10 Steps to Finding the Right Car for You

There are pros and cons to buying and leasing that might help you decide how to finance your next car. For example, a lease requires little or no money down and offers lower monthly payments. But when the lease ends, you have no car and will need to go shopping again. On the other hand, buying a car is more expensive initially and the monthly payments are higher. But at the end of the loan, you will own a car you can drive for as long as it runs.

Here are a few more factors to consider while deciding between leasing and buying:

Leasing

• You can drive a more expensive car for less money.
• You can drive a new car every few years.
• There are no trade-in hassles at the end of the lease.

Buying

• There's more flexibility. You can sell the car whenever you want.
• There are no unexpected mileage penalties for increased driving.
• In the long run, your car expenses will be lower.
• You have the right to modify your car to your tastes.

If you are still unsure whether to lease or buy, try letting the numbers help you make the right decision. Go to Edmunds' Purchase Calculators to calculate a monthly auto loan payment vs. a monthly lease payment.

Next: Have you considered all vehicles in a class?