Buy vs Lease Car Calculator
Compare total cost of buying vs leasing a car over a typical 3-year period.
Calculation Inputs
Calculation Results
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Enter inputs on the left and click Calculate to view results.
Formula & Methodology
Buy: loan payments + down − residual value; Lease: payments + down + disposition fee
Buying wins long-term due to building equity. Leasing wins short-term if you prefer new cars or drive under mileage limits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy or lease?
Lease if: you drive <12k miles/year, want new cars every 3 years, or use it for business. Buy if: you drive more, keep cars long-term, or want to avoid mileage penalties.