Is it better to lease or finance a new car? There isn’t a clear-cut answer, because
each scenario has its own set of pros and cons and honestly, it really comes
down to your lifestyle and how you prefer to pay for things. Let’s compare
leasing with financing in a little more detail:
OWNERSHIP
Lease – The vehicle is titled in GM’s name, and at the end of term, you have the
option to purchase the vehicle or turn it in and lease a new one.
Finance – The vehicle is titled in your name, and you own the vehicle free and
clear after the terms of your purchase finance agreement are fulfilled.
DOWN PAYMENT
Lease – The down payment amount required for leasing varies based on the
lease transaction structure and monthly payment you desire, but in general,
is often lower than financing.
Finance – In some cases, the down payment amount needed for buying may be
higher when compared to leasing.
KILOMETER LIMITS
Lease – Kilometer limits (typically 20,000 or 24,000 yearly) apply as per your
lease agreement, and charges may be applied if these limits are exceeded.
Finance – No contractual limits on kilometers apply, however vehicle resale
values generally decrease as more kilometers are added.
MAINTENANCE/WEAR
Lease – You are required to service the vehicle as per GM’s maintenance
schedule and cannot make any changes to the vehicle’s appearance.
Finance – You can change the appearance of the vehicle, and select which
repairs to make, subject to the terms of the purchase finance agreement.
MONTHLY PAYMENTS
Lease – Monthly payments may be lower than financing the same vehicle, since
you only pay for the value of the vehicle during the term of the lease.
Finance – Monthly payments may be higher than leasing the same vehicle, as
the full value of the vehicle is paid over the term of the contract.
TAX SAVINGS FOR BUSINESS OWNERS
We have seen more and more businesses leasing vehicles to enjoy tax savings.
We recommend you speak to your accountant to see how you could benefit
from leasing your next vehicle.
In a nutshell, leasing makes it easier to get more car for less money, as you only
pay for the use of the vehicle for two or three years, instead of paying for the
vehicle itself. Financing, on the other hand, frees you from the restrictions
involved in leasing, such as mileage caps, and the vehicle is yours to do with as
you wish.
Have you ever wondered if you get more money by selling your car privately or
from trading it in at the dealership? Stay tuned for our next article.
