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Car Lease Calculator
Compare leasing vs buying with comprehensive cost analysis and payment calculations
Lease Payment
$466
Monthly payment
Buy Payment
$626
Monthly loan payment
Cost Difference
$12,357
Lease saves
Recommendation
Lease
Save $12,357 over 36 months
Vehicle Information
Lease Terms
Equivalent APR: 4.80%
Value: $20,300
Lease Payment Breakdown
Depreciation: $325
Interest (Rent Charge): $105
Tax: $37
Monthly Payment: $466
Purchase Comparison
After 60 months
Purchase Analysis
Monthly Payment: $626
Total Paid: $40,567
Total Interest: $5,567
Trade-In Value: -$15,000
Lease End Options
Buyout Price: $20,300
Est. Market Value: $15,000
⚠️ Vehicle may be worth less than buyout price
Total Cost of Ownership Comparison
Lease (36 months)
Lease Payments: $22,535
Insurance: $6,480
Maintenance: $2,700
Fuel: $5,400
Fees: $395
Total Cost: $37,510
Purchase (60 months)
Loan Payments: $40,567
Insurance: $10,800
Maintenance: $4,500
Fuel: $9,000
Trade-In Value: -$15,000
Total Cost: $49,867
Lease Term Comparison
| Term | Monthly Payment | Total Cost | Residual % | Pros/Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 24 months | $537 | $16,483 | 65% | Lower payments, frequent upgrades |
| 36 months | $466 | $20,375 | 58% | Balanced payment & depreciation |
| 48 months | $435 | $24,483 | 50% | Higher payments, less frequent changes |
Lease vs Buy Decision Guide
Choose Leasing If:
- • You like driving newer cars with latest features
- • You drive less than 15,000 miles per year
- • You prefer predictable monthly costs
- • You don't want to deal with selling/trading
- • You can use tax deductions (business use)
Choose Buying If:
- • You drive more than 15,000 miles per year
- • You want to build equity in the vehicle
- • You plan to keep the car for many years
- • You want freedom to modify the vehicle
- • You have good trade-in or resale prospects