Car Lease Calculator: Find Your Perfect Payment Plan Today
Calculate your monthly payments and total cost of leasing a vehicle with our comprehensive calculator.
Calculator
Lease vs Buy Comparison
Leasing Guide
$5,000
$100,000
$0
$20,000
24
36
48
60
10,000
12,000
15,000
20,000
30%
80%
Advanced Options
+Monthly Payment
$430
Due at Signing
Down Payment
$3,000.00
First Month's Payment
$430.00
Acquisition Fee
$895.00
Other Fees
$500.00
Total Due at Signing
$4,825.00
Lease Breakdown
Vehicle Price (MSRP)
$30,000.00
Residual Value
$16,500.00 (55%)
Depreciation Cost
$13,500.00
Total Interest/Rent Charge
$1,987.50
Total Sales Tax
$999.00
Total Lease Cost
Total of Monthly Payments
$15,480.00
Total Due at Signing
$4,825.00
Disposition Fee (at lease end)
$350.00
Total Lease Cost
$20,655.00
Lease vs. Buy Comparison
Compare the total cost of leasing versus buying the vehicle over the same time period.
3
5
6
7
| Category | Lease | Buy |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Payment | $430 | $556 |
| Upfront Costs | $4,825 | $3,400 |
| Total Payments | $15,480 | $33,360 |
| Total Cost | $20,655 | $36,760 |
| End Value | $0 (return vehicle) | $16,500 (own vehicle) |
| Net Cost | $20,655 | $20,260 |
Car Leasing Guide
Understanding Car Leasing Terms
- MSRP (Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price): The recommended selling price of the vehicle set by the manufacturer.
- Residual Value: The projected value of the vehicle at the end of the lease term, expressed as a percentage of the MSRP.
- Money Factor: A number used to calculate the finance portion of your lease payment (similar to an interest rate).
- Capitalized Cost: The negotiated price of the vehicle, including any added fees or taxes, minus any down payment or trade-in value.
- Depreciation: The difference between the vehicle's initial value and its residual value, which is the main component of your lease payment.
Tips for Getting a Good Lease Deal
- Negotiate the vehicle price (cap cost) just as you would when buying.
- Aim for a higher residual value percentage to lower your monthly payments.
- Look for manufacturer lease specials or incentives.
- Keep your down payment low (unlike buying, you don't build equity in a lease).
- Be realistic about your annual mileage needs to avoid excess mileage charges.
- Consider gap insurance to protect against early termination costs.
Pros and Cons of Leasing
Advantages
- Lower monthly payments than buying
- Drive a new car every few years
- Warranty typically covers most repairs
- Lower upfront costs
- No hassle selling the car later
- Potential tax benefits for business use
Disadvantages
- Mileage restrictions and potential penalties
- No equity built in the vehicle
- Early termination can be expensive
- Charges for excessive wear and tear
- Long-term leasing is more expensive than buying
- Customization limitations