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If you like to drive newer, safer, more reliable vehicles, prefer not pay a big down payment every few years, and also do not travel an excessive amount every year, then a new car lease should be the right choice for you. Leasing is ideal for people who would prefer to avoid the hassle of selling and buying each time they want to drive a new vehicle.
Conversely, if you want long term relationships with a larger sense of commitment and ownership, then buying might be what’s best for you. Car-buying is typically best for shoppers who do not mind driving the same car or SUV for more than five years or even until the vehicle is no longer suited for the road.
Knowing the pros, cons, and overall benefits of leasing vs buying a car or SUV is critical. Be sure to consider monthly payments, vehicle ownership, repair costs, and potential savings when considering the best new car or SUV financing type for you.
When it comes to vehicle financing, new vehicle ownership surely comes along with many advantages, most associated with absolute ownership of the vehicle. You may not realize, however, there are also some nice advantages to leasing, as well. It’s essential to consider all financial aspects including buyout payments, down payment, monthly payments, term length, interest rate, depreciation, and maintenance & repair costs, before making a decision. A precise observation of your current financial situation, future needs, and your preference for commitment, will likely ensure that you make the ideal choice between leasing and buying a new car or SUV.
Vehicle lease payments are often less expensive than auto loan and car financing payments as the standard lease format is more-or-less renting with the option to buy out at the end of your lease term. Remember when leasing that you will need a higher credit score, and will be required to carry collision and comprehensive insurance, though the same can be said for the lowest rate auto loans. Although it may likely increase your monthly payments, it’s also best to choose a model with the features you need or want, as personal satisfaction is often priceless.
Auto leasing often includes regular vehicle maintenance & repair. It’s important to keep this in mind when calculating monthly costs of leasing vs ownership. Regardless of which make and model you choose, mechanic bills are an uncertain cost that can quickly add up. And for those of us who are not certified auto mechanics with a hydraulic jack and full toolset in the garage, leasing may be the best option for peace of mind.
In general, a new vehicle 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 SUV at the time it is traded, sold, or paid-off. For best value on a lease, avoid lease return fees for terminating the vehicle lease early, going over mileage, or putting on excessive wear and tear. For maximizing investment on a financed/purchased vehicle, you can pay it off quickly and also avoid excessive wear and mileage.
| Lease | Buy | |
| Ownership | No Ownership | Pride of Ownership |
| Down Payment | Smaller Down Payment | Larger Down Payment |
| Monthly Payment | Smaller Monthly Payments | Larger Monthly Payments |
| Maintenance & Repair Costs | Typically Included | Not Included |
| Savings/Investment | Short Term Savings | Long Term Investment |
| Finance Term | Approx. 2-4 Years | Approx. 3-6 Years |
| APR % | Credit-Based | Credit-Based |
| New Vehicles | Available | Available |
| Pre-Owned Vehicles | Not Available | Available |
| Vehicle Customization | Not Available | Available |
| Poor Credit Financing | Not Available | Available |
Kearny Mesa Volkswagen knows that choosing the right Volkswagen car and financing option is never easy. Our team of experienced Volkswagen lease and finance specialist are on hand to help you make the right choice. Visit us online, by phone, or in-person at our dealership location in San Diego, CA. We look forward to serving you.
