If you want to drive newer, safer, more reliable cars or SUVs, but not make a sizeable down payment every few years, and also don’t travel an excessive amount every year, then a new car lease should be the right choice for you. Leasing is intended for those who would prefer to avert the annoyance of selling and buying every time they want to upgrade to a new car.
Contrarily, if you prefer long term automotive relationships with a greater sense of commitment and ownership, then buying should be what’s best for you. Car-buying is typically best for consumers who won’t mind driving the same car or SUV for more than five years or even until the vehicle is no longer fit for the road.
Being aware of the pros, cons, and overall benefits of leasing vs buying a car or SUV is critical. Be sure to look at vehicle ownership, monthly payments, repair costs, and potential savings when calculating the best new car or SUV financing type for you.
When weighing the value of vehicle financing, new car or SUV ownership certainly comes with many well-known advantages, most associated with complete ownership of the car or SUV. You may not be aware, however, there are also a few great upsides of leasing, as well. It’s imperative to consider all financial aspects including depreciation, down payment, monthly payments, term length, buyout payments, interest rate, and maintenance & repair costs, before making a decision. A precise checkup of your current financial situation, future needs, and your preference for commitment, will likely ensure that you make the best choice between leasing and buying a new car.
Vehicle lease payments are oftentimes less expensive in comparison to auto loan and car financing payments as the typical lease offer is more-or-less renting with the option to purchase at the end of your lease term. Keep in mind when leasing that you will need a healthy credit score, and will be asked to carry collision and comprehensive insurance, though the same can be said for the lowest rate auto loans. Although it might likely add to monthly payments, it is also smart to select a model with the features you need or want, as personal satisfaction is often priceless.
Auto leases often include regular vehicle maintenance & repair. It is important to keep this in mind when projecting monthly costs of leasing vs ownership. No matter which make and model you buy, mechanic bills are an unknown cost that can rapidly add up. And for those who are not certified mechanics with a full toolset and hydraulic jack in the garage, leasing might be the best option for peace of mind.
In general, a new car lease saves money in the short term with lower 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 going over mileage, terminating the vehicle lease early, or putting on excessive wear and tear. For your best investment on a financed/purchased vehicle, you can pay it off quickly 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 |
Mercedes-Benz of Georgetown knows that choosing the right Mercedes-Benz car and financing option is never easy. Our team of experienced Mercedes-Benz lease and finance specialists are on hand to help you make the right choice. Visit us online, by phone, or in-person at our dealership location in Georgetown, TX. We look forward to serving you.
