Lease vs Buy Car Calculator

Compare estimated net cost over the same ownership horizon—not just the monthly payment.

Buying

Purchase price ($)Down payment ($)APR (%)Loan term (months)Comparison horizon (months)Taxes & purchase fees ($)Expected resale value at horizon ($)

Leasing

Due at signing ($)Lease payment ($/month)Lease months chargedAcquisition/disposition fees ($)Expected mileage/other charges ($)

🧠 TUTORCALC EXPLAINS

Why equity matters

Methodology

The buy side counts down payment, purchase fees and loan payments made during the comparison horizon, then subtracts estimated buyer equity. Equity is expected resale value minus the remaining loan balance. The lease side counts due-at-signing, lease payments and entered end/usage fees.

This model does not automatically include insurance, maintenance, opportunity cost, taxes not entered, or differences in vehicle condition.

FAQ

Is the lower monthly payment always cheaper?

No. A monthly payment alone does not capture equity, upfront costs, fees or the time horizon.

What if my comparison horizon is longer than my loan?

The model stops loan payments when the loan is paid off and sets the remaining balance to zero.