To Buy or to Lease? It's a common dilemma: lease versus buy — lease or buy a car — which is better?. Everyone who has ever considered leasing has had this question cross their mind.
So, which is better, lease or buy?
It depends on what's most important to you. All of us have different lifestyles and priorities — in cars and in finances. Car lease-versus-buy decisions must be made with your own lifestyle and priority attributes in mind. What's right for one person can be totally wrong for another.
If you enjoy driving a new car every two or three years, want lower monthly payments, like having a car that has the latest safety features and is always under warranty, don't like trading and selling used cars, don't care about ownership equity, drive an average number of miles, properly maintain your cars, and are willing to pay more over the long haul to get these benefits, then you should lease.
If you don't mind higher monthly payments, prefer to build up some trade-in or resale value, like the idea of having ownership, like paying off your loan to be payment-free for a while, don't mind the unexpected cost of repairs after warranty has expired, drive more than average miles, prefer to drive your cars for years to spread out the cost, like to customize your cars, and don't like the risk of surprise lease-end charges — then you should buy. |
You're more likely to buy
When you lease a car, you are typically capped at 15,000 miles a year. Additional mileage can cost you up to 35 cents per mile. And that can really add up.
If you like to personalize a car, this investment can be lost on a leased car.
If you like the idea of ownership, you are less likely to be happy with the lease option.
If you like the feeling of accomplishment that paying off a large purchase brings and should consider that when you lease a car, the payment ends only when you return the car.
If the car you presently own is over 3 years old you are more likely a buyer. While not always true, you can usually drive for less if you're willing to buy and drive for at least 3 years.
If you don't mind doing your own car repairs, you probably don't mind driving a car after the warranty expires.
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You're more likely to lease
Lease arrangements usually involve a 15,000 miles-per-year cap and charge for extra miles. If you drive very little, you may be a candidate for a luxury lease.
When you negotiate a 24 or 36-month lease, you can be sure you'll always be driving a new vehicle.
Although you need to maintain and repair your leased vehicle just as you would an owned vehicle, because you typically lease for 2 to 3 years, the car is normally under warranty.
Many people prefer to drive a vehicle that is priced above their means and leasing provides the solution.
If you don't mind not owning the car, you are free to enjoy the benefits of leasing like low monthly payments and a low down payment.
If you own the company, and you use your car for business, check with your tax advisor. You may be able to deduct your auto expenses, including your monthly lease payment. And if the company you work for gives you a monthly car allowance, you may want to lease since you'll be able to drive a nicer car for a lower monthly payment.
To see the results for a person more likely to buy, Click here.
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