Lease vs Buy Calculator
Should you lease or buy your next vehicle? This comprehensive calculator helps you compare the true costs of both options. Factor in monthly payments, down payments, interest rates, maintenance costs, insurance differences, and potential resale value. See a side-by-side comparison over your desired ownership period. Perfect for car dealerships, financial advisors, and anyone trying to make a smart vehicle decision.
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export function leaseVsBuyCalculator(form: FormTs) {
form.addRow(row => {
row.addTextPanel('header', {
computedValue: () => 'Lease vs Buy Calculator',
customStyles: { 'font-size': '1.5rem', 'font-weight': '600', 'color': '#1e293b' }
});
});
form.addSpacer({ height: 20 });
// Vehicle Details Section
const vehicleSection = form.addSubform('vehicle', { title: '🚗 Vehicle Details' });
vehicleSection.addRow(row => {
row.addMoney('vehiclePrice', {
label: 'Vehicle Price (MSRP)',
min: 0,
max: 500000,
defaultValue: 35000,
isRequired: true,
tooltip: 'The full purchase price of the vehicle'
}, '1fr');
row.addInteger('comparisonYears', {
label: 'Comparison Period (Years)',
min: 1,
max: 10,
defaultValue: 5,
isRequired: true,
tooltip: 'How many years to compare costs'
}, '1fr');
});
// Lease Details Section
const leaseSection = form.addSubform('lease', { title: '📋 Lease Option' });
leaseSection.addRow(row => {
row.addMoney('leaseDownPayment', {
label: 'Down Payment',
min: 0,
max: 100000,
defaultValue: 2000,
tooltip: 'Initial payment at lease signing'
}, '1fr');
row.addMoney('leaseMonthlyPayment', {
label: 'Monthly Payment',
min: 0,
max: 5000,
defaultValue: 350,
isRequired: true
}, '1fr');
});
leaseSection.addRow(row => {
row.addInteger('leaseTerm', {
label: 'Lease Term (Months)',
min: 12,
max: 60,
defaultValue: 36,
isRequired: true
}, '1fr');
row.addMoney('leaseAcquisitionFee', {
label: 'Acquisition Fee',
min: 0,
max: 2000,
defaultValue: 650,
tooltip: 'One-time fee charged by the leasing company'
}, '1fr');
});
leaseSection.addRow(row => {
row.addMoney('leaseDispositionFee', {
label: 'Disposition Fee',
min: 0,
max: 1000,
defaultValue: 350,
tooltip: 'Fee charged when returning the vehicle'
}, '1fr');
row.addInteger('mileageAllowance', {
label: 'Annual Mileage Allowance',
min: 5000,
max: 30000,
defaultValue: 12000,
tooltip: 'Miles allowed per year in the lease'
}, '1fr');
});
// Buy Details Section
const buySection = form.addSubform('buy', { title: '🔑 Buy Option' });
buySection.addRow(row => {
row.addMoney('buyDownPayment', {
label: 'Down Payment',
min: 0,
max: 200000,
defaultValue: 5000,
tooltip: 'Initial payment when purchasing'
}, '1fr');
row.addDecimal('loanInterestRate', {
label: 'Loan Interest Rate (APR)',
min: 0,
max: 30,
defaultValue: 6.5,
suffix: '%',
isRequired: true
}, '1fr');
});
buySection.addRow(row => {
row.addInteger('loanTerm', {
label: 'Loan Term (Months)',
min: 12,
max: 84,
defaultValue: 60,
isRequired: true
}, '1fr');
row.addDecimal('estimatedResalePercent', {
label: 'Estimated Resale Value',
min: 0,
max: 100,
defaultValue: 50,
suffix: '% of MSRP',
tooltip: 'Expected value at end of comparison period'
}, '1fr');
});
// Additional Costs Section
const costsSection = form.addSubform('costs', { title: '💵 Additional Costs (Annual)' });
costsSection.addRow(row => {
row.addMoney('leaseInsurance', {
label: 'Lease Insurance (Annual)',
min: 0,
max: 10000,
defaultValue: 1800,
tooltip: 'Lease often requires higher coverage'
}, '1fr');
row.addMoney('buyInsurance', {
label: 'Buy Insurance (Annual)',
min: 0,
max: 10000,
defaultValue: 1500
}, '1fr');
});
costsSection.addRow(row => {
row.addMoney('leaseMaintenance', {
label: 'Lease Maintenance (Annual)',
min: 0,
max: 5000,
defaultValue: 300,
tooltip: 'Often lower due to warranty coverage'
}, '1fr');
row.addMoney('buyMaintenance', {
label: 'Buy Maintenance (Annual)',
min: 0,
max: 5000,
defaultValue: 800,
tooltip: 'Increases as vehicle ages'
}, '1fr');
});
form.addSpacer({ height: 20, showLine: true, lineStyle: 'dashed' });
// Lease Cost Breakdown
const leaseResultsSection = form.addSubform('leaseResults', { title: '📊 Lease Cost Breakdown', isCollapsible: true });
leaseResultsSection.addRow(row => {
row.addPriceDisplay('leasePaymentsTotal', {
label: 'Total Lease Payments',
computedValue: () => {
const years = vehicleSection.integer('comparisonYears')?.value() || 5;
const months = years * 12;
const leaseTerm = leaseSection.integer('leaseTerm')?.value() || 36;
const monthlyPayment = leaseSection.decimal('leaseMonthlyPayment')?.value() || 350;
// Calculate number of lease terms needed
const leaseTerms = Math.ceil(months / leaseTerm);
return Math.round(monthlyPayment * leaseTerm * leaseTerms * 100) / 100;
},
variant: 'default'
}, '1fr');
row.addPriceDisplay('leaseFeesTotal', {
label: 'Total Fees',
computedValue: () => {
const years = vehicleSection.integer('comparisonYears')?.value() || 5;
const leaseTerm = leaseSection.integer('leaseTerm')?.value() || 36;
const downPayment = leaseSection.decimal('leaseDownPayment')?.value() || 2000;
const acquisitionFee = leaseSection.decimal('leaseAcquisitionFee')?.value() || 650;
const dispositionFee = leaseSection.decimal('leaseDispositionFee')?.value() || 350;
const leaseTerms = Math.ceil((years * 12) / leaseTerm);
return Math.round((downPayment + acquisitionFee + dispositionFee) * leaseTerms * 100) / 100;
},
variant: 'default'
}, '1fr');
});
leaseResultsSection.addRow(row => {
row.addPriceDisplay('leaseInsuranceTotal', {
label: 'Total Insurance',
computedValue: () => {
const years = vehicleSection.integer('comparisonYears')?.value() || 5;
const annualInsurance = costsSection.decimal('leaseInsurance')?.value() || 1800;
return Math.round(annualInsurance * years * 100) / 100;
},
variant: 'default'
}, '1fr');
row.addPriceDisplay('leaseMaintenanceTotal', {
label: 'Total Maintenance',
computedValue: () => {
const years = vehicleSection.integer('comparisonYears')?.value() || 5;
const annualMaintenance = costsSection.decimal('leaseMaintenance')?.value() || 300;
return Math.round(annualMaintenance * years * 100) / 100;
},
variant: 'default'
}, '1fr');
});
// Buy Cost Breakdown
const buyResultsSection = form.addSubform('buyResults', { title: '📊 Buy Cost Breakdown', isCollapsible: true });
buyResultsSection.addRow(row => {
row.addPriceDisplay('buyLoanPaymentsTotal', {
label: 'Total Loan Payments',
computedValue: () => {
const vehiclePrice = vehicleSection.decimal('vehiclePrice')?.value() || 35000;
const downPayment = buySection.decimal('buyDownPayment')?.value() || 5000;
const interestRate = (buySection.decimal('loanInterestRate')?.value() || 6.5) / 100 / 12;
const loanTerm = buySection.integer('loanTerm')?.value() || 60;
const loanAmount = vehiclePrice - downPayment;
if (interestRate === 0) {
return Math.round(loanAmount * 100) / 100;
}
const monthlyPayment = loanAmount * (interestRate * Math.pow(1 + interestRate, loanTerm)) / (Math.pow(1 + interestRate, loanTerm) - 1);
return Math.round(monthlyPayment * loanTerm * 100) / 100;
},
variant: 'default'
}, '1fr');
row.addPriceDisplay('buyDownPaymentDisplay', {
label: 'Down Payment',
computedValue: () => {
return buySection.decimal('buyDownPayment')?.value() || 5000;
},
variant: 'default'
}, '1fr');
});
buyResultsSection.addRow(row => {
row.addPriceDisplay('buyInsuranceTotal', {
label: 'Total Insurance',
computedValue: () => {
const years = vehicleSection.integer('comparisonYears')?.value() || 5;
const annualInsurance = costsSection.decimal('buyInsurance')?.value() || 1500;
return Math.round(annualInsurance * years * 100) / 100;
},
variant: 'default'
}, '1fr');
row.addPriceDisplay('buyMaintenanceTotal', {
label: 'Total Maintenance',
computedValue: () => {
const years = vehicleSection.integer('comparisonYears')?.value() || 5;
const annualMaintenance = costsSection.decimal('buyMaintenance')?.value() || 800;
return Math.round(annualMaintenance * years * 100) / 100;
},
variant: 'default'
}, '1fr');
});
buyResultsSection.addRow(row => {
row.addPriceDisplay('estimatedResaleValue', {
label: 'Estimated Resale Value',
computedValue: () => {
const vehiclePrice = vehicleSection.decimal('vehiclePrice')?.value() || 35000;
const resalePercent = (buySection.decimal('estimatedResalePercent')?.value() || 50) / 100;
return Math.round(vehiclePrice * resalePercent * 100) / 100;
},
variant: 'success'
});
});
// Comparison Results
const comparisonSection = form.addSubform('comparison', { title: '⚖️ Cost Comparison', isCollapsible: false });
comparisonSection.addRow(row => {
row.addPriceDisplay('totalLeaseCost', {
label: 'Total Lease Cost',
computedValue: () => {
const years = vehicleSection.integer('comparisonYears')?.value() || 5;
const months = years * 12;
const leaseTerm = leaseSection.integer('leaseTerm')?.value() || 36;
const monthlyPayment = leaseSection.decimal('leaseMonthlyPayment')?.value() || 350;
const downPayment = leaseSection.decimal('leaseDownPayment')?.value() || 2000;
const acquisitionFee = leaseSection.decimal('leaseAcquisitionFee')?.value() || 650;
const dispositionFee = leaseSection.decimal('leaseDispositionFee')?.value() || 350;
const annualInsurance = costsSection.decimal('leaseInsurance')?.value() || 1800;
const annualMaintenance = costsSection.decimal('leaseMaintenance')?.value() || 300;
const leaseTerms = Math.ceil(months / leaseTerm);
const payments = monthlyPayment * leaseTerm * leaseTerms;
const fees = (downPayment + acquisitionFee + dispositionFee) * leaseTerms;
const insurance = annualInsurance * years;
const maintenance = annualMaintenance * years;
return Math.round((payments + fees + insurance + maintenance) * 100) / 100;
},
variant: 'default'
}, '1fr');
row.addPriceDisplay('totalBuyCost', {
label: 'Total Buy Cost',
computedValue: () => {
const years = vehicleSection.integer('comparisonYears')?.value() || 5;
const vehiclePrice = vehicleSection.decimal('vehiclePrice')?.value() || 35000;
const downPayment = buySection.decimal('buyDownPayment')?.value() || 5000;
const interestRate = (buySection.decimal('loanInterestRate')?.value() || 6.5) / 100 / 12;
const loanTerm = buySection.integer('loanTerm')?.value() || 60;
const resalePercent = (buySection.decimal('estimatedResalePercent')?.value() || 50) / 100;
const annualInsurance = costsSection.decimal('buyInsurance')?.value() || 1500;
const annualMaintenance = costsSection.decimal('buyMaintenance')?.value() || 800;
const loanAmount = vehiclePrice - downPayment;
let totalLoanPayments;
if (interestRate === 0) {
totalLoanPayments = loanAmount;
} else {
const monthlyPayment = loanAmount * (interestRate * Math.pow(1 + interestRate, loanTerm)) / (Math.pow(1 + interestRate, loanTerm) - 1);
totalLoanPayments = monthlyPayment * loanTerm;
}
const insurance = annualInsurance * years;
const maintenance = annualMaintenance * years;
const resaleValue = vehiclePrice * resalePercent;
return Math.round((downPayment + totalLoanPayments + insurance + maintenance - resaleValue) * 100) / 100;
},
variant: 'default'
}, '1fr');
});
comparisonSection.addRow(row => {
row.addPriceDisplay('savings', {
label: 'You Save By',
computedValue: () => {
const years = vehicleSection.integer('comparisonYears')?.value() || 5;
const months = years * 12;
const vehiclePrice = vehicleSection.decimal('vehiclePrice')?.value() || 35000;
// Lease calculation
const leaseTerm = leaseSection.integer('leaseTerm')?.value() || 36;
const leaseMonthlyPayment = leaseSection.decimal('leaseMonthlyPayment')?.value() || 350;
const leaseDownPayment = leaseSection.decimal('leaseDownPayment')?.value() || 2000;
const acquisitionFee = leaseSection.decimal('leaseAcquisitionFee')?.value() || 650;
const dispositionFee = leaseSection.decimal('leaseDispositionFee')?.value() || 350;
const leaseInsurance = costsSection.decimal('leaseInsurance')?.value() || 1800;
const leaseMaintenance = costsSection.decimal('leaseMaintenance')?.value() || 300;
const leaseTerms = Math.ceil(months / leaseTerm);
const totalLease = (leaseMonthlyPayment * leaseTerm * leaseTerms) +
((leaseDownPayment + acquisitionFee + dispositionFee) * leaseTerms) +
(leaseInsurance * years) + (leaseMaintenance * years);
// Buy calculation
const buyDownPayment = buySection.decimal('buyDownPayment')?.value() || 5000;
const interestRate = (buySection.decimal('loanInterestRate')?.value() || 6.5) / 100 / 12;
const loanTerm = buySection.integer('loanTerm')?.value() || 60;
const resalePercent = (buySection.decimal('estimatedResalePercent')?.value() || 50) / 100;
const buyInsurance = costsSection.decimal('buyInsurance')?.value() || 1500;
const buyMaintenance = costsSection.decimal('buyMaintenance')?.value() || 800;
const loanAmount = vehiclePrice - buyDownPayment;
let totalLoanPayments;
if (interestRate === 0) {
totalLoanPayments = loanAmount;
} else {
const monthlyPayment = loanAmount * (interestRate * Math.pow(1 + interestRate, loanTerm)) / (Math.pow(1 + interestRate, loanTerm) - 1);
totalLoanPayments = monthlyPayment * loanTerm;
}
const totalBuy = buyDownPayment + totalLoanPayments + (buyInsurance * years) +
(buyMaintenance * years) - (vehiclePrice * resalePercent);
return Math.abs(Math.round((totalLease - totalBuy) * 100) / 100);
},
variant: 'success'
}, '1fr');
row.addTextPanel('recommendation', {
label: 'Better Option',
computedValue: () => {
const years = vehicleSection.integer('comparisonYears')?.value() || 5;
const months = years * 12;
const vehiclePrice = vehicleSection.decimal('vehiclePrice')?.value() || 35000;
// Lease calculation
const leaseTerm = leaseSection.integer('leaseTerm')?.value() || 36;
const leaseMonthlyPayment = leaseSection.decimal('leaseMonthlyPayment')?.value() || 350;
const leaseDownPayment = leaseSection.decimal('leaseDownPayment')?.value() || 2000;
const acquisitionFee = leaseSection.decimal('leaseAcquisitionFee')?.value() || 650;
const dispositionFee = leaseSection.decimal('leaseDispositionFee')?.value() || 350;
const leaseInsurance = costsSection.decimal('leaseInsurance')?.value() || 1800;
const leaseMaintenance = costsSection.decimal('leaseMaintenance')?.value() || 300;
const leaseTerms = Math.ceil(months / leaseTerm);
const totalLease = (leaseMonthlyPayment * leaseTerm * leaseTerms) +
((leaseDownPayment + acquisitionFee + dispositionFee) * leaseTerms) +
(leaseInsurance * years) + (leaseMaintenance * years);
// Buy calculation
const buyDownPayment = buySection.decimal('buyDownPayment')?.value() || 5000;
const interestRate = (buySection.decimal('loanInterestRate')?.value() || 6.5) / 100 / 12;
const loanTerm = buySection.integer('loanTerm')?.value() || 60;
const resalePercent = (buySection.decimal('estimatedResalePercent')?.value() || 50) / 100;
const buyInsurance = costsSection.decimal('buyInsurance')?.value() || 1500;
const buyMaintenance = costsSection.decimal('buyMaintenance')?.value() || 800;
const loanAmount = vehiclePrice - buyDownPayment;
let totalLoanPayments;
if (interestRate === 0) {
totalLoanPayments = loanAmount;
} else {
const monthlyPayment = loanAmount * (interestRate * Math.pow(1 + interestRate, loanTerm)) / (Math.pow(1 + interestRate, loanTerm) - 1);
totalLoanPayments = monthlyPayment * loanTerm;
}
const totalBuy = buyDownPayment + totalLoanPayments + (buyInsurance * years) +
(buyMaintenance * years) - (vehiclePrice * resalePercent);
if (totalLease < totalBuy) {
return 'LEASING';
} else if (totalBuy < totalLease) {
return 'BUYING';
} else {
return 'EQUAL';
}
},
customStyles: { 'font-size': '1.5rem', 'font-weight': '600', 'text-align': 'center', 'color': '#059669' }
}, '1fr');
});
// Summary Section
const summarySection = form.addSubform('summary', {
title: '📋 Summary',
isCollapsible: false,
sticky: 'bottom'
});
summarySection.addRow(row => {
row.addTextPanel('summaryText', {
computedValue: () => {
const years = vehicleSection.integer('comparisonYears')?.value() || 5;
const vehiclePrice = vehicleSection.decimal('vehiclePrice')?.value() || 35000;
return `Comparing lease vs buy for a $${vehiclePrice.toLocaleString()} vehicle over ${years} years`;
},
customStyles: { 'font-size': '0.95rem', 'font-weight': '500', 'text-align': 'center', 'color': '#1e293b' }
});
});
summarySection.addRow(row => {
row.addTextPanel('disclaimer', {
computedValue: () => 'This calculator provides estimates only. Actual costs may vary based on taxes, fees, and market conditions. Consult with a financial advisor for personalized advice.',
customStyles: { 'font-size': '0.8rem', 'color': '#64748b', 'text-align': 'center' }
});
});
form.configureSubmitButton({
label: 'Get Detailed Analysis'
});
}
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it better to lease or buy a car?
It depends on your situation. Leasing typically offers lower monthly payments and lets you drive newer cars, but you don't build equity. Buying costs more upfront but you own an asset. This calculator helps you compare the actual costs.
What costs are included in the comparison?
The calculator includes monthly payments, down payment, interest/fees, estimated maintenance, insurance differences, and residual/resale value to give you a complete picture of total ownership costs.
How long should I compare lease vs buy?
Compare over the period you plan to keep the vehicle. Many compare 3-5 years since that's a typical lease term. For buying, you might keep the car longer, which can make purchasing more economical.
Does the calculator account for tax benefits?
The calculator shows pre-tax costs. If you're self-employed or use the vehicle for business, consult a tax professional as lease payments may be partially deductible.