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Lease vs Buy Calculator - Car Purchase Comparison Tool

How Lease vs Buy Comparison Works

Buy Cost = Down Payment + Monthly Payments + Interest - Resale Value | Lease Cost = Down Payment + Monthly Payments + Fees

This calculator compares the total cost of leasing versus buying over a specified period. It factors in payments, interest, down payments, residual value, and end-of-term equity to help you make the right financial decision for your situation.

  1. 1

    Enter Vehicle Details

    Input vehicle price, down payment, and loan/lease terms

  2. 2

    Set Financing Terms

    Enter interest rates for both buying and leasing scenarios

  3. 3

    Enter Projected Resale

    Estimate what the car will be worth when you would sell

  4. 4

    Compare Results

    View total cost comparison and break-even analysis

Use Cases

Financial Decision

Determine which option costs less for your specific situation

Long-term Planning

Compare costs over multiple vehicle cycles (lease every 3 years vs buy and keep)

Cash Flow Analysis

Compare monthly costs and upfront requirements

Equity Building

Understand how buying builds equity while leasing does not

Tips

  • 1

    Buying usually costs less long-term if you keep cars 6+ years

  • 2

    Leasing can be cheaper if you always want a new car every 3 years

  • 3

    Consider opportunity cost of down payment money when comparing

  • 4

    Leasing makes sense for business use with tax deductions

  • 5

    Factor in maintenance - leased cars are usually under warranty

Common Mistakes

  • Comparing only monthly payments instead of total cost

  • Not accounting for equity built when buying

  • Ignoring lease-end fees (excess mileage, wear, disposition fee)

  • Assuming you will keep a purchased car as long as planned

FAQs

Is it better to lease or buy?

It depends on your priorities. Buying costs less long-term and builds equity. Leasing offers lower monthly payments, always having a new car under warranty, and no resale hassle. High-mileage drivers should buy; those wanting new cars every 3 years might prefer leasing.

When does buying make more sense?

Buying wins if you keep cars 5+ years, drive high mileage (15,000+ annually), want to customize the vehicle, prefer no mileage restrictions, or want to eventually have no car payment.

When does leasing make more sense?

Leasing works well if you want a new car every 2-3 years, drive under 15,000 miles annually, prefer warranty coverage, want lower monthly payments, or use the car for business (potential tax benefits).

What about the equity I build when buying?

When you buy, you own an asset worth money when paid off. A $30,000 car might be worth $12,000 after 5 years. Leasing builds no equity, but the savings can theoretically be invested elsewhere.