Leasing vs Buying a New Car

Leasing vs Buying

Why Should You Lease a New Car?

If you like to drive newer, safer, more reliable vehicles, prefer not to commit to a big down payment every 3-4 years, and also do not travel an enormous amount every year, then a new car lease could be the right choice for you. Leasing is intended for those who would prefer to bypass the annoyance of buying and selling each time they want to upgrade to a new car or truck.

Why Should You Buy a New Car?

Contrarily, if you like long term relationships with a larger sense of commitment and ownership, then buying should be what’s right for you. Car-buying is typically best for shoppers who will not mind driving the same car or truck for over five years or even until it is no longer suitable for the highway.

Buying vs Leasing: Which One Is Right for You?

Being aware of the pros, cons, and overall benefits of buying vs leasing a car or truck is imperative. Be sure to acknowledge factors such as vehicle ownership, monthly payments, repair costs, and potential savings when calculating the best new car financing type for you.

Leasing vs Buying: Ownership

When weighing the value of vehicle financing, new car, truck, or SUV ownership certainly comes with many well-known advantages, most associated with outright ownership of the car, truck or SUV. You may not be aware, however, there are also some great upsides of leasing, as well. It’s essential to consider all financial aspects including term length, down payment, monthly payments, buyout payments, interest rate, depreciation, and maintenance & repair costs, before making a decision. A meticulous study of your current financial situation, future needs, and your preference for commitment, will likely ensure that you make the optimal choice between leasing and buying a new car.

pros and cons of leasing vs buying a new car

Monthly Payments

Car lease payments are often less expensive compared to car financing and loan payments as the normal lease layout is more-or-less renting with the option to buy out near the final payment of your lease term. Just consider when leasing that you are going to need a good credit score, and will be required to carry comprehensive and collision insurance, although the same can be said for the lowest rate auto loans. Though it may likely increase your monthly payments, it’s also best to select a model with the features you need or want, as personal satisfaction is often priceless.

why leasing a car is smart

Maintenance & Repair

Auto leasing often includes regular vehicle maintenance & repair. It’s 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 unpredictable cost that can rapidly add up. And for those of us who aren’t certified auto mechanics with a hydraulic jack and full toolset in the garage, leasing might be the best option for peace of mind.

lease vs buy car analysis

Savings vs Investment

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 truck at the time it is traded, sold, or paid-off. For best value on a lease, avoid lease return fees for terminating the vehicle lease early, going over mileage, or putting on excessive wear and tear. For maximum investment on a purchased/financed vehicle, you can pay it off quickly and also avoid excessive wear and mileage.


Lease Buy
Maintenance & Repair Costs Typically Included Not Included
Down Payment Smaller Down Payment Larger Down Payment
Monthly Payment Smaller Monthly Payments Larger Monthly Payments
Ownership No Ownership Pride of Ownership
APR % Credit-Based Credit-Based
Finance Term Approx. 2-4 Years Approx. 3-6 Years
Savings/Investment Short Term Savings Long Term Investment
Vehicle Customization Not Available Available
Pre-Owned Vehicles Not Available Available
Poor Credit Financing Not Available Available
New Vehicles Available Available


Honda Lease and Finance Offers Near Nashville TN

Gallatin Honda knows that choosing the right Honda car and financing option is never easy. Our team of experienced Honda lease and finance specialist are on hand to help you make the right choice. Visit us online, by phone, or in-person at our dealership location near Nashville, TN. We look forward to serving you.


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DealerRater Apr 5, 2025

We recently bought a 2022 Honda Pilot from this dealer. Our experience was wonderful especially compared to our experience with the Toyota dealer. The sales people at Gallatin Honda were patient and professional. They bent over backwards to provide for us a very good deal. We are very satisfied and would recommend them to everyone.

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DealerRater Feb 12, 2025

This location has a wonderful service department. Everyone is nice and helpful. They will take good care of you and your vehicle.

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DealerRater Jul 3, 2024

We purchased a new Honda Odysessy 6 months ago and this summer the AC was not working as expected especially for a new vehicle under warranty: The service department only tested the thermometer never considering that perhaps the issue was with the actual thermometer. They didn’t perform diagnostic testing and didn’t manually assess the issue we were experiencing. This was a frustrating experience and they left us without resolution so another appointment will likely be scheduled and another half a day wasted.

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Facebook Jul 7, 2023

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DealerRater Jun 20, 2023

I waited over two hours for a diagnostic problem which never was found. Not happy.

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Gallatin Honda 36.342137, -86.529644.