New Car Leasing vs Buying

Why Lease a New Car?

If you like to drive newer, safer, more reliable cars or trucks, but prefer not pay a considerable down payment every 3-4 years, and also don’t travel an excessive amount yearly, then a new car lease may be right for you. Leasing is best for those who would prefer to avert the hassle of selling and buying each time they want to upgrade to a new car or truck.

Why Buy a New Car?

Conversely, if you like long term relationships with a higher sense of commitment and ownership, then buying might be what’s ideal for you. Car-buying is typically best for consumers who don’t mind driving the same car or truck for over five years or even until it’s no longer fit for the road.

Lease vs Buy: Which One Is Right for You?

Knowing the pros, cons, and overall benefits of buying vs leasing a car or truck is imperative. Be sure to contemplate potential savings, vehicle ownership, monthly payments, and repair costs when considering the best new car financing type for you.

Buying: Ownership vs Leasing

When weighing the value of vehicle financing, new vehicle ownership certainly comes along with many advantages, most associated with outright ownership of the vehicle. You may not be aware, however, there are also some great advantages to leasing, as well. It’s essential to consider all financial aspects including term length, down payment, monthly payments, buyout payments, interest rate, depreciation, and maintenance & repair costs, before making a decision. A careful diagnosis 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.

Monthly Payments

Car lease payments are often times less expensive in comparison to auto loan and car financing payments as the standard lease deal is pretty much renting with the option to purchase near 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, although the same can be said for the lowest rate auto loans. Although it could add to monthly payments, it’s also better to choose a model with the features you need or want, as personal satisfaction is often priceless.

Maintenance & Repair

Auto leases often include regular vehicle maintenance & repair. It’s important to keep this in mind when projecting monthly costs of leasing vs ownership. No matter what make and model you select, mechanic bills are an unknown 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 can be the best option for peace of mind.

Savings vs Investment

In general, a new car, truck, or SUV lease saves money in the short term with lower monthly payments, while buying gets you a long term investment, meaning absolute ownership of the value of the car or truck at the time it is traded, sold, or paid-off. For best savings on a lease, avoid lease return fees for going over mileage, terminating the vehicle lease early, or putting on excessive wear and tear. For maximum investment on a purchased/financed vehicle, you can pay it off in a shorter term and also avoid excessive wear and mileage.


Lease Buy
New Vehicles Available Available
Pre-Owned Vehicles Not Available Available
Vehicle Customization Not Available Available
Poor Credit Financing Not Available Available
APR % Credit-Based Credit-Based
Ownership No Ownership Pride of Ownership
Down Payment Smaller Down Payment Larger Down Payment
Monthly Payment Smaller Monthly Payments Larger Monthly Payments
Savings/Investment Short Term Savings Long Term Investment
Finance Term Approx. 2-4 Years Approx. 3-6 Years
Maintenance & Repair Costs Typically Included Not Included


Lexus Lease and Finance Offers In Houston TX

Sterling McCall Lexus Clear Lake knows that choosing the right Lexus car and financing option is never easy. Our team of experienced Lexus 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 Houston, TX. We look forward to serving you.

Sterling McCall Lexus Clear Lake 29.556197, -95.158199.