MooneyOnMoney.com

Money Read Time: 3 min

Buying vs. Leasing a Car

Some people approach buying a car like they approach marriage, "'til death do us part." Others prefer to keep their options open, trading in every few years for the latest make and model, the most cutting-edge technology, or the highest horsepower. Whichever describes you best, we all face a similar decision when it comes to acquiring a car: finance, lease, or pay cash.

When shopping for new vehicles, about one-quarter of consumers choose to lease, while the majority choose to finance. From an investment perspective, which choice is best? That depends on your lifestyle, cash flow, and personal preferences.1

Buying vs. Leasing a Car

For many, paying cash for a car is the simplest way to get one. When you drive off the lot, you own the vehicle outright and are free to do whatever you want with it. You face no penalties or mileage restrictions, and you have no monthly payments. However, you have paid cash for a vehicle that is expected to depreciate over time.

Financing a new car requires a smaller initial outlay of money, usually 20% or more of the vehicle's value, in the form of a down payment. When you drive off the lot, the bank owns the car, not you. As with most loans, you make monthly payments of principal and interest with the promise of eventual ownership. The amount of your payment depends on a variety of factors, including the value of the car, the length of the loan, and the interest rate offered by the lender. Car dealers sometimes will offer "no money down" or low annual percentage rate loans, which can make financing more manageable.2

If you like to have a new car every few years, leasing is an approach to consider. Leasing a car is like renting an apartment. You pay a monthly fee to use the car for a specific amount of time, usually three to four years. Monthly payments are typically lower than when you finance since you are paying for the depreciation on the car while you drive it. In certain situations, lease payments may also have tax considerations. However, there are caveats to leasing. For one, a lease typically stipulates the number of miles you are permitted to drive during the course of the lease. At the end of your lease, you may face penalties if you have exceeded the total number of miles in the contract.3,4

Whatever your relationship with your car, it may eventually come time for a new one. Familiarize yourself with your options. You may find that changing your strategy makes sense in light of your lifestyle or financial situation.

1. Experian.com, June 1, 2023
2. Investopedia.com, January 9, 2023
3. The information in this material is not intended as tax or legal advice. It may not be used for the purpose of avoiding any federal tax penalties. Please consult legal or tax professionals for specific information regarding your individual situation.
4. Bankrate.com, June 1, 2023

 

Related Content

Saving for College 101

Saving for College 101

Here’s a crash course on saving for college.

Saving for College

Saving for College

This calculator can help you estimate how much you should be saving for college.

Immediate vs. Deferred Annuities

Immediate vs. Deferred Annuities

Looking forward to retirement? It's critical to understand the difference between immediate and deferred annuities.

 

Have A Question About This Topic?







Thank you! Oops!

Insurance Needs Assessment: Married With Children

When you’re married and have children, insurance needs will be different.

An Overview of Renter’s Insurance

Don’t overlook the need for renter’s insurance if you rent your home.

Understanding Marginal Income Tax Brackets

An inside look at how marginal income tax brackets work.

View all articles

What's My Potential Estate Tax?

This calculator helps estimate your federal estate tax liability.

Comparing Investments

This calculator compares the net gain of a taxable investment versus a tax-favored one.

What Is My Life Expectancy?

Estimate how many years you may need retirement assets or how long to provide income to a surviving spouse or children.

View all calculators

Principles of Preserving Wealth

How federal estate taxes work, plus estate management documents and tactics.

5 Smart Investing Principles

Principles that can help create a portfolio designed to pursue investment goals.

5 Smart Investing Strategies

There are some smart strategies that may help you pursue your investment objectives

View all presentations

Making Your Tax Bracket Work

Have you explored all your options when it comes to managing your taxable income?

It May Be Time for a Financial Checkup

It’s never a bad time to speak with your financial professional about changes in your situation.

Retiring the 4% Rule

A portfolio created with your long-term objectives in mind is crucial as you pursue your dream retirement.

View all videos