Short answer: Leasing and buying are both valid options. Leasing works best for drivers who want flexibility and newer vehicles, while buying is better for drivers who want long-term ownership.

This article is part of our car leasing education series, including the guide “Is Leasing a Car a Good Idea for Me?”, which explains who leasing is for and who it is not.

How to think about leasing vs buying

The decision between leasing and buying is less about which option is better and more about how long you want to keep the vehicle and how much flexibility you want.

When leasing tends to make sense

  • You want a new car every few years

  • You value the latest safety and technology features

  • You want predictable costs during the term

  • You prefer flexibility over permanence

When buying may be the better choice

  • You want long-term ownership

  • You plan to keep the vehicle well beyond the warranty

  • You do not want to track mileage at all

Is leasing a car a good idea? It depends on how you drive and whether you want flexibility or long-term ownership.