds up to $1,080-$2,160 in total savings. If you are not in a rush, a few months of focused credit work is often the best investment you can make.