Black Friday Car Deals: Know The Pros and Cons of Leasing or Buying a Car

Black Friday ads for buying or leasing a car are out in full force, and if you’re in the market for a new car, you may be asking yourself, “Which is the better deal?”  If you love driving a new car with all the latest technology, leasing may be your best option. However, if you’re someone who tends to stick with the same car for years, buying a new or used car may be the way to go. 

Since each person’s situation and preferences are different, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all ‘best’ answer. There are a combination of financial and lifestyle factors to consider to make the best decision for you. Let’s take a look under the hood and address the pros and cons to help you be a more informed consumer.   

Leasing Pros:

  • ‍You can drive a higher-priced, new vehicle for less money every three or so years
  • Generally lower monthly payments with a lower down payment
  • Lower repair costs because you are covered under the vehicle’s factory warranty (many leases last three years to coincide with a new car’s bumper to bumper warranty)
  • No trade-in hassles at end of the lease
  • If you use the car for business, your lease payments may qualify for a tax write-off

 Leasing Cons:

  • You have no equity in the car
  • You will have continuous monthly lease payments that require a predictable cash flow
  • Mileage is typically limited to 12,000 miles a year—excess mileage will cost you
  • You could face excessive wear-and-tear charges if you don’t properly maintain the vehicle in good condition. This could be a nasty surprise at the end of the lease
  • Lease contracts can be confusing and filled with unfamiliar terminology
  • Early termination of a lease is costly, so read the fine print 

Buying Pros:

  • You own the vehicle
  • Save money over the long-term if you buy and hold your vehicle for many years
  • Build up trade-in value for next vehicle you may want to buy
  • No excess mileage penalty
  • You can customize your car any way you want
  • More flexibility to sell the car whenever you want

Buying Cons:

  • Purchases typically require a higher down payment
  • Higher monthly loan payments than leasing since you are financing principal and interest on the entire value of vehicle
  • More of your cash will be tied up in an asset which depreciates in value
  • Responsible for repair costs once the warranty expires
  • Face possible trade-in or selling hassles

Now that you have the basic pros and cons of your options, here are a few tips to help you save money if you decide to lease.   

Leasing 101:   

While consumers are generally more familiar with buying and financing a new or used vehicle, leasing has grown in popularity and now accounts for nearly one-third of vehicle transactions. If you choose to lease a vehicle, it is critical that you understand the lease terms that go into the calculation of the lease payment. When leasing a car, you are basically paying for the difference between the car’s price (capitalized cost) and residual value (agreed upon value at the end of the lease term).This difference is the vehicle’s depreciation during the lease term and will be financed through prorated monthly lease payments. Sounds simple, right?  Not so fast…

1. Negotiate the sticker price

Many people don’t realize they can negotiate the sticker price on a leased vehicle in the same way you negotiate the sales price when buying a vehicle.  It’s a common misconception that you need to pay the full sticker or MSRP (manufacturer’s suggested retail price) when leasing. By reducing the price of the car, the total depreciation amount will be less which means lower monthly payments to finance. For example: you lease a new SUV for a $40,000 sticker price and the predetermined residual value is $22,000 at the end of three years; therefore, your 36 monthly lease payments would be based on the $18,000 total depreciation amount plus fees and interest. For simplicity, you are paying $6,000/year or $500/month in lease payments. If you negotiate the vehicle’s price down from $40,000 to $37,000, your depreciation amount would drop from $18,000 to $15,000, saving you $3,000 over the lease term which would lower your 36 monthly lease payments to $417/month (before fees and interest).

2. Know how to calculate the interest rate

Next, let’s understand how to calculate the comparable interest rate used in financing your lease—dealerships use the term “money or lease factor”.  When a dealership quotes you a lease factor of .00125%, this is not the interest rate. You need to multiply this factor by 2400 to convert it into a comparable interest rate: .00125% x 2400 = 3%. Money factors vary by car and model. 

3. Factor in the down payment

Pay attention to the down payment required at lease signing which is usually listed in the fine print. For example, you may see an ad for a car that says the lease payment is only $199 per month for 36 months which sounds like a great deal. However, in the ad’s fine print is the reference to the required $3,600 down payment as a condition of the lease payment being $199 per month. If you amortize this $3,600 down payment over the 36 month lease period, ($3,600 ÷ 36 = $100 per month) you are actually paying $299 per month. Therefore, it is critical to factor in the down payment when comparing lease deals from different dealerships and for different cars

4. Understand the cost for excess mileage

Before signing up for a lease, ask about the annual mileage allowance included in your lease terms and penalties for exceeding this mileage. Most limit annual mileage to 12,000 miles per year or 36,000 miles over the three year lease period. If you exceed this allowance, overages can be as much as 20 cents per mile. If you drive 15,000 miles per year or an extra 9,000 miles over the three years lease term, you could be hit with an unexpected mileage penalty of $1,800 when you turn the car in the end of the lease period.   Many consumers forget that they have the option of buying the vehicle at the predetermined residual value at the end of the lease term. This is a good option if you really love the car or have high penalties from excess mileage or excessive wear and tear.

Finally, be aware that you still have to pay the sales tax for your state of residence whether you lease or buy a car and this tax will also be built into the lease payment. Whether you are leasing or financing a new car purchase, you should always read the fine print in any contract before signing.

When it comes to buying or leasing, as they say, “Your mileage may vary.” Consumers need to carefully consider all the pros, cons and costs involved to determine which option best fits their situation. Look at your budget and understand your mileage needs, credit history and lifestyle before you make the leap. By arming yourself with knowledge and doing some homework before walking into a dealership, you may drive away with a great Black Friday deal!