
Key Takeaways:
- There are a few important points when choosing between financing and leasing your vehicle.
- If you finance your car, you’ll have to make monthly payments until the loan is paid off. This can be anywhere from two to seven years, depending on the terms of your loan. Additionally, you’ll need to put down at least 20% of the cost of the automobile.
- If you don’t have much money for a down payment or don’t want to lock your money up in a car loan, leasing a car is a viable choice. You make smaller monthly payments over two to four years with a lease.
When you’re buying a new Mazda, the finance vs. lease decision is an important one. It’s difficult to decide which option is best for your unique situation. In this blog post, Cutter Mazda Waipahu will break down the finance vs. lease debate and help you decide the best for you.
Key Differences: Finance vs. Lease
Factor 01: Monthly payment
Lease: Since you only pay for the depreciation of the vehicle for the period of the lease, plus interest, rent costs, taxes, and fees, lease payments are almost always lower than loan payments when you finance.
Finance: Since you are financing the whole value of the vehicle, loan payments are often greater than lease payments.
Factor 02: Down payment
Lease: This often includes the first month’s payment, a refundable security deposit, down payment, taxes, registration fees, and maybe extra expenses, depending on your location.
Finance: Financing often includes the cash price or a down payment, taxes, registration fees, and potentially some extra expenses, depending on the current manufacturer’s offerings.
Factor 03: Ownership
Lease: You don’t own the automobile; you only pay to use it for a set period. When the lease term is up, you have two choices: either trade it in for a new automobile or buy it from the dealership.
Finance: You are the vehicle’s owner, and as such, you are free to retain, modify, and use it whatever you choose for as long as you please.
Factor 04: Depreciation
Lease: When you lease an automobile, the future worth of the vehicle has no bearing on you, but you also do not receive any equity from the vehicle.
Finance: The car’s value will decrease, but you can utilize the equity any way you see fit.
Factor 05: Restriction on mileage
Lease: Most leases have a cap on the number of miles you may drive the vehicle each year; going over that cap will result in additional fees, as specified in your lease. Sometimes, this restriction can be altered.
Finance: You are free to travel as often and as frequently as you choose, but you should be aware that higher mileage can reduce a vehicle’s resale value.
Factor 06: Wear and tear
Lease: Most leases require you to foot the bill if your vehicle experiences severe wear and tear. Ask your dealer for further information.
Finance: If a person has a car loan, their primary concern is how wear and tear would affect the resale value.
Factor 07: Customization
Lease: In most cases, the dealer will want the vehicle to be in top condition for resale if you decide against purchasing it yourself after the lease expires. As a result, if you have made any modifications or adaptations, they must be undone, and you could be liable for any resulting lasting harm.
Finance: Since you are the car’s owner, you are free to make any modifications you wish, but be aware that your decisions will impact the resale value.
Factor 08: Early termination
Lease: If you decide to break your lease early, you’ll have to pay early termination costs, which might be as expensive as keeping your lease in effect until the end.
Finance: You can trade or sell the automobile whenever you choose, and the proceeds can be used for the loan balance.
Questions to Ask When Deciding to Finance or Lease a New Mazda:
Question 01: How much driving do you do? Drive frequently?
Depending on the leasing agreement, more than 10,000 to 15,000 miles? Each mile will likely cost more. You have to pay more if you want to trade in your present car because of its higher-than-average mileage.

Question 02: How harshly do you treat the vehicle?
A lease may not be for you if your automobile is prone to scratches or if there is a significant risk of damage from children or other dangers. Make sure you are familiar with the wear-and-tear charges in your lease.
Question 03: How long do you intend to keep the vehicle?
This warrants careful thought. Maybe leasing a new automobile is your best option if you want to use it for a few years. However, you may have to pay expensive fines if you attempt to break the lease before it expires. You must be certain that you can uphold the conditions of your lease.
Question 04: What is the down payment amount?
Depending on where you reside, a small or no down payment may be necessary, as well as no upfront sales tax payment. If so, leasing a Chevrolet can be an affordable option. Your monthly payment is typically lower than if you were to finance your automobile since you only pay for the vehicle you use.
Question 05: Do you use your vehicle for work?
When you lease, you may write off a percentage of the finance and depreciation charges on your taxes, depending on where you reside. However, interest on loans used to purchase an automobile is not deductible (please consult your tax advisor). Less payment equals more money available for additional investments.
The decision to finance or lease an automobile ultimately comes down to your tastes, financial situation, and long-term goals. Leasing makes considerably more financial sense if you want new automobiles with the newest features every few years. But getting a loan is the best choice if you want to buy an automobile and keep it until it breaks down or give it to a relative. Ultimately, everything comes down to how much ownership and financial commitment you want to have to your car.
Cutter Mazda Waipahu, serving Waipahu, HI, can meet all your needs whether you decide to finance or lease. We have strong partnerships and are dedicated to helping you find the finest auto loan provider to satisfy your needs for vehicle finance.


