Are Car Lease Buyouts a Good Idea?

Planning for a car lease buy-out may sound like a good idea. But take note that when finalizing a lease agreement, you will negotiate several different details with the salesperson. These details will include the upfront cost, the monthly payment, the lease length, and the predetermined lease-end buyout amount. The lease-end buyout is the amount you will need to pay to purchase the vehicle once your lease has finished – the residual value of the vehicle.

Do you have to wait until the end of the lease to buy the car?

The majority of leases will allow you to complete an early buyout of the vehicle. You do not have to wait until the end of your lease term to purchase the car. You need to review your lease documents to see if this is allowed under the terms and conditions of your lease.

Are lease-end or early car lease buyout a good idea?

Much like with any significant financial decision, many essential criteria must be analyzed to determine whether or not any buyout is a good move. In particular, you will want to look at: 

1. The true market value of the vehicle: The buyout amount and the vehicle’s true market value will not always match. This is because the residual value makes certain assumptions about depreciation, which is not an exact science. If the vehicle’s market value is higher than the amount you need to pay, you should consider completing the buyout. 

2. The vehicle’s performance: When it comes time to complete a buyout, you will most likely have been driving the vehicle for several months or years. As such, you will have good knowledge of the performance of the vehicle. If it has been reliable, it may be a good decision to consider buying it. If, however, you have been having ongoing trouble with the vehicle, you may want to consider looking at alternative options. 

3. Your finances: Your finances can change a lot over the course of a few years. If your situation changed and you may have an issue affording the buyout, you may want to look at more affordable options. The one thing you should also take note of is if the vehicle needs to be transported to another state. Check out our post on car transport reviews. By knowing things to avoid, you’ll be able to save your finances and your sanity at the same time.

Ultimately, only you will determine if any lease buyout is a good option for your situation. However, if everything lines up correctly, it can be a great way to purchase a reliable vehicle below market value.