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Compare leasing vs buying a car with our advanced calculator. Analyze money factor, residual values, mileage costs, insurance, and present value to make the right financial decision. Perfect for car shoppers evaluating lease and purchase options.

Comparison Timing & Discounting

Comparison horizon: 36 months (one complete lease term)
%

Lease Path

$
$
%
months
Money Factor
$
miles/yr
miles/yr
$/mo

Buy Path

$
$
%
months
$/mo

Lease — Cost Summary

Monthly (pre-ins):
$570.80
Upfront tax:
$0.00
PV of payments:
$19,417.53
PV insurance:
$6,103.31
Residual (ref):
$21,750.00
PV total (lease):
$29,205.49
Nominal total:
$30,923.68

Buy — Cost Summary

Loan payment:
$563.48
Upfront tax (T0):
$2,587.50
PV of payments:
$19,106.22
PV insurance:
$5,425.17
Remaining principal @ horizon:
$12,778.68
PV total (buy):
$25,449.07
Nominal total:
$26,061.61

Verdict & Break-even

Winner (PV):Buy
PV gap (Lease - Buy):$3,756.42
Break-even miles/year:— not in 2k–40k range
🏆 Buy Wins
Buying is cheaper by about $3,756 (PV). Loan APR and expected resale at month 36 keep total cost lower after equity from the sale.
One full lease term is used for both paths. The first lease payment is modeled at signing; all remaining monthly payments are discounted from their payment dates.

Cost Comparison Chart

Upfront CostsMonthly PaymentsInsuranceTotal Cost$0.00$7,500.00$15,000.00$22,500.00$30,000.00
  • Lease
  • Buy

This tool is educational. Lease formulas, taxes, fees, and incentives vary by state, manufacturer, and lender; verify the contract worksheet with your dealer or lessor. The buy resale estimate should match the displayed one-lease-term horizon.

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