Lease vs buy: read the signing quote and compare the exit

Separate first payment, additional signing cash, deposit and return costs before comparing ownership.

Use a complete quote

Enter a lease payment that already contains recurring tax. Use an out-the-door purchase price that includes the purchase tax and charges. The comparison does not guess tax rules from your location.

Split due at signing

If 2,950 is due at signing and contains the first 450 payment and a 1,000 refundable deposit, additional signing cash is 1,500. The 450 belongs to the full set of monthly payments, not another additional charge. A refundable deposit is paid and refunded separately.

Bring both choices to the same end date

The model returns the lease at maturity. It sells the purchased car at that date and pays the remaining loan. Enter expected mileage overage, wear and disposition charges from the contract. No early exit or lease buyout is inferred.

Test the resale assumption

Change purchase resale proceeds and operating costs. A low monthly lease payment alone does not settle the total-cost question. The scenario also omits discounting and the return you might earn on money tied up.

Compare the two full exit positions. Read CFPB’s lease and purchase distinctions.