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🇺🇸United States Auto Finance EditionUpdated September 2026Closed-End Auto Lease Standards Audited

United States Car Buy vs. Lease Calculator

Accurately evaluate purchasing with an auto loan versus Closed-End Auto Lease in United States. Model local interest rates (5% – 7.5%), local vehicle pricing, State & Local Sales Tax, and depreciation equity.

🇺🇸United States Model
Select Vehicle Category (United States Market Standards)Loads realistic local pricing & quotes

Vehicle & Comparison Horizon

Compare purchasing with a car loan vs. leasing over a matching time frame.

Closed-End Auto Lease
$
$5,000$200,000
36 Months (3 Years)
Option A: Buy (Financing with Car Loan)Est. Payment: $661/mo
$
%
Option B: Lease (Closed-End Contract)Monthly Quote: $420/mo
$
$
%
Financial Verdict (36 Months)
Leasing saves you $2,749 over 36 months

Because of steep early vehicle depreciation and financing costs, leasing proves less expensive overall for this specific pricing and term combination.

Side-by-Side Financial Contrast

Monthly PaymentLease is $241/mo cheaper
Buy (Loan)$661/mo
Lease$420/mo
Total Cash Outlay (36 mo)
Buy Spent$28,296
Lease Spent$18,320
Retained Equity at End of Term
Buy Equity$7,227
Lease Equity$0 (Returned)
True Net Financial CostDecisive Metric
Buy Net Cost$21,069
Lease Net Cost$18,320

Auto Financing & Leasing Standards in United States

Average new car auto loan interest rates hover between 5.5% and 7.5% APR.

Most US leases require an upfront acquisition fee ($650–$995) and disposition fee ($350–$495).

Mileage overage fees average 15¢ to 25¢ per excess mile.

State sales taxes differ: some states tax the full vehicle price upfront, while others tax only monthly lease payments.

How Closed-End Auto Lease Operates in United States

In the US, closed-end leases typically span 36 months with a 10,000 to 12,000 annual mileage cap. You pay depreciation plus a money factor (rent charge), with an option to purchase at pre-agreed residual value.

Taxes, Mileage Allowances & End-of-Lease Inspections

In United States, buyers and lessees must account for State & Local Sales Tax. When returning a leased vehicle, inspection standards dictate that excessive wear-and-tear, scratches, or missing service records can incur unexpected penalties.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does auto leasing work in United States?

In the US, closed-end leases typically span 36 months with a 10,000 to 12,000 annual mileage cap. You pay depreciation plus a money factor (rent charge), with an option to purchase at pre-agreed residual value.

What are typical car loan interest rates in United States?

In United States, new car financing interest rates typically range between 5% and 7.5% APR depending on creditworthiness and loan term.

What taxes apply when buying or leasing a vehicle in United States?

Vehicles in United States are subject to State & Local Sales Tax (standard rate ~7%). In leasing contracts, this tax is usually applied directly to each monthly installment.