What is the difference
between a loan and a lease?
When you obtain a loan, your down
payment and monthly payments go toward the total purchase price of the
vehicle. When the term of the loan is complete and the loan is paid in
full, you own the vehicle. With a lease, you make monthly payments for
the term of that lease. Once the term of the lease is complete, the
vehicle is returned to the lessor.
How do I choose
between a loan or a lease?
The correct financing option largely
depends on three factors:
1. What you want to
drive?
2. How much you plan to drive it?
3. How long
you want to keep
it?
It might be preferable to lease rather than obtain a
loan if:
1. You want more vehicle for your monthly
payment.
2. You drive a pre-determined number of miles per
year.
3. You prefer to trade in your car every three years or
less.
4. Owning a car outright is not important to
you.
If these considerations do not apply to you, it
might be better for you to get a loan if:
1. You want your
monthly payment to apply to ownership.
2. You plan to enjoy
your vehicle for a long time.
3. You want to customize your
vehicle.
4. You want the maximum flexibility regarding the
number of miles you drive.
5. You want control of the length of
time the vehicle is in your possession.