Car Lease vs. Buy Calculator
Pit a lease against a traditional 60-month loan over the same time frame. Discover which path actually costs you less out of pocket.
Standard lease length, and the point where we check the loan equity.
Lease Details
Buy Details
Saves you $2275 overall
Summary: Over a 36-month period, leasing this vehicle is the more cost-effective option, saving you approximately $2275. The monthly lease payment would be $622/mo with a total out-of-pocket cost of $25408, compared to a loan payment of $846/mo with a true cost (after equity) of $27683.
Lease vs Buy Decision
This calculator provides cost comparison only. Consider:
- Mileage limits and overage fees in leases
- Wear-and-tear charges on lease returns
- Future vehicle values (used for buyout scenarios)
- Your driving habits and preferred vehicle lifespan
Methodology
Buy Cost: (Monthly Payment × Months) + Maintenance − Residual Value
Lease Cost: (Monthly Payment × Months) + Disposition Fee + Excess Mileage
Frequently Asked Questions
When does leasing make sense?
Lease if: you drive <12k miles/year, want new cars every 3-4 years, prefer no maintenance hassle. Buy if: you drive >12k miles/year, keep cars 5+ years, or want customization.
What about excess mileage charges?
Leases typically charge $0.15-0.30 per excess mile. On a 36-month lease with 12k/year limit (36k total), going 40k miles costs $600-1200 extra.
Can I buy a car at lease end?
Some leases allow buyouts at residual value (usually 50-60% of MSRP). Compare lease-end buyout price vs. market value before deciding.
Disclaimer & Legal Notice
All tools and calculators provided by Lapsite are for informational and educational purposes only. While we strive for mathematical precision, these results are approximations and should not be used as the sole basis for critical engineering, financial, or safety decisions. Lapsite Ltd and its creators provide no warranty, express or implied, regarding the accuracy or fitness of these calculations for any specific use.Always double-check calculations independently, especially for safety-critical components such as brakes, suspension, or structural changes. By using these tools, you agree that Lapsite Ltd is not liable for any mechanical failure, financial loss, or injury resulting from the use of this data.
Related Tools
Save time with these complementary calculators
Auto Loan Refinance
Calculate if refinancing your car actually saves you money, or if a lower monthly payment is just a total interest trap.
Car Affordability Calculator
Work backward from your monthly budget to find the maximum car price you can truly afford.
Out-The-Door Price Estimator
Calculate the exact final check you'll need to write after taxes, trade-ins, and dealer fees.
Build your automotive business in 5 minutes.
Professional website solutions for detailing shops, studios, and automotive businesses. High-converting templates ready to launch instantly.
View Automotive templates