Auto Lease vs Buy Calculator

This calculator helps vehicle shoppers compare and contrast the total cost of leasing or purchasing a vehicle, enabling them to get a rough estimate of the total costs involved before making a purchase. As you fill out the calculator results are automatically calculated.

• Monthly Payments: If you are uncertain of monthly lease payments you can use our lease calculator to estimate the monthly lease payment & then come back to this calculator and enter that amount. We automatically calculate monthly vehicle payments on purchases using your downpayment, interest rate & loan term.
• Residual Resale Value: You do not need to enter an estimated resale value for a leased car as your payments include depreciation in them. For a purchased vehicle you can either enter an estimated resale value or use the annual depreciation worksheet in the second tab. If you enter an estimated resale value it will be used to calculate how much the vehicle value depreciated. If you do not have an estimate of resell value then we will use the annual depreciation table, which you can adjust from the default amounts. Most people enter a final vehicle value or use the default depreciation rates, so we moved the depreciation input table into the second tab to de-clutter the page.
• Auto Loan Rates: The third tab publishes current Seattle auto loan rates to help vehicle buyers complete their calculations and find local lenders.

Current Seattle Auto Loan Rates

Choosing the Right Direction: Toward a Lease or a Buy Agreement

Buying a car is a big decision. Buying a new car is an even bigger one, not only because of the cost but also because you must decide if you truly want to buy or do you want to lease? For some people, leasing isn’t even in their vocabulary. For others, it’s a viable option. There are pros and cons to leasing. Let’s look at a few and decide if it’s right for you.

More Costs, but Look at What I Get!

Generally, leasing is more expensive than buying, but some believe the extra money is worth the price. So what are you getting for the extra? First of all, you get a new, up to date, technically advanced vehicle for a monthly payment that is lower than a traditional car payment, especially for luxury cars. . If you think it’s important to keep up with the Joneses, then leasing is the way to go. You get the new car smell and never have to worry about breaking down on the interstate and waiting two hours for a tow truck. If you have a family, this in itself may be worth the price. If you see your car as more than just a means of traveling from point A to point B, and truly enjoy the car driving experience, then sign on the dotted line. If you need a business car and will be reimbursed for the expenses, then definitely consider a lease. Lastly, if you ever considered an alternative vehicle, now may be the time to lease. The federal government is offering up to $7,500 tax credit for electric cars. On top of that, some states are offering up to an additional $5,000. Per Edmunds.com, 25% of new cars are leased, so there are quite a few people who think leasing is a good value for the money.

Can I Really Make a Profit on a Lease?

Leasing dealers predict what the car is worth at the end of the lease, which is called “residual value.” When it’s time to return the car, you can choose to buy it for this set price. If used car values rise, the residual value may be lower than the true value of the car. You can choose to buy the car and then sell it for a profit, or use the equity as a down payment to purchase another new or lease vehicle. Some people swear that they have experienced this scenario, but be aware that most leasing dealers are very adept at predicting future values. When you are near the end of your lease, go to Edmunds.com for the true market value of your car and compare it to the stated residual value. If the residual value is higher than the true value of the car, you can turn it in, and walk away.

Leasing is Essentially Renting

Once you turn it in and walk away, you own nothing and have to start the cycle again. So you have perpetual car payments. They may be lower than a traditional car payment, but they are still never ending. Leasing is renting a car where you essentially pay the depreciation for the manufacturer. Your lease payment is calculated by taking the current value of the car minus the residual value plus some fees. When you sign the agreement, you are locked in for the term of the lease and subject to prohibitive cancellation penalties.

Be Aware of These Fees

If you want to install a special sound system or make engine or exhaust modifications, you will be limited. Read your agreement carefully and take into consideration the cost of removing these systems before returning the car. Also, if you choose not to buy your leased vehicle at the end of the term, be prepared to pay a disposition fee. Think about how many miles you drive a year. Most leases limit the number of miles anywhere from 10,000 to 15,000 per year. You can be charged an excess mileage fee of $0.10 to $0.25 per mile over the limit. If you know you drive more than the stated limit you will be given the option to buy more miles upfront for a reduced rate. The dealer will thoroughly inspect the car upon return. If you tend to get nicks and bumps on your car or have little messy family members who accidentally stain your upholstery, be prepared to pay an excess wear and tear fee. It would be less expensive to repair the problems before returning the vehicle to the dealer who expects it to be in excellent condition.

You will pay tax on the value of the car while you are leasing it. You will also pay something called an acquisition fee which is an administration fee that falls in the range of $395 to $1,098. The more expensive the car, the more expensive the fee. That holds true for insurance too. You will have to make sure your car insurance is updated to meet the lease requirements. This may increase the cost of your policy. You will also have title, registration and doc fees.

Seattle Home Buyers May Qualify For Low Downpayment Home Loan Options

Explore conventional mortgages, FHA loans, USDA loans, and VA loans to find out which option is right for you.

Find Out What Loan You Qualify For & Get Pre-Approved Today