Lease Or Buy?

Lease? Or buy? These are the options for Chesapeake car financing. It’s always a tough question for Chesapeake car owners. But here is some info that’ll help you make an informed decision.

If you buy, you’ll pay the full cost of the car, with maybe an initial down payment, then monthly payments on the balance that pays down the loan principal, and the finance charge.

Chesapeake car owners who lease, finance the portion of the cost of the car that’s used up during the term of the lease. You’ll pay some money up front; fees, security deposit, first month’s payment and maybe a capital reduction. The monthly payments include a depreciation cost and a finance charge. When the lease is up, you return the car to your local Chesapeake area dealership. 

So how do Chesapeake car owners decide?

First, how much do you have for a down payment? A lease usually requires a smaller down.

How much monthly payment can you afford? Again, lease payments will be much lower for any given down payment.

A lease needs requires better credit, so that’s a factor.

How long will you keep the car? Chesapeake car owners who keep their cars around for a while will pay less if they buy. But just two or three years? Then leasing is the way to go.

West Service Center, Inc.
904 Cavalier Blvd
Chesapeake, Virginia 23323
757-487-4420

If your car might suffer a ding or two, like, say a work truck would, then buying’s better. The Chesapeake auto leasing company will want their vehicle back at the lease end in tip top shape, and if repairs are needed, you’ll pay.

How many miles do you drive in and around the Portsmouth area? Important to consider because leases have a mileage limit, and if you go over, you pay a hefty charge per mile when the lease is up. So high mileage Virginia car owners should definitely buy.

Will the car be used in your Chesapeake business? Check with your Chesapeake accountant, but both financing options have different tax benefits, depending on your circumstances.

Over the short term, leasing is much cheaper for Chesapeake car owners. Medium term, leasing and buying costs are about the same. Over the long haul, leasing always costs more in Virginia.

Leases may sound a bit complicated, and the typical lease decision weighs more on the monthly payment, rather than price. So sometimes Chesapeake leasers may pay on a higher purchase price than a buyer would.

Here is a tip: If the Chesapeake salesman asks if you’ll be leasing or buying, say you’re not sure yet. Make your best deal, then look at your Chesapeake financing options.

Here’s another: With a buy or a lease, if you total the car, you’ll owe the full amount of the loan, or the balance of the lease payments, and usually, it’s less than the car’s fair Chesapeake market value  – and that’s all your Virginia auto insurance company will pay. But ask your Chesapeake agent about gap insurance, which pays the difference between fair market value and what you owe. Big consideration for a lease.

Remember, you have to return your leased vehicle in excellent condition, and may need to do all the auto maker’s recommended service and maintenance, or face penalties. So see your local service professional at your Chesapeake auto repair shop  or West Service Center, Inc. on a regular basis, get the required work done and save the service records. It’s well worth it.