Lease vs Buy Calculator (Car/Equipment)

Compare the total cost of leasing vs buying over your chosen horizon. The model includes financing, taxes and fees, maintenance, depreciation, mileage overage, and an optional “invest the difference” scenario.

Settings & Horizon
Commonly 2–4 years for leases
Buy Parameters
Lease Parameters
Notes:
  • Buy cost includes loan payments, upfront taxes/fees/down, maintenance, minus resale value; if loan not fully paid by horizon, remaining balance is added.
  • Lease cost includes drive-off, acquisition and disposition fees, monthly payments, overage, and maintenance.
  • “Invest the difference” assumes surplus cash flows grow at the chosen rate.
Summary
Total Cost – Buy
—
Includes payments, upfront, maintenance, loan balance; less resale
Total Cost – Lease
—
Includes fees, payments, maintenance, overage
Recommendation
—
With investment effect: —
Estimates only. Taxes/insurance variations and market values can differ.
Cost Components

Year-wise Breakdown

Year Loan Balance (Buy) Vehicle Value (Buy) Cumulative Cost – Buy Cumulative Cost – Lease Invested Difference

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