Car Lease vs Buy Calculator & Advisor

DECISION VERDICT 5 Years Horizon

YOUR RECOMMENDATION

BUY

RECOMMENDED

Buying is estimated to cost less over your selected horizon, largely because you retain vehicle equity at the end of the period.

Estimated Advantage

$12,500

18.5% lower estimated net cost

BUY PATHWINNER

Net Horizon Cost: $32,000

Monthly Loan: $680/mo Retained Equity: +$14,000

LEASE PATH

Net Horizon Cost: $44,500

Monthly Lease: $550/mo Excess Mileage Cost: $0

01 · Vehicle & Horizon Setup

Vehicle MSRP ($)

Sales Tax (%)

Horizon (Years)

02 · Purchase & Loan Parameters

Down Payment ($)

Loan APR (%)

Loan Term (Months)

Annual Depreciation (%)

03 · Lease Contract Inputs

Lease Monthly ($)

Due At Signing ($)

Annual Mileage Limit

Excess Charge ($/mile)

04 · Driving & Ownership Profile

Expected Annual Mileage 13,500 mi/yr

Monthly Insurance ($)

Buy Maint. ($/mo)

Complete Side-by-Side Financial Ledger

Cost Category	Lease Path	Buy Path

Car Lease vs. Buy Guide (USA Market)

Deciding between leasing and buying depends largely on your annual mileage, how long you plan to keep the vehicle, and your cash flow preferences. While leasing offers lower monthly commitments and warranty coverage, purchasing builds equity that offsets cumulative ownership costs over a 4 to 5-year horizon.