Lease vs. Buy Calculator
Should you lease
or buy your car?
Compares your total net cost over the same time period — including the equity you'd build by buying.
Over 3 years, the cheaper option is
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How this is calculated
💰Cost to lease = money due at signing + all monthly payments over the term. You never build equity, and you hand the car back at the end.
📈Cost to buy = down payment + loan payments made during your hold period, minus the equity you've built (resale value minus remaining loan balance) when you sell or trade in.
⚖Leasing usually wins for shorter terms (2–3 years) since you avoid the steepest depreciation years. Buying usually wins if you keep the car 5+ years, since the loan gets paid off and the car still has value.