New vehicle prices have skyrocketed these past few years, with the cost averaging well over $48,000 toward the end of 2023.1 These increased costs, coupled with rising interest rates, mean that buying a vehicle can take a significant bite out of your budget. If you are in the market for a new vehicle, you might be wondering if leasing it would save you money.
As a rule, if you plan on keeping a vehicle for a long period of time, it makes more sense to buy it. But if having the latest technology and safety features is important to you, leasing might be the best option, allowing you to drive a new vehicle every few years. To help you decide, you should also determine how each option fits into your lifestyle or budget. Here are some points to consider.
Ownership
When you buy a vehicle, you usually finance a portion of the purchase price and pay it back over time with interest. When the loan term ends and the vehicle is paid for, you own it. You can keep it as long as you like, and any retained value (equity) is also yours to keep.
When you lease a vehicle, you don’t own it — the leasing company does — so you do not have any equity built up once the lease is over. At the end of the lease term, you can choose to either return the vehicle or buy it at its residual value, which is set forth in the lease. If you end up returning it early, the dealer may require you to pay a hefty fee. If you still need a vehicle at the end of the lease term, you’ll need to start the leasing (or buying) process all over.
Share of new vehicle loans, by loan term
Source: Experian, 2023
Monthly payments
If you finance all or part of your new vehicle purchase, you will have a monthly payment that will vary based on the amount you finance, the interest rate, and the loan term. When comparing loans, it’s important to look at the total amount of money you will end up paying over the life of the loan. While a longer loan term may give you a more affordable monthly payment, you will end up paying more money over the loan term.
In general, monthly lease payments are usually lower than monthly loan payments since you are mainly paying for the vehicle’s depreciation during the lease term as opposed to the purchase price. This means that leasing may allow you to drive a more expensive vehicle than what you could otherwise afford.
Mileage
How much do you plan on driving? When you buy a vehicle, you can drive it as many miles as you want. However, a vehicle with higher mileage may be worth less if you plan to trade it in or sell it at some point down the road.
Vehicle leases come with up-front mileage limits, typically ranging from 12,000 to 15,000 miles per year. If you exceed these limits, you can end up incurring costly penalties in the form of excess mileage charges.
Maintenance
When you sell your vehicle, condition matters, so you may receive less if it hasn’t been well maintained. As your vehicle ages, repair bills may be greater, something you typically won’t encounter if you lease.
Generally, you will have to service a leased vehicle according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. In addition, you’ll need to return your vehicle with normal wear and tear (according to the leasing company’s definition). Anything above normal wear and tear may result in excess charges.
Up-front costs
When you buy a vehicle, the up-front costs you incur may include the cash price or a down payment for the vehicle, taxes, title, and other fees.
The up-front costs associated with leasing a vehicle may include an acquisition fee, down payment, security deposit, first month’s payment, taxes, title, and other fees.
Additional buying vs. leasing tips
Keep the following tips in mind when determining whether or not to buy or lease a vehicle:
- Shop wisely. Make sure you read the fine print and fully understand all terms or conditions.
- Negotiate. To get the best deal, be prepared to negotiate the price of the vehicle and the terms of any loan/lease offer.
- Run the numbers. Calculate both the short-term and long-term costs associated with each option.
- Consider tax implications. This is especially important if you use your vehicle for business and/or have an electric vehicle.
If you have questions or need assistance, contact the Experts at Henssler Financial:
- Experts Request Form
- Email: experts@henssler.com
- Phone: 770-429-9166
1) Kelley Blue Book, 2024
Disclosures: The following information is reprinted with permission from Forefield, a division of Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. The investments referenced within this article may currently be traded by Henssler Financial. All material presented is compiled from sources believed to be reliable and current, but accuracy cannot be guaranteed. The contents are intended for general information purposes only. Information provided should not be the sole basis in making any decisions and is not intended to replace the advice of a qualified professional, such as a tax consultant, insurance adviser or attorney. Although this material is designed to provide accurate and authoritative information with respect to the subject matter, it may not apply in all situations. Readers are urged to consult with their adviser concerning specific situations and questions. This is not to be construed as an offer to buy or sell any financial instruments. It is not our intention to state, indicate or imply in any manner that current or past results are indicative of future profitability or expectations. As with all investments, there are associated inherent risks. Please obtain and review all financial material carefully before investing. Henssler is not licensed to offer or sell insurance products, and this overview is not to be construed as an offer to purchase any insurance products.
