1. Do you like the car? If it's performed well with a minimum of unexpected cost and repair, then it might be good to renew the lease.
2. Will it still fit your needs? If you're driving a 2-door sports coupe but are expecting a baby, you probably need a new car.
3. What is your lease-end buying price? You'll find the purchase option price in your lease. Let's assume it's $14,000.
4. What is your vehicle actually worth? Check websites such as Kelley Blue Book (kbb.com) and Edmunds.com Let's assume your highest wholesale value is $15,000.
5. How does your vehicle's wholesale value compare with its lease value? If it's higher than the lease value, then it's a good deal. In our example, your lease says you can buy for $14,000. You've confirmed wholesale value is $15,000. You're buying a car you know and like for $1,000 less than its wholesale value. Buy the car.
6. What if the wholesale value is less than the lease value? If it's a lot less, don't buy the car. It doesn't make sense to buy the car if your lease's buy-out price is $14,000, and the car's wholesale value is only $11,000.
7. What's the bottom line? If your lease car is a good friend, and you can buy it for no more than $1,000 over wholesale value, that's a smart buy. Your next smart decision is to finance it.
Still not sure? Talk things through with our friendly and knowledgeable loan officers. Sun Federal CU can help you decide!
