Use our chart to help you determine if it makes more sense for you to lease a car or to buy a car.
| Lease | Buy |
| Ownership: You do not own the vehicle. You get to use it but must return it at the end of the lease unless you choose to buy it. | Ownership: You own the vehicle and get to keep it at the end of the financing term. |
| Up-front costs: May include the first month's payment, a refundable security deposit, a capitalized cost reduction (like a down payment), taxes, registration and other fees, and other charges. | Up-front costs: Include the cash price or a down payment, taxes, registration and other fees, and other charges. |
| Monthly payments: Monthly lease payments are usually lower than monthly loan payments because you are paying only for the vehicle's depreciation during the lease term, plus rent charges (like interest), taxes, and fees. | Monthly payments: Monthly loan payments are usually higher than monthly lease payments because you are paying for the entire purchase price of the vehicle, plus interest and other finance charges, taxes, and fees. |
| Early termination: You are responsible for any early termination charges if you end the lease early. | Early termination: You are responsible for any pay-off amount if you end the loan early. |
| Vehicle return: You may return the vehicle at lease end, pay any end-of-lease costs, and "walk away." | Vehicle return: You may have to sell or trade the vehicle when you decide you want a different vehicle. |
| Future value: The lessor has the risk of the future market value of the vehicle. | Future value: You have the risk of the vehicle's market value when you trade or sell it. |
| Mileage: Most leases limit the number of miles you may drive (often 12,000-15,000 per year). You can negotiate a higher mileage limit and pay a higher monthly payment. You will likely have to pay charges for exceeding those limits if you return the vehicle. | Mileage: You may drive as many miles as you want, but higher mileage will lower the vehicle's trade-in or resale value. |
| Excess wear: Most leases limit wear to the vehicle during the lease term. You will likely have to pay extra charges for exceeding those limits if you return the vehicle. | Excess wear: There are no limits or charges for excessive wear to the vehicle, but excessive wear will lower the vehicle's trade-in or resale value. |
| End of term: At the end of the lease (typically 2-4 years), you may have a new payment either to finance the purchase of the existing vehicle or to lease another vehicle. | End of term: At the end of the loan term (typically 4-6 years), you have no further loan payments. |
This information is adapted from "A Consumer Guide to Vehicle Leasing" published by the Federal Trade Commission.
 | Leasing a car is a great option for some people, but the question of leasing vs. buying a car really depends on how you intend to use your car, and your long-term financial goals. Assuming a lease doesn't have to be a painful process, though; learn the jargon and common pitfalls to avoid, and you can get a great deal on leasing a car. |
 | Many people don't realize that there are some times of the month and days of the week that are considered to be the best time to buy a used car. Because of sales volume, salesmen quotas and new inventory, dealerships are more willing to let cars go at a reduced rate. |
If you are wondering how to buy a car from a dealership, then you should know that the art of negotiation is your best friend. Whether you're talking to a new car dealer or a used car dealer, they are always happy to see new customers. That's because they hope to talk you into a sale that will leave them with a fat commission check. But you need to be ready before you walk onto that lot, or you might be pressured into buying a lemon. |
Unscrupulous dealers use a number of car lease trade scams to run up fees and penalties if you trade in your lease, all the while telling you they're getting you a deal. Find out if a lease trade will work for you or if it's just hype. |
When the time comes to buy a new car, people want to get the best deal they can find. Think about the best time to buy a car to ensure you're getting a good price. |
