2021 Nissan Qashqai

Buying a new vehicle is usually expensive, so we will help you decide on a method that will be affordable for you. There are two methods of buying a car that you can use; a lease vs loan. Both methods have their advantages and disadvantages, and we unpack them here for you to use when you decide to buy a new vehicle.

What is a Lease?

Leasing is similar to renting a car, but for more than a month, usually between 24 or 36 months. Although it can be for any number of months. Instead of paying off the car, you only pay for the amount of depreciation that is expected to occur during a set period of time. You normally, but not always, are expected to put down a deposit on a leased car.

What is Capitalized Cost?

This is the ultimate price of the car. This price is normally fixed but you can still negotiate it downward with many dealerships. A lower cap cost means you’ll be paying lower monthly installments. You can also get cap cost reductions which are special lease deals from automakers.

What is Residual Value?

The residual value is the estimated value of a car at the end of its lease term or useful life. The residual value (also called salvage value) is the predicted value of what a car is worth at the end of the lease agreement. The lessor uses the residual value to understand the number of monthly payments the lessee will make during the life of the lease period. It is generally accepted that longer lease terms have lower residual values.

Benefits of Leasing

• Your monthly lease payments and overall monthly cost may be lower than a traditional financing loan
• You don’t have to go through the hassle of selling the vehicle once your lease is up
• The contract terms for leasing are typically shorter than a car loan
• You have the ability to turn the vehicle in at lease end and get a new vehicle

Cons of Leasing a Vehicle

• You don’t own the vehicle
• There are annual mileage limitations
• There may be a penalty if you terminate the lease contract early
• A lease agreement is a binding contract
• A lease agreement, once signed, becomes a legally binding agreement between you and the car leasing company. In return for the use of the car for a specific period, you agree to make a monthly payment. If you break that contract by failing to make a payment, you’re expected to return the car.

What is Traditional Vehicle Financing?

Traditional vehicle financing gets you behind the wheel of a new or used vehicle and requires you to make payments to eventually own the vehicle. When the car is fully paid off, you’ll own it and be able to retain the vehicle’s remaining equity towards the purchase of a new vehicle. What happens if you finish paying off the vehicle and still love it? You can choose to continue owning the vehicle to take advantage of lower ownership costs by not having to pay monthly lease or finance payments

Benefits of Financing

• Once the vehicle has been paid off you own it
• Unlike a lease, you don’t have to return the car
• You can drive as much as you want; no mileage restrictions
• Once your car is paid off you can use it as an upfront payment
• You can sell your car privately
• You can customize the vehicle with no restrictions at lease turn-in
• You won’t have to make payments when the loan is paid off
• Financing is easier than leasing
• Refinancing a vehicle loan can save you money
• You decide if you want to fix the vehicle or not

Cons of a Vehicle Loan

• As with any loan, there will be an interest rate where you will have to pay interest
• After paying off the car, there could be increased maintenance costs due to the age of the car

You Own the Car

By purchasing a car through financing, you will own it as soon as it is paid off. While you’re still paying for the car the bank owns the car title until you pay it off, but there are typically no restrictions on what you can or cannot do with your car. Plus, your ownership grows slowly at first, but increases as the interest declines. The best way to maintain positive equity is to make a sizable down payment and get the shortest loan term you can afford.

There’s No Mileage Cap

One of the biggest benefits of financing your car is you don’t have to worry about a mileage cap. Beyond the costs of fuel and maintenance, there is no financial penalty for driving long distances.