How to Decide Whether to Lease or Buy a Car

Leasing can give you more buying power but demands meticulous vehicle care and maintenance.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Calculators
• Car Insurance
• Cars
• Spiral Notebooks

1. Decide whether you have enough money for a down payment on a car. If you don't, consider leasing.
2. Decide whether you intend to own a car for a long time. If you do, consider buying.
3. Decide whether you are going to use the vehicle in a manner likely to damage it - as a work truck, for example. If you are likely to damage the vehicle, consider buying.
4. Find out how good your credit rating is. If it's bad or is mixed, consider buying; leasing requires better credit.
5. Estimate how much you can spend per month on payments. If you can't make high monthly payments, consider leasing.

Tips & Warnings

• Leasing and buying each have advantages and disadvantages. Consult your loan officer or accountant for advice.
• If you total a leased car, you may be financially liable for the balance of payments on its total value.