Should I Lease Or Buy A Vehicle?
If you're considering whether you want to lease vs. buy car models, you're not alone. Thousands of Americans have had to make this decision, as leasing can be highly cost-effective but lacks the permanent ownership of a financing plan. Which is better for your specific budget and situation?
The Capital Ford of Wilmington team has worked with dozens of people who had to make this choice, and we can help you decide which is best for you. Let's explore the upsides of each option.
Should I Lease or Finance a Car? At a Glance
- Leases almost universally have lower up-front and monthly costs, but they also have mileage limits and restrictions on modifications.
- At the end of your payments, a lease lets you return the model, trade it in for a new one, or purchase it outright.
- On the other hand, your financing plan ends with you receiving the title for the model, allowing you to sell and gift the car in question.
- Businesses gain many benefits from leasing, including easier capital management and lower depreciation costs, as well as more flexibility on future projects.
What Do You Owe For Your Car? Lease vs. Buy
The ownership process is perhaps the biggest difference between buying and leasing. When you choose to begin financing, you'll work with an experienced team that looks at your application and offers different down payments and monthly expenses. Depending on your credit score and the deal you receive, the interest rate could be higher or lower, affecting the overall amount you pay for the vehicle.
When you lease, you will typically encounter lower monthly expenses compared to financing the same vehicle. However, since you are expected to return the car, truck, or SUV at the end of your lease, you will have mileage limitations, and you are expected to keep the automobile in good condition. You could incur fees for not meeting these as agreed upon in the contract.
Is it Better to End a Lease vs. Own Car Models?
At the end of financing is permanent ownership. You receive the title to your vehicle and can resell or gift it without issue. If you're certain you want to own the car, truck, or SUV for the rest of its life, our Ford finance specials are absolutely your best bet.
End-of-lease options are a bit more complicated. After a set number of months, you will be asked to return the model to the dealership. Once there, you may choose to purchase the vehicle for an agreed-upon price if you've fallen in love with it. Alternatively, you can start a lease for a new option, or walk away, should you need time to think. Our Ford lease deals give you a no-strings-attached way to try a model for years at a time and give it back without the costs of financing or the hassle of finding a buyer.
Car Lease vs. Buy: For Business Purposes
Businesses looking to upgrade their fleet should seriously consider leasing. By investing in a temporary contract, you can be more flexible with your projects, either choosing to purchase the car if it's doing its job right or trade it for a larger model as your business grows. Lower monthly costs on work vehicles can help incentivize you to stay up to date with modern tech.
However, should you be sure that, for example, the F-350 on our lot is perfect for your business, buying an automobile can come with several business incentives. You can explore this plethora of state and federal rebates at our financing desk.
Leasing Pros & Cons
Pros
- Lower monthly price
- Flexibility at the end
- Can still purchase the car
- Excellent business incentives
Cons
- No title at the end
- Mileage limitations
- Condition expectations
- Requires refreshing at end of contract
Buying Pros & Cons
Pros
- You own it at the end
- No mileage limits
- No condition expectations
- Excellent business incentives
Cons
- Less flexibility
- Higher costs per month
- Fewer offramps should you change your mind
Check Out Car Loan vs. Lease Opportunities at Capital Ford of Wilmington
The choice to either lease vs. buy car models will always be a tricky one, but it's not a decision you have to make alone. If you're considering both options, let our financing team help you. We'll walk you through your budget, what you can expect from down payments and monthly expenses, and the differences between leasing and buying the same model. We can also help businesses get their hands on the new F-250 or F-350 and gain commercial-grade capability for their day-to-day operations.
So don't delay! Shop our new inventory now and see how far your application can go.
| Monday | 9:00AM - 8:00PM |
| Tuesday | 9:00AM - 8:00PM |
| Wednesday | 9:00AM - 8:00PM |
| Thursday | 9:00AM - 8:00PM |
| Friday | 9:00AM - 8:00PM |
| Saturday | 9:00AM - 6:00PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
| Monday | 7:30AM - 6:00PM |
| Tuesday | 7:30AM - 6:00PM |
| Wednesday | 7:30AM - 6:00PM |
| Thursday | 7:30AM - 6:00PM |
| Friday | 7:30AM - 6:00PM |
| Saturday | Closed |
| Sunday | Closed |
| Monday | 7:30AM - 6:00PM |
| Tuesday | 7:30AM - 6:00PM |
| Wednesday | 7:30AM - 6:00PM |
| Thursday | 7:30AM - 6:00PM |
| Friday | 7:30AM - 6:00PM |
| Saturday | Closed |
| Sunday | Closed |
Capital Ford of Wilmington
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*Deduction is available for eligible buyers who finance a new vehicle assembled in the U.S. Vehicle must be purchased for personal use. Lease vehicles and vehicles used for business or commercial use are not eligible. Deduction is available for tax years 2025 through 2028, for interest paid on new vehicles financed after December 31, 2024. Deduction begins to phase out for taxpayers with modified adjusted gross income over $100,000 ($200,000 for joint filers). The amount of your tax savings will depend on your individual tax circumstances. Please consult with your own tax or legal professional to determine your individual eligibility. This information does not constitute tax or legal advice. For additional information, go to https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/one-big-beautiful-bill-act-tax-deductions-for-working-americans-and-seniors
**Assembled in the USA with domestic and foreign parts.