The Benefits Of Leasing Vs. Purchasing

The decision of whether to lease or purchase your new vehicle is one of the most important choices for car shoppers to make. There are many important differences between the two which can help you make your choice. This guide highlights some of the most notable aspects.

Monthly Payments

Monthly lease payments are usually lower than they would be if your purchased the vehicle. That’s because you only have to pay for the vehicle’s depreciation. The depreciation estimate is based on the assumption of a certain amount of miles per year over the term of the lease.

Sales Tax

Typically drivers who lease a vehicle will only pay sales or use tax on their monthly payments and any capitalized cost reduction. This means less sales tax paid over a longer period. When purchasing a vehicle sales tax is paid on the full purchase price (although the value of your trade in is often excluded from this amount).

Who Owns the Vehicle

During a lease the lender maintains ownership of the vehicle.  This is a huge advantage if liability issues arise.  At the end of the lease you can choose to renew your lease, purchase the vehicle or return it the lender. Purchasing a vehicle means that you are the owner after you make your final payment.

Warranty Coverage

All vehicle warranties bumper to bumper cover terms of 36 months or less, which means it’s likely that your full lease term will be covered. This helps to ensure fixed costs of driving over that period. If you finance a vehicle your warranty will expire and your costs of driving will be variable.  Extended Warranties are available if purchasing the vehicle.

Trading Vehicles

Drivers who lease have the option to change cars whenever their lease term is up by simply entering into a new lease.  Since you are paying an equal amount of principal each month, leases typically build equity quicker.   Purchasing a vehicle makes it more difficult to change vehicles frequently, since you will be paying for the full cost of the vehicle on a simple interest loan.  As an owner, your only option to trade is to pay it off.  Retail carries a higher risk, both in liability, and the value of the vehicle,  including any unexpected depreciation (in a lease the risk of unexpected depreciation is carried by the lessor).

We offer affordable lease options on almost every model. Contact or visit our dealership today for more information on leasing and purchasing or click here to view our lease specials.