: The cost of borrowing for both options.
You want to build equity and eventually eliminate monthly payments. You like to customize or modify your vehicles. lease versus buy calculator
AI responses may include mistakes. For financial advice, consult a professional. Learn more : The cost of borrowing for both options
: The estimated value of the car at the end of the lease. AI responses may include mistakes
The table below illustrates a typical financial comparison for a $35,000 vehicle over a 36-month period. Financial Factor Leasing a Vehicle Buying with a Loan Lower (covers depreciation only) Higher (covers full vehicle cost) Upfront Costs First month + security deposit Down payment + taxes and fees Vehicle Ownership No ownership; returned at term end Full ownership after loan payoff Mileage Limits Strict limits (typically 10k-15k/year) Unlimited mileage Wear & Tear Charges applied for excess damage You are responsible for all repairs Long-Term Cost More expensive (perpetual payments) Cheaper (asset retained after payoff) 🔑 Key Inputs for Your Calculator