Car Lease vs Buy Calculator
True cost comparison of leasing vs buying including depreciation, financing, and opportunity costs.
Buying
What you could sell it for
Leasing
Usually lower — warranty covers most repairs
Total expected overage fees
General
Results over 3 years
Lease vs buy considerations
Leasing pros
Lower monthly payments, always in a new car under warranty, no trade-in hassle, and lower maintenance costs. Good for those who want new tech and low upfront cost.
Buying pros
You own an asset that holds residual value. No mileage restrictions. Customize freely. After payoff, monthly cost drops to near zero while you keep driving.
Depreciation reality
New cars lose 15-25% of value in the first year. The lease payment effectively prices in this depreciation — you pay for the value you use.
Long-term buying wins
Over 10+ years, buying typically wins substantially because you eliminate payments after payoff and retain a sellable asset. Leasing means perpetual payments.
For estimation only. Does not include insurance, registration, or fuel costs. Residual values are estimates. Not financial advice.