Lease vs. Buy Car Calculator
Compare the true total cost of leasing vs. buying — including residual equity, fees, and total out-of-pocket — so you can make the right call for your situation.
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🔑 Buying
Lease vs. Buy: Real Comparison Examples
Example 1: $40,000 Car — Lease vs. Buy Side by Side Over 3 Years
Buying: $5,000 down, $35,000 financed at 6.5% for 60 months = $684/month. After 36 months you have paid $29,624 total and still owe $19,800 — but the car is worth roughly $24,000 (assuming 40% depreciation). Net cost for 3 years: $29,624 – $24,000 equity = $5,624. Leasing: $3,000 due at signing, $450/month for 36 months, $400 disposition fee = $19,600 total. Net cost: $19,600 with $0 equity. Buying wins by $14,000 over this 36-month period.
Example 2: When Leasing Can Win — Business Use Case
For someone who uses a vehicle 60% for business, lease payments are partially tax deductible. On a $450/month lease with 60% business use, roughly $270/month is deductible. At a 24% tax bracket that saves $778/year. Over a 36-month lease that’s $2,332 in tax savings, which significantly narrows the financial gap with buying. Buying a vehicle for business also has deductions, but the lease deduction is simpler to calculate and claim.
Example 3: Mileage Matters — The Hidden Lease Cost
A lease with 10,000 miles/year allowance costs $399/month. But you drive 15,000 miles/year. At $0.25/mile over the limit, you will owe 5,000 miles x $0.25 = $1,250 at lease end — every year. Over a 36-month lease that is $3,750 in overage charges, pushing your effective monthly cost to $503/month. A 12,000-mile allowance lease at $420/month would have cost far less. Always match the lease mileage to your actual driving habits.
Example 4: End-of-Lease Buyout Opportunity
You lease a $42,000 vehicle with a $24,000 residual value at lease end. But similar used cars are selling for $28,000 in the current market. Exercising the buyout option at $24,000 means you acquire the car for $4,000 below market value. You can drive it, sell it, or trade it — capturing that equity. This scenario is most common when used car prices rise (as they did dramatically in 2021–2023) and makes lease buyouts a genuine opportunity.
📋 Leasing
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Leasing vs. Buying at a Glance
Leasing pros: Lower monthly payments, always driving a newer car, less maintenance worry, no trade-in hassle. Cons: Mileage limits (typically 10k–15k/year), no equity buildup, fees at lease end.
Buying pros: Builds equity, no mileage limits, lower long-term cost. Cons: Higher monthly payments, depreciation risk, maintenance costs as the car ages.
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