Lease vs Buy
Why Lease a New Car?
If you prefer to drive newer, safer, more reliable cars, not make a big down payment every 3-4 years, and also don’t travel an enormous amount of miles annually, then a new car lease could be right for you. Leasing is best for people who would prefer to bypass the hassle of selling and buying every time they want to drive a new vehicle.
Why Buy a New Car?
Conversely, if you like long term relationships with a higher sense of commitment and ownership, then buying should be what’s ideal for you. Car-buying is typically best for shoppers who don’t mind driving the same car, truck, or SUV for over five years or even until it’s no longer suitable for the road.
Buying vs Leasing: Which Is Right for You?
Knowing the pros, cons, and overall benefits of leasing vs buying a car, truck, or SUV is critical. Be sure to examine factors like vehicle ownership, monthly payments, repair costs, and potential savings when calculating the best new car, truck or SUV financing type for you.
Buying: Ownership vs Leasing
When it comes to vehicle financing, new car or truck ownership surely comes along with many advantages, most associated with absolute ownership of the car or truck. You may not realize, however, there are also a few nice upsides of leasing, as well. It’s imperative to consider all financial aspects including down payment, monthly payments, term length, buyout payments, interest rate, depreciation, and maintenance & repair costs, before making a decision. A close audit of your current financial situation, future needs, and your preference for commitment, will likely ensure that you make the optimal choice between leasing and buying a new car.
Monthly Payments
Car lease payments are oftentimes less expensive in comparison to auto loan and car financing payments as the typical lease structure is more-or-less renting with the option to buy out at the final payment of your lease term. Consider when leasing that you’ll need a nice credit score, and will be required to carry comprehensive and collision insurance, though the same can be said for the better rate auto loans. Though it may add to your monthly payments, it is also wise to get a model with the features you want or need, as personal satisfaction is often priceless.
Maintenance & Repair
Auto leasing often includes regular vehicle maintenance & repair. It is important to keep this in mind when calculating monthly costs of ownership vs leasing. No matter what make and model you select, mechanic bills are an unpredictable cost that can rapidly add up. And for those of us who are not certified auto mechanics with a hydraulic jack and full toolset in the garage, leasing could be the best option for peace of mind.
Savings vs Investment
In general, a new car, truck, or SUV lease saves money in the short term with more affordable monthly payments, while buying earns you a long term investment, meaning full ownership of the value of the car or truck at the time it is traded, sold, or paid-off. For best savings on a lease, avoid lease return fees for going over mileage, terminating the vehicle lease early, or putting on excessive wear and tear. For the best investment on a purchased/financed vehicle, you can pay it off in a shorter term and also avoid excessive wear and mileage.
Lease |
Buy |
|
Maintenance & Repair Costs | Typically Included | Not Included |
Down Payment | Smaller Down Payment | Larger Down Payment |
Monthly Payment | Smaller Monthly Payments | Larger Monthly Payments |
Ownership | No Ownership | Pride of Ownership |
APR % | Credit-Based | Credit-Based |
Finance Term | Approx. 2-4 Years | Approx. 3-6 Years |
Savings/Investment | Short Term Savings | Long Term Investment |
Vehicle Customization | Not Available | Available |
Pre-Owned Vehicles | Not Available | Available |
Poor Credit Financing | Not Available | Available |
New Vehicles | Available | Available |
Acura Lease and Finance Offers In Houston TX
Team Gillman Acura knows that choosing the right Acura car and financing option is never easy. Our team of experienced Acura lease and finance specialists are on hand to help you make the right choice. Visit us online, by phone, or in-person at our dealership location in Houston, TX. We look forward to serving you.