Scenario: my credit has taken a beating this year thanks to the economy. I'm in need of a reliable car, but I know I won't get financed for a car loan. I have a few grand to work with. I'd rather not spend what I have on a so-so used car if I don't have to.

Question: would it be possible to pre-pay a lease on a vehicle in an attempt to avoid getting screwed by my credit score?

Example: vehicle X has a $1,000 down payment and monthly lease payments would total $4,000 over the lease term. Could I, in theory, pay $5,000 up front and not have to get credit approval? Then by the time the lease would be done, my credit would be repaired and I could proceed with a "normal" financing or lease arrangement once I turn in the vehicle?