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How do I ... Decide to buy or lease a car?

By Rose Raymond • Bankrate.com

Topic: Auto
Who is affected: CONSUMERS AT EVERY STAGE OF LIFE
DEGREE OF DIFFICULTY: Easy
What you'll need: Thinking cap

What you need to know

If you've got new-car fever, you may be torn between buying and leasing that next ride. It's a tough call. Buying offers the obvious advantage of ownership. However, benefits of leasing include a lower monthly payment with a minimal down payment.

If driving a new, flashy car appeals to you, leasing might be the right choice. However, buying a car is typically the better financial move, especially if you don't mind buying a car that's a couple years old.

Both buying and leasing bring pros and cons to the table. It comes down to your personal preference on a number of factors, from payments to mileage.

Size them up side-by-side:

Buying vs. Leasing
BuyingLeasing
Down paymentUsually around 20 percentMinimal to zilch
Monthly paymentHigher than leasing -- but eventually you'll own the carLower than buying -- but you'll never own the car
MileageUnlimitedUsually capped at 12,000 to 15,000 miles, with penalty charges if you exceed the limit
Upkeep and modificationsIt's your car -- do what you want!You should return the car in as close to its original condition as possible, so treat it with kid gloves -- and don't switch out the stereo system
 
Still undecided?
If you decide to buy a car, enter the months left on your loan, original loan term and loan amount to see how much you will save with an early payoff.
No. of months remaining:
Loan term (months):
Original loan amount:
Go
  1. Buy or lease? It depends on you
  2. Ups and downs of leasing
  3. Video: lease or buy?
  4. 10 tips for superior car shopping
  5. Beware too-good-to-be-true lease ads
  1. New or used car? Take our quiz
  2. Calculator: Buy or lease a new car?
  3. Compare auto loan rates
  4. Auto buying basics
  5. Figure your monthly car payment
Before deciding on a new car or a lease, consider the following:
Credit rating. Due to the smaller down payment, lenders are apt to demand a higher credit rating from leasing customers than from buyers
Lifestyle changes. It's easier to trade in a vehicle than to get out of a lease. Be sure to factor in family additions, commute changes and other potential future lifestyle alterations before committing.

 

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Bankrate.com's corrections policy
Posted: Jan. 23, 2009
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About this index
Auto Overnight Averages
Product Rate +/- Last week
48 Mo Used Car
7.09%
7.48%
48 Mo New Car
6.79%
7.07%
36 Mo Used Car
7.21%
7.42%
36 Mo New Car
6.67%
6.93%
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ByTara Baukus Mello
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