Lease vs Buy on your terms.
Most calculators tell you the monthly payment. This one shows the real number that matters: total net cost over the years you actually plan to drive the car.
Lease vs Buy
Net cost over your whole ownership horizon — including resale value if you buy.
Buy (finance)
Lease
Equivalent to APR ÷ 2400.
Your horizon
Over 6 years, buy wins by
$13,802
Buying ends up cheaper because the car still has resale value after the loan is paid off.
Buy
$790/mo
- Out of pocket
- $49,410
- Asset left
- $19,505
- Net cost
- $29,905
Lease (rolling)
$579/mo
- Out of pocket
- $43,706
- Asset left
- $0
- Net cost
- $43,706
Resale assumes ~12% annual depreciation after year one — a rough industry average. Real outcomes depend on the make, mileage, and market. Talk to an advisor for a model-specific number.
Rules of thumb
When each option usually wins
The numbers above answer your specific scenario. These shortcuts cover the most common patterns we see in real customer cases.
Buy if you keep cars 6+ years
Once the loan is paid off you drive cost-free, and the resale value works in your favor.
Lease if you swap every 2–3 years
Lower monthly payment, always under factory warranty, no resale headaches.
It depends on the model
High-residual cars (Toyota, Honda) lease well. Heavy-depreciation EVs and luxury sedans often favor leasing too.