🚗 Lease vs Buy Calculator
True 5-year cost comparison
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Lease vs Buy: The Full Picture
Leasing has lower monthly payments but you never build equity — you are renting the car. Buying has higher payments but after the loan is paid off, you own the car and have $0 monthly payment. Over 5-10 years, buying almost always costs less total because you eventually stop paying. Leasing costs more long-term because you never stop paying.
Leasing wins if: you want a new car every 2-3 years, drive under 12,000 miles/year, want lower monthly cash flow, or use the vehicle for business (lease payments are often fully deductible). Buying wins if: you keep cars 5+ years, drive high mileage, want to customize, or want the lowest total cost.