New Car for Summer Travel: Lease Or Buy?

Lease? Or buy? These are the options for car financing. It’s always a tough question for Washington DC motorists. But here is some info that’ll help you make an informed decision.

Compare the Costs

If you buy, you’ll pay the full cost of the car, with maybe an initial down payment, then monthly payments on the balance that pays down the loan principal, and the finance charge.

Washington DC car owners who lease, finance the portion of the cost of the car that’s used up during the term of the lease. You’ll pay some money up front; fees, security deposit, first month’s payment and maybe a capital reduction. The monthly payments include a depreciation cost and a finance charge. When the lease is up, you return the car to your local Washington DC area dealership.

How Do You Decide?

• First, how much do you have for a down payment? A lease usually requires a smaller down.
• How much monthly payment can you afford? Again, lease payments will be much lower for any given down payment.
• A lease needs requires better credit, so that’s a factor.
• How long will you keep the car? Washington DC drivers who keep their cars around for a while will pay less if they buy. But just two or three years? Then leasing is the way to go.
• How many miles do you drive in and around the Capitol Hill DC area? Important to consider because leases have a mileage limit, and if you go over, you pay a hefty charge per mile when the lease is up. So high mileage Washington DC motorists should definitely buy.
• Will the car be used in your Washington DC business? Check with your Washington DC accountant, but both financing options have different tax benefits, depending on your circumstances.

Over the short term, leasing is much cheaper for Washington DC auto owners. Medium term, leasing and buying costs are about the same. Over the long haul, leasing always costs more in Washington DC.

Leases may sound a bit complicated, and the typical lease decision weighs more on the monthly payment, rather than price. So sometimes Washington DC leasers may pay on a higher purchase price than a buyer would.

Tips for Auto Shoppers

Here is one tip: If the Washington DC salesman asks if you’ll be leasing or buying, say you’re not sure yet. Make your best deal, then look at your Washington DC financing options.

Here’s another: With a buy or a lease, if you total the car, you’ll owe the full amount of the loan, or the balance of the lease payments, and usually, it’s less than the car’s fair Washington DC market value  – and that’s all your Washington DC auto insurance company will pay. But ask your Washington DC agent about gap insurance, which pays the difference between fair market value and what you owe. Big consideration for a lease.

Remember, you have to return your leased vehicle in excellent condition, and may need to do all the automobile manufacturer’s recommended service and maintenance, or face penalties. So see your local technician at your Washington DC auto repair shop or Metro Motor on a regular basis, get the required work done and save the service records. It’s well worth it.