The short answer
Compare like with like: total cash out for the lease term against what buying costs over the same months once you subtract the vehicle's value and add the loan balance you'd still owe. With the default numbers, a $499/month 36-month lease costs about $20,960; buying a $50,000 vehicle with $3,000 down at 7% for 72 months costs about $25,800 net over those 36 months if it's worth $32,000 at the end. The lease wins on cash in that example; buying tends to look better the longer you keep the vehicle after the loan is paid.
The FTC and CFPB both suggest comparing total cost and asking about mileage limits, wear charges and end-of-lease fees, which this calculator doesn't include. Your estimate of the vehicle's future value drives the answer, so try a low and a high number.
Calculator
Lease vs. buy over the same months
Compares cash out of pocket over the lease term. For buying, it subtracts what the vehicle would be worth at the end of that term (your estimate) and adds what you would still owe the lender.
How to use it
- Change one number at a time to see what moves the result.
- Use numbers from the window sticker, a written quote or your lender, not round guesses.
- It runs in your browser; nothing you type is sent to us.
Related tools
All tools: payment explainer, towing calculator, trade-in checklist.
Questions
Which is cheaper, leasing or buying?
It depends on how long you keep the vehicle, how far you drive and what it's worth later. Over a short horizon leasing can cost less cash; over a long one, buying usually does. Run your numbers above.
Does Swant Graber lease?
See our lease specials page and ask for a written quote with the money factor, residual, mileage allowance and fees.
Next steps at Swant Graber
Swant Graber Motors (Chevrolet, Ram, Dodge): 1690 E Division Ave, Barron, WI 54812, 715-537-5657. Swant Graber Ford: 1697 E Division Ave, 715-537-9500. Search new or used inventory, or see shop near you for model-by-model answers.
