When deciding whether to lease or buy a car, with the primary objective of having the lowest monthly payment, you should consider the following factors:
- Length of ownership: Leasing typically requires lower monthly payments, but you will not own the car at the end of the lease period. If you plan to keep the car for a longer period of time, purchasing may be a better option.
- Maintenance costs: Leasing often includes maintenance costs, whereas owning a car requires you to bear all maintenance costs.
- Driving habits: Leasing agreements typically have mileage restrictions, so if you drive more than the allowed miles, you may have to pay additional fees.
- Upfront costs: Leasing often requires a higher upfront payment, such as a first month’s payment, capitalized cost reduction, and fees, whereas buying a car usually requires a larger down payment.
- Residual value: Leasing is based on the car’s residual value, which is the estimated value of the car at the end of the lease period. If the car has a high residual value, leasing may have lower monthly payments compared to purchasing.
Overall, it’s important to weigh these factors and compare the costs of both leasing and buying to determine which option will result in the lowest monthly payment for your specific situation.