Car Lease Buyout Calculator

At the end of a car lease, you often have the option to buy the vehicle — but knowing whether that deal is actually worth it requires crunching several numbers at once. Enter your residual value (the buyout price in your lease), current market value, interest rate, loan term, and fees into the Car Lease Buyout Calculator to see your estimated monthly payment, total cost to own, immediate equity, and a buyout recommendation based on your numbers.

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The amount stated in your lease agreement to purchase the vehicle

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What the car is worth today (check KBB, Edmunds, etc.)

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Amount you'll put down if financing the buyout

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Annual interest rate for the buyout loan

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Your local sales tax rate

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Registration, title, documentation fees, etc.

Results

Monthly Payment

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Total Cost to Own

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Immediate Equity

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Total Interest Paid

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Recommendation

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I find my lease residual value?

Your residual value (buyout price) is listed in your original lease agreement, usually in a section about purchase options. You can also call your leasing company to confirm the exact amount.

Should I buy my leased car if it's worth more than the residual value?

Generally yes, if the market value exceeds your residual value, you have instant equity. However, also consider the car's condition, your financing options, and whether you actually want to keep the vehicle long-term.

What if my car is worth less than the residual value?

If the market value is significantly lower than your buyout price, it may be better to return the car to the dealer and walk away, assuming you haven't exceeded mileage limits or have excessive wear charges.

Can I negotiate the residual value with my leasing company?

The residual value is typically non-negotiable as it was set at the beginning of your lease. However, some dealers may offer incentives or deals, especially if they want to move inventory.

What additional costs should I expect when buying out my lease?

Beyond the residual value, expect to pay sales tax, title and registration fees, documentation fees, and potentially an acquisition or disposition fee. These can add $500-2000 to your total cost.

Is financing a lease buyout different from a regular auto loan?

Lease buyout loans are similar to used car loans. You may get slightly higher interest rates than new car loans, but the process is essentially the same. Shop around with banks, credit unions, and online lenders.

What happens if I don't buy my leased vehicle?

You simply return the car to the dealer at lease end. However, you'll be charged for excess mileage (typically $0.15-0.30 per mile) and excessive wear and tear beyond normal use.

Can I sell my leased car instead of buying it myself?

In most cases, you can sell your leased vehicle to a third party or dealer. If the sale price exceeds your buyout amount, you keep the difference. This can be a good option if you don't want to keep the car but it has positive equity.