Should I Buy or Lease an Auto?
When shopping for a car, one of the biggest decisions is whether to buy or lease. This calculator helps you compare the total cost of each option, so you can make an informed choice that fits your budget and lifestyle. Keep in mind that the most cost-efficient option over the long term is often to purchase a year-old, low-mileage vehicle with cash—avoiding interest payments and sidestepping much of a vehicle's initial depreciation. However, for most people, that is a significant amount of money to spend all at once. So this calculator helps you weigh the two most common alternatives.
When shopping for a car, one of the biggest decisions is whether to buy or lease. This calculator helps you compare the total cost of each option, so you can make an informed choice that fits your budget and lifestyle. Keep in mind that the most cost-efficient option over the long term is often to purchase a year-old, low-mileage vehicle with cash—avoiding interest payments and sidestepping much of a vehicle's initial depreciation. However, for most people, that is a significant amount of money to spend all at once. So this calculator helps you weigh the two most common alternatives.
Your Buy vs. Lease Comparison
This scenario compares the total cost of buying versus leasing based on your inputs. Remember, buying means you own the car at the end, while leasing means you return it.
Cost Difference
$0
Cost Comparison
Have A Question About This Topic?
Related Content
The Other Sure Thing
A new LIMRA study shows that 40% of Americans believe the death of a primary wage earner would cause financial challenges.
Do Our Biases Affect Our Financial Choices?
Even the most seasoned investors have biases affecting their financial choices.
Tuning Your Social Security Benefit
When should you take your Social Security benefit?