Lease vs Buy Car Calculator

Finance & Loans

Compare the total financial cost of leasing versus buying a vehicle over a 3 to 6 year timeframe, factoring in down payments, monthly payments, depreciation, and residual vehicle equity.

Calculated Result
Buying costs less (after equity)

Lease cash 19,020 vs buy net 8,960

Lease total cash
19,020
Buy net after value
8,960
Formula: Buy net = down + payments βˆ’ remaining value

About this calculator

Deciding whether to lease or finance a new car involves balancing lower monthly lease payments against long-term vehicle ownership equity. Leases have mileage limits and no end-of-term equity, while purchasing requires higher initial payments but leaves you with a valuable asset.

This tool computes the total out-of-pocket cost and net financial cost (total paid minus vehicle resale value) for both options to identify the most cost-effective path.

How It Works & Formula

FormulaCompare total lease cash vs loan payments minus remaining equity

Lease Net Cost = Down Payment + Acquisition Fees + (Monthly Lease Γ— Months) + Disposition Fees. Purchase Net Cost = Down Payment + Taxes + (Monthly Loan Γ— Months) - Estimated Resale Value at End of Term.