A Car: Whether To Lease Or Buy

For drivers who need a lower monthly cash outlay and only drive a moderate amount (under 12,000 miles per year). The Case for Buying

60 to 84 months are now common, though longer terms increase total interest paid. whether to lease or buy a car

You can sell the car at any time without the steep early-termination fees associated with lease contracts. Financial Snapshot (Average 2026 Data) Average New Car Price: ~$50,000. Average Finance Payment: ~$760–$767. Average Lease Payment: ~$613. For drivers who need a lower monthly cash

While more expensive initially, buying is cheaper over 10 years; for instance, a 10-year buy-and-hold strategy can save over $11,000 compared to back-to-back leasing. buying is cheaper over 10 years