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Should I Buy or Lease an Auto?

When shopping for a car, one of the biggest decisions is whether to buy or lease. This calculator helps you compare the total cost of each option, so you can make an informed choice that fits your budget and lifestyle. Keep in mind that the most cost-efficient option over the long term is often to purchase a year-old, low-mileage vehicle with cash—avoiding interest payments and sidestepping much of a vehicle's initial depreciation. However, for most people, that is a significant amount of money to spend all at once. So this calculator helps you weigh the two most common alternatives.

Financing a Vehicle

Enter the down payment, loan amount, and loan information for the vehicle you're considering.

These are example values. Update them to reflect your personal situation.

$
$0 $100,000
$
$0 $200,000
years
%

Leasing a Vehicle

Enter the lease down payment, monthly payment, and lease term for comparison.

$
$0 $500,000
$
$0 $500,000
years

When shopping for a car, one of the biggest decisions is whether to buy or lease. This calculator helps you compare the total cost of each option, so you can make an informed choice that fits your budget and lifestyle. Keep in mind that the most cost-efficient option over the long term is often to purchase a year-old, low-mileage vehicle with cash—avoiding interest payments and sidestepping much of a vehicle's initial depreciation. However, for most people, that is a significant amount of money to spend all at once. So this calculator helps you weigh the two most common alternatives.

Your Buy vs. Lease Comparison

This scenario compares the total cost of buying versus leasing based on your inputs. Remember, buying means you own the car at the end, while leasing means you return it.

Cost Difference

$0

comparison text
directions_car Buy the Car
Down Payment
$0
Annual Loan Payment
$0
Total Loan Payments
$0
Total Cost to Buy
$0
event_available Lease the Car
Down Payment
$0
Monthly Lease Payment
$0
Total Lease Payments
$0
Total Cost to Lease
$0

Cost Comparison

The Interest Rate provided when financing a vehicle is a hypothetical example used for illustrative purposes only. It is not representative of any specific investment loan program.

Have a Question?

Jon McCardle
Jon McCardle
Summit Retirement Advisors President
https://summitfinancialgroupofindiana.com/ (765) 447-1330

Summit Retirement Advisors specialize in providing tailored financial strategies and advice to the higher education community, including university faculty and staff, and private clients. Our firm focuses on collaborative partnerships that educate and equip clients, helping them make informed decisions and minimize stress or uncertainty. Dedicated to delivering peace of mind and long-term financial stability, we transform the way our clients view their future and manage their professional lives. Some of our services include 401(K), 401(A), 403(b), and 457df(b) account management, financial planning, wealth management, and retirement planning.

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