Car Buy vs Lease Calculator
Compare monthly payments, total costs, break-even points, and equity, then get a clear recommendation based on your driving habits.
Car Finance Configuration
Vehicle Information
Loan Terms (Buy)
Lease Terms
Multiply by 2400 to get APR (e.g., 0.0025 = 6%)
Charged each time a lease ends
Refundable — only its opportunity cost is counted
Lease cap before excess fees
Usage & Ownership Period
Miles over the lease allowance cost $0.25/mi
Return you'd earn on cash tied up upfront
Recommendation
Lease
Leasing costs $348.00 less over 5 years, though it builds no equity.
Monthly Payment — Buy
$629.00
Monthly Payment — Lease
$573.00
Total Cost — Buy
$54,013.00
Over 5 years
Total Cost — Lease
$53,665.00
Over 5 years
Break-Even Point
1 year
Buy Equity at End
$15,530.00
Lease Excess-Mileage Fee
$0.00
Year-by-Year Comparison
| Year | Cumulative Buy | Cumulative Lease | Equity (Buy) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $14,803.00 | $23,833.00 | $2,687.00 |
| 5 | $54,013.00 | $53,665.00 | $15,530.00 |
Estimates only. Depreciation (15%/yr declining balance), excess-mileage fees, and opportunity cost are modeled approximations and will differ from any specific deal. Verify all figures with your dealer and lender before deciding.
Frequently Asked Questions
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