Buying A Car Or Leasing A Car, Which Is Best For You?
Buying a car or leasing a car, which is best for you? - Well, it’s not a complicated decision if you factor in which is best for your lifestyle and budget. The popular choice is purchase as opposed to leasing. Leasing tends to be an ideal option for those who do not commute or chauffeur children around town. You must keep in mind that a lease is a “rent-a-car” and buying is “your car”. If this is unimportant to you then you can consider other factors.
For instance, many consumers are attracted to the thought of driving a new car periodically. Others are more attracted to the idea of vehicle ownership. However, both options have valuable benefits which can perfectly suit any individual lifestyle. Let’s compare the pros and cons so you may access your ideal option. Either way, there are deals worth your dollar.
Do you desire long-term ownership?
With leasing, you will never own the car. Once your term is complete you’ll have to return the vehicle to the dealership, so it may be released to other qualified customers. Some believe that leasing a car is comparable to renting a car. The difference is the duration of time in your possession. If you do not breach your lease contract, you have the advantage of releasing a car upon every vehicle return.
Are you concerned with upfront costs and expenses?
The expense of a new vehicle can be pricey depending on your credit history. Unless you qualify for a dealer’s value then you can expect to pay cash price with a down payment, and taxes when applicable. This does not include DMV fees of registration and title establishment. Typically you are only obligated to pay the first month’s car note.
It’s less money out of pocket. You may drive off the lot with enough cash left to fuel your tank. There is usually a required security deposit to cover any occurred damage while in your care. However, the upside, is that you are due the total deposit return once you fulfill your contract. The downside is that you can also lose your deposit if you go over the desired miles indicated in your contract.
How do monthly payments differ?
Leasing a vehicle becomes attractive to many, once they learn of the low monthly payments. This is mainly due to the vehicle deprecating during your lease. Monthly payments of a lease will usually entail taxes and other minor fees. Unless your credit is A1, you can end up with a high monthly payment when buying. Either way, your payment will be higher than that of a lease.
Monthly payments associated with a vehicle purchase are worth the expense in the long run. This car will eventually be your property once paid off. Interest and finance charges are also factored into your monthly payment. The upside is that your payments may decrease over a period of time. When buying, the benefit is only possible when remaining faithful to your payment dates and agreement terms.
How does early termination work with leasing and buying?
In this aspect, buying is more ideal than leasing. Early termination is a simple process when you are buying a vehicle. You are allowed to sell or trade-in your car if needed. You can actually pay off your loan balance with money from the sale. This is not the case when leasing.
When leasing a vehicle you are restricted to the duration agreement of the lease. Early termination charges will be applied if you no longer want the leased vehicle. These charges are referred to as ‘termination fees’. In some instances, the termination penalty can be more expensive than the overall lease agreement.
Cost-effectiveness between lease and purchase can’t be easily determined. If you are not sure which option works best for you then you can always visit a dealership for a professional opinion. As you can see from the comparison, there are many facts to evaluate, in order to get the most from your local dealership.