Should I Buy or Lease My New BMW?
Which financial option is best for you?
When you are in the market for a new car, you want the experience to be as smooth as possible — and that includes deciding whether to buy or lease. Luckily, BMW of Gainesville has created a straightforward chart that showcases the differences between leasing and purchasing a new BMW model. Our team wants to make the car-buying process simple, so we also offer online pre-approval and a payment calculator. After you browse the chart below, you’ll be able to come to our dealership fully prepared to make the right decision for you. Read on to discover whether purchasing or leasing a new BMW is right for you!
How Do Car Loans and Leases Differ?
| Feature | Loan (Financing) | Lease |
|---|---|---|
| Path to Ownership | You own the vehicle and build equity over time. | You are paying to use the vehicle for a fixed term. |
| Upfront Costs | Cash price or a down payment, taxes, registration, and other fees. | First month’s payment, refundable security deposit, acquisition fee, down payment, taxes, registration, and other fees. |
| Lower Monthly Payments | Typically No (Payments are higher) | Typically Yes (Payments are lower) |
| Customization Allowed | Yes, you can customize the vehicle however you wish. | No, the vehicle must be returned in its original condition. |
| Covered Under Warranty | Yes, for the duration of the manufacturer’s warranty. | Yes, the manufacturer’s warranty often covers the entire lease term. |
| Future Value | All vehicles depreciate, but you’ll have equity when trading or selling. | The future value doesn’t affect you; you’re not exposed to depreciation risk. |
| Unlimited Mileage | Yes, there are no mileage restrictions. | No, leases have mileage limits, with fees for overages. |
| Fees for Wear & Tear | No (But it will affect your resale or trade-in value). | Yes, you may be charged for excessive wear and tear upon return. |
| Fees for Early Termination | No (You can sell the vehicle at any time). | Yes, there are often significant fees for ending a lease early. |
| End of Term | You’ll have full equity to do what you want with the car. | Purchase the vehicle, or buy or lease another car. |
| Vehicle Return | You can sell or trade the vehicle whenever you want. | Return the vehicle at lease-end and pay any applicable fees. |
Why Purchase a New BMW?
If you’re looking to have complete control over your ride, purchasing a new BMW model could be the right choice for you. Once you drive off our lot you’ll have the freedom to customize the car to your liking! Enjoy the flexibility of adding any accessories that fit your lifestyle. As you complete your monthly payments, you’ll naturally start to build equity until you pay off your loan and own the car in full. Once you’re ready for a new car, you also have the option to trade it in for a new vehicle, lowering your new ride’s price. On top of those perks, there are also no fees or mileage limitations to worry about. However, it’s always a good idea to weigh the pros and cons of your purchasing decision, so keep in mind that buying a new car will likely come with higher monthly payments than leasing would, a credit approval process and down payment requirements. But, if you’re interested in owning your vehicle for the long haul, purchasing a BMW is the right decision for you.
Why Lease a New BMW?
Leasing can be a convenient and affordable way to get a new BMW model. Car prices continue to rise, and leasing allows you to make lower monthly payments than you would when buying a car outright. Typically, your lease term is the length of the BMW model’s limited warranty, so you can enjoy your new ride stress-free! Once your lease is up, now comes the exciting part: You can return your ride to the dealership or purchase it if it fits your needs. Just keep in mind that when you lease a BMW model, there are mileage limitations, there’s no leeway for customization and you’ll be responsible for additional fees for any wear and tear as well as early termination.
Shop BMW of Gainesville
If you’re ready to be the proud owner or lessee of one of our new models, feel free to contact us or visit BMW of Gainesville at 2853 North Main Street, Gainesville, FL 32609 . We look forward to serving customers near Alachua, Lake City and High Springs.