The decision to lease or buy a car often comes down to more than just the monthly payment. This calculator provides a side-by-side comparison of both options, accounting for down payments, interest rates, lease fees, and even the estimated resale value of the vehicle after your term is up. See which path saves you more in the long run.
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Auto Lease vs Buy Calculator
Compare the long-term costs of leasing versus buying a vehicle to find the best financial path for you.
Vehicle & Term
Basic Vehicle Details
Buying Details
Financing & Resale
Leasing Details
Payments & Fees
Formulas Used
How we calculate the costs
Net Buying Cost
Total Buying Cost = (Monthly Payment × Term) + Down Payment
Net Buying Cost = Total Buying Cost - Resale ValueTotal Leasing Cost
Total Lease Cost = (Monthly Payment × Term) + Down Payment + Disposition FeeFinancial Verdict
Recommendation
Cheaper Option
LeaseSave $1,550.92
Net Buying Cost
Payments + down - resale
Total Leasing Cost
Down + all payments
Buy Monthly Payment:$919.47
Lease Monthly Payment:$450.00
Key Considerations
Things to keep in mind
Buying Equity
Buying builds equity. Once the loan is paid off, you own the asset.
Lease Payments
Leasing typically offers lower monthly payments but you have no equity at the end.
Mileage Limits
Leases often have strict mileage limits (10k-15k miles/year).
Lease or Buy: Which is Cheaper?
Compare the long-term costs of leasing versus buying a vehicle. Calculate monthly payments and net costs. Free tools by FusioFiles.
1
Vehicle Basics
Enter the total purchase price and the term (in months) you're considering.
2
Buying Details
Input your down payment, interest rate, and expected resale value after the term.
3
Leasing Details
Enter the lease down payment, monthly payment, and any end-of-lease fees.
Key Features
Net Cost Analysis
Goes beyond monthly payments to show you the true net cost after resale value or lease fees.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Easily compare buying and leasing inputs to see how small changes impact the verdict.
Equity Visualization
Understand how buying builds an asset while leasing remains a pure expense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Financially, buying is usually cheaper in the long run because you build equity. However, leasing offers lower monthly payments and easier access to new models.
A disposition fee is a charge at the end of a lease to cover the cost of cleaning and reselling the vehicle if you don't buy it.
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