Leasing a Car vs. Buying: A Comprehensive Financial Comparison

TLDRLeasing a car may seem convenient, but it can be the most expensive way to acquire a vehicle. In a 20-year comparison, leasing a Honda Pilot could cost $98,194, while buying and replacing it every 5 years would cost $85,937. Leasing may only be advantageous if you can find subvented lease deals and live in a state with tax benefits. Additionally, the argument of investing the saved money from a lease does not guarantee a higher return than leasing costs. Furthermore, the claim that you should only pay for the portion of the car you use is flawed because the Delta is between $42,000 to $65,000, which amounts to wasted money. Lastly, using tax deductions to offset lease expenses may not be accessible for most individuals due to the high income threshold for itemizing deductions.

Key insights

💰Leasing a car can be the most expensive way to acquire a vehicle.

📅In a 20-year comparison, buying and replacing a car every 5 years can be a more cost-effective option.

🔍Finding subvented lease deals and living in a state with tax benefits are necessary for leasing to be advantageous.

💼Investing the saved money from a lease does not guarantee a higher return than leasing costs.

💸Paying only for the portion of the car you use amounts to wasted money in leasing.

Q&A

Is it more cost-effective to lease or buy a car?

In a comprehensive 20-year comparison, buying and replacing a car every 5 years is generally more cost-effective than leasing.

Are there any advantages to leasing a car?

Leasing can be advantageous if you can find subvented lease deals and live in a state with tax benefits.

Can I invest the money saved from leasing a car?

Investing the saved money does not guarantee a higher return than leasing costs, and it may involve risks.

Should I only pay for the portion of the car I use in a lease?

Paying only for the portion of the car you use in leasing can result in significant wasted money.

Can I use tax deductions to offset lease expenses?

Tax deductions to offset lease expenses may not be accessible for most individuals due to the high income threshold for itemizing deductions.

Timestamped Summary

00:00Leasing a car is the most expensive way to acquire a vehicle.

02:11Buying and replacing a car every 5 years is a more cost-effective option in a 20-year comparison.

06:40Finding subvented lease deals and living in a state with tax benefits are necessary for leasing to be advantageous.

09:40Investing the saved money from a lease does not guarantee a higher return than leasing costs.

11:35Paying only for the portion of the car you use amounts to wasted money in leasing.